A zesty twist on Stilton

Here’s a different cheese for New Year’s entertaining -- a white Stilton flecked with bits of lemon zest. In fact, it’s called -- Lemon Zest. This English large-curd cheese is best at room temperature, when it is almost spreadable, accompanied with wheat meal crackers. Or offer it with nuts and a dry Sherry or Port for dessert.

Lemon Zest, $13 a pound, from the Beverly Hills Cheese Store, 419 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 278-2855.