“They don’t make them like they used to” is a familiar exclamation at this time of year, as we start to tuck into our tried and tested festive treats. Beloved treats from our childhood hold a lot of emotion but let’s face it, most of them end up disappointing us now.
Nostalgic confectionery is piled high in shops and our trolleys but online we’re lamenting shrinking sizes, missing flavours, and changes in packaging.
So this year why not swap out some of the tired treats you know you’ll give out about and instead opt for something more grown-up and indulgent? Sure, the price tag might be bigger but I guarantee the taste will more than make up for it.
Jellystar biscuits
The Chocolate Jellystar biscuits from Hassett’s Bakery, priced from €4.95, are ones to add to your shopping list. They are available in artisan food shops nationwide and at hassettsbakery.ie.
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But it’s not just biscuits that have grown up; artisan swaps for many childhood favourites now exist.
Chocolate Santas
A chocolate Santa is always a joy, but why not step it up with this plush version, from award-winning Sligo-based Clo Chocolates.
Priced at €12 each, these Santas are available online at clochocolates.ie, at Le Fournil Bakery in Sligo and select retailers across Ireland.
Another festive treat comes from Cocoa by Judit, whose Christmas trees are priced at €13 each.
Chocolate Rocher
To really impress the ambassador, or anyone else, skip the supermarket rocher and instead opt for Tara Gartlan’s gorgeous version: a hazelnut ganache centre, coated in three alternating layers of milk chocolate and caramelised hazelnuts, with just a sprinkling of sea salt.
Available online at taragartlan.com for nationwide delivery, these rocher are priced at €24.
Selection boxes
The Irish artisan chocolatiers are not slacking when it comes to making festive selections of their creations, and they are a decadent swap for disappointing supermarket selection boxes.
Bon Chocolatiers in Athlone won gold at the Blas na hÉireann Food Awards this year for their Festive Treats Box, and they also do adorable Rockin’ Robins chocolates with fillings like Christmas Spiced S’mores and the grown-up Irish Cream Liqueur & Caramel.
Festive Treats Box for €31.50 and Rockin’ Robins for €16 each are available at bonchocolatiers.ie.
Or why not skip the chocolate altogether and give a mini pack of delicious whiskeys instead? Midleton Distillery Single Pot Still Miniature Pack is priced at €44.99 from midletondistillerycollection.com.
