May 2020 saw the first edition of the Big Cheese Weekender, an online festival promoting British cheeses. The event is organized by the Academy of Cheese, an association founded to support cheesemakers and the industry.
Charles III, patron of the Specialist Cheesemakers Association and a great cheese lover, did not fail to participate in the festivities. Via Clarence House, the royal couple’s former Instagram and Twitter account, the king shared one of his favorite recipes for Sunday brunch and a specialty of his wife Camilla: eggs gratinated with cheese (British of course). A dish that is simple, easy, but above all accessible.
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While the United Kingdom was experiencing its first confinement, Charles wanted to express his support for the artisans in the sector. “British cheesemakers need our support during this time of great uncertainty, and we can all help in the simplest way. By sourcing British cheese from local shops and cheesemakers, and directly from producers online, you can make a vital contribution to keeping these small businesses afloat during the current crisis. » Especially since according to the monarch, “the thing that undoubtedly brings great comfort to many of us is good food. It is therefore deeply disturbing to learn that this crisis risks destroying one of life’s most wonderful joys: British cheese! »
The recipe for eggs gratinated with cheese
Preparation: 5 mins
Cooking time: 8 mins
For 1 person
- butter
- 100 g of baby spinach
- cherry tomatoes or dried tomatoes
- 35g strong soft cheese (such as Tunworth, Golden Cenarth or other)
- 15 g grated hard cheese (Old Winchester type)
- chopped fresh basil leaves
- cold meats (optional)
- 1 egg
- 80 ml of crème fraîche
- salt pepper
Butter a small gratin dish.
Spread the spinach across the bottom of the dish, leaving a hollow in the center.
Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters or chop the dried tomatoes. Sprinkle them over the spinach.
Cut the soft cheese into cubes then distribute them in the gratin dish. Add the chopped basil.
If you chose to include cold cuts, add that as well. Season with salt and pepper.
Break an egg into the center of the dish, without breaking the yolk, then cover with crème fraîche.
Sprinkle with grated hard cheese then bake at 180°C for 8 to 10 minutes.
A note at the bottom of the recipe says to use organic produce if possible. Another reminder of King Charles’ commitment to the environmental cause and his passion for organic farming.
