American fruits and nuts are matched with two delicious American cheeses and maple syrup butter for this star-spangled cheese plate.

• Slice the Vermont Cheddar and place it on a platter with the whole piece of Maytag Blue.

• Slice the apple and arrange it on the platter with the dried cherries and pecans.

• Mix the maple syrup and butter together, put it in a small dish, and place it on the platter. Serve crackers with the cheese plate.

Artisanal Cheeses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

America is home to many fine small-production cheeses. Here are a few to look for: Maytag Blue, Bellwether Farms Pepato, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam, Grafton Village Cheddar, Laura Chenel Chevre, and Vella Dry Jack.