Festive cheeses ho ho ho
Photo credit: SChrist
I was told this weekend by my friend that, while she had known me, I had never done the right thing by her and invited her for a cheese tasting at my house, nor brought cheese to hers. I did not realise that was expected of me, but apparently being the editor of a dairy publication makes people think of cheese.
Of course I have sourced and delivered cheeseboards to friends, most recently when our friends returned from Spain, having walked 500 miles on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage. At the time, there was a lot of cheese around and their refrigerator was empty. It made so much sense.
I have also recently had discussions about the right temperature for a fondue, of which I am ignorant. While I write about cheese and all the other lovely possibilities for dairy, some of the basics elude me. I occasionally have clumps of cheese in my dishes.
As you can see, it is that time of year, here in the Northern Hemisphere, when people’s thoughts turn to cheese. My thoughts turn to the cheese monger, the affineurs, and the retail spaces where so much wonderful products can be had.
Right now, my Instagram is lighting up with postings from places such as Neal’s Yard Dairy at London Bridge and Mouse and Grape in Pinner. I try to be a considerate cheese purchaser and order it in advance for pickup before the holidays. Although I do understand the delight in trying the cheeses at the store before selecting ones for the board. People love the interaction.
Cheese, as I often explain, is more of a living organism than a food product. In its finest incarnations, it makes a meal special and adds an umami to a dish. I hope everyone enjoys their cheese this festive season.
- Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
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