This smooth, salty sheep’s-milk cheese is like the Brie of Spain — over there, everybody’s been eating it for centuries. Here in the States, though, it’s a more recent discovery. Lately, we’ve spotted it in tapas, with olive oil and tomatoes or serrano ham, and at breakfast, melted into asparagus omelets. It’s as versatile and easy to cook with as cheddar, but much more fashionable. Bread & Circus recommends it for picnics; unlike Brie, Manchego is firm and dry so it travels well, and its mellow, nutty flavor goes well with almonds and pears. But (call us purists) we like it best on its own, with a good glass of white wine before dinner. Get some while it’s still in style.

Available at local Bread & Circus stores for $11.99 per pound (aged six months) or $12.99 per pound (aged eight months).