Small Producers Kick On With Lidl. My Kickstart Selection

Small Producers Kick On With Lidl.

My Kickstart Selection

Kickstart your day with this Strangford coffee  from County Down (€5.49).
It makes a good Espresso!

I called to the local Lidl the other day in search of more of that gorgeous ice cream from Nohoval's Good Dairy, our current Taste of the Week. I bought a few lovely items from some of the other forty-plus producers included in the 2024 promotion, which runs until late November. I'm only scratching the surface here, really.

I've wasted no time in getting to sample the

goodies. Perhaps the most striking is the Smoked Haddock Lasagne by leading Dublin chef Niall Sabongi (famous for Klaw and a few other fishy outlets in the capital). He is also the guy behind Seafood Suppers, the producer here. There was lots of talk about "restaurant quality food" at home during COVID-19, and quite a few reached that high standard. This surpasses many!

Fishy Lasagne.Yum!

Superior Crunchie!

Niall, keen for more people "to enjoy the richness of Irish seafood," has come up with a beauty. It is stress-free, and it cooks in the oven in 35 minutes, less in your air fryer. It is a combination of Wild Irish Smoked Haddock, chestnut mushrooms, spinach, and Vintage Cheddar Cheese. It costs just 8.49 (for two people). Local, ethical, sustainable, and seasonable, it is a delicious delight in the comfort of your own home.

That didn't last very long at Chez Moi, and one that vanished even quicker was the Chocolate Honeycomb by Mullingar's Sugar Plum Sweetery. Their pack of Creamy Milk Chocolate with Crunchy Homemade Honeycomb (€4.49) is another gem in the Kickstart collection. Indulge in a sweet treat "that’s truly the bee’s knees with our enchanted Homemade Honeycomb Clusters". It's a beautiful crunch and chocolate sensation, like an upmarket Crunchie and you don't have to wait until Friday.

Inch Puddings.
Egg not included!

Most of you will know the Inch House black pudding, but have you tried their Black & White Pudding Slices (2.99)? They are very convenient and tasty. It is the real thing, and they use fresh pig's blood according to an old family recipe. It converted a reluctant black pudding eater here who remarked that it is less salty than many other similar products.

On then to yet another winner, the Mór Taste Cherry Jam (3.69). More because it has no less than 85% fruit. Enjoyed the tarty taste of the cherries, and Mór recommend it for your yoghurt, porridge, and pancakes. I think it would go well in the rice pudding. Or just take a spoon and go the shortest route! It won't last long as the pot is smaller than usual. The price isn't, but you are getting Gold Star Taste quality here.

Lidl also included a few craft breweries in the programme, so I stopped and bought in that section, getting some cans from Third Barrel, Quiet Noise, and, most notably, Connemara Brewing Company. Their Lager (2.99) was an eye-opener and our current Beer of the Week. Well worth seeking out and I also got their Pale Ale (untouched so far!).

Shelf Full of Irish!