If you keep a small cutting board in your desk drawer at work, it’s easy to make a cheese plate come true. Just tote the ingredients to the office in a tiffin or bento box. If you have a mini fridge, you can even keep an assortment of olives, jams, and nuts on hand. Who knows, you might even start a secret cheese-tasting society at work. Here are some enlivening combinations to suit your style:
The Creative Director
Pantaleo (page 56), pistachios, hard-boiled egg, radishes, baguette rounds
The Day Laborer
Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (page 165), smoked landjäger salami, apple, grainy mustard, whole wheat bread
The Sensualist
Délice de Bourgogne (page 95), sour cherry preserves, bacon, dark chocolate, French roll
The Purist
Fresh ricotta (page 34), fresh thyme sprigs, sea salt, honey, walnuts, flatbread
The Workaholic
Stichelton (page 174), dried figs, biscotti, candied pecans, flask of Scotch
The Shopaholic
Seven Sisters (page 60), raw almonds, celery, fiber crackers, dried apricots, preferably stashed in a pretty handbag
The Monocle
Mascarpone (page 32), tin of herring, Dijon mustard, jar of capers, petit toasts