Throwing a Cheese Party? You'll Need a Kit for That

Chronicle Books

What's a cheese party without toothpicks?

​Cheesy gift idea? Sure -- in the best possible way. The Cheese Tasting Party Kit (Chronicle Books, $16.95) by local author Janet Fletcher helps cheese fans get their tasting party going in an informed, organized, even fun way. Fletcher has a longtime cheese column in the San Francisco Chronicle, and has authored several cookbooks. The kit captures Fletcher's expertise. It includes 50 cheese profile cards with details on a cheese's country of origin, milk type, background, and food and wine accompaniments. No cheese party is complete without toothpicks and mini name cards, so your guests can share the cheesy love. There's also a handy and concise glossary (learn all about ammoniated whiffs, for example) and tips on how to handle and serve cheese. One factoid that leaves us a little sad: "Once a whole cheese is breached [or cut] it begins its inexorable decline." Eat up!