Tried and tested: The best Christmas cheeseboards
THE best cheeseboards this Christmas.
Forman & Field two Christmas cheeses
2kg, serves up to 20, £49.95 (0203 601 5464, www.formanandfield.com)
There’s a fine Colston Bassett Stilton but a very disappointing Montgomery Cheddar. This is a favourite of mine from years ago, so I know how it should taste, but this has no flavour and a very crumbly texture. An underwhelming effort. 6/10
Morrisons Strong and Tasty Cheeseboard Selection
465g, £6
You get a broad range of good cheeses in this pleasant-looking pack: a Camembert, West Country Cheddar, Red Leicester and vintage Dutch Gouda. It’s well priced, too. 7/10
The best Christmas cheeseboards
Tesco Finest British Cheeseboard
700g, £15
It’s nice to see such a great selection of quality British cheeses. There’s cave-aged Cheddar, a log of ash-coated goat’s cheese, a mature Stilton, farmhouse Red Leicester and Cornish Brie – and they all taste really good. You also get a nice acacia-wood board into the bargain. 8/10
M&S Speciality Cheese Selection on Acacia Wood Board
610g, £25
A sophisticated selection on a smooth wooden board, you get what you pay for in this well-balanced line-up of goat’s cheese, Stilton, a lovely Keen’s Cheddar and manchego. 8/10
Co-op Truly Irresistible Cheese Selection
500g, £8
Unpasteurised Brie, one of five cheeses here, is a nice, novel touch, while the Edam and Red Leicester are smooth and full-flavoured. The Cheddar is pretty good, too, while the Bleu d’Auvergne has an excellent character and texture. 9/10