Knuts for Gourmet?

Back in 2014, former chef and cheese fanatic, Lisa Richards, was out shopping at her favourite farmer’s market when she got chatting to her go-to cheese supplier. Her problem was simple - she needed some biscuits to match his fine fromage! After a little thought and a whole lot of baking,  Lisa was ready to sell her first batch of gourmet biscuits to Perth’s lucky market goers. Nearly three years on and 12,000 packets later, the quaintly named Knutsford Gourmet is now a regular name in Perth’s popular handmade markets and gourmet boutiques.  

The perfect pairing 

With 15 years chef experience, a taste for great flavour combos, and a few classic recipes hidden up her sleeve, Lisa set about creating perfectly balanced biscuits to accompany her favourite cheeses. Armed with a delicious lavosh recipe from her days as an apprentice and a chef’s knowledge of flavours, it wasn’t long before she’d established a delicious range of gourmet bites to satisfy all cheese cravings. 

All the biscuits in the Knutsford Gourmet range are designed to accompany their ‘perfect pairing’. From maple syrup and pink peppercorn lavosh (perfect with those creamier cheeses), to savoury/sweet fennel and sea salt graham crackers (ideal with a stronger cheddar or blue cheese),every biscuit has its recommended cheese counterpart. If you thought it couldn’t get any better, Lisa has also developed two delicious fruit pastes to add to the gourmet mix: 

• Date, walnut & Cacao paste (great with goats cheese)
• Fig, pistachio & celery seed paste (a great accompaniment to any cheese) 

Something for everyone 

Whether it’s savoury or sweet that pleases your palate, the Knutsford Gourmet range is designed to cater to all tastes and occasions. The Knutsford Gourmet products include an extensive range of sweet and savoury crackers, biscotti and lavosh, along with my personal favourite - black pepper shortbread! Whilst all Knutsford Gourmet biscuits are fresh, preservative-free and hand-baked by Lisa, the range also includes two wheat-free products: a seed and nut loaf, and poppy seed crisp breads. 

On top of her regular range of gourmet goods, Lisa brings out special recipes for festive occasions. Her seasonal hits include the Knutsford Gourmet gingerbread, which pairs perfectly with aged gouda or blue cheese, and her infamous walnut biscotti. Baked exclusively for Christmas at first, the walnut biscotti proved such a fan favourite it’s now become a permanent part of the Knutsford Gourmet range.

Delivering the gourmet goods

What started off as a small venture has since become a big success. You can now find Knutsford Gourmet’s products at your favourite Perth’s farmers’ markets. Whilst David from Le Grand Fromage still sells Knutsford Gourmet biscuits in Kalamunda, Poynter and Kyilla (the latter being where Knutsford’s journey first began), you can also find Lisa’s products across Perth city markets thanks to the likes of Charli G’s Dairy Emporium and other stockists. 

As a small business itself, Knutsford Gourmet has made it’s way into many of Perth’s independent gourmet boutiques. Whilst already a regular name at Nosh and Little Cheese Shop, Lisa’s products will also be making an appearance at Fromage Artisans when the Perth fromagerie opens its doors later this year (you heard me right cheese-lovers!). 

If you just can’t wait that long, you can buy any of Lisa’s products via the Knutsford Gourmet online store or organise delivery right to your doorstep!

What’s next for Knutsford?

Knutsford Gourmet is already a popular name in Perth, and you can expect to see a whole lot more of their gourmet products at local markets and food expos in the upcoming year. Lisa will be hosting a tasting of her products at The Black Truffle on April 22nd from 10 - 12 noon, and you can also find a list of upcoming events on the Knutsford Gourmet website. 

Lisa’s Top Picks

Knowing Lisa is the ultimate gourmet foodie, we couldn’t leave without founding out her favourite foodie picks in Perth. Artisan food producer Poach Pear got an honourable mention for their delicious range of handcrafted charcuterie, along with Sublime Spices for their spicy & savoury chutneys and relishes. For anyone with a sweet tooth, Lisa claims Whisk Creamery is the place to be, although she advices you’ll definitely want to leave a LOT of room for dessert with this one!

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