This is a slice of Italy, cheese-style. The contrasting flavors run from nutty to salty to creamy to clean and chewy.

• Crumble the Parmigiano-Reggiano and place it on a platter.

• Put the ricotta salata, Gorgonzola, and Fontina on the platter in their whole pieces. Arrange the mozzarella boconcini around the other cheeses.

• Serve with a knife and serving fork.

Cheese Flight or Cheese Plate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In this book a cheese flight is a plate with a variety of about five different cheeses. They are meant to be tasted and compared, like a wine tasting. A cheese plate will have only two cheeses but will be accompanied by various complementary snacks, such as fruits, nuts, bread, and olives.