Keen’s Cheddar wins public vote to claim People’s Cheese 2024 title

Following three rounds of tense public voting, Extra Mature Cheddar by Keen’s Cheddar in Somerset has been crowned the first ever People’s Cheese champion. 

During the live online final, broadcast on Friday 11 October, cheese lovers from all over the UK tuned in with their cheese boxes to taste, deliberate and cast their votes, before the traditional unpasteurised cheddar took the top prize.

This latest accolade for the Keen family reflects the enduring popularity of traditional artisan cheddar cheeses, coming over 127 years after production began at Moorhayes Farm in 1899.

Five generations later, under the stewardship of George Keen, the family is still making cheese with raw milk from their 250-strong herd of Friesian cows, with Keen’s Extra Mature Cheddar matured for 18 months to achieve a moist texture and full-bodied flavour, with onion notes and plenty of delicious tang.

Organised by The Real Cheese Project, People’s Cheese 2024 was created to get more people eating and talking about Britain’s artisan cheese, with this year’s ‘Heritage Edition’ focusing on territorial styles. 

All named after the locations that they originated in, this group of traditional cheeses includes Cheddar, Stilton, Red Leicester, Caerphilly, Cheshire, Double Gloucester, Lancashire, and Wensleydale, with Dunlop also featured as a Scottish heritage cheese.

Rounds 1 and 2 took place at Chiswick Cheese Market, beginning with over 40 entrants into the nine categories. Hundreds of marketgoers took part and voted for their favourites during these early rounds, ultimately selecting the four finalists; Blue Stilton by Cropwell Bishop Creamery in Nottinghamshire; Extra Mature Cheddar by Keen’s Cheddar in Somerset; Mrs Bourne’s Cheshire Cheese by Bourne's Cheshire Cheese in Cheshire; and Thelma’s Original Caerffili by Caws Cenarth in Carmarthenshire.

Friday’s virtual final was broadcast from Mrs Kirkham's Cheese in Lancashire, and presented by comedian and champion of British cheese, Marcus Brigstocke, alongside The Real Cheese Project co-founder, James Grant. 

The pair were joined by experts including Jane Quicke from Quicke’s, Lucy Cufflin from Chiswick Cheese Market, Jonathan Pearcey from The Crafty Cheese Man, and Graham Kirkham from Mrs Kirkham’s Cheese, who guided the virtual voting panel through their tasting boxes, before everyone was invited to vote for this year’s People’s Cheese champion.

In September, The Real Cheese Project also launched a special monthly subscription box, created to big up Britain’s artisan cheese community and get more people buying the good stuff. Inviting the curd curious to embark on a real cheese adventure, each Cheese Crowd box will come with a new cheese to try, a monthly cheese zine, a hand-picked pairing, a pin badge for new subscribers, and access to an online tasting to meet the cheesemaker. 

5% of all profits will go into a Real Cheese support fund, which will be donated to initiatives that protect, develop and progress real cheese in the UK.

www.therealcheeseproject.co.uk

Instagram: therealcheeseproject

That's Food and Drink and our sister site That's Christmas believe that the Cheese Crowd box would be a fantastic Christmas present for the cheese loving foodies in your life.

DIY Food Gifts: Edible Treats for Every Occasion

Gift-giving is a timeless way to express love, appreciation, and celebration. When it comes to finding the perfect present, there's something uniquely heartwarming about homemade gifts. 

In the realm of thoughtful and delightful offerings, DIY food gifts stand out as a delicious and personal choice. 

Whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, Easter, or just to show someone you care, creating edible treats can be a delightful and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of DIY food gifts suitable for every occasion.

Infused Oils and Vinegars:

Infused oils and vinegars add a genuine gourmet touch to any kitchen. Create unique flavour combinations by infusing olive oil with herbs, spices, or even citrus peels. Similarly, experiment with fruit-infused vinegars like raspberry or apple cider vinegar. Package them in elegant glass bottles, adorned with personalised labels, for a stylish and tasty gift.

Pickled Onions:

You can obtain large jars of pickling vinegar which come ready spiced, though you can add peppers to the mix to add a little extra to them. Buy small pickling onions, prepare them and place them in the jar of pickling vinegar and follow the instructions on the jar.

Homemade Spice Blends:

Elevate your loved one's culinary adventures by gifting them homemade spice blends. Create signature mixes like a versatile taco seasoning, a zesty barbecue rub, or a fragrant curry blend. Package the blends in decorative jars and include recipe suggestions to inspire their culinary creativity.

