The accessible guide to selecting, cooking with, and making cheese! From a pungent Gorgonzola to the creamiest Brie, the world of cheese involves a vocabulary of taste second only to wine. The cheese section of the grocery store and cheese shop can seem, for some, a bewildering experience. With the increasing popularity of artisanal cheeses, this humble food made from curdled milk has become a national obsession. To make the world of cheese less intimidating, we've created a handy primer to selecting cheese, pairing cheese with wine, cooking with cheese, and making cheese. In Cheese For Dummies , everyday cheese lovers will learn how to become true connoisseurs! Discover new tastes - develop a palate to discern which cheese is right for you Take a tour - explore different cheeses from around the world Examine the process of cheesemaking - review the key ingredients in cheese and how they come together Explore the history of cheese - find out how cheese was accidentally created over 12,000 years ago Discover the types of cheeses available - note the difference between fresh, surface-ripened, washed-rind, natural-rind, and blue cheeses Delve into cheesy combinations - create an impressive cheese plate with the right accompaniments Learn to accessorize - explore different cheese boards, knives, and other accessories for your needs Find the right temperature - learn about the best serving temperature and storage methods for your favorite cheeses Get hands-on experience - discover how you can make your own cheese at home Open the book and find: The benefits of daily dairy consumption Different cheese styles and rind types Questions to ask your cheesemonger How to select the best quality cheeses Recipes that make cheese the life of the party Details on domestic and imported cheeses How to pair cheese with wine, beer, and other beverages Online cheese resources Photos of different styles and varieties of cheese Learn to: Appreciate cheeses from around the world Pair cheese with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages Prepare delicious recipes featuring cheese Make your own cheese Go to Dummies.com for videos, step-by-step examples, how-to articles, or to shop!.