There are two types of people at Christmas: Those who have everything organised, stockpiled and ready to go from day dot, or you know, the rest of us who do a supermarket sweep on Christmas Eve wondering if 10 packets of pigs in blankets will actually be enough (it is). We’ve comprised a Christmas Checklist of what our customers have to offer, all available and locally produced in the UK and ready to purchase for your festive feast.
Nearly-There Nibbles
First impressions are important. Luckily if it’s your friends or family, they won’t judge you too harshly but there’s always an in-law there – so best to be prepared. Guests like to envision what’s ahead of them, so if you smash your starter they know they’re in for a treat the rest of the day. You may be set on your starter already, but if you happen to be catering a lot of people – just set out some nibbles. Let’s see what’s first on our list.
1. Bake It Yourself Irish Wheaten Bread by Our Daily Bread
Want to make out that you’ve been up since 6am making fresh Wheaten Bread when you really had a bit of a lie-in? Then pick this up locally, chuck it in the oven and voilà! Paul Hollywood who? A firm family favourite is smoked salmon on wheaten bread – minimal effort, maximum flavour.
2. Roam & Relish Organic Pastrami by Eversfield Organic
If you’re lucky enough to be living in the rolling hills of Devon, you really can pick this up locally. If you’re not – go Ocado. Add this to any charcuterie board and watch it disappear – even if one slice should be enough to satisfy.
3. Cranberry & Hazelnut Gourmet Sodabread Toasts by Foods of Athenry
You could probably get away with serving these on their own they’re that yummy – but if you’re looking for taste and texture, spread on some Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate by Morrow Foods
or some Smoked Salmon Pate by Ballyhornan.
4. Kearney Blue Cheese by Farmview Dairies
The great thing about cheese is how versatile it is in its utilities, safe for crackers and safe for salads. Yes, salad at Christmas can be done – why not try a twist on a Waldorf salad with some Kearney Blue!
Ultimate Christmas Dinner (with a little help)
Where heated hostess trolleys are a things of days gone by, some of us who aren’t domestic goddesses could use a little help to get everything out on time for famished family members.
1. Pure Rapeseed Oil by Broighter Gold
If there’s one thing you should be cooking with this Christmas it’s Broighter Gold. Not only is it an award-winning and high-quality product (evident from its deep golden hue), but because rapeseed oil has a higher smoke point – you’re less likely to smoke out the kitchen. Ideal for entertaining and keeping that atmosphere in check.
2. Sage & Onion Stuffing / Festive Fruits Stuffing by TS Foods
Everyone has their own method and ingredients for making the best stuffing, but if you don’t want to try and claim that accolade this Christmas, then get a helping hand from TS Foods who specialise in stuffing. Already in a roasting tray, just pop it in the oven and pretend you’re using your great great Granny’s recipe.
3. Maple & Mustard Bacon Joint by Waldron Meats
Turkey, ham, a free-range chicken? Christmas Day is demanding, and if all your energy gets sapped up by turkey with all the trimmings, then zap this delicious bacon joint in the oven from Waldron Meats. Simple & succulent.
4. Green Vegetable Medley – Kitchen range by Spar
Brussels sprouts are not the only green veg available at this time of year, and let’s face it – we’re not all fans of the little green devils. Already pre-prepared, these alongside Heritage creamy mash take the stress out of sides.
5. Pigs in Blankets – Lidl
Causing quite the commotion on our list is Lidl’s party time range, with prices starting from just 99p for 12 pigs and blankets. Meaning 10 packets of those pigs & blankets is a bargain!
Well deserved desserts & sneaky snacks
We say well-deserved but who knows if you’ve made the naughty or nice list this year – either way dessert is inevitable and if you’re looking for an alternative to the sometimes dreaded Christmas Pudding then we’ve got a few crowd-pleasers on our list.
1. Any pudding at all from Country Puddings
In the idyllic settings of Cumbria, Lynn Mallinson prepares and perfects her range of premium puds. From classic sticky toffee pudding, to a refreshing lemon sponge – Lynnn has it covered. Available to order online & microwaveable, these desserts are ideal for when you just want to put your feet up and let the micro do the work.
