Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Christmas made easy with James Whelan Butchers

Press release

Christmas made easy with James Whelan Butchers

The Countdown to the main Christmas event has officially begun..

It’s almost one month until the biggest feast of the year. At James Whelan Butchers, Christmas is made easy, with endless high-quality options available for the festive feast and Christmas gifts alike.

James Whelan Butcher's limited-edition Festive Beef Wellington is now available via its seasonal click-and-collect online service. Hand prepared by the artisan James Whelan Butchers kitchen team, this divinely sumptuous dish is a perfect choice for the yearly celebration. The decadent dish is handmade with prime Irish beef, full of intense, rich flavours, and surrounded by a mushroom and herb duxelles which is all wrapped in buttery, puff pastry. Better yet, it’s ready to pop in the oven and is dinner-table-ready in just 40 minutes. No more wondering what to serve and no more stressful thoughts of cooking - you know you have a wondrous feast for two to come. Available now to order for a limited time - in store, or online through James Whelan Butchers seasonal Click-and-Collect service.

For food heroes everywhere, a James Whelan Butchers Beef Bond is the gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for a friend, loved-one, client, this beautifully, wax-sealed Beef Bond gives a share in an Irish Angus or Hereford, which is reared and grass-fed in the freedoms and rolling hills of County Tipperary. After six months, Beef Bondholders can expect a substantial delivery of dry-aged, grass-fed steaks, ribs and roasts, all hand-prepared by James Whelan Butchers artisan butchers. Not only is this a tasty and unique gift, but it also gives back to Irish, local, family farmers.

The Irish Beef Book is a reassuring cooking bible for putting together family feasts, weeknight roasts, and summer cook-outs. Full of local ingredients and nose-to-tail goodness, the Irish Beef Book is packed with glorious, earthy recipes, simple tips and perfect cook times gathered together by Pat Whelan and Katy McGuiness, focusing on both the popular and less fashionable cuts of meat. Pat, a master butcher who inherited invaluable knowledge as a fifth-generation farmer and butcher, knows how to showcase the world-class glory of Irish beef through instinct, heritage and artisan craft. A perfect stocking filler for flavoursome food lovers.

Or, why not give the gift of choice this Christmas. With endless, high-quality choices at James Whelan Butchers, a Gift Voucher not only offers variety, but brings with it the promise of truly good produce. From Grass-fed Irish beef to Native lamb, salt-aged cuts to artisan craft, the options are endless with just one little card.

James Whelan Butchers promises the most wonderful festive family feasts with award-winning Heritage Ham, succulently divine Irish Turkey and exquisite Salt-aged Beef. To have your items in time for Christmas, there are three simple ways you can pre-order from James Whelan Butchers - via online click and collect, order online for local and national delivery or order in-store. Carve out a moment today to browse their Christmas brochure and pre-order as soon as possible. For more information on James Whelan Butchers visit www.jameswhelanbutchers.com

CHRISTMAS LIKE NOWHERE ELSE! NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE – THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS LIKE NOWHERE ELSE!

NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE – THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS

This Fox Head Decanter is on my list!

FOX HEAD DECANTER

This decanter with fox head stopper is ideal to store spirits and a must have this season. Serve your drinks in ultimate style with this quirky silver-plated decanter from Newbridge Silverware, the perfect finishing touch for any dining setting, a great gift idea for those who love to entertain. €65

GOLF ACCESSORY HIP FLASK

This sleek designed stainless steel hip flask from Newbridge Silverware is perfect for raising a toast and is the ideal gift for the man who has everything and especially anyone who enjoys a game of golf. This hip flask includes golf tees with a pitch marker and repair so is a great gift choice for any golf lover, personalise with your own message making it an extra special gift. €45

Newbridge Silverware, the Home of Christmas has everything you need for the festive season. From fabulous tableware for your Christmas dining table, to ornate Christmas decorations, to glitzy jewellery, it’s all here! The much-loved Irish lifestyle brand has been leading the way in craft and design since 1934 and each year it continues to innovate and break design boundaries with its bold and creative designs.

MAKE IT SPECIAL WITH THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTIBLE 2022

'In Oirchill na Nollaig' The Anticipation of Christmas is the 13th edition in a series of annual commemorate Christmas decorations. An Advent calendar is a special calendar to count the days of Advent in Anticipation of Christmas. The Advent calendar was first used in the 19th and 20th centuries. Here, brought to life by the Newbridge Silverware design team as a three- dimensional silver-plated tree decoration making it a stunning addition to any Christmas collection. Christmas Collectible 2022, €40.

