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The custom of eating a variety of cheese for Christmas Eve is a practice in many communities, especially those celebrating with serious seafood eaters. Participants are welcome from all cultures and religions that support the consumption of cheese.

The roots of the feast of seven cheeses lie in Eastern Pennsylvania — some say Conshohocken, others say Easton, and yet others claim it ranges from Philadelphia all the way to New York City.

Early foodies used to bring a few cheeses or dips to enjoy while family members dined on a variety of land and sea creatures. As time passed, cheese boards became more elaborate with thoughtful pairings and unique accompaniments.

This "festa de luce" also marks the moving on from the winter solstice, as the shortest day is now behind us and we can look ahead to more light and brighter days.

The seven cheeses symbolize health, prosperity, gratitude, love, family, friends and labor.

There is no consensus on which types of cheese to include, though a typical lineup might be:

*A fresh cheese, like mozzarella, burrata, chevre, ricotta or fromage blanc * Cheddar * Gouda * Blue * A soft creamy style * A hard aged, like a Parmigianino Reggiano * House favorite

Accompaniments can vary from specialty crackers and breads to jams, cornichons, nuts, sugared grapes, olives/tapenades and more.

It truly is "la dolce vita."

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