Unveiling the Ultimate Cheeseboard: A Festive Feast to Remember
Dear David, your question about the perfect Christmas cheeseboard is a delicious dilemma indeed! Let's dive into the world of 'baby cheeses' and create a memorable spread.
The Art of Curating a Cheeseboard
Mathew Carver, a true cheese enthusiast and founder of Pick & Cheese, The Cheese Barge, and Rind, shares his festive strategy. He suggests focusing on a specific region to keep things interesting. "Last Christmas, I explored Scottish cheeses exclusively." This month, Wales is on the menu. Carver explains, "I'm a creature of habit, so this approach forces me to try new cheeses."
Bronwen Percival, Technical Director of Neal's Yard Dairy, adds, "Unless you're serving one grand cheese, opt for a few handsome wedges." She believes in simplicity, stating, "Most don't have the time or patience for a complex board."
Finding Balance and Variety
Carver recommends a balanced selection: "The perfect five would be a hard, soft, blue, sheep, and goat's cheese." He suggests 50-60g per person, noting, "At Christmas, you need more than you can imagine!"
Percival champions classic regional cheeses that deserve the spotlight. She suggests Stonebeck Wensleydale, describing it as "incredibly creamy with a lingering flavor." Appleby's Cheshire is "succulent and mineral, with a gentle crumble and citrus brightness." Mrs. Kirkham's Lancashire is a dream with gingerbread. Carver's pick, Wakebridge, is a unique sheep's milk cheese with a sweet twist.
Accessorizing Your Cheeseboard
Percival emphasizes the importance of accompaniments. She suggests plum and red onion chutney, honey, or spiced poached quinces. Carter, on the other hand, prefers unconventional pairings like goat's cheese with rose Turkish delight or kimchi with Stilton. He recommends a garlic and honey paste or parsnip puree with soft, bloomy rind cheese.
Timing is Everything
Percival often serves cheese before the main meal, believing it "wets the appetite." Carter, however, is a post-dessert cheeseboard advocate, suggesting a 4 pm Christmas dinner finish, followed by chocolate, cheese, and port at 6 pm. "And that's Christmas Day done!"
So, David, your cheeseboard can be a festive adventure. Remember, it's about balance, variety, and unique pairings. Happy curating and happy holidays!
Got a culinary conundrum? Email us at feast@theguardian.com
