Like Wallace & Wensleydale.

What would the world be without cheese?

Less colourful, I suppose.

Certainly less flavoursome.

And, most tragically, far less gooey.

Now, I'm not fussy when it comes to cheese. Give me brie, feta, gouda on a salticrax, cheddar in a toastie, or that delightful orange dusting of cheese on a chip... one bite and I'm drooling, literally. It's the chewiness, the burst of flavour, the creamy saltiness that hits all the right notes.

And in the words of a fellow foodie friend:

“My utmost ‘go-to’ comfort food HAS to be cheese! Deep, rich, hearty flavours combined with versatility, an effortless ingredient to use in everyday meals. My mealtime motto: Ease with cheese to please!”

And when it's melted? Oh my.

When it's molten, stringy, warm and dripping like it's auditioning for a pizza commercial, well then, my friends, playing with your food isn't just allowed, it's encouraged. The very thought conjures images of that chewy satisfaction, the explosion of flavour, the perfect dance of salt and cream that awakens every last taste bud.

Pizza Slices & Sharing

Naturally, then, pizza reigns supreme, a culinary champion loved by foodies and food snobs alike. But the act of sharing a pizza? That's something more. That's love in action. A gooey, crunchy, saucy testament to affection. After decades navigating the delightful complexities of matrimony and family, pizza remains a cornerstone of our shared love language. There's something special about the whole experience: the vibrant green chillies, smug in their heat, glistening flecks of garlic steeped in olive oil, delicate curls of Parmesan, like edible confetti. And then, the unspoken understanding: the biggest, most decadent slices are handed over, no questions asked to my son! But the cheese that dribbles off his slice? Well, that’s fair game. The stolen chicken chunks? Part of the dance. And watching them eat? Well... there's nothing better than watching my boys devour their slices. There's an undeniable allure to a family savouring their meal with gusto and delight.

This, dear Wallace, surpasses even the legendary pull of Wensleydale.

My Heart like melted cheese

However, the cheesiest of cheese is saved for the old love. Not just a sprinkle, but an extra-large helping. The kind that sticks to your fingers and, more importantly, to your heart. In a world that treats love like a spreadsheet, where relationships are measured in chores completed and tasks ticked off, we forget that joy was always part of the recipe. Love shouldn't be a logistical operation. It should be gooey. Silly. Saucy. Fun.

So give me:
• Cheesy sentiments: "I love you more than sports on TV, babe!"
• Cheesy gestures: a naughty wink, a playful squeeze ...
• Cheesy jokes shared in the car, rain streaming down the windows...

Honestly? My heart just melted. Like cheese on a hot grill in a backyard braai.

And sentimental…yes, pretty much!

Love you, Baby...

Like cream cheese & salmon on toasted rye.
Like extra mozzarella on pizza.
Like cheddar on grilled cheese sandwiches.
Like brie &  figs.
Like Wallace & Wensleydale.

So here's to many more cheesy memories with The Big Cheese himself.

And the little Cheese.😊

Camera at the ready.

Say cheese!