Cheesemongering is a relatively new profession in the United States but a time-honored one in Europe. Steve Jones is the 2011 Cheesemonger Invitational champion. He has worked in cheese for some 15 years and owns the Cheese Bar in Portland, Ore.

Steve Jenkins might be the most highly opinionated cheesemonger in the country. Then again, he's also the most respected cheesemonger in the country. He recommends some expensive cheeses, but also a few you can get in the local dairy aisle.

According to Steve Jenkins, the best cheeses in the world for melting are the mountain cheeses of Switzerland and France. He says you need look no further than Beaufort, Gruyère de Comte and Fontina.