Parmesan...How Do I Love Thee?

I like to keep a hunk around...a hunk of Parmigiano Reggiano, that is. Sometimes I'll have a nibble with my evening cocktail. And, of course, I love to grate a bit onto salads, pastas, even roast chicken. Here are a couple of other ideas though:

• Toss some grated Parmesan into hot popcorn.
• Blend one part Parmesan with one part butter. Dollop a bit on some toasted bread or steamed veggies.
• Stick a small piece into a date. Maybe a pecan also. An easy and elegant appetizer.

It's an ingredient that you'll discover you can't live without...