Exmoor: Like Dartmoor, but Then Again, Not.
 Strange but true. Here I am, born and bred in south Devon, but I've never been to Exmoor, even though it's only an hour-and-a-half up the road. Never, that is, until a few weeks ago, when Susie and I took the Figaro up there for a weekend (here's two of us in the Valley of the Rocks, to prove it).
What I discovered is that Exmoor is not a slightly pointless smaller version of Dartmoor, but has a really distinctive character of its own. Dartmoor has a huge wilderness plateau, but the smaller moor is criss-crossed by beautiful steep-sided wooded valleys (ideal for hiding a Doone clan). And it has a coast. Quite some coast too, with truly vertiginous cliffs: take the toll road West of Lynton and you'll see what I mean (pray you don't meet anyone coming the other way, and don't look down ...).
We stayed at North Wheddon Farm where we were very well looked after by Rachael. Tucked into a fold in the hills, it's located right in the middle of the moor and really comfortable! We'd also thoroughly recommend the Tongdam Thai Restuarant in Dulverton (of all places).
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Exmoor Blue Cheese: When Ian met Ian
 This prompted me to check out Exmoor's own cheesemaker, Ian Arnett (left, in hairnet - I'm also in a hairnet, but fortunately behind the camera). Exmoor Blue Cheese is based just to the SE of the moor, betwen the Brendon and Quantock Hills. We've always stocked their big seller Exmoor Jersey Blue, and also Partridge Blue - both quite moist, quite easy-going. I felt it was time to look at the rest of the range.
In a fascinating couple of hours, the conversation took in his becoming a cheesemaker (by accident), his attitude to the supermarkets (he won't sell to them), and the joy (and occasionally pain) of working with such a mysterious product! I got a real insight into what makes him tick.
Their cheeses are mainly blue, with a couple of exceptions. The ones we're adding are Somerset Blue (harder, stronger), Quantock Blue (ewes' milk) and Brendon Blue (goat). Based on the ones I tried, I'd say these are for people who like a strong cheese. And it was clear that what Ian is really excited about is a good strongly-flavoured cheese, with Somerset Blue his favourite.
There's also a mild-ish, non-blue goats cheese called the Brendon Baby.
Special Offer!
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Sheer Indulgence for your Mum!
Mothers' Day is coming up - it's the 22nd of March. Of course, you know that! Of course you do. Cheese Shed customers aren't the sort of people that would forget their Mums. They're just not.
Extensive research (I asked someone in the checkout queue at the Co-op) has now established beyind doubt that women as well as men enjoy cheese. Hence this Mothers' Day Box, with an emphasis on Sheer Indulgence!
We're including a cute 200g Godminster Cheddar and some Fine Cheese crackers. Very nice too. The indulgence continues with a selection of delicious handmade truffles from Brownes Chocolates - based just up the road from us in the tiny Dartmoor hamlet of Throwleigh.
But the really exciting item here may be the cheese hidden in that little wooden tub. Last summer I did a bit of judging in a cheese competition, alongside one of the country's leading experts. One of the cheeses she positively raved about was this one, from Neustift Cheese, based in Wiltshire. Trying it, I could see why: it's the fluffiest, softest cheese imaginable, almost like a mousse, divinely flavoured with lemon and lavender, would you believe. It's amazing.
All packed in the Cheese Shed's own Posh Box, of course.
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Chelwood Ash and Tillerton: Special Offer
 Last month I talked a little about visiting Dave Johnson of Norsworthy Dairy Goats, and mentioned that he now produces some soft goats' cheese logs. And here they are: Chelwood Ash (left) with the black/grey coating of ash, and Tillerton, with its downy white rind.
Special Offer!
Another cheese bargain: buy one of these in March and you'll find that 50% of the price is magically deducted!
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Behold the Finger of Alan
 Our rather stylish Eighty-Eight cheese cake received a lot of attention after its debut on the site a month or so ago. It represented us in The Independent's "Ten Best Food Websites" feature, then went on to star on the Alan Titchmarsh Show alongside the cast of Riverdance and the rather odious Kelvin McKenzie. Cake designer Annie and husband / minder Doug had a very jolly time at Televison Centre!
Photographic evidence enclosed of Alan and 88 provided. Alan is the one on the right.
Competition!
What is Alan saying as he points at this gorgeous cheesey creation? A free Cheese Shed Selection goes to the person who comes up with the best suggestion. Closes at midnight on 31 March.
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