snacks

Irish Black Butter

Let’s make a short hop, skip and a jump over to Ireland for this post, to highlight a small jar of pure versatility in the form of Irish Black Butter - a new concept using ancient techniques, for us all to enjoy whether we want to go down the sweet or the savoury route. The main ingredients here are the rich bramley apples from Armagh which are then blended with cider, brandy and spices, producing a mouth-watering conserve of dark velvet indulgence.

Now the obvious choice here for us at The Amazing Blog would be to try this on a slice of toast - very yum we can confirm - or perhaps a more decadent scone with some cream perhaps - completely yum - but the versatility of this ‘other black stuff’ comes when we start using in a more experimental manner for the ultimate ‘yum’. How about on our porridge? Or mixed with some thick greek yoghurt? The options for this little pot of black gold are endless, but one recipe, we would urge you to try is to slather it over a ham before cooking it - the delicious flavours from the oven will swirl around the kitchen like a warm Irish hug and tease those taste buds for what is to come. Not forgetting to mention that it is vegan, vegetarian friendly, dairy free, wheat free and comes in cute little jar. 

The Irish Black Butter Company was formed in 2017 by Alastair Bell who has a background in farming and events management. Clearly a well-founded belief in his Irish Black Butter, which has gone on to sweep boards of awards with two stars in the Great Taste Awards 2018 and Chefs Choice Award in the Irish Food Awards 2018; and of course, now securing many stockists throughout Ireland. Of course, in this day and age we don’t have to be local to the Emerald Isle to get our hands on a jar, as we can simply go to here and click on their shop to order - 125g will cost you £3.95, and the 225g jar costs £5.95. If ever there was a condiment which no self-respecting larder should be without, then surely this is it.

 

Mr Filbert's Mixed Nuts and Seeds

Recently, we at The Amazing Blog have been struggling to find a snack that will please our tummies and our taste buds. Unfortunately, we often give in to temptation and reach for sweets. However, once Mr. Filbert’s sent us samples of their mixed nuts and tasty seeds, our snack time stress was resolved.

Mr. Filbert’s brand values healthy choices and tasty alternatives to the stereotypical sweet snack. The brand is very excited to announce their new range of Pocket Roasted Mixed Nuts and seeds. The nut mixtures offered are Honey & Peppercorn, Chilli & Fennel and Sea Salt & Herb. If you prefer seeds over nuts, the company also has Chilli, Herb, and Honey Roasted seed selections.

Mr. Filbert’s generously sent us their Honey & Peppercorn and Sea Salt & Herb mixed nuts, along with their Chilli & Fennel seeds. Due to the size of these tiny packages, we were initially skeptical that the snacks would keep us full until the end of the day. After trying the nuts and seeds, we were pleasantly surprised that the amount was the perfect little snack after we had enjoyed our lunches, and the snacks kept each of us full until dinner time. Whether you want your own or choose to share, these products are healthy, filling, and pleasantly delicious!

Mr Filbert's new nut and seed selection is available from Waitrose and independent delis and farm shops across the country for £1.50. For more information  about this tasty snack, visit their website.