Warm Weather Cheeses

Ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil; need I say more? Fresh Mozzarella is light and refreshing on a hot day. Serve Mozzarella with a chilled glass of Rose.

Fluffy pillows of fresh ricotta drizzled with olive can be served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, sea salt and a baguette for an easy summer appetizer. Baked Ricotta, firmer and saltier than fresh ricotta, can also be shaved over summer salads.

Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes with feta make for a cool, refreshing summer salad. Feta can also be paired with fruit, such as watermelon and cantaloupe.

Many soft goat cheeses are made in the spring, and since they only age a few months, are ready to eat in the summer. The tangy acidity in fresh goat cheese means it pairs well with the crisp, white wines of summer. Serve with Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Vino Verde, or Pinot Grigio.

Cheddar’s affinity for beer and burgers makes it the perfect summer cheese. Aged cheddars, such as English Montgomery Cheddar, Cabot Cheddar, Bravo Farms' Cheddar or Beecher's Flagship hold up fairly well in the heat, making wedges perfect for outdoor picnics.