Seven Things You Need To Have On Your Shopping List

It’s not hard to recognise that amongst the Irish list of talents, we make some of the finest foods in the world. From meats and cheeses, to fresh fish and sweet treats, we know that with great variety comes rich flavours and real quality. For the third year running, SuperValu have scooped the most awards at the Blas na hEireann National Irish Food Awards, winning 26 awards in total. With 9 Gold, 10 Silver and 7 Bronze awards, SuperValu local suppliers from all over Ireland were recognised for their superb quality, flavour, taste and innovation. Inspired by the judge’s picks at the Blás na hEireann awards, we’ve pulled together our shopping list of the foods that should be taking pride of place in your shopping trolley: Cheese Cheese may seem like a bad idea for diet conscious shoppers, but packed with protein and calcium, it definitely deserves its place amongst the items on your shopping list. Perfect for a quick snack on crackers, crumbled into a salad or baked with meat and vegetables, there’s a long list of ways we love to munch on this dairy delight. For a richer flavour, why not try SuperValu Signature Tastes Cashel Blue Cheese or SuperValu Signature Tastes Gubbeen, both Gold winners at the 2014 Blas na hEireann awards. For those having friends around for a light bite to eat, SuperValu Goats Cheese and Red Onion Bruschetta is the perfect starter course that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Chicken Packed with protein, while being versatile and easy to cook, chicken is a staple in most diets. Opt for a richer taste with the SuperValu Signature Tastes Corn Fed Whole Chicken, or tackle a smaller portion with Carton Brothers- SuperValu Signatures Tastes Corn Fed Chicken Fillet. Stuffed chicken with cheese and glaze means you can take the time to pour yourself a well-deserved glass of wine! Pork Step away from the beef joint for your Sunday roast and try the juicy tenderness of a cooked belly of pork. An easy to make dish that won't leave you standing over the cooker, try the Ballymaguire - SuperValu Signature Tastes Slow Cooked Belly of Pork with an apple cider gravy. Looking for a quick dinner fix? Kepak’s Signature BBQ Pork Ribs will take the hassle out of cooking. Place them on the tray and walk away! Team with a jacket potato or homemade sweet potato wedges for a healthier fast-food option! Breakfast Essentials One of the greatest fears this year was the thought of losing our Superquinn sausages. It’s no big shock that Irish people have been known to smuggle them abroad to make their holiday dinging perfect.  For a hint of herbs, spice things up with the SuperValu Signature Tastes Cumberland Sausage. Finely seasoned with salt, pepper and herbs, the sausage meat can make for a change to a Sunday fry-up or chop finely to add to pasta and pesto for a tasty lunch on the run. Fish Surrounded by some of the best fishing coasts in Europe, it’s not surprising Ireland has some of the best seafood on offer. Packed with Omega 3, oils and minerals for promoting better skin and teeth, fish can be used to bulk up a stew, snack on between meals or as part of a pie. Dunn’s of Dublin offering of Applewood smoked salmon on a slice of McErlain’s Bakery Wheaten Soda Bannoch is the perfect partner to a cup of tea. For a ready meal packed with flavour, SuperValu's Salmon Dinner Pie will take the hassle out of preparing good food after a long day in work. Simply boil some frozen veg while your pie heats up. Butter and Jam Soda bread, brown bread, a slice of batch or a homemade loaf… bread is an Irish cupboard staple. Make a meal of it with North Cork co-op SuperValu Irish Creamery Butter, or spread some FOLLAIN SuperValu Signature Tastes Strawberry Conserve over toast for a sweet treat. For all those guilty of a sweet tooth… Food is there to be enjoyed, and if you’re anything like us, you need to park at least one treat in the trolley to stop you binge buying every promotional chocolate bar you set sights on. For upcoming birthdays, it’s worth noting that Fusco Foods SuperValu Signature Tastes Belgian Chocolate Birthday Cake is an indulgence worth loosening the belt for… even if you’re not broadcasting the fact that you're another year older. Last but not least, it’s only 79 days until Christmas. While you might not be quite at the wrapping stage, start into the food buys now and pick up a Fusco Foods- SuperValu Signature Tastes Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake. Having just scooped a Gold award at the Blás na hEireann awards we doubt there’ll be many left on the shelves coming up to December 25^th! Drop into your local SuperValu across 222 stores nationwide to taste the winning Blas na hEireann products.