Sharpham Dairy's Christmas Cheeseboards will delight your Christmas guests

Sharpham Dairy has got the makings of the perfect Christmas cheeseboards for you!

The oozy crowd-pleaser - Sharpham Camembert - £6.50 / 280g

It's a moist, soft, creamy, surface-ripened cows' milk cheese, Camembert is made in individual rounds which makes it perfect for baking. When heated, Sharpham Camembert becomes yielding, oozing and is perfect for dipping.

Sharpham Camembert is a unique combination of traditional Normandy methods and singular South Devon terroir. It's inspired by the much-loved French classic, but it is very much its own cheese.

The talking point cheese - Sharpham Rushmore £5.50 / 230g

Known as 'the mistake cheese', Sharpham Rushmore was serendipitously created when their farmer accidentally poured goat's milk into the same tank as some cow's milk. Determined to avoid any waste of milk, the cheesemakers continued to craft cheese with the mixed milk to see how it would taste. Delighted with their creation, the cheese went on to win the hearts of guests at a food show, before becoming an instant hit.

Rushmore is rich and creamy with a subtle floral sweetness and a lingering finish.

The highly decorated famous cheese - Sharpham Cremet £14.85 / 480g

Cremet was awarded the heralded 3-stars in the Great Taste Awards, putting them in the top 2% of the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet. Handcrafted from goat's milk and cow's double cream, judges said the cheese was 'exquisite' and 'extraordinary' in blind taste tests. 

With nothing else like it produced in the UK, Sharpham's Cremet has a subtle, fresh and creamy flavour, with a mousse like texture when young, deepening to a full, rich flavour with earthy undertones when ripe. 

The new accompaniment - Sharpham Dairy Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam £4.50 / 230g

Introducing the new Sharpham Dairy Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam to adds a welcome kick to warming wintery flavours.

Perfectly balanced, it packs a punch with heat and sweetness in one delicious package. It's the perfect accompaniment with Christmas gammon, cold cuts or the all-important festive cheeseboard.

Top Tips from the Big Cheese - Greg Parsons

Greg believes there's no right or wrong way to building the ultimate cheeseboard – it's all about preference. Here are top tips for making cheese selections over Christmas.

How to pair wine and cheese

It's a good rule of thumb to pair cheese and wines with equal intensity. Generally, creamy soft cheeses pair beautifully with sparkling wines. If you're going for a cheese with a delicate character, avoid overpowering it with a full bodied red wine.

As you venture into the realm of complex aged cheeses, look for bold or fortified wines to match them with. It's also true what they say, what grows together, goes together. For example, Sharpham Wine and Cheese are made along the River Dart and the terroir shapes products that pair exceptionally well together.  

How much cheese to serve?

If you plan to serve cheese as part of a meal, a typical recommendation is to provide 80g per person. However, over the Christmas period, guests may wish to savour the cheeseboard with drinks, so consider increasing the amount to 150g per person. 

What cheeses to go for?

Opting for a variety of textures and characters is a guaranteed way to please everyone. A classic choice includes a blue cheese, a soft cheese, a semi-hard cheese, a cheddar and a goat's cheese.

Sharpham Dairy has gathered up some of the most popular cheeses in the 'Essential Devon Cheese Board' - £30. Includes the Devon classics; Sharpham Brie, Sharpham Rustic, Sharpham Ticklemore Goat, Quicke's Mature Cheddar and Ticklemore Devon Blue.

Top pairings for the Christmas season

Greg says, “I love the delicate floral notes of our Sharpham Rushmore paired with a light-bodied, aromatic white such as a sauvignon blanc.

“Christmas is a time for popping open the bubbly, which I would pair with one of my favourites – our brie. A good brie is a Christmas cheeseboard essential. I'd also pair our Sharpham Brie with something with a little acidity like apple or plums.”

Final tips:

Once cheese has been cut into, it's best eaten within a couple of weeks. (That's Christmas notes that the life of our cheeses once open is often measured in days or even hours rather than weeks!)

Don't forget to take cheese out of the fridge an hour or two before serving to come up to room temperature.

Do chat to your cheesemonger - they're often a font of knowledge and eager to introduce you to new cheeses, offer tasters and help build the perfect cheeseboard.

To learn more or to buy cheeses and gift vouchers please visit https://sharphamcheese.co.uk.

Cosy Christmas Décor for Compact Spaces: Designing a Festive Apartment or flat

The Christmas seasons is galloping toward us, and it's getting to be the time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, or in this case, transform your small apartment or flat into a winter wonderland. Limited space doesn't mean you have to compromise on the Festive cheer. With a little ingenuity some creativity and a dash of festive spirit, you can create a cosy and enchanting Christmas theme that perfectly suits your compact living space. 

In this blog post, we'll share some practical tips on designing a Christmas theme for your small apartment or flat.

Plan Your Space

Before you dive into the decorations, take a moment to assess your space. Measure the areas you want to decorate, including your living room, dining area, kitchen (if you have a separate kitchen) and any nooks or corners you'd like to accentuate. This will help you avoid overloading the space and ensure your decorations fit comfortably.