UNICORN CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATION

Complete your Christmas tree with this whimsical inspired unicorn decoration from Newbridge Silverware. Finished to the highest of standards this silver-plated decoration is perfect for putting a little woodland sparkle on display this Christmastime. €15

GINKO LEAF COLLECTION OF JEWELLERY

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Newbridge silverware home manufactured jewellery. The 30 -year Archive Collection celebrates this landmark occasion with designs evocative of those first pieces. Taking inspiration from the Ginkgo leaf, a representation of longevity, happiness and good fortune the silver-plated bangle and pendant from Newbridge Silverware are the perfect go to pieces. Beautifully designed with sophistication in mind these pieces are great for everyday wear and a symbolic versatile gift choice for a special friend. Ginko Bangle €55. Ginko Pendant €40

To find your nearest stockist or to purchase some of these wonderful gift ideas online see www.newbridgesilverware.com

press release

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Two Excellent Reds For Santa's Bigger Helpers. A Grenache/Mourvèdre Blend from St Chinian and A Malbec From Argentina's Mendoza

Two Reds For Santa's Bigger Helpers.

A Grenache/Mourvèdre Blend from St Chinian

A Malbec From Argentina's Mendoza

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Chateau Bousquette Pruneyrac St Chinian (DOC) 2018, 14.5%

R.R.P. €17.90. The Quay Co-Op, Cork/ Scally's Supervalu, Clonakilty
// The Little Green Grocer, Kilkenny //

This is a big wine from the Midi, full of the aromas and flavours of organic Grenache (50%) and Mourvèdre.

Colour is purple, a little lighter at the edge, tears are slow to clear. Aromas are expressive: spice, pepper, wild berries and the local garrigue. On the palate it is harmonious, with intense flavours and silky tannins. Finish is long and spicy. Very Highly Recommended

The Domaine de la Bousquette was the property of the Abbaye de Foncaude until the French Revolution. A long line of winegrowers, including the Fabre-Ginoulhac family who managed it until 1996, followed before it was taken over by Swiss winegrowers Eric and Isabelle Perret

It was very early on, in 1972, that the Domaine de la Bousquette joined the " Nature et Progrès " charter, and is now regularly certified by Ecocert for organic farming, without chemical fertilisers, weedkillers or pesticides.

This cuvée is named after an old family from the region, who were very involved in the estate at the beginning of the century, as evidenced by old bottles found in the cellars. Pruneyrac is in Saint-Chinian, an appellation in the large southern France region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Uncork about 1 hour before the meal and serve with, for example, with lamb shoulder confit with sweet onions and ginger. Perfect too with a leg of lamb, cassoulet, strong cheese or a barbecue. By the way, this juicy red is excellent with turkey!

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Top Wines 2022. With Reviews & Irish Stockists.

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El Abasto Malbec Mendoza (Argentina) 2018, 14% ABV,

RRP €19.35. 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

There are, according to Wines of South America, two main factors that help Malbec thrive in Mendoza.

The low rainfall (12” as against 30” Bordeaux) and its timing, falling mostly in the summer, promotes ripening and minimises disease. Second, Mendoza’s wide thermal amplitude (put simply, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures) promotes aromatic development and softened tannins. The proof’s in a glass of this vibrant fruity full-bodied wine.

Where did the name come from. The label tells us that by the end of the 19th century, Buenos Aires was growing significantly due to migration from Europe. The El Abasto market opened in 1893 and, with many immigrant neighbourhoods, it quickly became also a centre for Tango, poetry, and culture.

Mid to dark ruby is the colour. The aromas are full of jammy dark and red fruit, all saying welcome, come on. And in the mouth, it is equally loveable, totally gluggable. That punchy yet soft fruit (plum, blackberry) comes in a medium body, and the wine is smooth right through to the finalé. Put this on your Malbec shortlist. Highly Recommended.

Pair with charcuterie, cold cuts, firm cheeses, steaks, burgers, pasta with red sauce and, among other things, Wine Folly suggests melted blue cheese.. And it can be served chilled, though you probably won’t need to do that at this time of year!

We can get some excellent Malbec from Cahors (in the south west of France) where it originated and is known as Côt. But is has found a welcoming home in Argentina and is the country’s most important grape. Indeed most of the world’s Malbec is now grown in Argentina.

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Best Value Wines 2022 Under €18.00. With Reviews & Irish Stockists.

