Now doesn’t that look tempting? Here’s some words of wisdom from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Gouda is November’s featured cheese of the month in Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board’s Specialty Cheese program, designed to introduce shoppers to a selection of Wisconsin’s specialty cheeses.

Treat family and friends to the delightful flavors of pairing Wisconsin Gouda with a variety of fruits and beverages. The following tips will help get your party tray started:
* Mild Gouda Cheese: Typically found with a red wax rind, mild Gouda pairs well with fruits, such as fresh peaches, cherries, sliced melon or dried apricots. Fruity wines or lager beers enhance the cheese’s slightly sweet flavor.
* Aged and Flavored Gouda Cheese: Aged and flavored Goudas can be identified by a yellow or clear wax rind and are excellent with apple and pear slices. Serve with apple juice or a favorite beer to appreciate the smooth, creamy texture of the cheese.
* Smoked Gouda Cheese: Marked with black or brown wax rinds, smoked Gouda cheeses also pair well with apples and pears. Hearty red wines and most beers bring out the cheese’s rich, buttery flavor.

In case you’re wondering what’s in the picture: From left to right, a mild Gouda paired with a lager beer, a smoked Gouda paired with a red wine and an aged Gouda paired with apple juice.