That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life

Mullen, a photographer and food stylist, combines her skills to build some 50 delightful, themed cheese plates. Borrowing her teaching technique from the paint-by-numbers school, Mullen has invented the Cheese by Numbers method, identifying six items used in each artistically arranged plate: cheese, meat, produce, crunch, dip, and garnish. Every entry receives its own four-page spread: the first page contains ingredient lists arranged by food category, as well as a recommendation for the type of physical platter (round soapstone, rectangular wooden board, etc.). The second page offers a full-page color photo of the finished plate. The third page provides six-panels showing step-by-step construction, and the final page contains a color drawing, by illustrator Sara Gilanchi, with each element of the plate represented. One of Mullen’s favorite stylistic choices is the “salami river,” a meandering ribbon of cold cuts that “creates movement and flow” across the board. Thematically, the trays run the gamut from a game day formation, with chicken wings, potato chips, celery, and blue cheese dressing, to a romantic “season of love” design boasting a heart-shaped slab of Brie and chocolate-covered strawberries. This is a fun, attractive, and unique guide to a favorite party dish. (May)