(NC)-Are you looking for a fun, surprising way to get together with friends this weekend? Invite them over for a 'beer-and-cheese' tasting party, a refreshing change from the old wine-and-cheese.
 

As the host, here are a few tips to keep in mind for this new and tantalizing event:
 

• Strive to match the flavor intensities;
 

• Cheese intensity is usually measured by firmness while beer intensity is generally measured by color (darker beers = more flavor intensity);
 

• Look for opportunities to contrast (salty and sweet); complement (lighter beers with lighter flavored cheeses); or cut (the carbonation and bitterness in beer are natural palate cleansers).
 

Discover a new world of flavors by mixing and matching on your own. To help you get started, here are some pairing suggestions:
 

• Asiago & Rickard's Dark

• Ricotta & Corona Extra

• Provolone & Coors Light