No matter where you shop, it’s easy to fall in to a rut with food shopping. We have hundreds of products to look through and it can be hard to know what to try or to take a risk on something you haven’t tasted before. So we’ve put together a short list of our favourite products that we think deserve a bit more attention. These are absolute winners and we’re sure if you give them a whirl you’ll see what we mean!
- Bara Bakehouse Ciabatta Loaf
“Ciabatta”- makes me think of those dried up, dense bread rolls found languishing in supermarket bakery aisles at the end of the day. It does not conjure up the image of light, airy, flavourful bread with a crisp crust that transports you to a warm holiday destination.
The supermarkets have given ciabatta a bad rap but let Joe’s ciabatta loaf set the record straight. Bara Bakehouse bread is an all-round winner (for real, the white tin loaf won gold at the World Bread Awards in London and not many white tin loaves have that accolade) but if you haven’t tried the ciabatta loaf yet, you are missing out!
We’ve ordered one every week since we started stocking Bara Bakehouse and I haven’t grown bored of it or the many ways to enjoy it. Equally good fresh or toasted and it lasts well if wrapped and stored in a bread bin. Dip it in oil; slather it with butter; top it with tapenade or charcuterie and cheese… We even have little ciabatta rolls for 70p if you’re not quite convinced by my ‘Ode to the Ciabatta’.
2. Burren Balsamics flavour infused vinegar and condiments
It’s hard to believe vinegar could be this tasty or exciting even, until you try the Burren Balsamics range. These guys have swept up every food award going and you’ll quickly see why.
The vinegar is infused with local flavours that really come through and you’ll quickly find yourself reaching for the bottle of balsamic to add a dash to almost everything you cook because it creates such a great depth of flavour. Plus the Burren Balsamic website has loads of recipe ideas, including brownies!
If you’re not sure about the vinegar, the roast onion jam is absolutely stand out and my go-to for a cheese or sausage sandwich. Justin is a big fan of the cranberry chutney (not just for Christmas!) and the apple chutney is definitely a crowd pleaser.
3. Abernethy Chipotle Chilli & Smoked Paprika Butter
One of Justin’s overall favourites on the shop. You all know Abernethy’s insanely delicious butter, well the Chipotle Chilli & Smoked Paprika flavour is the newest addition to the family, released at the end of 2020. The danger of this butter is you’ll forget you’re eating butter then look down and half the roll has gone along with most of your bread.
Perfect on crackers or bread but also amazing for adding great flavour to your cooking without any mess or hassle. It’s not too spicy and it’s nicely garlicky. We put it on top of steak and it’s very nice for pan frying veg. Also, my preferred way to enjoy Brussel sprouts but will have to wait til they’re back in season now!
4. Corndale Farm Garlic & Black Pepper Salami
We have lots of Corndale chorizo and charcuterie fans among our customers but have you tried the most recent salami? Softer than the chorizo and full of flavour, suspend any association you have between salami and the sad looking circles found on pizzas. This salami is close to a soft French saucisson. At this point, I’d like to be able to suggest some recipes but it never makes it as far as a recipe; it’s a slice-and-enjoy set up, ideally with some cheese nearby.
5. Lecale Harvest
Chef Patrice is making French classics mainstream in Northern Ireland. Patrice and his family run an oyster farm in Co. Down, supplying restaurants across NI with seafood so you’ve maybe unwittingly tried his food already!
Patrice makes traditional French dinners and pâté from local ingredients. The dinners are so easy, 15 minutes in the oven/pan and perfect results every time. We always keep one in the cupboard for nights when you don’t have time or haven’t been to the shop.
You get a really tasty, satisfying dinner with minimal effort (or washing up!) Perfectly portioned for two people, the dinner dishes come in two separate portions so also useful for dinners for 1. Hard to choose a favourite, but I’d recommend starting with the pork belly or the confit duck.
Not in to meat? You will not feel short changed with the Moroccan Pâté, made from chickpeas and mushrooms & super tasty on bread, crackers or even baked potatoes (tip from my mum).
6. Bean & Goose Salty Almonds Bar
I recommend buying these bars in twos- one for you and one to share! If you like that sweet and salty mix (think crisps and chocolate) then this is for you. The chocolate is so smooth and dotted on top with whole, salted almonds. I’ll say no more cause a whole box of these are within an arm’s reach of me ..!
