Canada’s best cheeses

Part 1:  Holiday entertaining, West Coast style

Jonah Benton of Vancouver’s Benton Brothers Fine Cheese makes it perfectly clear: The only rule when putting together a holiday cheese platter is that there are no rules. Mix things up, experiment and see where your palate takes you.

If you’re interested in creating a cheese platter with a distinctly West Coast flavour, cheeses like Naramata Bench Blue and Little Qualicum’s Island Brie are excellent choices. A seasonal confiture from Savoury Chef will add a bit of sweetness, and a West Coast wine like Joie’s “Dedication” Pinot Blanc will bring a slice of the Pacific to any holiday get-together.

To put together a crowd-pleasing cheese platter, play now.

Part 2:  Holiday cooking with cheese

A lot of people believe fine cheeses should be reserved for the cheese tray, but cheese expert Hugh Alter lets us know that the complex flavours of Canadian artisanal cheeses can add a whole new dimension to your favourite dish.

Baked brie is a perfect holiday treat, and the better the brie, the more impressed your guests will be. Hugh recommends Comfort Cream from the Upper Canada Cheese Company for its perfect texture and rich flavour.

A raclette is a wonderful way to come in from the cold and enjoy a meal with friends. The traditional raclette involves scraping melted cheese onto potatoes. For an easy raclette recipe anyone can make at home, click here.

For delicious holiday cheese ideas, play now.

Part 3:  The gift of cheese

Matthew Paulson of Calgary’s Blush Lane Organic Market lets us know that local cheeses and local cheese shops are what make Canada’s artisanal cheese scene great.
This holiday season give the cheese lover in your family something special. A selection of fine cheeses or a gift basket is a gift they’ll love (and be happy to share). If you’re unsure of what to buy, ask your local cheese shop vendor – they can provide a wealth of information and can speed you on your way to becoming a cheese connoisseur.

And don’t forget, next time you’re in Calgary, visit Blush Lane for great organic foods, and a wide selection of Canadian cheeses.

To take a stroll down Blush Lane, play now.

A year of great Canadian cheese stories

Thank you so much for enjoying the Pursuit of Pleasure Podcast. We hope you’ve learned a lot and, more importantly, enjoyed a lot of delicious Canadian cheeses. If you missed an episode along the way, or are looking for that perfect cheese for a special occasion, visit our archives for inspiration. Remember, there are always amazing discoveries to be made in the pursuit of fine Canadian cheeses.

– Ian Jones and the Pursuit of Pleasure Team

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