Tuck into the ultimate festive pairing this Christmas

Christmas is all about traditions, and from pigs in blankets to tasty mince pies, food plays an important role in the festivities. With many of us looking forward to enjoying time spent at the dinner table with our loved ones and indulging in our favourite treats, there’s one regional tradition synonymous with Christmas that’s increasing in popularity.

The pairing of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and Christmas Fruit Cake is a firm favourite here in God’s own County throughout the year, but it’s now increasingly popular with cheese lovers across the country and beyond.

Here at Wensleydale Creamery we proudly champion this perfect pairing and have seen an increase in its popularity directly throughout our own online Deli and Visitor Centre.

Combining sweet, rich traditional fruitcake with the fresh, clean savoury notes of our award-winning Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese creates a delicious contrast and one you’ll reaching for throughout the year.  

But it’s by no means a recent phenomenon! Whilst the true origins of how and why this pairing began are unknown, it can be traced back to Yorkshire as early as 1871 in Joseph Lucas’ book ‘Studies in Nidderdale’, where a passage reads: “On Christmas Eve one Yule Cake is given to each member of the family, along with a piece of Christmas cheese. As a rule, part of it is left for Christmas morning, and eaten at the breakfast.”

Referring to Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, in the Victorian era the creamy yet crumbly Yorkshire Wensleydale was created in the summer and reached full maturity in the festive season, making it the cheese of choice to pair with a rich Christmas cake.

In the spirit of trying something new, we want to encourage everyone to try the much-loved Yorkshire pairing!

Looking to discover something new this Christmas? Wensleydale Creamery has got you covered! With delicious fruit cake from local bakeries, alongside our award-winning creamy, crumbly Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, which are both available from our online deli and Visitors Centre in Hawes. With home delivery throughout mainland UK and a Christmas pre-order service available, enjoy a true taste of Yorkshire and celebrate this regional food tradition which will remain a firm favourite on your family’s festive table for years to come!