How To - "Sunny Italy" Cheese Plate

If you've been reading, I don't have to tell you that we've already featured several regionally themed Cheese Plates on Neurotic Kitchen. 

Spanish Cheese Plate
Spanish Cheese and Meat Plate II
French Cheese and Charcuterie Plate

I love a cheese plate, and I don't plan on stopping my obsession anytime soon. Behold the latest, my homage to the Cheeses of Italy. This selection is mostly from cow's milk cheeses. The flavors range from mild to pleasantly tangy and piquant. Try it for a sunny addition to your next cocktail party.

Sunny Italy Cheese, Fruit, & Nut Plate
Clockwise from Top Left - Casera Valtellina, Gorgonzola Dolce, Bra Tenero, Tallegio, and Ubriaco

Not a whole lot wrong with that, right? 

Here's how you do it - 

The Cheeses
Casera Valtellina
Gorgonzola Dolce
Bra Tenero
Tallegio
&
Ubriaco

Fruits & Nuts
Shelled Pistachios - the history of this nut and Italian history crossed paths
Mission Figs, pitted
Sicilian Blood Oranges (or alternately, Cara Cara Oranges)
And Carambola - better know as Starfruit (these are not Italian but they add to the sunny character of the plate!)

Garnish with Italian Parsley.

Starch - I like to serve this plate with Carr's Rosemary Crackers and Slices of Crusty Italian Bread

I hope you enjoy!