Original pesto from Northern Ireland artisan producer

Artisan producer Erne Larder Preserves in Northern Ireland has introduced a new Classic Basil Pesto.

The pesto has been created to a unique recipe by chef Declan O'Donoghue, the owner of Erne Larder Preserves which is based at Enniskillen in county Fermanagh and has already achieved recognition for original Irish Black Bacon Jam and Irish Black Bacon Ketchup.

The jam and bacon are made from the award winning Fermanagh Black Bacon, a product developed by Pat O'Doherty, the managing director of O'Doherty's Fine Meats, also based in Enniskillen.

The new basil pesto is based on a product developed by Mr O'Donoghue from his experience as a chef in local hotels and restaurants. He has also created a range of jams and relishes under the artisan Erne Larder Brand.

Mr O'Donoghue, commenting on the pesto, says: "The decision to create this product for retail is based on approaches from people who have enjoyed it with the meals I cooked in my role as a chef.

"The pesto is made with the freshest basil, toasted cashew nuts for a creamy texture, Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, salt pepper, olive oil and a touch of vinegar to cut through the richness. I've just launched it a food shows in Northern Ireland and it's proved extremely popular with shoppers," he adds.

Mr O'Donoghue decided to take a step away from his role as a chef in 2016 and to develop a range of his own artisan products, the first being Irish Black Bacon Jam, which he launched successfully in early 2017.

The jam is now on sale in delis and independent stores and is used in catering in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The listing by Lidl is his biggest retail deal and has seen the jam on the shelves of almost 200 Lidl stores throughout the island of Ireland. It has also attracted interest from delis in England.