I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need, a delicious box of Lily O’Brien’s chocolates.  Perfect for avoiding another novelty sock gift exchange with your brother, a great stocking stuffer for mum or to thank taxi man dad for all the lifts throughout the year, Lily O’Brien’s has you covered when it comes to the ones you really know this Christmas.

With a range for all, including the popular indulgent Desserts Collection, the Ultimate Chocolate Collection through to the Exquisite Collection, the Petit Indulgence Collection, Oh and not to mention… the Truffles range, the ones you really know are going to love you this season. What will you choose?

O'h, thanks for cooking the turkey mum, even if the plastic bag was still inside…

She may not be the best cook, but she tried. Show your appreciation for all the burnt pizza’s, al dente pasta and lumpy gravy by gifting her the Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Collection. You know she loves hazelnuts and banoffee, so the Desserts Collection is ideal for her. Inspired by the most popular dessert recipes from around the world, including Hazelnut Torte, Banoffee Pie, Crème Brulée, Raspberry Infusion, Key Lime Pie and Lemon Posset, the Desserts Collection is available in two box sizes: 16 chocs and a larger box 30 chocolates.

O'h, come on! Let’s avoid socks again!

Tired of gifting the same thing to the men in your life? We know they’re hard to buy for, but there’s only so many pairs of socks they can own. You know they love chocolates (Oh and you can share right?), so why not show them just how much you really know them and treat them to a box of Lily O’Brien’s Exquisite Collection. With exotic recipe pairings including Ginger & Lemon confit, Coconut & Lime, Almond & Cranberry, Dark chocolate Sea Salted Caramel and more, this collection is sure to delight their taste buds and have them reaching for more, if you haven’t scoffed them first of course.

O'h, you’re finally home for Christmas!

They’ve surprised you and arrived home just in time for Christmas, now what to gift them. For the ones you really know, place the Lily O’Brien’s Ultimate Chocolate Collection under the tree and see them smile with delight. The Ultimate Collection contains 16 delicious mouth-watering signature Lily O’Brien’s chocolates that you know they’ll really love.

O'h, you had too much fun to move the Elf on the Shelf!

Entertaining at Christmas is a must, and the Lily O’Brien’s Petit Indulgence Collection is the ideal dinner party gift to bring along this Christmas, just don’t have too much fun devouring the delicious chocolates and forget to move the elf on the shelf when you get home. Bring the WOW with the large Petit Indulgence Collection or for a smaller gathering enjoy the 198g box, gift-wrapped with a festive red ribbon that will add that something special to any dinner party.  With recipes including Simple Chocolate, Sticky Toffee, Le Crunch Chocolat and more, you’ll be the favourite dinner party guest this Christmas.

O’ooh, I hope Santa has a sweet tooth!

He has travelled across the world in 24 hours, but let’s not offer him mince pies this year. Grab a glass of milk, a carrot and some Lily O’Brien’s Truffles, you know he’ll love them. The decadently delicious range of three chocolate truffles recipes, include a thick milk chocolate shell which melts away to reveal a silky-smooth indulgent centre that oozes deliciousness. He’ll savour the silkiness of the Milk Chocolate Truffles,the award winning Salted Caramel Truffles, or the Vanilla Truffles wrapped in delectable Lily O’Brien’s milk chocolate. Individually wrapped, so you can leave some out for Santa, and enjoy some yourself. Available in single flavour 200g boxes in all major retailers and at www.lilyobriens.ie.

The Lily O’Brien’s chocolate collections are made in Ireland and are available in stores nationwide and at www.lilyobriens.ie.

Mr. Tayto has some very exciting news this festive season, he is starring in his very first Christmas advert!

This magical new TV advertisement follows Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. We all know that Santa is so busy each year, ensuring that every child around the world has a gift under their tree, however, when he returns to the North Pole, there are sadly no gifts under his own tree. In the true Christmas spirit of generosity, Mr. Tayto leaves a very special gift for Santa to enjoy over Christmas as everyone gets a gift including Santa. This touching tale invokes a delightful sense of Christmas mystery and excitement within the viewer.

