I think I will just enjoy eating mine !

I think I will just enjoy eating mine ! ... Cheese that is !

Just recently (29 May) "hundreds of people took part in the annual cheese rolling extreme sporting event. Competitors chased a 7lb (3kg) Double Gloucester cheese wheel down the almost-vertical Coopers Hill in Brockworth, near Gloucester.

A view down Cooper's Hill, from the start point of the race to the finish (where the dog-walkers are). 

The world-famous event went ahead despite safety fears.

Matt Crolla, 28, from Manchester, won the first race. The women's race was won by Delaney Irving who was knocked unconscious as she chased the cheese.

"I'm glad I'm pretty conscious and I've not got many serious injuries," said Mr Crolla. Asked how he prepared for the race he said: "I don't think you can train for it, can you? It's just being an idiot."

Women's champion Ms Irving, 19, from Vancouver Island in Canada, said the race was "good... now that I remember it". "I remember running, then bumping my head, and then I woke up in the tent," she said. "I still don't really believe it, but it feels great."

See pictures and read more here

Double Gloucester is a traditional, full fat, hard cheese made from pasteurised or unpasteurised cow's milk. The cheese, made from the milk of once nearly extinct Old Gloucester cows, traces its origins to 1498 in the City of Gloucester.

Gloucester comes in both single and double varieties. While Single Gloucester is made from skimmed milk, Double Gloucester uses full fat milk. In addition, Double Gloucester is twice the height of Single Gloucester and more flavourful. It is also said that Double Gloucester uses the whole milk taken from two milking or a mixture of milk and cream.

The double variety has a smooth and buttery texture, rich and nutty yet mellow flavour and apricot colour thanks to the addition of annatto plant extract. Vegetarian rennet is used and the cheese is aged for at least 4 months. If the cheese is allowed to age further, it will develop more complex and nutty flavours. Moreover, the texture tends to become very hard and flaky.

Double Gloucester participates every year in the Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake where buyers jump on the cheese to evaluate its quality and sustainability. A traditional British Ale or red like Syrah will perfectly complement a Double Gloucester.

These words and more can be seen here

If you would like to use Double Gloucester cheese in a great tasting recipe, then this one may suit you ... it's a 'cheese and asparagus soufflé' ... you can find it here

This blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, music and recipes! However, not all the recipes ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan