Sampling Fivemiletown cheeses at the Merchant Hotel, Belfast

I love cheese! There- I have said it- my secret is out! From cheddar to the humble cheese triangle, I love them all. In my opinion there is very little in life that can’t be improved by the addition of cheese!

Research suggests that cheese contains a chemical found in addictive drugs and I have to say, this may just explain why one serving is never enough.

Given my passion for cheese, you can only imagine my delight when Love Belfast asked me to represent them at Dale Farm’s celebration of their acquisition of Fivemiletown Creamery which was taking place on the roof garden of the Merchant Hotel. A drinks reception, panoramic views of Belfast, cheese tasting and cheese related advice from Masterchef 2016 winner, Jane Devonshire! What’s not to like about that?

Fivemiletown cheese has been producing award winning specialty cheese for over 100 years. They created the first Irish blue cheese, Ballyblue, and the first smoked brie in Europe, Ballyoak. They also produce speciality cheddars and soft cheeses including bries and goats cheeses. I could barely supress my excitement at getting access to some of their goodies. Off I skipped to the Merchant Hotel, having skipped lunch in preparation for a cheese frenzy!

A much welcome Bramble cocktail and some Fivemiletown cheese themed food kicked off proceedings.  Bruschetta with tomato, olives and cheese, Croque monsieurs and cream cheese doughnuts to name a few- cheese heaven!

We were then introduced to Jane Devonshire, 2016 Masterchef champion and Simon Dougan from Yellow Door.   They talked us through their food pairings to match the Fivemiletown cheeses, Ballyoak smoked soft brie, Ballybrie, soft brie, Oakwood smoked cheddar and Ballyblue soft blue brie.  Crusty baguettes, sweet cider, caramelised nuts, fruity olive oil, walnut bread, honey and pickled shallots were just some of the foods selected by Jane and Simon to complement the cheeses and I have to say, they did work beautifully, in particular the caramelised nuts.

Of all the cheeses, my firm favourite was the Oakwood and I will be stocking up on it as soon as possible!  If, like me, you are a cheese fiend, give these a try and let me know what your suggested food pairing is.

Regular readers will know that I am a devotee of the humble cheese on toast.  Both Jane and Simon shared their cheese on toast preferences with me on video and I will share these soon- Brace yourselves!