Every holiday season, my family gathers around what has become our most cherished tradition: a meticulously “prepared” cheese plate that showcases my exceptional skills at… dialing phone numbers.

Step 1: Call France 44 exactly 7 days before the gathering (crucial timing – too early and you’ll peek at the cheese too many times before guests arrive; too late and you’ll be serving string cheese from the gas station).

Step 2: Let their cheesemongers work their magic while you take full credit.

Step 3: Pick up your masterpiece, transfer it to your own serving board, and strategically scatter a few crumbs around your kitchen to suggest hands-on effort.

When guests rave about the perfect balance of that cave-aged Gruyère and local chèvre, simply smile mysteriously and say “it’s all in the wrist” – they don’t need to know it’s just your wrist carrying the box from car to kitchen. Some families pass down sacred recipes through generations; I’m proudly passing down France 44’s website (Minneapolis Catering – Corporate & Social Events – France 44).