Life without cheese is a prospect I'd rather not contemplate. Think of it: no more macaroni, no grilled cheese sandwiches, no blue cheese salad dressing. Give up cheese? Please.

But a doctor once told me to do just that after a test showed I had a borderline high cholesterol level despite being young and fit. I'll make some sacrifices in the name of good health, but pasta without parmesan is not an option.