Let's Hear It For The Chutney Makers, And One In Particular

“I’m not sure if it’s ok to say this ... but I really like chutney with my cheese”

Its said nervously. Apologetically. And I’ve heard it more than a few times. Surely the Great Monger- the keeper-of-the-flame-of-cheese-purity - will be offended by such heresy! Far from it, though - so for the avoidance of doubt, let me just state that for as long as I can remember I’ve been enjoying all sorts of chutneys and pickles with my cheese.

For The Cheese Shed - ferreting out all those great cheeses made in tiny dairies across the region - it was natural to look for the equivalent in the world of preserves. And sometimes you don’t have to look for them: they come to you. And that’s what happened a couple of years ago when the bubbly, enthusiastic figure of Clare Gault appeared at our door.

From a career built around boats and ships, Clare had recently gone through a sea-change which had led to her washing up on the shores of Bovey Tracey. A passionate cook, she’d put herself through the course at the Ashburton Chef’s Academy, gaining a professional culinary diploma (with distinction). In the process she fell in love with Devon and Dartmoor. Soon the fledgling Clare’s Preserves was born, and not long after that she was winning handfuls of awards for her pickles, chutneys and marmalades.

Clare is about quality and provenance all the way. The ingredients are the starting point and she sources these from trusted local suppliers wherever possible - honey from Dartmoor beekeepers, damsons from Parke - just a mile from her kitchen, gin (for one of her marmalades) from Exmoor, cider vinegar from Barnstaple. And everything is made the old way, in open pans - wooden spoons and all.

We love the results - and in particular we love what great preserves like hers do for our cheeses. Try her Beetroot & Orange chutney with a ripe brie, or the Smoky Tomato Relish with a strong cheddar, and I dare you to disagree.

***Special Offer! Get Your FREE Jar of Clare's Preserves***

And as a special treat, if you place any order worth more than £25 (before delivery), you can claim a free jar of Clare’s Preserves. Your order must be placed before the end of October 16th 2016.