Wine and Cheese Party

Wine and cheese are a perfect pair except for one catch: Together, they can cost you a fortune. Problem solved with this get-together. We've turned inexpensive supermarket cheese into four tasty appetizers -- and found budget-friendly wines to match. Best of all, these recipes are so easy, they won't cost you much time either.

Fried Cheese Bundles

Figs with Ricotta and Honey

French Onion Crostini

Goat Cheese Truffles

Food Pairing with Wine and Beer

The Non-Snobby Wine Guide

SET THE SCENE

It's a Stretch

Maximize a supermarket bouquet by dividing the stems among a few old wine bottles.

Soft Serve

Use cloth napkins -- you won't have to keep buying paper, and they help dress up the party.

Tap In

Skip pricey bottled water and serve tap instead: Add ice, orange slices and a rosemary sprig.

TRY THESE BARGAIN BOTTLES

1. Chardonnay

A chardonnay from outside the U.S. can be a great, tasty deal, like Banrock Station Chardonnay 2006 (Australia, $5)

2. Shiraz

These spicy reds give you bang for the buck, and stand up to the Goat Cheese Truffles, like Alice White Shiraz 2006 (Australia, $7)

3. Rosé

Pink wines are often a steal -- and a great match for the Fried Cheese Bundles, like Marqués de Cáceres Rosé 2006 (Spain, $8)

4. Red Table Wine

Try a fruity red from Portugal, one of the world's best regions for affordable wine, like Altano Douro 2005 (Portugal, $7)

5. Box Wine

Save big and serve a trendy box wine, like Trove ($22 for 3 liters, 888-659-7900 for stores).

Goat Cheese Truffles

Fried Cheese Bundles