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Ballymaloe Foods and MamaBear Foods join forces as Cork business women team up.

press release

CORK BUSINESS WOMEN TEAM UP

TO OFFER HEALTHY FOODS FOR IRISH FAMILIES

Ballymaloe Foods and MamaBear Foods join forces

Sisters Rosaleen (left) and Maxine Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods - celebrating the news with

MamaBear's Loretta Kennedy (right)

Ballymaloe Foods has successfully completed its first business acquisition, by acquiring MamaBear Foods. The deal was finalised by sisters Maxine and Rosaleen Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods, and Loretta Kennedy, the founder of MamaBear Foods.

MamaBear Foods produces a range of healthy ketchups and pasta sauces for the family while Ballymaloe Foods is famous for its relish and award-winning condiments. The three mums will work together to grow the MamaBear Foods business and expand the range of healthy and family-friendly products.

Maxine Hyde, co-director of Ballymaloe Foods said: “As mums with young families we are concerned about the lack of Irish made, healthy snack and food options for young children. We love Loretta's concept and existing products and decided we would like to be a part of the next chapter of MamaBear foods. We really look forward to working with Loretta.”

Owner of MamaBear Foods, Loretta Kennedy said: “From day one we have been about using only the best natural ingredients, keeping the sugar content down, using recyclable packaging and adding in helpful ingredients like prebiotic fibre. We started this business from my kitchen in Cork, just like Yasmin Hyde did with Ballymaloe Foods. We are delighted to join the Ballymaloe Foods company and to grow our brand with the wonderful team there.”

Loretta set up MamaBear Foods in Cork in 2018 when she found there were no healthy ketchups on the market in Ireland, so she began making her own. The Cork based mum-of-three then launched the reduced sugar and gut-friendly ketchup and it has proven to be very popular with parents looking for healthier alternatives for their families.

MamaBear Foods is already available in many Irish supermarkets including SuperValu, Dunnes Stores and Aldi. The brand will remain the same while Ballymaloe Foods will help to promote the MamaBear Foods business and grow the brand nationally. Loretta will join Ballymaloe Foods as part of the venture.

Ballymaloe Foods worked with Paul O’Connell in Quintas Accountancy and Sinead McNamara in Fitzgerald’s Legal and Advisory to complete the deal.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Taste of the Week. Salted Rye Cookies by Ryes and Shine

Taste of the Week.

Salted Rye Cookies by Ryes and Shine

"Salty. Sweet. Buttery. Crunchy. Wholemeal. Rye. Heaven."

Circles of Contentment at St Luke's Cross

Our Taste of the Week comes from a modest stall just outside Henchy's in St Luke's, Cork City, alongside the old toll booth. Here, every Saturday morning between 10.00am and 12 noon approximately, Mayfield based Angela Nöthlings of Ryes and Shine, sells her range of sourdough breads and treats.

It took us a while to get around to her cookies. They are salted rye cookies made with organic wholemeal rye, sugar, organic sea salt, egg, butter (milk) and vanilla essence. They are absolutely out of this world, probably taste of the year.

The texture is super, almost like the very best shortbread you've ever enjoyed in the centre with a little more crunch at the rim where you also notice the salt more. Flavours range from the sweetness of the sugar and butter to the tang of the salt. That pack of ten doesn't last that long - better get two packs while you're at it!

Angela tells us: All my bread is real bread, meaning it contains the ingredients flour-water-salt (and a fair amount of time and passion). No additives, conservatives or improvers. All loaves are naturally fermented and don’t contain commercial yeast. I use the best flours only, either organic and/or Irish grown and milled. Everything I sell is handmade by me in my HSE registered microbakery at home.

Check her out on Instagram at ryes.and.shine.cork

Latest from Angela:

Angela Nöthlings is in Cork, Republic of Ireland.

Hello Cork cafe and restaurant owners and Cork chefs: Borodinsky is a 100% rye sourdough loaf made with organic rye, it contains molasses and coriander. Its flavour is strong, its crumb soft and light (for a 100% rye loaf). This bread goes really well with cheeses, meats like salami, smoked fish. It can carry off strong flavours effortlessly. The keeping quality of these loaves is amazing, they stay fresh about 3-5 days and actually improve in flavour over time - perfect for a food business! You cannot get a loaf like this from a supermarket or wholesale supplier. This is artisan sourdough at its best. It could help bring a very special touch to your menu. If you are interested in trying this bread or some  of my other loaves, please get in touch 086-3565036

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Catch the Autumn Colours at Fota Gardens and Arboretum

Autumn Colours

at Fota Gardens and Arboretum

(Taken 17.11.2022)

Catch one of this week's sunny spells and head on down to Fota to see the Autumn colours before they fade away. Only charge is the three euro parking fee.