Irish Food & Drink Must-Haves this Festive Season

Food glorious food! When it comes to Christmas we’ve all got our favourite dishes. While some are new others have been lovingly passed down from generation to generation. For me food is one of the best shared parts of Christmas and each year my research involves finding a new selection of Irish food and drink products to help make it a joyful occasion, whilst also helping to support the fantastic array of local producers.

Burren Smokehouse, Classic Cold Smoked Organic Salmon

The Burren Smokehouse traditional cold smoked organic salmon offers the real pleasure of oak-smoked salmon with no other flavours to distract from its delicious taste. The smokehouse provides a fantastic hassle-free international Christmas gifting service and they also supply the carefully packaged smoked salmon worldwide, within 48 hours.

Available from their online store www.burrensmokehouse.com or check out their list of stockists to locate one in your area.

St. Tola, Irish Goat Cheese

St. Tola goat cheese farm produce an incredible selection of fully traceable, farm to fork handmade cheeses, to which no additives or preservatives have been included. My pick from their range this year is the classic St. Tola original. This firm white cheese is ideal for cooking and is also be a great addition to any cheeseboard for the festive season.

Available from a wide range of food shops nationwide or check out their interactive map online www.st-tola.ie

Carols Stocks, Turkey Bone Broth

Carol’s Stock Market manufactures a multi award-winning premium range of stocks, bone broths and gravy. Her delicious festive turkey bone broth is now available as a regular product in the range of broths. The free-range turkey used to make the broth is sourced locally from farms here in Ireland, making it a nourishing and tasty must have for the special day. The full range of stocks in the product range are 100% natural and come in handy 500ml packs for convenience and ease of use.

Available from the online store www.carolsstockmarket.com or check out the list of stockists for one in your local area.

Ballyhoura Apple Farm, Gilbert Murphy Hot Friskey

Served hot, with lemon and cloves, this gold award-winning non-alcoholic version of hot whiskey is perfect for the festive season. The ready blended drink has been infused over time and is a delicious apple-based drink is full of flavour and healthy spices.

Available from a wide range of Independent food stores and Supervalu stores nationwide. Check out www.ballyhouraapplefarm.com for their list of stockists.

Erne Larder Preserves, Irish Gin and Cranberry Relish

Based in Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh Erne Larder are a family run preserve business that combines the use of local produce to make a delightful range of sauces, chutneys and preserves using both classic & new age techniques. My festive choice from their range is the Irish Gin and Cranberry relish. It’s one that you really must try this festive season!

Available from their online store www.ernelarder.com

The Scullery, Luxury Handmade Christmas Puddings with Luxury Brandy Butter Gift Box

The Scullery founder, Florrie Purcell personally loves “plum pudding”, and it was the launch product when she opened The Scullery in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary back in 2004. The business is renowned for their dainty individual Christmas puddings and the unique gift pack with their luxury brandy butter is particularly popular at Christmas time as a personal purchase as well as a gift.