accompaniments
Peter’s Yard hasn’t quite reinvented the wheel but it does have a new format for those Scandi-style round crispbreads that have become a cheeseboard staple. The new 145g ‘CD pack’ (RRP £3.25) still features its original crispbread shape with the signature hole in the middle – but in a more conveniently portioned quantity. Available exclusively from independent delis, farm shops and cheesemongers. petersyard.com
Barbara’s Kitchen has reignited its Flaming Chillies Bloody Mary Chilli Jam with an improved recipe and new labelling. Made with chillies grown by the Dorset-based producer from seed, this cocktail-inspired preserve is perfect for those who like a little heat on their cheeseboards. As with all of the company’s preserves, this jam is made in small batches, using the traditional open-pan method. barbaras-kitchen.co.uk
Popti Cornish Bakehouse’s new range of Snaps could be the perfect cheeseboard accompaniment or a great gift for a cheeseloving friend. The crisp, square crackers are all made with mature cheddar and come in five flavours, including Black Olive with Chilli & Garlic, Cheddar & Onion, Mature Cheddar, Poppy Seed & Cayenne and Tomato & Paprika. 120g, £2.90. popti.co.uk
London-based tickles pickles makes traditionally fermented vegetable pickles inspired by cuisines from around the world. Its Napa Cabbage Kimchi goes well with cheddar and the newest arrival – a Russian-style Carrot & Dill Soleniya is a good match for Feta, Caerphilly and creamy goats’ cheeses. ticklespickles.co.uk
Both casual enthusiasts and full-on turophiles should be interested in a new book from Good Cheese contributor Patrick McGuigan. While it examines the history and context of his favourite subject all the way back to 5000BC, The Philosophy of Cheese (RRP £10) is also full of practical knowledge – covering how to effectively store your cheese, assemble the perfect selection got your board, and pair it with alcohol. Available now from British Library Publishing’s shop. shop.bl.uk Those seeking an alternative wine pairing might want to have a look at the selection from specialist retailer and wholesaler Blas ar Fwyd. It recommends Gwinllan Conwy vinyard’s Pydew – a balanced dry white with a long citrus finish – as a good match for soft creamy cheeses. For washed rind cheeses, such as Wales’s decorated Celtic Promise, it suggests Ancre Hill Estates Orange Wine, which was listed as one of the top 30 orange wines in Decanter, and for blue’s you could opt for the soft berry notes of White Castle’s red, Regent. blasarfwyd.com
Hawkshead Relish has used some of the downtime afforded by a challenging year to get in the development kitchen and create a range of table sauces that will augment a variety of cheese-led dishes – from a Ploughman’s through to a hearty toastie. Smoky Mustard Sauce, Spiced Mango Ketchup, Hot Beetroot Ketchup and Posh Pickle Sauce all come in 250ml bottles (RRP £2.99). hawksheadrelish.com
GOOD CHEESE 2020-21
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