Nigella Lawson eats cheese with Christmas fruit mince pies - Food Files

Dec 03, 2024

Who are we to question the patron saint of dinner parties?

The queen of Christmas, Nigella Lawson, has come out with some controversial advice that’s left fans divided. According to the veteran food personality, the secret to the perfect fruit mince pie is a healthy wodge of cheese.

In a conversation with hosts on the BBC’s The One Show, Lawson explained that, while she’s from the south of England, she’s very much on Team North when it comes to her Christmas cake preferences. Cheese and fruitcake together is commonplace in the North, and Lawson agrees that the festive favourite must be eaten with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.

Christmas cake with cheese? 🧀@Nigella_Lawson says it’s a winning combo. Where do you stand? 🤔

Watch #TheOneShow live now 👉 https://t.co/gFEOM8Mieg pic.twitter.com/ouMyvTstqB

— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) December 11, 2023

When the interview was posted on The One Show Twitter (okay, fine, X), one commenter added, “Cheese works well with mince pies too.” Lawson’s response? “Absolutely!”

~ drama ~

The fruit mince pie already sits firmly in the love-it-or-hate-it category. Perhaps Lawson’s recommendation might be the surprising key to conversion. After all, some of the most enduring love stories in food involve cheesy odd couples. Gorgonzola flirting with figs. Wensleydale crushing on crisp green apples. Kefalotyri falling for the honey trap.

Sweet and savoury is more than just a flavour preference – there’s real science behind the combination, and even a cool name. Please meet ‘hedonic escalation’.

Pears, honey, gorgonzola and a napkin on a counter — Pears, honey, gorgonzola

Hedonic escalation occurs when we combine complex flavours and textures, like the sharp acidity of cheddar and the sweet spice of fruit mince, and our brains experience a thrilling moment of confusion and satisfaction. Throw in the high fat content that our noggins crave and it’s little wonder that we want another bite. And another. And another. The complexity motivates, scientifically speaking, the subject to seek additional flavours in every subsequent bite.

Sugar, salt and fat are sometimes referred to in the scientific world as the ‘unholy trinity’ because of their moreish and addictive effects on the brain. But as far as we’re concerned, if it’s good enough for Nigella, it’s good enough for us.