5 cheese pairing ideas from Gemma Williams, The Little Cheesemonger

28 June 2022, 07:57 AM
  • Gemma Williams, owner of The Little Cheesemonger in Rhuddlan, shares her top cheese pairing tips with Speciality Food readers
5 cheese pairing ideas from Gemma Williams, The Little Cheesemonger

What’s on your dream cheeseboard?
My No1. is always an artisan Gorgonzola, this is because it’s not only sweet, delicious, creamy but also mild, so you can double up with a stronger blue that’s completely different like Mon Las from Anglesey.

Then for the soft a nice piece of Pen Helyg (a new cheese on the block) brie style made with organic unpasteurised milk. My hard cheese would be Hafod and top it with some Smoked Gubeen.

What’s your all-time favourite cheese pairing?
Back to the Gorgonzola on top of a Miller’s Plum and Date toast, simple yet fabulous.

Any unusual pairings you’d recommend?
Jonathan Crump Single Gloucester accompanied with some Rogue Blood Orange & Vanilla Marmalade.

What do you love to drink with cheese?
A Pedro Ximénez Sherry, the darker and sweeter the better especially with strong cheese.

What must-have cheese kit would you recommend?
I must have a knife for each cheese, there’s nothing worse than having to wait your turn to share the cheese knife while someone else is using it and you just watching them dig in.

Also, I don’t like to muddy the cheeseboard so a knife for each keeps things crossing over. It must be on a dedicated board, not a plate unless it’s already been sliced up ready to nibble. Basically, always use your best kit even if it’s just a Wednesday night TV treat on your own. Having an artisan cheeseboard is an occasion in itself to be celebrated.

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