As we head into the warmer months here in Newcastle, I am constantly reminded that food is a love language. There is truly no better way to show you care than by packing a thoughtful, delicious picnic for your family and friends.
When building a grazing board for the park, my golden rule is always balance.
The Ultimate Cheese Trio
To take your palate on a proper journey, I always recommend choosing one soft, one hard, and one blue or washed rind cheese from our artisan cabinets:
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The Soft: You cannot go wrong with a decadent French triple cream like Delice de Bourgogne, or a ball of our fresh weekly Burrata. They offer that luxurious, melt-in-the-mouth texture that acts as the perfect crowd-pleaser.
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The Hard: A nutty, complex 18-month French Comté or a wedge of authentic Parmigiano. I've been obsessed with genuine Parmigiano since I was a kid, and it remains a staple for a rich, savoury bite.
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The Blue or Washed Rind: For a punch of flavour, try a creamy, sweet Gorgonzola Dolce or an earthy Taleggio. It adds that necessary funky contrast to your board without overwhelming the palate.
Charcuterie Contrasts
Your meats should offer variety in both texture and heat. Try pairing a delicate, paper-thin, sweet prosciutto with a robust, spicy Calabrian salami to keep every bite interesting.
Fresh Spring Crunch
Never forget the fresh seasonal produce. Add crisp radishes, sugar snap peas, and tart green apples to your basket. This vibrant, watery crunch is essential to cut right through the rich fats of the dairy and cured meats.
When you start with premium produce, you quickly realise that quality ingredients change everything. You do not need a complicated recipe. Just keep it simple, let the natural flavours speak for themselves, and focus on enjoying the sunshine.
Pop into the Mayfield shop this week, tell the team exactly what you are preparing and who you will be serving, and we will help you curate the perfect bespoke basket!