Take your taste buds on a ride with these decadent and delicious combinations.

As with perfect wine and cheese pairings, chocolate and cheese can elevate both flavor profiles and make for an exquisitely delicious experience. While these decadent foods play well together, certain pairings will enhance the flavor of both the chocolate and the cheese.

As with any tasting, you should use all of your senses. Cut pieces of cheese in sizes that match well with the amount of chocolate that you’re placing on the plate. Make sure you arrange the pieces in a way that enhances their appearance. Studies have shown that food tastes better if it is visually appealing. Before you take your first bite, smell the cheese and chocolate individually as well as together. You shouldn’t have any “off” odors and the scents should blend well together. Next, starting with the mildest pairing, take a bite of each. Let them linger on your tongue. Move it around in your mouth so it hits all the flavor receptors (sweet, salty, bitter, and sour). The textures and flavors should complement each other.

In honor of National Chocolate Day, host a chocolate and cheese pairing party. Start with three pairings and ask guests to make notes about the look, aroma, and flavors of each one. Here are three perfect chocolate and La Bottega di BelGioioso cheese pairings to celebrate the occasion:

Spicy and sharp Peperoncino® with milk chocolate filled with caramel
Creamy Crescenza-Stracchino with dark chocolate with almonds
Earthy and crumbly Gorgonzola with intense dark chocolate (we recommend at least 70% Cacao)

Remember to cleanse your palette between samplings with water and a bite of good, crusty bread. Keep in mind that chocolate and cheese are both best eaten at room temperature.

For more information about cheese pairings and savvy home entertaining ideas, visit SavorLaBottega.com.