Compiled by MARIE-CLAIRE DIGBY
It's a hard job but . . .
It's official . . . the top-rated mince pie of the 2011 season, as voted for by the staff in the features department of The Irish Times, is Superquinn's Luxury Mince Pies (€4.99 for six). These crumbly, all-butter pies made with 11 different fruits and nuts, and a good whiff of brandy, were clear winners, with Aldi's Specially Selected Luxury Mince Pies (€2.49 for six), an honourable runner-up in the battle of the pies.
Florentines made easy
If you think life's too short to make a Florentine from the odds and ends of Christmas baking supplies lurking in your larder, bear in mind that the lovely ones pictured here were made by mother of six Sheila Kiely, who works in food safety and writes a terrific blog, gimmetherecipe.com. If that wasn't enough, Kiely has a cookery book coming out in March, with Mercier Press. Gimme The Recipewill be a family-oriented recipe collection. "The book focuses mainly on answering the question, What's for dinner mum?," Kiely says. It's a question Kiely must be used to answering as she feeds her gang of kids, aged 15, 13, 12 and 12, and 10 and 10. Yes, that's two sets of twins: "Hit the jackpot there," the unflappable Kiely says. You'll find the recipe for the Florentines on her blog, along with masses of inspiration for family meals.
Skelligs' new home
If you’re looking for some Irish chocolates to enjoy this weekend or to have on hand for emergency gifts, look out for Skelligs Chocolates and Cocoa Bean Chocolates, which are back in production in a custom-built factory at St Finian’s Bay in Kerry, following a fire which destroyed the premises in November 2010. Temporary premises were found in Cahersiveen, and last month the company moved into its new home. “Our new building is brighter and airier, allowing us more space to develop new products,” says owner Colm Healy.
Turkey curry secret weapon
As you scoot around the shops today picking up last minute bits and pieces, think about throwing a sachet of Turkey Delight curry mix from Green Saffron into your basket. The vibrant coconut milk, lime and coriander scented curry works brilliantly with leftover turkey and is just the thing to perk up jaded appetites. Green Saffron spices are sourced by the owner Arun Kapil’s family in India, so they’re top quality, as well as being incredibly fresh, often being roasted and blended the day they arrive in the company’s Midleton, Co Cork premises. Chapter One, Ballymaloe House, The Tannery, Corrigan’s of Mayfair, The Ritz and Claridges of London are among the top restaurants using Kapil’s spices. They are available from 95 food shops and delis in Ireland (for a complete list, see the website), as well as online at greensaffron.com.
