CHRISTMAS BOX BIG REVEAL!!!

Ballymaloe Foods

Without doubt one of Ireland’s best-known products on the international food stage is Ballymaloe Relish, and at Christmas every house has to have a pot of this in stock. It’s just so versatile, and great to have in the fridge when those unexpected guests arrive. Family business Ballymaloe Foods was founded in 1990 by Yasmin Hyde, daughter of Myrtle and Ivan Allen, and is now world- renowned for its award-winning relish and other products. However their roots go back much further, as Ivan Allen started out growing tomatoes in a glasshouse on the family farm in Shanagarry, Co. Cork in the 1930s. If you’re looking for more of their products, why not check them out on www.ballymaloefoods.ie?

Keogh’s Crisps

OK, this is one we have shared with you before, but how could we resist sending you turkey and stuffing-flavoured potato chips this month? Sure, ’tis the season! In preparing this month’s boxes we opened a pack or two for ourselves as well… Keogh’s Farm Crisps are produced from potatoes grown on the family farm in North Co. Dublin, where the family have been growing the crop for over 200 years. In 2011 the family launched their potato chips and, as the saying goes, the rest is history – the brand is now in the forefront in Ireland. One thing we admire about the Keoghs’ products (as well as the super taste) is the amazingly diverse range of flavours available. Where else can you get turkey and stuffing-flavoured crisps? Enjoy! They have a really nice website as well at www.keoghs.ie.

Foods of Athenry

We simply couldn’t let Christmas pass without some of the amazing gluten-free mince pies from our friends in the Foods of Athenry. It may seem we use the Foods of Athenry quite often, which is true, but we just can’t resist the amazing range of products they provide. We have two great products from this Galway home-based producer this month, the first being a four-pack of their gluten-free mince pies. It’s not Christmas until you have had a mince pie, and hopefully you get to wash these down with some mulled wine. These pies are also suitable for vegans. The second product this month is their gluten-free Christmas cake, and while we would love to send you the full cake, it would just weigh too much. So for now, it’s just a slice. Enjoy with a cuppa!

Crossogue Preserves are based in Thurles in Co. Tipperary, and produce a wide range of / hand-produced jams, jellies, marmalades, curds, chutneys and relishes, which are full of distinctive flavours. Still using traditional cooking methods with no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives, Crossogue Preserves are simply “homely’: Last month we included Crossogues mustard and their award-winning cranberry sauce, and this month we are following up with their Christmas Morning Marmalade. Well, can you wait until then to open it? Wea say not, as this is just bubbling with flavour. Nothing will warm you better on a cold Christmas morning than a slice of toast with this all over it. Go on, pop on the toaster and enjoy.

Brona Chocolate

We’re delighted this month to bring you some products from Brona Chocolate once again. Produced on the banks of the River Feale this is truly a family-based artisan business. While it’s headed up by a husband-and-wife partnership, their three kids who are the head tasting team. And Tadgh, Harry and Brona sure have good taste! With twenty-four different combinations available it’s hard to choose one favourite from the Brona range, but this month we have gone for their Christmas Milk Chocolate Bar, which is melt-in-your-mouth stuff. The second item from them this month is their Swirly Stick; simply put it in a cup of milk and pop it in the microwave ( or just stir it around in a cup of warm milk). Then sit back and enjoy. Warning: there is only one, and you won’t want to share it!

Gran Grans

Another of our favourite suppliers is Gran Grans, a supplier _local to us here in Galway that was set up by Nigel Murray in his home in Loughrea. Nigel was a head chef in a top, award-winning hotel in Galway City before leaving to follow his own path in food, and now has over twenty amazing
products, some of which you have tried in our box in the past. Nigel and the team at Gran Grans have, over the past few years, created a super range of products, and each time we meet him he has something new for us. This month we have chosen Gran Grans’ Fig, Blackberry & Cassis Preserve; this is a fabulous jam that can add something to special to so many foods. The three ingredients blend so well together that it’s quite amazing. All Gran Grans preserves are made in small batches so you’re always assured they are full of flavour. This product is also gluten-free, which is good news for many.