This Irish-made jar of sweet and spicy jelly will make your plate sing

Shelf Help: Its uses are many – mix with cream cheese for a tasty dip, serve with ham, stir into scrambled eggs or serve with cheese

A Bit On The Side Green Jalapeno Jelly
A Bit On The Side Green Jalapeno Jelly

What is it? A Bit On The Side Green Jalapeño Jelly (€3.50, 106g).

What’s good about it? Instead of overwhelming your spring lamb with cloying mint jelly or mouth-puckering mint sauce, try this Irish-made alternative that will bring a little bit of heat and fruity flavour to your plate instead.

Hilary McGrath makes the Bit On The Side range of savoury jellies in a production unit at her home in Oldcastle, Co Meath. Having lived for 10 years in Canada, where jalapeño jellies were widely available, she started making them for family and friends on her return to Ireland, and went into commercial production in 2019.

This sauce will make your fish and chips taste even betterOpens in new window ]

How do I use it? It is very versatile but really shines with ham and with egg dishes, too. Mix it with cream cheese or mayo for a tasty dip. There is a red jalapeño version too with a bit more heat.

READ MORE

Where can I buy it? It is available online at abitontheside.ie, where you can also find a list of stockists, including some SuperValu stores in Dublin and Meath, Get Fresh stores in Dublin and selected independents

A gift box of four jellies plus a wooden serving spoon is available online for €17, plus delivery
A gift box of four jellies plus a wooden serving spoon is available online for €17, plus delivery

Anything else? The range also includes cider and sage; basil; port and balsamic, and rosé and pink peppercorn jellies. A gift box of four jellies plus a wooden serving spoon is available online for €17, plus delivery.

Send your Shelf Help product suggestions to marieclaire.digby@irishtimes.com

Food & Drink Club

Food & Drink Club

Exclusive competitions and restaurant offers, plus reviews, the latest food and drink news, recipes and lots more