Cheese And Fruit Cake: A Perfect Pairing

Fruit cake and cheese is a classic combination in Lancashire and Yorkshire, UK. The pairing is believed to have originated in the Victorian era and has since become a beloved tradition, especially during the festive season. The dense, sweet, and rich fruit cake is often served with a slice of fresh, zesty, and creamy cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. While some may find this duo unusual, others swear by its delicious harmony, making it a popular choice for holiday gatherings and dinner parties.

Wensleydale and fruit cake is a traditional Yorkshire combination

The Wensleydale cheese of choice is often a crumbly, zesty variety with a sharp finish and a creamy texture. This particular type of cheese is said to have a "lactic bite" that offsets the rich, dense, and fruity notes of a boozy fruitcake. The pairing is so well-loved that it has been adapted and adopted by other Northern regions, such as Lancashire, where local currant-filled eccles cakes are paired with Lancashire cheese.

The tradition of pairing fruit cake with cheese may have originated from the fact that Wensleydale was originally a winter cheese. It was made in spring and summer but wasn't mature enough to eat until Christmas, making it a natural choice to be enjoyed with Christmas cake.

While some may find the combination of fruit cake and cheese unusual, it is a perfect match of sweet and salty, and the tradition has endured and spread beyond Yorkshire. So, if you're feeling adventurous, why not give this classic Yorkshire combination a try? You may just be converted to this wonderful pairing, just like the majority of those who sampled it!

The pairing is believed to have originated in the Victorian era

The pairing of fruit cake and cheese is believed to have originated in the Victorian era, specifically in Yorkshire, England. The tradition has been traced back to this time by food historian Peter Brears, who discovered a recipe for "Yule Cake" in an 1871 book by Joseph Lucas, titled "Studies in Nidderdale". This recipe describes how to make small individual fruit cakes, given to each family member on Christmas Eve, along with a piece of Christmas cheese.

The tradition of pairing fruit cake and cheese has since spread beyond Yorkshire, with other Northern regions adopting the custom. For example, in Lancashire, the local currant-filled eccles cakes are now often paired with Lancashire cheese.

The success of this pairing lies in the contrast between the sweetness of the fruit cake and the saltiness of the cheese. A sharp, crumbly cheese with a lactic bite is often recommended to offset the rich, dense, and fruity flavours of a boozy fruit cake. Wensleydale, a cheese native to Yorkshire, is a popular choice, perhaps due to its association with Christmas.

While some may find the combination of fruit cake and cheese unusual, it is worth noting that both foods share a common history as ancient preservation methods. From the Romans to the Crusaders, dried fruit cakes were a spoil-safe option for troops on long journeys. Similarly, cheese is a preserved dairy product with a long history. Thus, the pairing of fruit cake and cheese is not only a delicious combination but also a union of two ancient preservation techniques.

Fruit cake with blue cheese, cheddar, or brie

Fruit cake and cheese is a classic combination, especially in the north of England. The pairing is believed to be traceable to the Victorian era in Yorkshire, where it is said that Christmas cakes were served with wedges of cheese. The sharp finish and crumbly texture of northern English cheeses are said to be the perfect complement to the rich, dense, and fruity notes of a boozy fruitcake.

When it comes to specific cheeses, blue cheese, cheddar, and brie are all excellent choices to pair with fruit cake. Here are some details on each:

Blue Cheese

A salty blue cheese is a recommended pairing for fruit cake. The tanginess of a blue cheese will contrast with the sweetness of the fruit cake, creating a delightful flavour combination. A blue cheese with fruity notes, such as a Stilton, can also complement any ginger or nutmeg spices in the cake.

Cheddar

A sharp, crumbly cheddar cheese is another ideal choice to accompany a fruit cake. Cheddar, particularly a mature variety, has a strong flavour that can stand up to the rich, sweet flavours of the cake. A Wensleydale cheddar is a traditional Yorkshire pairing, but other cheddars such as Lancashire can also work well.

Brie

A mellow, ripe soft cheese like brie can also be a delicious partner for a fruit cake. The creaminess of the brie will balance the cake's sweetness, creating a harmonious flavour profile. Brie's versatility means it can also pair well with other baked goods, such as biscuits.

When creating your own fruit cake and cheese pairings, consider the flavours and textures that will create a pleasing contrast, such as salty and sweet, creamy and crumbly, or tangy and rich.

A fruit cake and cheese box from The Courtyard Dairy

Fruit cake and cheese is a classic combination, and The Courtyard Dairy has the perfect box for you to try this unique pairing. Since its opening in 2012, The Courtyard Dairy has been championing small independent farmers and supplying a carefully curated range of exquisite farmhouse cheeses. Their fruit cake and cheese box is the perfect way to experience the delightful contrast of sweet and savoury, crisp and crumbly, smooth and tangy.

The Courtyard Dairy's fruit cake is a rich, crumbly, and fruity treat. It is packed with juicy sultanas, candied citrus peel, and a hint of warm spices. This cake is perfectly paired with a selection of cheeses that will complement its bold flavours. One of the cheeses included in the box is Wensleydale, a traditional English cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour. Wensleydale is a popular choice to pair with fruit cake, especially in Yorkshire, where it is considered a Christmas tradition.

In addition to Wensleydale, the cheese box includes a range of other cheeses that pair perfectly with fruit cake. One such cheese is a strong, sharp cheddar. The salty, savoury notes of cheddar provide a delightful contrast to the sweet fruit cake. Another option is a tangy blue cheese, such as Stilton. The strong, pungent flavour of blue cheese is offset by the sweetness of the fruit cake, creating a complex and intriguing flavour profile.

For those who prefer their cheeses on the softer side, a ripe brie is an excellent choice to pair with fruit cake. The creamy, buttery texture of brie provides a lovely contrast to the crumbly cake, while its mild flavour complements the rich, fruity notes. Whether you choose to enjoy your fruit cake with Wensleydale, cheddar, blue cheese, or brie, The Courtyard Dairy's fruit cake and cheese box is the perfect way to explore this unique and delicious combination.

Fruit cake with cheese and apples

When preparing this dish, it is essential to cut the fruit cake into thin slices to create a delicate base for the other ingredients. Triangular slices of Lancashire cheese are then carefully placed on top, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that beautifully complements the sweetness of the fruit cake. To enhance the flavour of the apples and prevent them from browning, they are thinly sliced and tossed in a little lemon juice.

The combination of fruit cake, cheese, and apples creates a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. The sweetness of the fruit cake, the creaminess of the cheese, and the crispness of the apples come together harmoniously. This trio is a wonderful way to elevate the classic pairing of apples and cheese, adding a touch of sweetness and richness to the palette.

For a festive party or buffet, this combination can be presented as elegant canapés. The thin slices of fruit cake, topped with cheese and apples, create a bite-sized treat that is both visually appealing and delicious. This unique twist on traditional pairings will surely impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your spread.

So, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy fruit cake, cheese, and apples, why not try them together? This unexpected combination is a delightful fusion of flavours and textures that is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you're enjoying it as a festive treat or a party canapé, fruit cake with cheese and apples is a must-try!

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