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Balance.

The key to a good cheese plate is balance—choose three to four cheeses that differ in texture and taste. For example, choose an aged, semifirm cheese (such as Gouda), a funky blue (go for Gorgonzola), bloomy goat cheese (try Caña de Cabra) and a hard cheese (you can't go wrong with a flaky Parmesan).

Talk to your natural foods grocer to learn about local cheese producers, which are often unique. Remove cheese from your refrigerator one hour before serving.