Autumn’s circle of friends are as varied as the hues in falling leaves. Invite friends and neighbors over for a wine and cheese party.

A variety of styles of cheese slices will create beautiful cheese trays. Try cutting the cheese with a zigzag French fry cut. Other cuts include cube, cylinder, rectangle or cut with cookie cutters. Create a cheese bouquet by cutting flower shapes and placing the flowers on long picks.
Cheese makes a great filling for cherry tomatoes, apricot halves, dates and mushrooms. Cheese mixtures are delicious when coating individual grapes that are then top coated with chopped pecans. Artful hors d’oeuvres such as spoons filled with a salmon spread (made with cream cheese) and cucumber sauce are great to pass to guests upon arrival. Stuff grape leaves with cheese and olives for a culinary delight. Cheese shines most prominently when covered with aspic holding encased pansy petals. Parmesan cheese can be baked into the shape of bite size baskets.
For an intriguing presentation and taste, carve blue cheese into the shape of a beehive and fill the top with honey. Blue cheese is complimented by honey. Try a display with the honeycomb and a variety of blue cheeses.

Pair the cheese and wine tasting from the most delicate to the heartiest and most bold tastes. It is a tradition in Bordeaux to always drink the oldest wine last. Kelly McBride Loft