A Family Cheese Board

This weekend Kristin and her girls came over to share a cheese board. The idea was inspired by a conversation Alison and I had at Christmas, when we wondered what cheese each of us would be if we were a cheese. Naturally, that discussion eventually turned into a full charcuterie spread. Each member of the family was represented on the board, plus Beecher’s Flagship, because we love it and happened to have some on hand.

Here’s how the cheeses shook out (props to ChatGPT for helping us think this through):

Eric: Aged Cheddar

• Dependable and grounding. Not flashy for the sake of it, but always solid.
• Gets better with time. Experience and family life have added depth, not dulled things.
• Comforting with a sharp edge. Warm and thoughtful, but with opinions and a little bite.
• Versatile. Just as comfortable at a quiet weeknight dinner as at a big gathering.

Alison: Burrata

• Soft, warm, and welcoming on the outside.
• Strong, rich, and substantial once you really know her.
• Balances beauty and competence effortlessly.
• Makes any table feel special without trying too hard.
• She’s the cheese people don’t forget and always hope is there again next time.

Madeline: Triple-Cream Brie

• Pure delight.
• Slightly messy, deeply lovable.
• Brings joy simply by existing.
• Melts hearts instantly.
• Everyone rearranges the board around her. No exceptions.

Tex: Parmesan Rind (in the best possible way)

• Tough, loyal, and dependable.
• Not fancy, but absolutely essential.
• Always nearby, always involved.
• Works harder than anyone realizes.

Kristin: Havarti

• Approachable, flexible, and effortlessly likable.
• Smooth energy, no sharp edges.
• Thrives in group settings and adapts to whatever’s needed.
• The glue cheese, quietly holding things together.
• Kristin Havarti is reliable, fun, and always welcome.

Skylee: String Cheese (Mozzarella)

• Playful, energetic, and interactive.
• More fun when pulled apart, shared, and laughed over.
• Constant motion, constant joy.
• Somehow both chaotic and delightful.
• Skylee String Cheese brings the fun to the board.

Anna: Goat Cheese (Chèvre)

• Bold, curious, and a little artsy.
• Knows exactly who she is.
• Adds contrast and personality.
• Small but unforgettable.
• Anna Chèvre is the cheese people talk about afterward.

Kristin brought chicken sausage and veggies to round things out. Then Blake and Debbie unexpectedly joined the party. Luckily, we already knew their cheeses too, even though there was no Gouda on hand to physically add to the board.

Blake (Papa): Aged Gouda

• Warm, steady, and quietly strong.
• Slightly sweet, a little nutty, deeply comforting.
• Not flashy, but incredibly grounding.
• The kind of presence that makes everyone feel safe and supported.
• Papa Gouda pairs beautifully with every generation on the board.

Debbie (Nana): Triple-Cream Brie

• Soft, loving, and indulgent in the best way.
• Always thinking about what will make everyone happy.
• Comfort-first, joy-forward.
• The cheese everyone gravitates toward without realizing it.
• Nana Brie is pure heart, wrapped in warmth.

Madeline sharing the Brie designation with Nana felt exactly right.

We made short work of the cheese board, and everyone left very satisfied. The favorite cheese was probably the burrata, made in house at Caputo’s, or the Havarti, sourced from Denmark, which felt especially fitting for this family. We all agreed that the least favorite cheese on the board was the chèvre. It wasn’t for everyone, but that somehow made it even more perfect, because it fit Anna exactly. Bold, distinct, and not trying to please the crowd, it added contrast to the board and gave it personality. In that sense, it was absolutely essential.

After the cheese was gone, the girls and I headed downstairs with Madeline to play in the bounce house. While we were down there, I showed Blake and Debbie my new 3D printer before they headed out. Then the girls and I brought Madeline upstairs so Mads could show them her new toys. Watching Anna play with the Bitty Baby alongside Madeline was incredibly sweet, and Anna even read her a few books, which completely melted my heart.

Alison and Kristin went digging in the storage room and struck gold. Not only did they find Alison’s old Bitty Baby, but also another baby doll and a whole case of Bitty Baby accessories. Madeline ended the night the proud owner of three baby dolls and an impressive collection of accessories, and she was thrilled.

It wasn’t a formal evening or anything elaborate, just one of those nights that comes together because everyone shows up. A little food, a lot of laughter, cousins playing, grandparents stopping by, and a baby discovering new toys and people who adore her. This night felt like a really good reminder of how lucky we are to gather around the table, especially when that table is covered in cheese.