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Clare is steeped with natural beauty. We’re lucky enough to have the Burren, with the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way all on on our doorstep. In amongst the scenery are of course some amazing foods & drink producers. Here a couple of my favourite. If you have some suggestions I should try or if you would like to send a few tasters my way… please feel free!
Meere’s Black Pudding 
Pork producers Meere’s have been knocking around Clare for the last 40 years. My firm favourite product is there square Black pudding. I have strong memories from my childhood on a Saturday evening heading down to our local shop to buy this for our evening tea. Their new branding and packaging now certainly reflects a true artisan product that marries perfectly with the exceptional taste. The distinct spiced flavour leaves your tongue tingling and your taste buds wanting more!
Meere’s pork products are now part of the very successful Super Valu Food Academy. They have also recently won a Gold award at the 2015 Irish Quality Food Awards. We wish them many more years of success.
Black Pudding Recipe Idea: A Mushroom and Meere’s Black Pudding Omelette
Burren Smoked Salmon
Burren Smoked Salmon was the very first smoked salmon I tasted and it is still my favourite. Yes, it is a little more expensive than some of the other smoked salmon products available in our supermarkets, but you cannot compare on the taste and quailty. Their fish is also 100% Irish and knowing where your fish is smoked adds to the reasons why I would recommend anyone to buy from this remarkable local company. If you are passing through Lisdoonvarna it is definitely worth dropping into their Smoke House Visitor Centre and taste their award winning Smoked Salmon. They also deliver all over the world – an ideal little Christmas gift idea from Co. Clare for friends and family abroad perhaps!
Burren Smoked Salmon Lunch Idea: A good quality Multi-seed Bagel with fresh chive cream cheese, rocket and Smoked Salmon
Dooliner Beer
Craft Beer has become, in my opinion, the new Breakfast Roll for Irish men! My own husband will now always go for a craft beer ahead of a pint of the black stuff. When it came to choosing our wedding venue last year I am still convinced he was swayed to Hotel Doolin because of their craft beer called Dooliner! It is brewed by a master brewer and has an alcohol percentage of 5. It’s a creamy, smooth Irish red ale with a sweet undertone made from 100% Irish ingredients. It is only available on tap in Fitzpatrick’s Bar in Hotel Doolin and their sister property; The Armanda Hotel in Spanish Point. So when you are driving along the Wild Atlatantic Way it is definitely worth stopping and trying a Co.Clare craft Beer.
Food containing Dooliner Beer: The Hotel Doolin Brown Bread is worth a try too. Not only does it taste delicious, it also contains the all-important Dooliner Beer!
Carrygerry Country House Pate
Carrygerry House is a gorgeous little property set in the countryside between Newmarket-on-Fergus and Shannon. Many people may only know it as place to stay, to dine or to celebrate a wedding, but back in 2010, The Carrygerry Range was launched. You can now purchase their products in local deli’s/supermarkets. My own favourite of their array of products has to be the Chicken liver Pate. The Pate has a rich creamy flavour, which is milder and has a much softer texture compared to other offal pates. It also recently won a Great Taste 2015 Gold Star Award.
Carrygerry Chicken Liver Pate Serving Suggestion: Serve as canapés for a Dinner Party, using freshly baked crusty bread. Ensure to spread a generous amount so your guests can taste the pate not just the bread. Wash down with a full bodied Bordeaux Red wine.
Remember when you shop local you are supporting local jobs too. #shoplocal
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