Whilst the weather is warm, it is the most perfect time to get experimenting with new flavours, spices and ingredients! Whether they be within drinks or our summer dishes, there is so much that this season brings, which we can enjoy in a whole load of ways! Including the beautiful set of jars found within our cupboards from the wonderful experts at Opies!

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Throughout the seasons, there is not a time when we don’t have a jar of something Opies inspired within our home. From baking to decorating, they have a product that is simply perfect for every dish or drink made, whether it be sweet, savoury or a combination of the two. 

So, when the team got in touch to tell me all about their wonderful range, which is perfect for summer, I couldn’t wait to find out more and to taste a few of them too. Brilliant as a side addition or simply as a hidden surprise within a dish or drink, the brand has made sure that each of their items are great for hosting, lasting many occasions. Though, once they are opened, they don’t last that long I have to admit. 

Kindly gifting me a selection of their best sellers, my family and I were able to put a number of them to the test to see how well they worked in our BBQ and summer inspired creations. All of them came out top of the class, it is safe to say. With a combination of sweet and savoury on offer, we used each jar in different ways. 

When it came to the Opies Sliced Lemons, we added them happily into our chilled lemonades and Cokes to bring a sense of sunshine to our glasses. Whilst the syrup left behind in the jar made for the perfect addition to our sunny lemon tart that we made for our sunday dinner pudding. Speaking of puddings, the brand’s Summer Berry Compote was also a joy to eat, as it worked wonders when mixed into an Eton mess creation, with the fruits melting into the meringue and cream to make a beautifully subtle dish. Something that we tried to recreate in the morning too when placing a spoonful onto our cereals and greek yogurt. 

Testing out the more savoury varieties Opies has to offer, the brand's Mini Gherkins really lit up our burgers and hot dogs when sliced and put inside them during a BBQ with friends. They even worked well on the day within the Martini cocktails we made for a few of our guests, who loved how fancy it made their drinks appear. Combining the tartness of the pickles with the sweetness of them inside, gave a taste explosion that no one was expecting. 

No gathering is complete without a salad and the Silverskin Onions and Picked Walnuts made for a completely new kind of serving. The pickled walnuts made a Waldorf salad we made really hit the spot, as the juices melted into the cheese to provide an extra kind of tang. Whilst the onions add a crunch to a caesar salad that elevated the chicken to new heights. 

Though nothing worked up a frenzy as much as the addition of the Stem Ginger in our summer rhubarb crumble. Adding a real kick to the pudding, it was a mixture of summer and autumn combined that warmed everyone who was eating its heart. Whether it was with custard or ice cream, the ginger also blended in beautifully with the creaminess of each other to give a further satisfying taste. The richness of the fruit based items continued on with the Cocktail Cherries, as they gave a real sweet kick to a classic pineapple upside down one weekend. They also allowed for us to look like real cocktail makers, when we added them into our chosen drinks. 

Each item that Opies has produced is a winner in every single way possible! Providing sweetness at times, with savoury at others, they are a brand that knows how to make every single dish and drink pop thanks to their jars. 

All of them that we tried were incredible and I know many of our friends have gone home and brought their own. Having one on hand at any occasion, whether it be a BBQ or even a festive buffet works wonders and I am happy to buy them again and again! 

Joey X