Showing posts with label goat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goat. Show all posts

Thursday, 4 September 2025

George & Joseph launches delectable trio of Christmas cheese gift boxes

Artisan fromage specialist unveils limited-edition boxes of British cheese perfect for the festive season

As winter weaves its sparkling magic and seasonal spirits rise, there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas togetherness than to unwrap the magic of artisan British cheeses. 

Cue George & Joseph’s trio of festive cheese gift boxes, each offering a delicious, taste-bud-tingling experience for food lovers, party hosts and cheese curious nibblers alike.

Thoughtfully curated by Yorkshire-based artisanal cheesemonger Stephen Fleming, each festive selection provides a delectable assortment of both traditional British staple cheeses and flavourful interpretations of continental classics, all of which celebrate the finest producers from across Yorkshire and beyond.

Meet George & Joseph’s Christmas cheese gift boxes:

The Cheese Curious Selection (£30.00|Approx. 880g)

Ideal for those ready to explore the world of artisan cheese, The Cheese Curious Selection is made for the cheese lover who wants something a little different - think raw milk cheddar, fluffy softies and funky little numbers you won’t find in the supermarket. Curious? You’re in good company. The box includes;


Yoredale 250g

A crumbly, creamy cheese from the Yorkshire Dales - like a really good Wensleydale with a clean, lemony zing.

Pitchfork Cheddar 250g

A big, buttery, clothbound cheddar with savoury depth and a satisfying crunch. Proper West Country stuff.

St. Jude 100g

A little cloud of a cheese from Suffolk. Wrinkly on the outside, lactic and light on the inside. Spoonable, snackable and special.

Baby Burt 180g

Mini in size, mighty in flavour. This washed-rind softie brings gentle funk and creamy indulgence in equal measure.

Homegrown Heroes (£35.00|Approx. 900g)

Say bonjour to brilliant British cheeses inspired by European greats. From gooey soft and nutty alpine to creamy blue and citrussy goat, the Homegrown Heroes Festive Cheese Gift Box is a celebration of homegrown talent doing things their own (very tasty) way. It includes;

Little Rollright 200g 

Inspired by Vagcherin Mont d'Or, this washed-rind wonder from the Cotswolds is a spoonable sensation. Wrapped in spruce and gloriously gooey, it’s got a gentle funk and a rich, savoury core. Bake it and scoop it up with festive flair, it’s a dreamy soft cheese that gives good hugs.

Bidlea Blue 250g

Think Spain’s Picos de Europa but from the heart of Cheshire. This creamy blue brings bold salty tang and earthy depths, balanced with a luscious texture. Made with milk from Bidlea’s own herd, it’s a standout on any cheeseboard - especially with a drizzle of honey or a sip of sweet sherry.

Summer Field 250g

Yorkshire’s answer to Comté, this Alpine-style stunner is made on the North York Moors with organic milk from a small herd of Dairy Shorthorns. Expect nutty sweetness, grassy undertones and a satisfyingly savoury finish. It's like hiking through the Alps - if the Alps had more tea and cake and northern soul.

Dorstone 200g 

A British goat’s cheese that channels the elegance of French lactic styles. Coated in ash and aged to perfection, Dorstone is light, citrusy and delightfully moreish. Like Sainte-Maure de Touraine’s younger, sassier cousin who wears Doc Martens to the vineyard.

The Proper Christmas Cheeseboard (£40.00|Approx. 1kg)

The ultimate festive line-up featuring traditional British classics perfect for any Christmas table. Think big flavours, big names and guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Bring out the crackers (and the port) because The Proper Christmas Cheeseboard means business.

Baron Bigod 250g

A British Brie-style soft cheese with a buttery middle and mushroomy edge. Luxurious and ready to impress.

Colston Bassett Stilton 250g

The king of blues - creamy, mellow and perfectly balanced. This is Stilton at its finest.

Quicke’s Mature Cheddar 250g

Rich, crumbly and deeply savoury. Clothbound and aged for over a year, it’s a proper slice of Devon.

Kirkham’s Lancashire 250g

Bright, buttery and beautifully crumbly. The last of its kind and a total cheesemonger’s favourite.

Whether gracing your own Christmas cheeseboard or being gifted to the curd nerd in your life, the George & Joseph Christmas cheese gift boxes promise to deliver seasonal joy, one slice at a time. 

