Marissa Mullen - Creative Gatherings and Self-Care with the Cheese By Numbers Method

acknowledgments I want to thank my family, Ellen, Jim, and Shayne Mullen for the endless love and support. Countless holiday cheese plates led to the creation of this book. Clio Seraphim and Whitney Frick at the Dial Press and Eve Atterman at WMEThat Cheese Team! Thank you for believing in this book and for being my cheerleaders along the way. To Sara Gilanchi, this book would be nothing without your incredible illustrations. The Cheese Party (you know who you are, from all the eras of my life)thank you for being my best friends and soul family. Im honored that we can always come together over a cheese plate.

Jon Batiste and The Late Show teamthank you for supporting the cheese hustle while I still worked in the entertainment industry, shipping cheese tote bags from under my desk. Thank you to all of the incredible cheese makers and cheesemongers for teaching me everything I know about cheese. Last but definitely not least, thank you to all of the amazing people who follow @ThatCheesePlate and @CheeseByNumbers. You truly have made this possible and allowed That Cheese Plate to change my life. Spread joy, stay positive, and always embrace your creativity. about the author M ARISSA M ULLEN is a Brooklyn-based creative director, content creator, photographer, and food stylist. about the author M ARISSA M ULLEN is a Brooklyn-based creative director, content creator, photographer, and food stylist.

Previously hailing from a background in the music business and late-night television, Marissa followed her passion for cheese plates, which led her down a unique path. She is the founder of That Cheese Plate, a community for cheese lovers from across the globe, and Cheese By Numbers, the method behind crafting the perfect cheese plate. Featured on the Today show, the Rachael Ray Show, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Refinery29, Vox, and Food & Wine, among many others, Marissas cheese plates have inspired many. With her skillful abilities to curate experiences in both music and food, Marissa is dedicated to bringing people together through creativity, expression, and entertainment, an intention that is at the core of every pursuit.

@thatcheeseplate @cheesebynumbers thatcheeseplate.com marissamullen.com about the illustrator S ARA G ILANCHI is an illustrator, researcher, and aspiring dog owner living in Brooklyn. that bonus content a cheese pairing for your star sign On my twenty-sixth birthday, I saw an astrologist as a gift to myself. that bonus content a cheese pairing for your star sign On my twenty-sixth birthday, I saw an astrologist as a gift to myself.

By providing her with only the date, time, and location of my birth, she read my chart and literally peered into my soul, describing my personality with spooky accuracy. Just like cheese, we are all very complex and unique. Naturally, I decided to give each zodiac sign its own cheese pairing too.

ARIES (March 21April 19): Aries are passionate, motivated, and confident. Those born under this sign lead with blind optimism and self-determination. TAURUS (April 20May 20): Reliable and patient, Tauruses love cooking and the luxuries in life. TAURUS (April 20May 20): Reliable and patient, Tauruses love cooking and the luxuries in life.

Those born under this earth sign are grounded and practical, and they appreciate the beauty of the material world. TAURUS CHEESE PAIRING: Harbison, a decadent camembert, with a crisp baguette. Nothing better than velvety, earthy cheese on freshly baked bread.

GEMINI (May 21June 20): Quick and witty, Geminis have a knack for communication and are always full of ideas. Those born under this air sign are known to have a split personalitythey can adapt to any situation thrown their way. CANCER (June 21July 22): Emotional, imaginative, and sympathetic, Cancers love a good meal with friends and spending time at home. CANCER (June 21July 22): Emotional, imaginative, and sympathetic, Cancers love a good meal with friends and spending time at home.

CANCER CHEESE PAIRING: Fresh feta and watermelona summertime snack to enjoy in the backyard at home.

LEO (July 23August 22): Leos are creative, passionate, and cheerful, and love admiration. Those born under this fire sign are not afraid to be the center of attention and make for natural-born leaders. LEO CHEESE PAIRING: Aged Pecorino Toscano and prosciutto, a popular and timeless pairing with a sharp bite and a salty finish. VIRGO (August 23September 22): Virgos are loyal, practical, kind, and hardworking. They enjoy books, nature, and organization.

VIRGO CHEESE PAIRING: Humboldt Fog and fresh figs. This goat cheese is light and easy, with some hidden complexities.

LIBRA (September 23October 22): Libras are social, gracious, balanced, and cooperative. They enjoy harmony, relationships, and the outdoors. LIBRA CHEESE PAIRING: Cheese fondue with an assortment of items to dip. SCORPIO (October 23November 21): Scorpios are resourceful, determined, and a bit mysterious. SCORPIO (October 23November 21): Scorpios are resourceful, determined, and a bit mysterious.

They enjoy loyal friendships and grand passions. SCORPIO CHEESE PAIRING: Gouda and dark chocolate, a decadent duo with some unexpected tasting notes.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22December 21): Sagittarians are generous, idealistic, and love to travel. They appreciate freedom, philosophy, and learning about different cultures. SAGITTARIUS CHEESE PAIRING: Mozzarella di Bufala with roasted tomatoes and basiltransport your taste buds to the Italian countryside.