Loosehanger cheeses

We were just lifting out a few things for dinner, assembling them on the worktop for later, when I saw a photo opportunity (as is my wont...)

I just thought that looked picturesque. What do you reckon?

As you can see, the star attraction here is a lovely piece of cheese - "New Forest Blue", made by Loosehanger Cheeses. We only discovered this company the other day, when we saw their stall at our local Farmers' Market. They are based in Redlynch, Hampshire, just on the Northern Edge of the New Forest, so about 50 miles from where I live in Fleet.

The first time we encountered their stall we went a bit overboard, tried most of their many cheeses and bought pieces of five different types. We liked them all very much - particularly one that is a bit like Gouda in texture but is flavoured with Cumin seeds. We don't normally like "mucked-about-with" cheeses, but this one is exceptional. Although we didn't buy any (because we considered it less versatile than many of the others) I also really liked their Nettle and Wild Garlic one, which would be fabulous with a nice pint of Bitter.

This time (October 26th) we were a bit more restrained, so we only bought three cheeses:-

This New Forest Blue, served with some sweet Digestive biscuits and a ripe pear, makes an excellent dessert.

This is the one flavoured with Cumin seeds. I'm not sure I'd describe it as having a "mild curry flavour", myself. Just Cumin. and very nice it is too! In my opinion best with something savoury, such as cold meat or pickles, perhaps a glass of dry cider...

This is White Hart, a soft cheese very much like Brie. Serve with sweet grapes, and a glass of Muscat dessert wine, I think.

It's difficult for me to praise these cheeses too highly. They really are something special. I know that when I said once before that English cheeses are as good as French cheeses these days, I was met with a degree of scepticism, but I stick by my opinion. Yes, I love many of the French cheeses (I have a Brillat-Savarin on the go at present), but English cheeses are just as good, and I really do like to support local businesses whenever I can. If you get the chance to sample their wares, perhaps at a Farmers' Market near you, I strongly recommend that you do!

[There is information about which markets Loosehanger Cheeses will be attending, on their website.]

Now, back to my cheese and pears....

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P.S. Just wanted to say that there are still lots of blogs on which I am unable to leaves comments. I know this a "security" issue, but I have not been able to determine the exact criteria for when I can and cannot leave comments. This is very frustrating since there are lots of you out there who very loyally follow my blog and often leave me comments, whilst I am unable to return the compliment. Please understand though that just because I don't (can't) comment on your blog, it doesn't mean that I don't read it. I am allegedly going to be getting a new computer next week, so maybe things will change for the better...