ACCOMPANIMENTS

Strike a match

For many people a cheeseboard is not just about the cheese. So, if you like a little extra or are after a new pairing, this selection of accompaniments should whet the appeitite.

This Apricot & Ale Chutney (200g) from GingerBeard’s Preserves is made with Southville Hop IPA from Bristol Beer Factory. With a delicate, slightly tart hit from the apricots and plump, juicy raisins, the chutney is a good all-rounder but pairs particularly well with rich, creamy cheeses. RRP £4.00.

gingerbeardspreserves.co.uk

By adding jalapeño and garlic to its Red Onion Relish, The Garlic Farm has created a batch of tangy, medium-heat relish that adds a adds a hint of chilli to the classic pairing. RRP £4.50.

thegarlicfarm.co.uk

Celebrating the sunshine flavours of the Mediterranean and Middle East, Cypressa has launched a range of pastes and tapenades, including a vegetarian Aubergine & Feta Mezze, a smooth, creamy blend of roasted aubergines and the famed sheep’s milk cheese, to pair with other cheeses, say, on Dakos – a Cretan meze consisting of barley rusk soaked in olive oil, topped with vegetables and cheese.

cypressa.co.uk

These two new chutneys from Galloway Lodge were created especially for Christmas. The Apple & Cranberry recipe was developed to match with soft, mild cheeses while The Pear & Spices take has the strength to stand up to more intense, sharper flavours. RRP: £3.50.

gallowaylodge.co.uk

Stored in a blend of oil, garlic, basil and oregano, Odysea’s Semi-Dried Datterini Tomatoes will add a burst of flavour to any cheeseboard. Meaning ‘little dates’ in Italian, the Datterini are vineripened before being semi-dried to intensify their sweetness.

odysea.com

Winner of a Great Taste 1-star this year, the Sweet Chilli Jam from Just Like Mumma’s is made in small batches using fresh chillies, red peppers, garlic, ginger and smoked paprika. Developed to gently warm your tastebuds without blowing your head off, the jam can supplement a selection of chutneys on a cheeseboard or substitute them in a ploughman’s sandwich.

justlikemummas.co.uk

Small family business Sugar and Chic has developed a selection of artisan chutneys and jams to pair with a variety of cheeses. Among them are Apple Pie Jam, Blackberry & Port Jam, and Pear, Date & Sultana Chutney, which the producer says have been highly praised by their cheese-loving customers. All are available as single jars or as part of the company’s own curated gift packs.

sugarandchic.co.uk/artisan

Bristol’s independent family-run business Single Variety Co is selling gift boxes of four single-variety chilli jams, using varietals ranging from the mild Fireflame to the super-hot Orange Habanero, as well as classic Jalapeño and Orange Habanero chillies. These will tick boxes for cheese lovers and adventurous eaters alike. RRP: £22.50.

singlevariety.co.uk

New from Roots & Wings Organic is a range of Organic Seeded Biscuits made with sesame, nigella, caraway and fennel seeds, butter and cheddar. Available in three flavours – Original, Fennel and Chilli – the biscuits can be bought in single or selection packs of three, alongside the producer’s new range of MultiSeed Brittles. RRP: from £3.65 and £11.95 respectively.

rootsandwingsorganic.com

Last year, Rosebud Preserves’ Damson Fruit Cheese earned a Great Taste 3-star. This year, the producer’s new Greengage Fruit Cheese won another. The fruit is sourced from a single orchard in Cambridgeshire, and cooked with unrefined cane sugar and a hint of fresh lemon juice. The preserve is said to work particularly well with blue cheeses. RRP £5.50 per 113g jar.

rosebudpreserves.co.uk Within 12 months of opening, The Artisan Man’s takeaway catering business has earned a 1-star award from Great Taste for its Tomato Chutney, developed with local ingredients to use in its own cheese and ham sandwiches. Finely balancing sweetness and acidity, this small-batch, preservative-free product will amp up a cheeseboard, sandwiches and toasties.

facebook.com/TheArtisanMan

A double gold winner at the Cheese Board Awards 2022, this Christmas Chutney from Radnor Preserves also walked away as the overall Champion Chutney. Made with seasonal pomegranates and cranberries, dates and apricots, it is described by the producer as a delicious rich chutney that is particularly perfect for those Christmas

Cheese Boards. radnorpreserves.com