While we may be staying safe at home during lockdown, there’s no reason not to celebrate Christmas in July from the comfort of your own couch! There’s plenty of great online events to virtually attend, or a trusty zoom call with your (virtually) nearest and dearest. We’ve been keeping those winter blues away with some good conversations, a laugh, wine and of course delicious cheese. That’s where the new cheese delivery service 14 Days of Cheese comes in!
Created by Maria Crews and Nick Burgess – the team behind Australia’s biggest cheese festival, Bon Fromage – 14 Days of Cheese is a curated collection of cheese packs from some of their favourite makers and producers from Australia and Europe. Born out of necessity due to the shutdown of their event business, Maria and Nick were able to pivot their business within 48 hours, and bring some cheesy goodness to Melbourne.
“Everyone is feeling the effects of isolation and the onset of winter, so we wanted to create a pack that would ignite joy and happiness in these challenging times.” says co-founder of 14 Days of Cheese, Maria Crews.
In putting together the limited edition ‘Xmas in July’ collection, the team at 14 Days of Cheese looked for cheeses and treats that reminded them of Christmas. Mince pies were a given along with the most decadent cheeses they could think of including the melt in your mouth Brillat Savarin Affine selected by cheese legend Will Studd (a triple cream cows milk cheese), Le Jack (a creamy soft goats cheese) and Woombye Cheese Company’s Blackall Gold Washed Rind (a creamy soft cheese).
The sweeter side of Christmas is represented by handmade dark chocolate dipped orange slices from local baker Bizzarri Dolci, along with chocolate coated panforte from Sienna, Italy. There’s also super fancy (and gluten-free) crispbread to spoon your cheese onto from Oliver Lane. There’s also mini hand made mince pies (also gluten free) from local producer Oliver Lane and artisan duck and cherry pâté by City Larder, where the cherries are soaked in brandy before being made into a jelly on top of the pate.
It’s not Christmas without some delicious drinks either, which is why you can also pickup some perfectly paired beverages to sip on. Think French Champagne with French cheese, craft gin and tonics with matched cheese or imported French cider packs.
It’s the taste of Christmas delivered to you or your loved ones homes – the perfect ‘pick me up’ whilst in isolation. Happy Cheesemas Melbourne!
14 days of cheese – Xmas in July contains:
– City Larder Duck and Cherry Pâté
– Brillat-Savarin Affine selected by Will Studd 200g
– Yarra Valley Dairy, Le Jack 110g
– Woombye Cheese Company, Blackall gold washed rind, 200g
– Bizzarri Dolci Choc dipped oranges, 90g
– Oliver Lane, mini minced pies x 5
– Simon Johnson Chocolate Coated Gold Almonds
– Simon Johnson Chocolate Coated Panforte
– Oliver Lane Crispbread
