A very bold statement, but well suited for one of England’s most famous and cherished cheeses. Blue Stilton is named for the town of Stilton where the cheese was first sold in the early 18th century at an inn, advantageously located en route between London and Northern England. News spread quickly about the exceptional new blue, making the inn a very popular destination in and of itself.
Today, under Blue Stilton’s PDO status, Britain’s “King of Cheeses” can only be made by a licensed dairy in three counties: Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Notinghamshire, and solely with local milk. Prized for its smooth, honeyed, tangy richness and its striking blue veins that radiate from the cheese’s center to its rustic, natural, crinkly brown crust, England’s celebrated blue is most typically enjoyed at 10 – 12 weeks of aging. During the closely monitored maturation process each Blue Stilton wheel is individually and patiently turned and graded by hand.
Coombe Castle’s rigorous selection process ensures their Stilton Wedges represent the epitome of Blue Stilton cheese-making traditions.
Application: Blue Stilton is often a cheeseboard centerpiece, especially during the holidays, but is perfect any time of the year. Very versatile, Blue Stilton crumbles easily for salads, makes delicious dressings, adds great flavor to soups, risotto, pasta, potato and meat dishes or anything else that calls for culinary creativity. Blue Stilton is delightful served with pear, figs and walnuts.
Pairing: The most popular pairing for Blue Stilton is Port, but since Blue Stilton goes with such a wide range of wines, it is usually a win/win with anything from a favorite dessert wine to the most robust red.
Orange Honey by Il Forteto
ITALY
Product Details: #051655, 12/9 OZ
Perfect pairings
Along the lush hills of Tuscany, famed cheese producer Il Forteto creates a light, golden all-natural honey made of nectar collected from the blossoms of Italy’s orange groves. Orange Honey holds an aromatic sweet flavor with citrus notes. Its smooth taste is perfect for tea or drizzled over cheese or a warm biscuit.
For nearly 35 years Il Forteto has inspired the world with a simple philosophy of products made with, fresh natural ingredients. Producing more than 30 different cheese products, their product portfolio includes award-winning classic D.O.P. Pecorino Toscanos, and cow’s milk and mixed-milk artisanal cheeses. Forteto’s fresh pesto and delightful honeys make delicious complements to the range.