As a source of dietary calcium cheese is wonderful, but it's a source of sodium so I have to be careful (I'm tapering Prednisone). I shop at a one-of-a-kind grocery outlet for items near their shelf date (most are fine, we know to avoid the chips, they can be stale), frozen foods, most at least half price from regular grocery store prices, sometimes 25%. And the cheese - oh my. Their cheese comes mostly from grocery wholesalers whose client groceries didn't pick them up, so they sell the large wheels and bulk containers. Recently my discount grocery has had several amazing European imports.

The one I always look for is a white sharp cheddar they cut into smaller 1-2 pound chunks to sell. This is so sharp it crumbles and has those little crystals of salty goodness that burst on your tongue. It freezes well. These cheeses would normally be very expensive in the high-end grocery, but are usually about $3.50 a pound.

I've enjoyed omelettes with cheese, and I make a lovely quiche with Emmental (I'm avoiding wheat, so I bake it in a non-stick bunt pan, usually a Quiche Lorraine with onions, bacon, and add steamed broccoli).

There is a large Middle-Eastern population in this area and an excellent Halal market near my workplace; among other gems, I pick up Lebne there, with less fat than sour cream and a richer flavor. It's essentially a form of yogurt cheese and I use it in a variety of raw and cooked meals.