One of the drawbacks of going to yoga after work is that, by the time I get home it’s late. Like starting-with-a-9 late. If there are leftovers in the fridge, then I’m all set for dinner. Or if it’s a night that my adoring sidekick isn’t at hockey, then maybe we’ll cook something together. But more often than not, I’m left to fend for myself.

Cheese to the rescue!

I’ve come home ravenous on more than one occasion and chowed down on cheese and crackers while standing at the kitchen counter. It might fill me up, but it’s not satisfying. Harumph.

However, it only takes me a few minutes to put together a cheese plate—which always turns out to be infinitely more satisfying. Suddenly, my go-to snack is elevated to a new level of civility. (Plus, it’s much easier to be mindful of your portions when laying it all out on a plate.)

A few small wedges of whatever cheese you have on hand, some crackers or slices of baguette, and a couple dollops of sweet and savory condiments for jazzing things up—and you’re good to go. Don’t worry about what goes with what. Let your creativity (and taste buds) lead the way.

My most recent cheese plate for dinner included:

• Gorgonzola dolce – a creamy, mild-mannered blue cheese with a smattering of green-ish veins
• Monte Veronese latte intero – a mild, slightly nutty-tasting cheese. The tiny holes in the cheese give it a little “squeak.”
• Parmesan – salty and crumbly, just the way I like it.
• Currant jam – tart and runny and just the slightest bit sweet
• Dandelion blossom honey –   thick, mild, and full of crystals. Pairs expertly with the gorgonzola dolce.
• Onion-flavored taralli – seriously savory Italian crackers

If I had an open bottle of wine, I would have poured myself a glass. Instead, I opted for some bubbly water with a splash of black currant juice. (Bubbles of any sort pair nicely with thick, creamy cheeses like the gorgonzola dolce.)

Hungry? Short on time—but big on savoring your food? Grab a fork (the civilized way to attack a cheese plate) and dig in.

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© 2010 Good Karma Housekeeping. Because there’s nothing cheesy about eating cheese for dinner.

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