FOOD AND DRINK: Yorkshire Dales-based Wensleydale Creamery launch new Yorkshire Cheddar and we think it’s ‘grate’

When you think of Yorkshire cheeses, there are so many delicious varieties to choose from: Nidderdale, Wensleydale, even Yorkshire Brie. But the one that doesn’t spring to mind is Cheddar.
This summer, that all changed as Yorkshire’s leading cheesemaker brought a new cheddar to the market. Award Winning, Hawes-based Wensleydale Creamery are using local milk that is aged for up to 15 months to create this delicious addition to their range.
Here at Blog Up North, we’re big fans of anything with a Yorkshire theme, so we were excited to be invited along to a five-course tasting launch at the stylish Shears Yard in Leeds, where the Creamery would be showcasing their new Cheddar for the first time. 
Billed as having ‘a rounded multitude of flavours, with creamy, subtle sweet, nutty notes and a savoury finish, the company make a bold claim that the proof of their quality is in the tasting and – having had a sneaky taste – we can certainly vouch for that.
Introducing the Cheddar was Managing Director David Hartley, who took pride in telling us the story behind the business:
“The ‘Yorkshire’ food brand is fast gaining recognition for its world-class offering – it’s fantastic to be a part of this food movement, and we are particularly proud to be introducing Britain’s favourite cheese to our family, marking a new and exciting stage in our growth.”
Steeped in history, they use traditional methods to produce their products (which include not only Wensleydale, but yoghurt and butter too), using recipes that have been around for many, many years.
But they’re not just about the past – they take pride in creating new processes for the future and that’s what prompted them to produce their own Cheddar. Their customers have told them they’d love to see this added to the range, so they have listened.  
The cheese, he told us, ‘has a complexity of flavours that comes from the maturing process’. He then directed us to the dining area where we would be treated to a delicious menu designed and prepared by Yorkshire Chef Steph Moon. 
Here you can find copies of the recipes on the menu, so you can give them a try too. For those that are curious, here are the dishes we enjoyed:
Yorkshire Cheddar Cheese Straws, served with a Yorkshire Cheddar Melting Pot and toppings of hazelnuts, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
Yorkshire Cheddar and White Onion Soup, served with Yorkshire Cheddar Croutons (This was our favourite – it’s perfect for the cooler months that are heading our way). 
Griddled Yorkshire Cheddar and Spring Onion Cakes, served with a tomato relish.
Cod Bake with Yorkshire Cheddar Crumble Crust, served with wilted spinach and lemon.
Yorkshire Cheddar and Apple Scones, served with Yorkshire rhubarb compote, Yorkshire butter and crème fraiche.  
If you love the sound of this fantastic Yorkshire business, you can visit their Creamery in the Yorkshire Dales and support local produce: https://www.wensleydale.co.uk/visit/

Post By Blog Up North Influencer Amy Downes