2. A Very Delicious Christmas Pudding / 4 Starry Mince Pies by Foods of Athenry
We did previously mention the ‘sometimes dreaded’ Christmas Pudding because we like to think we’re sensible people here at PPP who know that it isn’t for everyone. If it is, then look no further than Foods of Athenry for the best Christmas pudding on the market. Making a Christmas pudding is a long & lengthy process, but if someone else does it for you and they’re really quite good at it then pick one up. Mince pies not your speciality either? Foods of Athenry have those covered too, all butter and gluten-free. In short, for the Christmas traditions not everyone is enthused about – in Foods of Athenry we trust.
3. Irish Shortbread / Chocolate Shortbread by Graces
There’s a lot of celtic shortbread knocking about the place, but if you want to do your guests a solid – then you should probably opt for some Irish shortbread – is it the butter? The recipe? We’re not entirely sure – but to be armed with shortbread when the 4 o clock lull hits is a good idea.
4. Chocolatey Clare – 6 Piece Gift Set
Providing for all your guests is the sign of a good host. But what do you do to cater for all dietary requirements? Set out this Chocolatey Clare gift set and let your guests be amazed by your attention to detail. Dairy-free, gluten free, guilt-free & available in six artisan flavours:
• Simply Strawberry
• Mint Crème
• Salted Peanut
• Ginger Crisp
• Lemon Crunch
• Really Raspberry
5. Red Berry / Peppermint Tea by S.D Bells
To polish & finish off your festivi-teas (see what we did there) why not elevate the typical tea bag for something a little more fruity / fancy / minty!
Where to Find:
Our Daily Bread – Available in Indie Fude instore and online https://www.indiefude.com/
Roam & Relish Eversfield Organic – Available on their website https://www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk/ or on Ocado https://www.ocado.com/webshop/category/Eversfield-Organic-Fresh-Ham-Deli–Dips-Sliced-Ham/20000-20002-20135-20137-48036
Cranberry & Hazelnut Gourmet Sodabread Toasts by Foods of Athenry available https://www.foodsofathenry.ie/ & also instore @ Indie Fude https://www.indiefude.com/
Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate by Morrow Foods – Available in selected stores at Tesco or through their website http://www.morrowpate.co.uk/
Smoked Salmon Pate by Ballyhornan – Available in store and online at Indie Fude https://www.indiefude.com/
Kearney Blue Cheese by Farmview Dairies – Available in store and online at Indie Fude https://www.indiefude.com/ or to order direct from Farmview Dairies
Broighter Gold – Available in selected Sainsbury’s and stockists throughout N.I and available at https://broightergold.co.uk/
TS Foods Stuffing – Available in selected Tesco’s and stockists throughout N.I
Maple & Mustard Bacon Joint by Waldron Meats – Available to order online http://waldronmeats.ie/
Green Vegetable Medley – Kitchen range by Spar – Available in Spar stores throughout N.I https://www.spar-ni.co.uk/groceries/explore/the-kitchen
Heritage Mash – Available in Nisa stores throughout the UK http://www.nisaheritage.co.uk/ranges/produce
Pigs in Blankets by Lidl – https://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/en/special-offers.htm?articleId=3941
Country Puddings – Available online and in selected stockists https://www.countrypuddings.co.uk/find-pudding-stockists/
A Very Delicious Christmas Pudding / 4 Starry Mince Pies by Foods of Athenry available https://www.foodsofathenry.ie/ & also instore @ Indie Fude https://www.indiefude.com/
Irish Shortbread / Chocolate Shortbread by Graces Available in selected stores & online via Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Graces-Irish-Shortbread/dp/B008OAGJNA
Chocolatey Clare – 6 Piece Gift Set Available in selected Supervalu’s in Ireland and online http://www.chocolateyclare.com/
Red Berry / Peppermint Tea by S.D Bells Available online https://sdbellsteacoffee.com/ and in store at S.D Bells.