The ultimate stocking stuffer, hostess gift or centrepiece for your Christmas table, each box is available to order from 1 September at www.georgeandjoseph.co.uk. The boxes are limited in availability and customers can choose to either pick up their order in-store, have it delivered locally for a small charge or nationwide with DPD on a date that suits them.

George & Joseph Cheesemongers in Chapel Allerton has been proudly championing Yorkshire producers since opening in 2013, and stocks a wide range of artisan cheeses from across the region and beyond. 

Sunday, 15 December 2024

Choosing Goat’s Cheese for Christmas: A Festive Guide

Goat’s cheese, with its creamy texture and distinctive tang, is a wonderful addition to the Christmas table. 

Whether you’re planning a show-stopping cheeseboard, crafting elegant appetisers, or enhancing festive dishes, goat’s cheese offers versatility and sophistication. 

But with so many varieties available, how do you choose the perfect one for your Christmas celebrations?

Why Choose Goat’s Cheese for Christmas?

Goat’s cheese is a lighter alternative to some of the richer cheeses traditionally served during the festive season, such as Stilton or brie. 

Its fresh, tangy flavour complements a wide range of foods, from sweet fruits to savoury nuts, making it ideal for festive pairings. It’s also a great option for guests who might prefer something less heavy after a big Christmas meal.

Types of Goat’s Cheese to Consider

Fresh Goat’s Cheese (Chèvre)

Soft and creamy with a mild tang, fresh goat’s cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.

Look for logs or small rounds, which are easy to serve and often come coated in herbs, ash, or spices for added flavour.

Ideal for making canapés: spread on crostini and top with honey, walnuts, or roasted red peppers.

Aged Goat’s Cheese

Firmer and more intense in flavour, aged goat’s cheese develops nutty and earthy notes.

Varieties like Crottin de Chavignol or Garrotxa are excellent choices for adding depth to your cheeseboard.

Pair with a robust red wine or spiced chutney for a festive treat.

Soft-Ripened Goat’s Cheese

Similar to brie or camembert, these cheeses have a bloomy rind and a gooey interior.

Varieties like Sainte-Maure de Touraine or a goat’s milk camembert are decadent additions to your Christmas spread.

Serve warm with crusty bread and cranberry sauce for a luxurious starter.

Flavoured Goat’s Cheese

Infused with herbs, garlic, or truffle, flavoured goat’s cheese can bring a festive twist to your table.

These cheeses work well in recipes or as a standout feature on a cheeseboard.

How to Serve Goat’s Cheese at Christmas

The Cheeseboard

Include a mix of textures and flavours: pair fresh goat’s cheese with aged and soft-ripened varieties.

Add accompaniments like figs, dried apricots, honey, nuts, and crusty bread to complement the cheese.

Arrange cheeses at room temperature to bring out their full flavour.

Festive Recipes

Goat’s Cheese Tartlets: Fill pastry shells with goat’s cheese and caramelised onions for a simple yet elegant appetiser.

Stuffed Dates: Pit dates and fill them with goat’s cheese, then drizzle with honey for a sweet-and-savoury treat.

Salads: Crumble goat’s cheese over a winter salad with roasted beetroot, candied walnuts, and a balsamic glaze.

Baked Goat’s Cheese

Bake a whole round of soft-ripened goat’s cheese and serve with crackers, chutney, and a drizzle of honey.

Add rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.

Tips for Choosing the Best Goat’s Cheese

Consider Your Guests: Choose a variety of mild and strong cheeses to cater to different tastes.

Visit a Cheesemonger: For the best selection, seek advice from a local cheesemonger who can recommend seasonal and artisan options.

Check the Origin: French, Spanish, and British goat’s cheeses each offer unique characteristics—try a mix to showcase different styles.

Storage: Store goat’s cheese in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

A Goat’s Cheese Christmas Tradition

Incorporating goat’s cheese into your Christmas festivities is a way to elevate your table with something both traditional and unique. Its versatility ensures it will be a hit, whether served simply or as part of a more elaborate dish.

This Christmas, let goat’s cheese take centre stage and delight your guests with its creamy textures and festive flavours. After all, no Christmas celebration is complete without a cheese course to savour and share!