Articles written by Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
Our Cheese + Talk Show Pairing Guide
Sharp commentary calls for sharp cheddar In case you missed it, Kelly Clarkson interviewed America’s world champion cheesemongers Emilia D’Albero and Courtney Johnson about all things Mondial du Fromage/competitive cheesemongering on her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. The three even had a virtual tasting with Clarkson featuring a 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano and Hofkaserei Kraus’ […]
These Winter Cheese Pairings Bring Après-Ski Energy to Your Table
THESE ALL-AMERICAN PAIRINGS ARE FRESH OFF THE LIFT AND TURNING TRICKS Photographed by Nina Gallant • Styled by Madison Trapkin This season’s Alpine-style cheese plate is inspired by hitting the slopes, but it’s actually perfect for après-ski: when athletes and amateurs sip and socialize at the lodge after a day on the mountain. Not just […]
The Best Cheese Advent Calendars
Nosh your way through December Dale Cooper—the fictional TV detective from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks—once said, “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present.” Lucky for cheese lovers, advent calendar season is upon us. That means it’s very easy to gift yourself daily, delicious surprises this holiday season. A nibble of cheese a day […]
This Cheese is the Best in the World
On November 13, 2025, a new World Champion Cheese was unveiled to thousands of cheese professionals at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland: Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen spezial over 18 months. The cow’s milk cheese beat more than 5,200 cheeses from 46 countries—a new record for the competition. 265 cheese experts judged the World Cheese Awards this year.
How to Host the Best Fondue Party
November is the unofficial start of the holiday entertaining season and the official start of National Fun with Fondue Month—the ultimate celebration of melting cheese. While February is National Fondue Month, we’ll take any excuse to revive this retro ritual.
Honoring fondue is one thing; having fun with fondue is another. Luckily, the dish is best served with a group of your closest friends and plenty of dippers. This may conjure mental images of conversation pits, shag carpets, and turtlenecks, but don’t fear—there are lots of ways to partake in this time-honored tradition sans donning polyester.
Not sure where to start? Read on to discover tips and tricks for hosting your own fondue party, plus authentic recipes.
What is the “Art of Cheese?”
It’s about fellowship, community, what the land offers and what artisans make from it In late September, the second Art of Cheese Festival overtook downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The biannual festival is a celebration of Wisconsin cheese and connects makers—and those outside of cheesemaking, such as chefs and distillers—with the public in an original, educational setting […]
Celebrate National Nachos Day
Get nacho recipes for days to celebrate the holiday Nov. 6 marks National Nachos Day and we’re so here for it at culture. Historically, nachos are a simple meal that surged in popularity during the ’50s from humble beginnings. “Supposedly, in 1943 several ladies on a shopping trip wandered into the Victory Club restaurant after it […]
Craving Savory S’mores? Enhance Them With These New Products
Upgrade typical fall flavors by trying new products on the market This autumn, lean into cheese accompaniments that would complement any savory s’more, Halloween board, or pre-Thanksgiving spread. Warming your palate with spice or hot honey is in, as is preserving produce for shelf-stable pantry staples you’ll gravitate toward well into winter. Browse five products […]
How to Best Pair Cheese With Halloween Candy
Here’s what to do with everything from Snickers to Starburst If you’re stuck with an abundance of Halloween candy and cheese, you’re in for a treat. The two complement each other, but don’t let us tell you—let cheese experts do so instead. Several of these pairings are tried-and-true consumer favorites from monger-led classes; so whether […]
Need Fall Pairing Inspo? Ask Cheese Shop Owners
Get suggestions from experts that’ll warm you up as temperatures drop VANESSA COULSON Main Street Provisions, Chelsea, Michigan What has the cheese business taught you about yourself? How much I really love the hospitality industry. Being in the kitchen, you want to take the best care of your guests, but you have to rely on […]
