Perfect Cheese Pairings - Part Three

Our Perfect Christmas Cheese Pairings: Part Three

"Christmas is here! Cue the sounds of jingling bells, the twinkling lights of tinsel and the warming smells of cracking embers," says Angus D. Birditt, food writer, photographer and cheese lover, who is back for the third part of his Perfect Cheese Pairings series. "Oh, but don’t forget the thuds stomping feet and visions of crowded streets as the mad rush begins! We’ve all been there, not knowing what to buy for whom, where to send it, or how many people are coming for Boxing Day. 

"But fear not, friends of Fortnum’s, this festive period, as many of you quite rightly know, is a wonderful excuse to consume copious amounts of cheese, and with Fortnum’s dazzlingly-dignified range of cheese, condiments and crackers, you’ll be prepared for whatever Christmas throws at you. And it’s no wonder, with Fortnum’s being a family run business that’s been around for over 300 years, you can trust them not to disappoint.

"So, what better way of embracing these colder, cozier months of the year, surrounded by family and friends, than to enjoy a selection of Fortnum’s cheese, condiments and crackers. If it’s a lunch, dinner or party you’re planning for this Christmas, here’s a few cheese pairings I’ve selected from Fortnum’s fantastic range that you can impress your friends, families and work colleagues over this festive period."

Truffled Cheddar Wedge, Fig Cheese, Walnut & Seed Crackers 

Stop what you’re doing, and indulge in the rich, heady aromas of Fortnum’s Truffled Cheddar. Its smooth, velvety texture works wonderfully well with a light, bright condiment, cue their Fig Cheese, which bursts with a sharp sweetness. Simply cut a fine slither of the Cheddar, place on top of one of their unsurprisingly nutty Walnut & Seed Crackers and spread a delicate helping of Fig Cheese – you can thank me later!

Potted Welsh Rarebit, Beetroot Ketchup, Fresh Bread Toasted 

This Potted Welsh Rarebit has everything you want in a rarebit, super savoury, melt-in-the-mouth flavours with a warming hit of mustard, and there’s no wonder, being made to Fortnum’s trusted, decades-old recipe, which includes a good drop of Fortnum's Ale. Find yourself a good loaf of bread to slice and on a couple of pieces, spread a thick serving of this Welsh Rarebit. Bake until golden and bubbling, and enjoy with this refreshing, earthy Beetroot Ketchup. 

Shropshire Blue Whisky, Caramelised Onion Marmalade, All Butter Crackers  

Nestled within its equally impressive potted exterior, this Shropshire Blue Whisky packs a hearty punch, the Shropshire Blue made in the Vale of Belvoir is rich and creamy, and with the infusion of Fortnum’s 12-year-old Single Malt, adds real sweetness. Top that off with a subtle dollop of this sumptuous Caramelised Onion Marmalade and an All Butter Cracker base, this pairing is a firework display of flavour.