BLUE CHEESE AND HONEY

Something Magical Happens

That’s right--blue cheese and honey.

It does sound like a strange combination, and I never would have thought of putting the two together until a friend served it at a gathering (pre-COVID, of course).

There is something magical about the contrast between the pungent, tangy flavor of blue cheese and the sweet, floral taste of honey. They are the perfect balance of flavors, and they pair well with a simple cracker or a slice from a warm baguette.

To serve, place a wedge of blue cheese on a plate or cheese board, drizzle a generous amount of honey onto the cheese. I love the way it tastes served just like this, but if you like a little crunch, try a sprinkling of chopped walnuts or pecans.

We rotate in several outstanding blue cheeses at any one time, from the classic Roquefort to creamy Gorgonzola. For this combination, though, I highly recommend the milder Saint Agur blue cheese as it has a creamy texture that spreads smoothly on whatever snacking vehicle you choose. Saint Agur has always been a favorite of The Wine Country’s customers; it was one of the original cheeses we offered when we opened our store in November 1995.

Unlike the famous Roquefort, a sheep’s milk cheese dating back at least to the early 1400s, Saint Agur is a cow’s milk cheese enriched with cream, and is a relatively new cheese. Created in 1988 in the mountainous Auvergne region of central France, Saint Agur has been described as a softer and finer Roquefort.

There are several honeys you can use to drizzle over your blue cheese. Personally, I like our Honey Pacifica Raw Unfiltered Sage Honey (1 lb. $14.99) which is sweet, with a fine intensity, but does not have an overpowering honey flavor.

You can find both the cheese and honey along with many other pairing options in our food market. I’ll be happy to show you around.