» Food & Drink: Light Bites
The Spanish Food Company
For those of us who grew up with the horror of terrible Christmas food hampers then it’s time to think again. I was recently treated to the delights of one filled with goodies from Spain. So it’s out with Ye Olde Oak and in with the Jamón ibérico.
Coming in a variety of sizes starting at £30 and rising to £100, the hampers arrive stylishly packed in matte black boxes tied with a black ribbon and filled with wood shavings rather than drab polystyrene.
But it’s the food that really delights. My hamper contained two very large sausages. The slicing chorizo is as good as it comes, sweet and peppery and with the right amount of fat to keep it moist. The Salchichón is definitely a cut above your average salami with a good hit of garlic. At 550g each these are no mean sausages and are easily kept once opened.
The Los Cameros goat cheese weighs in at an impressive 650g, that’s a lot of cheese and a lot of very good cheese. It has a distinctive flavour and a texture akin to a quality Lancashire cheese. I’ve sliced it, crumbled it and added it to sauces too. It’s remarkably versatile but best cut into chunks and eaten in secret.
A jar of peeled piquillo peppers reminded me how good preserved foods can be. Sweet and smoky with a mild heat, these are peppers at the top of their game.
A bottle of Santa Marta extra virgin olive oil is smooth and full of flavour but not too hefty, so ideal for every day use.
These hampers would be very welcome gifts for anyone who loves great foods.
Hampers from £30 plus shipping: thespanishfoodcompany.co.uk, 01273 623335
