You know you’re a cheese lover when the thought of a cheese and wine hamper gives you goosebumps. The ideal gift for the foodie who has everything – this kind of hamper is sure to please! So what should go in it? We’ve put together a general guideline of what we think are great items that every good hamper needs.
Well, of course…. Cheese and Wine!
Your everyday cheese and wine hamper.
You should start with a good variety of cheeses. Creamy bries, like Baron Bigod or a mature cheddar, like Westcombe Cheddar, is always a palate pleaser. A few other suggestions for an all-rounder-cheese-pleaser would be some goats cheese like Tickelmore or a crumbly, like Cornish Yarg. If you’re all in, include some blue cheese; the blue cheese selections are fantastic. If you’re sending a hamper to an acquaintance or work colleague, and you’re not too sure of their taste’s – the above suggestions will always go down a treat.
The traditional rule of thumb when pairing cheese and wine is to choose a white wine – the combination of acidity and sweeter notes complement the cheese more, but if you’re feeling adventurous or know the recipient is a red wine lover, then go with a full-bodied red wine, like a merlot. All our cheeses have wine pairing suggestions in the about section!
Crackers and Crispbreads – The Crunch Ingredient
It wouldn’t be a hamper without some crackers! These are a great addition as they add a crunch that works beautifully with the softness of the cheese. You could keep things on the simple side with some water biscuits, or there is a vast selection of flavoured crispbreads to choose from – with herb and garlic or salt and pepper flavours, you could even select a spicy mix for the chilli lovers.
The Accompaniments – Pairings to Delight the Tastebuds
There are so many spoils you can add to your hamper – but here we list some of the most delicious combinations
- Cured meats such as prosciutto or an authentic Italian salami.
- Fruits – Fresh strawberries or dried apricots. The all-time favourite syrup of figs. A bunch of grapes is most agreeable!
- Nuts –choose pecan nuts first – secondly, walnuts or almonds.
- Condiments: Quinces, chutneys and relishes to top it all off. If you’re feeling fancy – add a delicious paté or some black olives.
- Sweet treats – Add a touch of decadence with some dark chocolate or a chocolate fudge. Those sweet lovers will be eternally grateful!
You can never go wrong with a good cheese and wine hamper. Whether it’s a gift for a person who loves indulging in their favourite foods or someone you want to give a special thank you to, a cheese and wine hamper is always an appreciated gift.
Selecting the perfect tidbits and nibbles for your hamper is fun. Still, sourcing some items can be time-consuming, especially if you’re looking for an exotic ingredient, but at Cheese Cuisine, we’ve got you covered. Our thoughtfully selected hampers and Wine & Cheese Boxes make delightful gifts that will satisfy your great aunt Mabel or the head honcho at the office.