Decadent Chocolate Truffles:

Unleash your inner chocolatier and craft a batch of luxurious chocolate truffles. Experiment with various coatings such as cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut. Arrange them in a decorative box or tin, and you have a sophisticated and indulgent gift perfect for celebrations or simply as a sweet gesture.

Personalised Biscuit Mix Jars:

Layer the dry ingredients of your favourite recipe in a glass jar to create a visually appealing and convenient gift. Attach a recipe tag with instructions on how to turn the mix into delicious biscuits. This DIY food gift not only looks charming but also allows the recipient to enjoy the process of baking.

Handcrafted Flavoured Syrups:

Elevate someone's morning routine with handcrafted flavored syrups for their coffee. Experiment with vanilla, cinnamon, or fruit-infused syrups. Present them in stylish bottles, and your loved ones will appreciate the extra effort you put into making their everyday moments a little more special.

Customised Hot Chocolate Mix:

Perfect for Christmas holidays or cozy nights in, a customised hot chocolate mix is a delightful and comforting gift. Layer cocoa powder, sugar, and marshmallows in a jar, and include a note with serving suggestions. Top it off with a festive ribbon and a charming mug or set of mugs for a complete package.

Herb-Infused Honey:

Give the gift of sweetness with herb-infused honey. Combine honey with herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme for a unique and aromatic twist. Present the infused honey in elegant jars, and your loved ones can enjoy adding a touch of gourmet flair to their tea, toast, or desserts.

DIY food gifts offer a personal touch that shop-bought presents often lack. From infused oils to decadent truffles, these edible treats are not only delicious but also reflect the care and effort you put into creating them. 

The next time you're pondering the perfect gift, consider heading to the kitchen to whip up something truly special. After all, the way to someone's heart is often through their stomach.

(Image courtesy Bernadette Wurzinger from Pixabay)

Thousands Expected to Attend Taste East Devon Food Festival

Thousands of exited and eager foodies are expected to make their way to Devon to attend the Taste East Devon Food Festival this month.

East Devon is preparing for a bustling, vibrant month of September when thousands of visitors flock to to the district to join local foodies to attend a whole host of events during the Taste East Devon Food Festival (9th-24th September). 

Back for its exiting third year, the festival promises to showcase the very best that the area has on offer, with some exciting new additions and sold out events at River Cottage, Darts Farm, Coldharbour Field Kitchen and Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. 

From mouth-watering food markets and street food extravaganzas to immersive gastronomic workshops and ultimate and exclusive dining experiences, the 16-day festival really does have something for everyone.

What's the opinion of the region's well-known celebrity chef and television personality, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall? He said: “This is so much more than a traditional food festival. It's a truly unique chance for people to experience East Devon in an entirely new light. We can't wait to welcome visitors to our little corner of the South West and share all the amazing food and drink it has to offer. 

“I'm obviously pleased to be hosting the new Gut Health Revolution event at Darts Farm. It's a sold out event and I'm very much looking forward to sharing my own enthusiasm for the topic, alongside experts from the gut health industry.” 

Another key player on the East Devon food scene, Michael Caines, who is the chef and patron of Lympstone Manor, said: “This food festival takes a different format to most others, which are generally fixed in one place. 

"It provides a fantastic opportunity to visit a wide range of food, drink and hospitality businesses within the 16 days enjoying everything from wine and beer tastings to sociable feasting evenings and fine dining experiences. 

"During the festival, please do ensure you come down to Mickey's, in Exmouth, to give our delicious Taste East Devon Lunch Menu a try or why not head over to Lympstone Manor for a special Vineyard tour and wine tasting lunch with Lyme Bay?”

Ruud Jansen Venneboer, Chair of Taste East Devon and owner of Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages, says: "Last year's festival was a fantastic, huge success. It solidified the fact East Devon has an incredible food community, and it was amazing to see so many award-winning businesses join together and really put our district on the food map. 

“This year, we've popular events returning and a range of exciting new events on offer, too. It's set to be bigger and better than ever before. Whether you're a food lover, a cooking enthusiast, a resident of East Devon or a visitor to the region, we invite everyone to join us and indulge in East Devon's wonderful produce.”

Leader of East Devon District Council, Councillor Paul Arnott says: “Obviously, we're tremendously proud of our local roots. East Devon is our home, we're keen to support activities that bring people together, encourage community spirit, support the local economy and local producers.  

"Taste East Devon allows businesses with shared values to collaborate and shout about the diverse, high quality food and drink offering we have here in East Devon. Being able to celebrate the district in this way is such an incredible privilege.” 

To launch the festival, experience the City to Sea Taste Trail at Darts Farm (9th September). 

Hone your steak skills with a masterclass with Luke Vandore-McKay at High Grange (10th September). 