Opt for a Minimalistic Approach

In a small apartment, less is often more. Choose a colour scheme that complements your existing décor to create a cohesive look. Classic Christmas colours like red, green, gold, and silver can be incorporated in small details, such as with throw pillows, table runners, and small ornaments. Consider a neutral base, like white or silver, to make your space feel more open and airy.

Choose Space-Saving Decorations

Small apartments require a creative approach to decorations. Go for slimline Christmas trees, wall-mounted or tabletop options, instead of large, floor-standing trees. Hang wreaths and garlands to make use of vertical space, and select decorations that don't take up much room, such as mini ornaments or fairy lights.

Embrace the Power of Lights

Christmas lights add a warm and magical touch to any space. Use fairy lights, string lights, and LED candles to create a cosy ambiance. Hang them along your windows, drape them on your walls, or place them in glass jars for a subtle, yet charming, effect.

DIY Ornaments and Décor

Get creative with DIY ornaments and décor. Craft your own paper snowflakes, garlands, or personalised ornaments. Not only will this add a unique and personal touch to your decorations, but it's also a fun and budget-friendly way to get into the holiday spirit. (That's Christmas has covered personalised ornaments and we'll refer back to the blogpost at the end of this post.)

Space-Conscious Tree Decorations

If you have a small tree, be selective with your ornaments. Use lightweight and smaller decorations to avoid weighing down the branches. Consider using a tree topper that won't overwhelm your tree, like a delicate star or a mini angel.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

Select furniture that serves a dual purpose. A foldable dining table can be a fantastic addition to your apartment, allowing you to host festive gatherings when it's required. Also, consider furniture with built-in storage for stashing away your decorations after the Christmas and New Year period is oved.

Festive Table Setting

Create a festive table setting with holiday-themed dinnerware, napkins, and placemats. Utilise candles (real or electric)  small centrepieces, and personalised name cards to make your dining area feel extra special.

Incorporate Seasonal Scents

Enhance the holiday ambiance by introducing seasonal scents. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or potpourri with cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread fragrances will make your apartment feel even more festive. But do be cautious as some guests might be allergic to some scents.

Personal Touch

Lastly, add your personal touch to your Christmas theme. Display cherished family ornaments or mementos, and don't forget to hang stockings for Santa's visit!

Designing a Christmas theme for a small apartment or flat can be a delightful and creative endeavour. By planning your space, embracing a minimalistic approach, utilizing space-saving decorations, and adding your personal touch, you can create a coy and festive atmosphere that makes your compact living space feel like a winter wonderland. 

With the right mix of creativity and holiday spirit, you'll be ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style, no matter how small your space may be.

We feel that you will find these links to previous blogposts on That's Christmas to help you make your apartment or flat feel really Christmassy:-

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/10/11-unique-and-budget-friendly-christmas.html

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-not-try-crafting-for-christmas.html

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Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' Is a Christmas Season Essential

Rich, luxuriously thick and golden, Trewithen Dairy's award-winning 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is the only accompaniment to enjoy with those festive treats this Christmas. 

Whether it's the crowning glory of a warm mince pie, slathered shamelessly on a Christmas pudding, or used as an ingredient in sweet or savoury cooked dishes to add an unmistakable lushness, no dish is complete without a pot of Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream'.

Made using methods that have been handed down for generations, Trewithen Dairy produces the most delicious 'Cornish Clotted Cream' using high-quality Cornish milk from well-cared-for cows that are raised and grazed on Cornwall's lush pastures. 

Deep river valleys and undulating land create a unique grass-growing landscape for dairy farming, resulting in the delicious flavour of the milk. This flavour is achieved through a perfect balance of butterfat and protein.

Their holistic approach to 'the perfect blend', is achieved from the rich diversity of herds, and working with a close network of farming families who share the same ethical and responsible practices. It's this combination that contributes to the taste and overall quality. Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is registered as a Protected Designation of Origin product meaning it has received official recognition for its unique characteristics, production methods, and geographical origin. 

It's also really easy to cook with clotted cream and there's a fine selection of inspiring festive recipes here such as a no-churn Christmas Pudding Ice cream, Creamy Brussel Sprout Gratin, Tipsy Trifles and a Festive Meringue Wreath. 

Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is available in 200g direct from select Asda, Co-op and Spar stores throughout the South West, via Ocado.com, and from November, it will be on the shelves in Tesco. RRP £2.45.

Look out for Trewithen Dairy's '12 Days of Christmas' festive recipe selection across Instagram and Facebook in the run-up to Christmas for further seasonal inspiration. 

Trewithen Dairy reveals a sense of great pride to be a sponsor of the Guild of Food Writers' Awards 2023.

Trewithen Dairy has been recognised as a champion food producer of the West Country, and most recently awarded Gold by the Taste of the West judging panel for 2023, for both their salted butter and traditional 'Cornish Clotted Cream'. 

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk

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