Five fantastic foodie favourites – our top 5 are all local. With such an abundance of great quality, local products on our doorstep, in this article we thought we’d introduce you to our top five favourite foodie finds.
Moon Gelato
Link to Moon Gelato Facebook page
Locally made in Moira by chef Aaron Heasley, inspired by his studies at Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, and using genuine artisanal techniques, these wonderful gelati are available at the Moira Hatch, at Common Market and at Trade Market in Belfast.
We had great fun pairing our favourite flavours with a little tipple, so here are a few suggestions to make your Moon Gelato a thoroughly grown-up experience!
The “Fior Di Latte” is the purest form of gelato, using top quality dairy products to create a clean, creamy taste, just perfect with a large dash of Pedro Ximenez sherry!
Although we found it difficult to pick a favourite, the “Pistachio” which has a subtle nuttiness and a silky smooth texture, was an absolute triumph. It would work brilliantly as an Affogato with a shot of hot espresso.
Try pouring some salted caramel cream liqueur all over a bowl of the “Chocolate Salted Caramel” gelato for a rich and decadent indulgence.
We also loved the “Mascarpone and Orange” flavour; light, fresh and subtly citrusy, which would be even more perfect accompanied by a glass of Tokaji, a deliciously sweet dessert wine from Hungary.
We’re totally over the moon about Moon Gelato’s full range of fabulous flavours
#moonies.
Hearty Growers Mushrooms
https://www.heartygrowers.com/
Hearty Growers was launched in 2021 by husband and wife team Terry and Judy, and much like Born & Bred founder Linzi, their passion projects turned into businesses which have grown and thrived. With Terry’s enthusiasm for gourmet growing, & Linzi’s love of cooking, Hearty Growers & Born & Bred were a match made in mushroom heaven. And so, the Hearty Growers x Born & Bred Mushroom Grow Kit was born!
Our kit contained rich Oyster Mushroom Spawn, and within a couple of weeks of daily watering, we had a bumper crop of impressive Pink Oyster Mushrooms which we gently sautéed in garlic and olive oil, and served on toasted sourdough for a simple rustic lunchtime treat. And with a bit of T.L.C., the kit will often yield a second crop. Creamy Mushroom Risotto, anyone?
Carolyn Stewart’s Jamaican Patties
Link to Carolyn’s Facebook page
We had the pleasure of meeting up recently with the fabulous Carolyn Stewart to try her Jamaican Patties; the latest in local, high quality, artisan products made in Belfast by Carolyn and the Totally Hot NI company.
These delicious buttery pastry-filled patties are packed with either a choice of spiced meat, chicken or vegetable filling. We loved them as a light lunch with salad & slaw, and they would be incredible served with some of Carolyn’s award-winning, spicy and fruity, Chilli Pickles.
The Patties and her other fantastic Caribbean-influenced products, which are abundant with chilli infusions of vegetables and fruits to tingle your tastebuds and add a fragrant spiciness to any dish, are currently available at various delis in Belfast and the surrounding areas.
“Turn up the Flavour” with Carolyn Stewart’s Jamaican Patties!
Hotties Chocolate
Hotties Chocolate, a new hot chocolate company based in Northern Ireland, is on a mission to make the world’s best hot chocolate while spreading love one mug at a time.
Hotties Chocolate isn’t just a comforting hot drink, but a way of connecting with others; for sharing on nights in with friends and family, sipping over a cheeky chat, a treat on a random weeknight, or just a tasty alternative to tea or coffee. Hotties would also make a thoughtful gift for someone special who deserves a little pampering.
Founder Reuben is proud to use ethically sourced cocoa beans, and it’s real chocolate inside those pretty pink bags and boxes, making the drinks creamier, richer and more luxurious than those made with cocoa powder.
Hotties come in a variety of different flavour options, from Milk Chocolate to S’mores, and Salted Caramel to Dark Orange (which is also suitable for vegans). And why not be a little bit naughty, and make your Hottie boozy? We added a shot of rum to the Dark Orange Hottie. Delicious!
Nourish Good Food Artisan Plant-Based Cultured Cheese
This amazing locally produced cheese selection is startlingly good. Many vegan “cheeses” are flabby, bland and tasteless, but this product is a terrific alternative to dairy-based cheese. We’ve tried the “Cashew Blue” infused with spirulina, “24-Karat”: a cheddar-style cheese with turmeric and chives, and “Blackheart” inspired by Morbier and infused with smoke and activated charcoal, and we thoroughly enjoyed them all. We also bought the “Barbarella” mozzarella with which we created a Vegan Margherita Pizza. But our favourite has to be the award-winning “Cashew & Pepe” zingy with the warmth of cracked black pepper. As founder and creator Anto recently said, “This little triangle of yumminess has gone and got itself a whole star!!” And very well deserved indeed.
