What’s your favourite cheese?

When discussing the concept of this article it became clear there is a distinction between your favourite cheese and the cheese you simply can’t do without. Let me explain… Once I was asked what my favourite film was, it seemed easy – Bladerunner. But when it was added it would be to only film I keep and watch forever it changed instantly. My initial choice was usurped by the movie ‘Some like it hot’. I think I could easily live with that light hearted romp being the only film at my disposal, rather than the dark, melancholic sci-fi which would have been my instant choice of favourite film. It’s the same with cheese, the cheese which you couldn’t live without (cheddar anyone?) is not the same as your favourite.

I’ve obviously mentioned cheddar as it’s the single most popular cheese and I for one can’t imagine a world without it. What I would like to know is that favourite cheese which is a real treat when you eat it, and there are just so many to choose from… Rich and creamy, the soft French cheeses are dear to my heart whether it’s a brie, camembert or Reblochon. These soft cheeses just go so perfectly with a good bottle of wine and a stick of French bread. Together they are a perfect picnic ready to happen! The great British hard cheeses go beyond cheddar, with red Leicester and Double Gloucester being an excellent alternative on cheese on toast. Those wonderful crumbly cheeses like Caerphilly and Wensleydale are simply delicious and are much more versatile than people think. There are goats and sheep cheeses with a sharper flavour and a whole different taste spectrum but give a creaminess that’s hard to beat. Interesting smells abound with the likes of ‘stinking bishop’. If you have not tried it give it a go! Then we get to the granddaddies, the blue cheeses. What would Christmas be without a good Stilton on the table? Some people don’t like blue cheese, I can’t understand why. The depth of flavour is amazing whether it’s a crumbly gorgonzola or a creamy soft dolcelatte. This is where I come to my favourite. It’s a treat and I love it when I’m in the mood for a cheese blow out. Sorry Britain but I cross the channel for my star cheese, it’s Roquefort. The rich creaminess from the sheep milk marries with the intense blue flavour perfectly for me. There are so many cheeses and I have only mentioned a few, only skimming the surface of the world of cheese. Sorry if I missed yours out… Just remember to tell me your favourite in the comments below and lets hear it for cheese! Michael Robinson