Spice 'n' Easy Trophy

Claire Lee, founder of Spice ‘n’ Easy in Milford on Sea has won two top food producer national awards.

All of the Spice ‘n’ Easy produce is made in Milford on Sea village. Claire’s range includes delicious handmade Chutneys, Relishes, Pickles, Dressing and Sauces.  The word ’local’ in ‘local produce’ is important to Claire, and she ensures that her products include locally sourced raw ingredients from local suppliers.

Following the four Hampshire Life awards shared between the Milford on Sea food businesses, Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant and Simone Farming at Aubrey Farm last week, Claire has now added more recognition for food excellence to the village.

At Christmas time, on top of the regular Spice ‘n’ Easy product list, there is also a range of Christmas specialities, including Christmas Mincemeat with Whiskey & Ginger and Spiced Mulling Syrup for making Mulled Wine.

This year the Spice ‘n’ Easy Christmas range was nominated in the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards.  This is a National Competition where products are judged by a panel of food experts, who blind taste each product to reach their conclusion.

Claire was thrilled to recently be informed that the Spice ‘n’ Easy Christmas Mincemeat was awarded 3 Gold Stars (The top award).  The premier 3 Gold Stars were only made to 123 products out of over 8807 entries.  To add to Claire’s award cabinet, the Spice ‘n’ Easy Spiced Mulling Syrup was also awarded 2 Gold Stars.

These awards have now attracted the attention of the food buyer for Fortnum & Mason who will be stocking Spice ‘n’ Easy’s award winning products in their Piccadilly Store this Christmas.

On top of this, Spice ‘n’ Easy was exhibiting at the last New forest Show during July when the Queen paid a visit as a finale to her Jubilee tour.  Her majesty was presented with a hamper of locally produced food which included Spice ‘n’ Easy’s Great Taste Award winning products from 2011 - Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney and Sweet Onion Marmalade.

You can buy a great selection of the Spice ‘n’ Easy range from Hollands Supermarket in Milford on Sea.  Paul & Maureen always look for local produce and unusual items to run alongside the regular range of daily food items. They also have a great ‘Deli Counter’ which include some fantastic local cheeses which would go great with the Spice ‘n’ Easy chutneys!  It is a privilege to have such a forward thinking independent supermarket in Milford on Sea village.

You can also find Spice ‘n’ Easy produce on the menu at Braxton Gardens Tearooms and at Inge-Lise’s Coffee Shop in the High Street, two place that are certainly worth a visit for a break or treat.

All in all, there is no doubt that; ‘Great cooks do it by the sea!’

www.spiceneasy.co.uk