5 cheese pairing ideas with Heather Copley, Farmer Copleys

What’s on your dream cheeseboard?
The starters and Cheeseboard are more than often my favourite elements of the meal, they are also very social, sharing and chatting about the cheeses, and to think when I was younger I didn’t like cheese at all, I only ate Primula on Tuc crackers!!!! How times have changed, for the better obviously.

Cheeseboards in the Copley Farmhouse always include Baron Bigod, I absolutely adore it as do all our friends now, so delightful it never disappoints. The blue cheese of choice has to be Yorkshire Blue from our friends at Shepherds Purse the sweet buttery texture and soft blue veining is so moreish, and the flavour just deepens if any is left in the fridge, although I must say that’s rare.

Having my roots in Dorset, I do enjoy a quality Cheddar and there is no better than Pitchfork Cheddar, it is quality from start to finish, with its natural rind, firm texture and tangy finish, any left over bits are sure to be used to pimp a cottage pie by adding it grated to the top, a real mid-week treat.

I love trying new cheeses which is good when you’re in my line of work, one of my latest favourites is Kidderton Ash Goats Cheese, its mould ripened rind, coupled with it’s delicate ‘not too goaty’ flavour is a phase often heard around the dining table. Then I absolutely love a fresh mozzarella fresh from the farm usually whilst on our travels in sunnier climes.

What’s your all-time favourite cheese pairing?
I have two if that’s allowed? Currently I’m enjoying Pitchfork Cheddar with our homemade Pumpkin Bread, which is actually more of a sticky sweet cake, if you imagine sweet roasted pumpkin & gourds with autumn spices and tangy Cheddar – delicious.

Then and I’m planning to serve this at my big Five O birthday next year – amazing mozzarella, with sun-ripened room temperature tomatoes, basil and the best balsamic around – I know its more of a dish but its divine.

Any unusual pairings you’d recommend?
Currently, it would be our newly discovered pumpkin bread & cheddar type cheeses, slightly outside the box but so right!

What do you love to drink with cheese?
It really depends on the time of day and setting but as a rule, a daytime cheese coupled with Favola Prosecco is always a winner. As a treat I may open a bottle of Moutard, and if I’m driving I will enjoy a glass of Royal Flush Real Sparkling Tea.

What must-have cheese kit would you recommend?
I think time is the most important to allow the cheeses to get to room temperature to get the best flavour.