Cheese And Quince: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Quince paste, also known as quince cheese, is a sweet, thick, sliceable firm paste made from quince. It is usually sold in squares and served by cutting it into thin slices to accompany cheese. It is often served on crackers, spread on toast or sandwiches, or served with breakfast. In Spain, it is traditionally served with Manchego cheese, a nutty-flavoured Spanish cheese. However, quince paste can also be paired with other cheeses such as brie, camembert, sharp cheddar, and feta. When creating a cheese board with quince paste, it is recommended to include a variety of textures and flavours, such as hard and soft cheeses, and to add other elements like nuts, fresh fruit, bread, and crackers.

Manchego, a nutty-flavoured Spanish cheese

Quince paste is a delightful addition to any cheese board, and Manchego, a nutty-flavoured Spanish cheese, is the perfect pairing. This combination is a classic, with Manchego being considered the original quince pairing. The salty, nutty flavour of Manchego complements the sweet and tart quince paste, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalise your taste buds.

Manchego, or "Queso Manchego" in Spanish, is a semi-hard cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain. It is produced from the milk of Manchega sheep, which graze on the natural grasses, herbs, and vegetation of the region, imparting a unique flavour and texture. The cheese has a distinctive herringbone rind and a sweet, nutty flavour with hints of fruit and zesty piquancy. The texture of Manchego ranges from firm and compact to buttery, and it is aged between 60 days to 2 years, with the flavours intensifying as it matures.

When creating a cheese board with quince paste and Manchego, it's essential to include a mix of textures and flavours. In addition to the quince paste and Manchego, you could add a soft cheese such as creamy Brie or Camembert, which also pair beautifully with quince. Include some crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread.

Manchego is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various dishes beyond the cheese board. It is commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and as a pizza topping. For a classic Spanish experience, pair your Manchego with a glass of Rioja or Tempranillo wine. If you're feeling creative, try incorporating Manchego into recipes such as a grilled cheese sandwich with Serrano ham, a mushroom risotto, or a sweet and savoury fig tart.

Remember, when shopping for Manchego, look for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label, which guarantees that the cheese meets specific standards and is produced in designated regions of Spain. With its rich history, distinctive flavour, and versatility, Manchego is a beloved cheese that deserves a place on your next cheese board, especially when paired with the delightful sweetness of quince paste.

Parmigiano Reggiano, a crumbly hard cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, dry cheese made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk. It has a hard, pale-golden rind and a straw-coloured interior with a rich, sharp flavour. When serving it with quince paste, it is recommended to serve a chunk of the cheese to crumble off and top the quince paste or cut it into squares for bite-sized portions. It is also delicious when melted with quince paste and poured over a wheel of triple cream brie and served topped with toasted walnuts.

Parmigiano Reggiano is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be grated and added to pasta dishes, melted into a sauce, or shaved over a salad. It has a strong flavour that can enhance the taste of many dishes. The cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

When creating a cheese board, it is a good idea to include a variety of textures and flavours. Quince paste is soft and spreadable, so pairing it with a harder cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano can create an interesting contrast. The sharp, salty flavour of Parmigiano Reggiano can also balance the sweetness of the quince paste. To further enhance the flavour profile of your cheese board, consider adding some nuts, fresh fruit, bread, and crackers.

In addition to quince paste, Parmigiano Reggiano pairs well with other sweet and savoury items. For a sweet option, try drizzling melted quince paste over a pavlova or adding a teaspoon to the centre of a mini chocolate tart. On the savoury side, Parmigiano Reggiano can be paired with belly bacon and quince paste in a puff pastry tart or added to chicken marylands with fresh herbs and stock for a delicious casserole.

Sharp cheddar, especially a white aged cheddar

When creating a cheese board with quince paste, it is a good idea to include a mix of textures and flavours. Quince paste itself is soft and spreadable, so including some hard cheeses like a nice aged cheddar can provide a nice contrast. The sharpness and tanginess of cheddar complement the sweet notes of quince paste, creating a delightful combination of flavours.

Aged cheddars, especially white ones, offer a more intense flavour that stands up well to the sweetness of the quince. The ageing process adds a depth of flavour and a bit of a kick that goes perfectly with the quince. The white variety often has a sharper, more pronounced flavour that can enhance the overall taste experience.

In addition to the cheese selection, consider adding some crackers, nuts, fresh fruit, and bread to your cheese board. These elements will provide different textures and flavours that will enhance the overall enjoyment of the quince paste and cheese pairing. You can also try grilling or frying the cheese to create a warm and gooey contrast to the sweet quince.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to pair with quince paste, a sharp, white aged cheddar is an excellent choice. Its sharpness and tang will beautifully offset the sweetness of the quince, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Aged Comte, which gets stronger with age

Aged Comte is a French cheese that pairs well with quince paste. It is a hard cheese that gets stronger with age. The longer it is aged, the stronger its flavour becomes. Comte is typically aged for at least 18 months, with some varieties aged for 24, 30, or even 36 months. The longer the ageing process, the stronger the flavour and the more pronounced the texture.

Aged Comte has a rich, nutty, and fruity flavour profile. The ageing process encourages the formation of crunchy Tyrosine crystals, adding an extra texture dimension to the cheese. The cheese also develops a dry, dusty rind that protects its crumbly paste.

When selecting an Aged Comte to pair with quince paste, opt for a cheese that has been aged for at least 24 months. This will ensure a strong flavour that can stand up to the sweetness of the quince paste. The longer ageing time also encourages the formation of more cheese crystals, adding an interesting texture contrast to the soft, spreadable quince paste.

To store your Aged Comte, keep it in a cool, humid environment, such as a cellar or the salad drawer of your refrigerator. Allow the cheese to breathe, but avoid letting it dry out too quickly. It is best to serve the cheese at room temperature, so remove it from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow it to come to the ideal temperature.

When creating a cheese board with Aged Comte and quince paste, consider including a variety of textures and flavours. Pair the hard, aged Comte with some softer cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert. Add some fresh fruit, nuts, and crackers to round out your selection.

Tomme de Brebis, a semi-soft sheep's milk cheese

Tomme de Brebis is a semi-soft or semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk. It is a traditional, unpasteurised cheese from the French Pyrenees Mountain range, where it is known as the shepherd's cheese of choice. The cheese is aged to allow it to develop a more complex flavour and a distinct personality. The interior is smooth, with a mild, rich, lactic, lightly salted flavour and hints of caramel and almond. It has a natural rind and an ivory-coloured body that is firm but smooth.

When creating a cheeseboard, it is a good idea to include a variety of textures and flavours. Quince paste is soft and spreadable, so including a few soft and a few hard cheeses will provide a nice contrast. Tomme de Brebis is a good option if you're looking for something that isn't spreadable but is softer in texture. Its smooth, mild flavour won't overpower the quince paste, and its subtle nutty undertones will complement the sweetness of the paste.

To enhance your Tomme de Brebis and quince paste experience, consider adding some fruity accompaniments. Fresh or dried fruits such as grapes, apples, or figs will balance the creaminess of the cheese with a touch of natural sweetness. You could also pair it with medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Syrah, or dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

If you're looking for a cheese to pair with quince paste, Tomme de Brebis is an excellent choice. Its unique characteristics and versatility make it a delightful addition to any cheeseboard.

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