Lir Chocolate Makes M&S Treats Extra Special

You may not realise it, but if you buy a box of fancy chocolate at your local M&S, chances are it was produced by our very own LIR chocolates. LIR first developed one line for M&S back in 2006 and now supplies over 20 lines over its seasonal and all-year-round business to all 17 M&S
stores in the Republic of Ireland, as well as to the 700+ M&S stores in the UK. Today are 15 full time LIR employees working exclusively on the M&S products, along with a production team of up to 150.

This year, LIR have created 8 hero products for M&S, and team I Love Cooking put them through their paces. Here’s how we got on:

MAGIC & SPARKLE SEQUIN TREE, €22.50
What M&S Say:
“Gold beaded tree with a mix of sumptuous truffles, praline, torte and
dulce.”
What We Say:
The packaging on this tree is so impressive it’s almost a sin to open it. But once we did, we snarfed our way through those chocolates quick smart. The truffles aren’t over sweet, and taste as festive as we’ve tried, so are ideal for Christmas.
Buy It For:
Your kid’s teacher. This is impressive enough to say “we think you’re awesome and we want to splash out”.

MAGIC & SPARKLE SEQUIN GARLAND, €22.50

What M&S Say:
“Gold beaded wreath with a mix of sumptuous truffles, praline, torte
and dulce.”
What We Say:
This is the exact same product as the tree above, same yumminess factor, just in a different case.
Buy It For:
Bring this as a hostess gift to any party during the festive season and watch your hosts glitter with joy.

A VERY MERRY CHOCOLATE SELECTION
What M&S Say:
“Milk, dark and white chocolate selection with poppy candy, spiced
caramel, hazelnut praline, clementine, and gingerbread flavour centres.”
What We Say:
The novelty factor of this selection is fantastic, and while some of the flavours left us divided on deliciousness factor, there is no doubt that this makes a great gift.
Buy It For:
The person who has been drinking Christmas-flavoured coffees since November. They will love the novelty factor.

GLITTER STAR, €30
What M&S Say:
“Filled with milk, dark and white chocolate truffles.”
What We Say:
There is something for everyone in the audience with this collection of super yummy dark, milk and white truffles. Our kids adored the white ones in particular.
Buy It For:
The neighbours who have been extra good to you this year.

    DECADENT CARAMELS, €5.99
What They Say:
“A selection of silky and chewy caramels.”
What We Say:
These are totally delicious in every way, and the box is dinky enough for you not to feel too guilty eating the whole lot in one go…
Buy It For:
A forgotten Kris Kringle or last minute stocking filler.

THE LUXURY DARK CHOCOLATE COLLECTION. €5.99
What M&S Say:
Luxuriously intense dark chocolates made with the finest ingredients.
What We Say:
As dark chocolate groupies, this was our favourite collection by far. We love the intense flavour combinations and the high cocoa quality.
Buy For:
The dark chocoholic in your life.

THE GASTRONOMIC MINIATURE COLLECTION, €7.49
What M&S Say:
Leading edge chocolates with innovative flavours for delicious taste
sensations.
What We Say:
Prepare to set your tastebuds alight. From chilli to olive oil to black truffle, this is a gastronomes dream.
Buy For:
The host at an upmarket dinner party.

CHOCOLATE FILLED CRACKERS, €8.99
What M&S Says:
“A stunning pack of 6 crackers each filled with two dulce de leche
chocolates.”
We Say:
Save the best for last, because these cute and delicious crackers will be starring on our Christmas table this year.
Buy it for:
Anybody and everybody – this is a gorgeous gift.