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GOLDEN FORK FROM NORTHERN IRELAND
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COME INTO MY PARLOUR
With the addition of caramelised hazelnut nibs and a salted caramel variegato, Morelli has adapted an Italian classic for the sweet Irish palate
ARNALDO MORELLI IS in business with three siblings – Marino, Daniela and Tania – but maintains that he owns the “bragging rights” to the Golden Fork since developing a caramelised hazelnut flavour was his idea.
“Hazelnut is my favourite ice cream flavour,” he says. “It is very popular in Italy, not so in Ireland, where people seem to have a sweeter tooth, preferring flavours like honeycomb and caramel. The addition of salted caramel sauce and caramelised nuts was intended to give it a toffee-sweetness that would make it more appealing.”
This creation was not just a hit with the ice-cream-loving public, but also with the Great Taste judges, earning this fifthgeneration producer its first ever 3-star and a Golden Fork to boot.
“We’ve entered Great Taste for 10 years
WE ARE ARTISANS AT HEART, BUT WE RUN A COMMERCIAL COMPANY. ❞
and have had lots of 2-stars but until now, a 3-star had eluded us, so a Golden Fork was the icing on the cake,” says Arnaldo. “It is also nice to win something so prestigious in the year that we are celebrating 110 years in business.”
After such a long time in business in Northern Ireland, there is not much the Morelli family doesn’t know about ice cream making, and Arnaldo is happy to share the knowledge that has been passed down through the generations of this Italian immigrant family.
“Our ice cream is aged overnight in a vat at 4°C and then quickly frozen,” he says. “When we make the hazelnut flavour, we age it for another four hours to produce a fuller flavour.”
Clearly the choice of ingredients is key too. Arnaldo says he “swears by” the Irish double cream that is delivered fresh every day from the local Ballyrashane Creamery, while the hazelnut paste is made with nuts from Piedmont in Italy.
Although Morelli holds fast to its smallbatch process, it churns out considerable volumes of ice cream – 900,000 litres per year. Its own shops in Portstewart and Portrush are local institutions, while scoop franchises and a strong trade in supplying retail tubs to the supermarkets have built up the Morelli empire across Northern Ireland.
“We are artisans at heart, but we run a commercial company,” is how Arnaldo so neatly puts it.
www.morellisices.com
HOW TO USE:
Can be enjoyed on its own or with an espresso coffee poured over as a luxurious affogato.
ELDERFLOWER & APPLE WATER KEFIR ★
AGUA DE MADRE
WHAT IS IT? Organic certifi ed, this naturally sparkling refreshing water kefi r is full of active live cultures and trace alcohol to give a fruity more complex fl avour. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? An ideal invigorator in the morning, or with brunch as a tasty low-alcohol alternative. It can be enjoyed as an aperetif before supper or a digestif after. Great as a live cocktail mixer. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Remedio Naturale ★
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ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL ★
BELVOIR FARM
WHAT IS IT? Naturally delicious, our signature elderfl ower cordial is crafted with hand-picked elderfl owers for a delicate fl oral taste. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Perfect served solo, with ice. Or add a cheeky splash to a classic cocktail/ mocktail and even to your favourite bake. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Ginger Cordial ★ Sparkling Elderfl ower ★★
www.belvoirfarm.co.uk
100% COLD PRESSED ORGANIC GOJI BERRY, SOUR CHERRY & APPLE JUICE ★
BIOPLANT
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www.bioplant.mk
ENGLISH DISCOVERY APPLE JUICE ★★
HILL FARM JUICE
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www.hillfarmjuice.co.uk
KALE. PARSLEY. BROCCOLI. COLD-PRESSED JUICE ★
JUNIUS SPA
WHAT IS IT? Delicious and refreshing cold-pressed juice packed with nutrient-rich green vegetables, citrusy lemon and crisp apple in every handcrafted bottle. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? One of the best ways to support vibrant health is to include our chilled cell cleansing SPA juice alongside a balanced diet. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): FAB: Beetroot. Watercress. Lemon Cold Pressed Juice ★ ZEN: Turmeric Root. Lemon. L-Theanine Cold Pressed Shot ★
www.wearejunius.com
HOT GINGER BEER ★
LUSCOMBE DRINKS
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www.luscombe.co.uk
ORGANIC SPARKLING SEMILLON GRAPE JUICE ★★★
MAISON DIDIER GOUBET
WHAT IS IT? The only organic sparkling varietal “Grand Cru” juice made from the Bordeaux grape, Sémillon, that is used to produce sweet “dessert wines”. Alcohol-free, sulphite-free, no additives. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Ideal as an elegant aperitif, it is the perfect alternative to Champagne! Pairs wonderfully with cheese platters, foie gras, caviar or desserts. Enjoy chilled (2°C). OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Juice ★★
www.didiergoubet.com
HEARTSEASE FARM FIERY GINGER BEER ★
RADNOR HILLS MINERAL WATER CO
WHAT IS IT? A fi ery ginger beer with a kick of ginger and refreshing lemon. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Drink on its own or mix with some spiced rum to create a refreshing cocktail.
