It already comes in a box. And as one of the most reliably show-stopping cheeses, Epoisses is ripe for the gifting. More

I recently visited Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, California. It's a quaint little country store that acts as part gift and antique shop, part thirst quencher rest stop for bikers traversing wine country. In one case, they boasted a tasty-looking fig and olive spread for blue cheese.

I figured that the Jimtown condiment couldn't be hard to replicate, and would make a pretty thoughtful gift around this time of year, especially if accompanied by a healthy wedge of blue. Here, a recipe that combines the savory heft of an olive with the earthy sweetness of a fig. More

When I was growing up, my mom used to make a pasta from The Silver Palate cookbook with potatoes, rosemary, and dried apricots. There's something that even a middle schooler can enjoy about the oddly effective combination of rosemary and apricots.

You can make this cheese ball in advance -- say, today -- and keep it chilled. The flavors deepen the longer it sits, and it'll hold its shape better the colder it is. Cheese balls may be the one exception to the eat-your-cheese-at-room-temperature rule. More

In a week from today, you'll probably be shopped, planned, and (partially) prepped for Thanksgiving. If you want some Thanksgiving-worthy cheese ideas, look no further than the archives of our Cheesemonger columns. From cheese balls to the tastiest homemade cheese crackers. to spreads, accompaniments, and all the best things to serve with a cheese platter, here's your go-to Thanksgiving guide on how to incorporate copious amounts of cheesy goodness into your meal next week. You can thank us later. More

Is it just me, or is anyone else always on the hunt for good snack ideas? I can usually manage coming up with a healthy lunch or an inspired dinner, but my afternoon hunger often caves to chips, salsa, and melted cheese. Seriously, you'd think I would have outgrown that old standby by now... More

Last month's Everyday Food magazine shared a great way to make your meatballs literally burst with cheese. It's easy to do, and while they recommend using ground chicken for a different take on chicken Parmesan, you can choose whatever meatball you like best. More

During my last Maker Tour, one of the co-founders of Jester King told me his favorite thing to eat with beer was cheese. I have to admit that I was a little surprised by that. I've certainly done cheese and wine pairings, but cheese and beer was something I hadn't yet tried. I just had to see what I was missing. More

I don't have kids. But I'm an aunt. And the other day, I decided to involve my twin niece and nephew in a tasting designed to gauge their openness to so-called grownup cheeses. Because while I can't blame my busy sister for feeding her kids quesadillas with pre-shredded cheese, I've always wondered if she doesn't give their palates enough credit.

Here, the results on how various cheeses fared, plus other ideas for gateway cheeses to feed the kiddies. More

Cheese balls have a bad reputation, probably because they often look (and taste) like they belong in the pages of a faded food magazine from the 1970s. But with the right ingredients and some updated styling, these make-ahead party appetizers can be a modern twist on the usual cheese plate. More

The other night, contemplating how best to discuss cheese within the confines of our pasta-themed week at The Kitchn, I envisioned a cheddar-laden dish. Forget the parm or the pecorino, I thought. How would cheddar be in pasta?

The answer, I can assure you, is worthy of a writeup. As is the recipe, which makes cheddar sing. More