Mr. Tayto’s new advert is shot in a beautiful, cinematic style and as the joyous story unfolds to a specifically composed beautiful melody, an emotional connection grows between the viewers.

As the brand approaches its 70th birthday, Mr. Tayto wanted to mark the occasion. This iconic TV advert is the perfect nod to the dear place Tayto holds in the hearts of the nation. No doubt when the ad returns every year, it will signal to viewers that Christmas has arrived.

The Tayto Christmas box, featured in the advert, has been a staple in Irish households at Christmas time. The box appearing in stores, signals Christmas has begun and with projected sales of 1.2 million Christmas boxes this year – you are likely to find a box under the tree in one in every two households across the country.

It wouldn't be Christmas without Tayto.

www.taytocrisps.ie.

The Macallan has announced a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney, united by curiosity, respect and admiration for the natural world.

Stella and Mary have partnered with The Macallan on the creation of the third edition of The Harmony Collection – the limited annual release series which shines a spotlight on the brand’s inherent curiosity and innovative and creative mindset.

The third release in The Harmony Collection celebrates the lands of Scotland that connect all those who have stood upon them for generations.

The third instalment in the annual release series includes two distinctive expressions: The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow and Green Meadow, inspired by The McCartney sisters’ love of Scotland which stems from their memories in the Scottish countryside.

To mark this deep connection with the land, the presentation boxes and bottle labels have been made using discarded meadow cuttings embracing the re-use of natural materials to create beauty from resources at the end of their lives.

The packaging of each release features photography of The Macallan Estate captured by Mary McCartney.

The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team has taken inspiration from natural Scottish grasslands to create two distinctive, limited-edition whiskies, using a combination of sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks.

Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker said: “There is so much to discover with The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow. It is a single malt redolent of warm meadows and mature barley fields, with a rich, citrus scented finish.

“The 100% natural summer evening colour derived from our exceptional sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks reflects the richness of the flavour which awaits. On the nose fresh citrus fruits and honeysuckle are complemented by hints of vanilla, coconut and ripe barley fields. On tasting, notes of oak, lemon, melon are prominent, accompanied by flavours of classic scone and almond with green tea, before giving way to a rich and sweet long finish.”

The Macallan Harmony III Collection Amber Meadow will be available from Nov 2023 at a RRSP of €270. Stockists in Ireland include, The Celtic Whiskey Store, James Foxes and O’Brien Fine Wines.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com.

The Christmas holidays are some of our favourite times of year – full of fun, friends, family and food.

And that can make it a little pressurising for all vegans and gluten-free eaters. It’s such a food-focused time that we want to have options there to help us feel the festive cheer, but also have food we can actually eat!

Which makes these gluten-free and vegan gingerbread cookies the best Christmas recipe we’ve come across yet! Bring them along to your next Christmas party or keep them at the house for when you’re craving a little Christmas cheer with your coffee!

1tsp ground ginger

1 flax egg

1tbsp almond milk

3tbsp maple syrup

2tbsp molasses

250g almond flour

¼tsp baking soda

½tsp cinnamon

50g coconut flour

¼tsp ground nutmeg

100g powdered sugar

50g quinoa flour

¼tsp sea salt

100g tapioca starch

1tsp vanilla extract

1tbsp olive oil

Firstly, turn your oven on to 200C and allow it to heat up.

Next, add all you dry ingredients into a large bowl except your powdered sugar. That means adding in your tapioca starch. Salt, quinoa flour, nutmeg, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking soda, almond flour and ground ginger. Stir them together to combine.

Next, add in your beaten flax egg and the maple syrup. Then stir in your olive oil, molasses and vanilla extract for flavour.

Stir to combine until it makes a thick dough.

Flour your counter and roll out your gingerbread dough til it’s half an inch thick.

Cut out your shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on baking paper on a baking tray and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, checking regularly to make sure they’re cooked through. Allow to cool.

Meanwhile, mix together your powdered sugar and almond milk to make your icing. Use an icing funnel to ice your cookies and serve with festive cheer!