Irish people all over the world are counting down the days until we can head home to our Mammies for Christmas. We can’t wait to catch up with our oldest friends in the local, watch as our families open their presents around the tree, and spend some quality time in front of the fire with the dog at our feet. But when it comes right down to it, let’s be honest, the thing we’re all most looking forward to about going home is the food. So. Much. Delicious. Food.
But we’re big girls and boys now (sorry to be the ones to break it to you), so it’s probably time we started thinking about bringing home some bits and bobs to help out Mammy while she’s completely up the walls in the lead up to the big day. Whether you’ll be en route from Dublin, Darwin or Dubai, here’s a little shopping list to give you some ideas to make the perfect Irish Christmas with your family…
Cheese
And we’re talking about the good stuff, not the plastic-looking rubbish you use for your lunchbox sandwiches and late night toasties. Your Mammy’s mouth will water at the sight of a selection of artisan cheese that she probably rarely treats herself to. Don’t forget the crackers while you’re at it!
Smoked Salmon
Give your Mammy a chance to actually talk to those visitors who show up unannounced on Christmas Eve (yeah, we’re on to you) by bringing home some delicious easy-to-prepare smoked salmon. Lash it on the brown bread (that she’s probably been up half the morning baking) and you’ve got yourself a fancy snack for your guests and one very grateful Mammy.
SuperValu Signature Tastes AppleWood Smoked Salmon
Mince Pies
Because if your Dad is anything like ours, there is absolutely no limit to the number of mince pies he’s capable of consuming over Christmas. It’s almost like a personal challenge he’s set himself. Your Mammy probably started buying these for him at the end of November when they first appeared on the shelves, so be a doll, and pick up a couple of extra boxes on your way home.
The Full Irish
The serious eating starts early in the day at Christmas, so you’re guaranteed to be in the good books if you arrive home with the makings of the next day’s breakfast. Make sure you leave room in the boot for a whole load of rashers, sausages, pudding and eggs. You’ll be entering hero territory if you also volunteer to get up and cook it for everyone. That might be one step too far? Yeah, we thought so…
SuperValu Breakfast in a Box
Ham
Probably one of the most under-rated items on our Christmas dinner plate, but definitely one of our favourites. Wouldn’t it be nice to bring home a full roast ham to your Mammy? If it’s not used for the main event itself, you know it’ll come in handy in the days before or after Christmas when your brothers or sisters’ tummies start rumbling and they start looking for the makings of a quality sandwich.
SuperValu Signature Tastes Honey Roast Ham
Stuffing
There’s just never enough of the stuff, is there? Especially when you get around to making those unbelievable sandwiches on Stephen’s Day. That extra bit of stuffing will be the difference between a good and a seriously amazing sambo. Be a legend and come home armed with a couple of extra bags of the good stuff.
Dessert
In all fairness your Mammy has enough to be worrying about with all of the turkey, ham, roasties and gravy, so why not take some of the burden off her by taking control of dessert? A nice Christmas pudding or chocolate roulade is always a good shout, and she’ll be thanking you for days.
SuperValu Signature Tastes Christmas Pudding
To pick up some of the items on this list, or for more ideas about what you can bring home to your Mammy this Christmas, head on over to www.SuperValu.ie. Happy Christmas!