Indulge at a Lyme Bay Winery and Quickes Cheese Tasting (12th, 14th, 16th, 19th and 21st September). 

Start the weekend with a Cocktail Masterclass at Copperwood (16th September), followed by the Party at the Pig (17th September). Enjoy the last of the summer rays with a fabulous afternoon tea at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary (18th September). 

Eat to your heart's content with the big Taste East Devon Feast at River Cottage (22nd September). As the festival comes to a close, take the family along to Smallicombe Farm for a Farm to Fork Family Experience and Lunch (23rd September) before celebrating the festival at Taste East Devon's Party in the Vineyard at Heron Farm (24th September). Explore the full programme of events at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. 

Taste East Devon is kindly supported by founder members River Cottage, THE PIG-at Combe, Darts Farm, Mazzard Farm, Otter Brewery, Donkey Sanctuary and Lympstone Manor. Sponsors include East Devon District Council, Ashfords, East Devon Excellence, Goosemoor Foodservice, SunGift Solar and NFU Mutual (Tiverton and Honiton Agencies). 

To find the full programme of events visit the official Taste East Devon Food Festival website at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. Details of how to book each event and accommodation providers can be found on the website. To stay up-to-date you can follow @tasteeastedevon on Instagram and Facebook.  

Coming to a Show Near You: Foodie Dates Announced for Great Taste Markets 2023

Food lovers all over our nation will be able to experience an array of award-winning artisan food and drink products.

The Guild of Fine Food is absolutely thrilled to present its 2023 Great Taste Market line up to kick off the summer season.

Great Taste is the world's largest food and drink accreditation scheme where every product is judged on taste alone, the Great Taste Markets showcase a curated selection of the award-winning products, and their producers, at some of the best shows and events across the country.

From sumptuous savoury foods and exquisite confectioneries and impressive drinks, the markets promise an extraordinary, flavour-filled experience for all visitors.

The markets offer a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts from all corners of the UK to:

Experience some of the best tasting food and drink products in the whole world.

Purchase directly from the talented artisans who are behind the products.

Engage with the makers and discover how to best serve and savour their exceptional creations at home.

The confirmed dates and venues for the Great Taste Markets 2023 are:

Taste of Summer: Regent's Park, London, 14 – 18 June 2023 https://london.tastefestivals.com

Scottish Game Fair: Scone Palace, Perth, 30 June – 2 July 2023 https://www.scottishfair.com

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: Surrey, 4 – 9 July 2023 https://rb.gy/l7v1y 

RHS Flower Show: Tatton Park, Cheshire, 19 - 23 July 2023 https://rb.gy/qronb

The Game Fair: Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, 28 - 30 July 2023 https://thegamefair.org

The Big Feastival: Oxfordshire, 25 - 27 August 2023 https://thebigfeastival.com

Carfest South: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, 25 - 27 August 2023 https://carfest.org

Welsh Game Fair: Vaynol Estate, Bangor, 9 - 10 September 2023 https://www.welshgamefair.org

Malvern Autumn Show: Three Counties Show, Worcestershire, 22 - 24 September 2023 https://www.malvernautumn.co.uk

Spirit of Christmas: Olympia, London, 30 October - 5 November 2023 https://www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

Country Living Christmas Fair: Business Design Centre, London, 8 – 12 November 2023 https://www.countrylivingfair.com

Woman & Home Christmas Live: County Hall, London, 18 November 2023 https://www.womanandhomechristmas.com

Christabel Cairns, who has the enviable job ar operations & marketing director at the Guild of Fine Food, says: "This is our biggest year yet for Great Taste Markets. We will be showing Great Taste food and drink products to a potential 600,000 visitors. We really just can't wait for food and drink lovers across the country to have the chance to taste some Great Taste winners for themselves.

“The markets are a brilliant opportunity not only to try and buy award-winning products, but also to meet the makers themselves. Every product is not only delicious but has a story behind it and what better way to find out than by meeting and supporting the producers in person?”

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Great Taste Markets and experience the exceptional craftsmanship and unrivalled flavours that have earned these artisans their well-deserved Great Taste accolades.

So, exactly what is Great Taste? 

It's recognised as a stamp of excellence and actively sought out by food lovers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else. All products in the line-up for judging are blind-tasted: every product is removed from its packaging so it can't be identified, before entering a robust, layered judging process.

New for this year and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food offered 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free. 

The bursary was aimed at micro producers who have never entered Great Taste before or have a new product, which has never been entered before. The bursary panel, which consisted of Adrian Boswell, buyer at Selfridges, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, selected the 50 most eligible entries.

(These look very exciting events to look forward to!)