Creating the ultimate cheeseboard with Maria Whitehead, Hawkshead Relish

Many could argue cheese doesn’t need any form of accompaniment but for obvious reasons, we’d like to totally disagree.

Indeed, we feel that quite the opposite is true – cheese needs a little something by way of a helping hand, and the fruitier the better! Here are some fruity pairings to try alongside your cheeseboard selections:

Cheeseboard Chutney is fabulously fruity, bursting with fresh figs, cranberries and apples, finished with a drop or two of Pinot Noir to add a real depth of flavour – is just perfect with Baron Bigod, made by Fen Farm Dairy is an English artisan-made brie style cheese with a nutty, mushroomy rind, a deliciously smooth and creamy delicate, fresh and citrussy centre which come into their own with this totally fruity chutney.

Spiced Apricot & Cranberry Chutney is jam packed full of apricots, orange and cranberries, combined with onion, garlic, ginger and spices to deliver a rich and spicy chutney – simply has to be paired with Apatha, a delicious goat’s milk cheese made by Cumbrian makers Martin Gott and Nicola Robinson. This washed-rind goat’s milk cheese delivers bags of floral sweet notes, which are perfectly enhanced by the fruit and spices in the chutney.

You might imagine a Bloody Mary Chutney might be something of an acquired taste but as you will discover this is a total cheeseboard sensation! Tomatoes, celery, red chillies and a splash of vodka add a little sophistication to proceedings - divine with Fellstone made by Tom and Clare Noblet at their farm at Hutton Roof, on the edge of Cumbria. This is a traditional old Yorkshire Dales Wensleydale style cheese with bags of flavour and a deliciously firm texture that is amazing with the tiny hit or boozy tomatoes and chilli heat provided by this tangy chutney.