Blue Cheese
Arugula, Pear and Stilton Salad
Other top-quality blue cheeses-like Maytag, Danish or Roquefort-are fine replacements for the Stilton. And if arugula is unavailable, choose another slightly bitter salad green, such as curly endive, chicory or baby salad greens; spinach mixed with some watercress would also work quite well.
Root Vegetable Gratin with Blue Cheese
We prefer Gorgonzola, Italy's star blue cheese, for this recipe, but if Iowa's Maytag blue — or another import — is easier to find in your area, then use it instead.
Blue Cheese Burgers with Green Peppercorns
Green peppercorns can be found packed in brine in the specialty foods section of most large supermarkets.
Mixed Lettuce Chiffonade with Gorgonzola-Herb Dressing
This recipe makes more dressing than you'll need. The remainder makes a great everyday dressing for any type of green salad, or a delicious dip for chicken wings or raw vegetables.
Farfalle with Asparagus, Roasted Shallots and Blue Cheese
When tossed with the warm pasta, the blue cheese melts into a silky sauce. A Côtes du Rhône is just the right accompaniment.
Avocado, Grapefruit, and Watercress Salad with Roquefort and Paprika Dressing
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Hard-Boiled Egg, Roquefort, and Scallion Dip
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp with Blue Cheese and Celery
Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr
Burgers with Artichokes, Gorgonzola, and Tomatoes
These are equally good with either ground pork or ground lamb.
Fennel, Grape, and Gorgonzola Salad
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Three-Cheese Spinach Calzones
An inviting first course would be grilled or roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and arranged on a platter with olives and spicy peppers. Buy some tiramisu for dessert.