AMONG some culinary big hitters recommended in our pre-Christmas Cookbook faves of the year a delicious historical account of native cheeses stood out.
Now Ned Palmer, author of ‘A Cheesemongers History to the British Isles’, is hosting – what else? – a cheese tasting at Altrincham’s New Market Dairy on Friday, February 28. If his presentation is as good as his prose it will be a true treat.
After devouring Ned’s description of his favourite Gorwydd Caerphilly, created by a friend in 1990, we scoured the North of England for a sample: “Its grey rind ripens the cheese from the outside in, breaking its firm dry texture down into something almost liquid and softening the bright citric acidity of the young cheese into a rich, cabbage creaminess”.
A range of the UK’s finest artisanal raw cheeses will be paired with wines from Reserve Didsbury and Blackjack brewery at Shack Coffee, part of Altrincham Market Hall… and some unique insights from cheesemonger Ned/
Along the way you’ll learn the craft and culture of cheesemaking from the eccentric and engaging characters who have revived and reinvented farmhouse and artisan traditions across the country. You’ll also get to know the major cheese styles – the blues, washed rinds, semi-softs and, unique to the British Isles, the territorials and discover how best to enjoy them.
Tickets are priced at £25 per person and must be booked in advance as places are limited, they can be purchased through Eventbrite.
It’s the latest event from New Market Dairy, created by Martin Gott, maker of the legendary St James Cheese (above). Please note that many of the cheeses served by New Market Dairy are not suitable for vegetarians and are made with raw milk. Over-18s only as alcohol is served.
