I got in touch with Love Brownies during the week to see if I could get a taste of their MULTI award-winning, gluten free brownies.
Last week, the Guild of Fine Food announced the winners of the 2015 Great Taste Awards. This year, over 400 judges met at 49 tasting days across the UK, all blind-tasted, in groups of 4 or 5. The way they organise the awards is super impressive, and guarantees a fair result.
Producers entered 10,000 products this year, with only 130 foods achieving the highest and most coveted rating, three stars. Love Brownies was one of them.
All cards on the table; I’ve always been skeptical of gluten free products. They’re typical high in sugars, and dense or crumbly because of the lack of gluten. But with a wholly open mind, I reached out to founder and Head Baker, Chantal.
The reason I got in touch was because Chantal’s true love for great food shines through when you read about her brownies. She spent five years studying Catering and Management, then another decade or so in various chef jobs around Europe, Australia and the UK.
My family has catering roots. It’s in my blood. I think a gift of food is one of the few wonderful things you can always offer with pride, and accept with pleasure. I’m not really a businesswoman – I just love having the opportunity to make people smile. That’s what matters.
Based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, each one is baked to order, in its own little tin – they don’t make one big slab and slice it up. And boy, can you tell.
Once they’re cool, the brownies are packaged up and Chantal writes your personal message on the inside, by hand. Then they’re sent safely packing, to arrive within 24 – 48 hours.
The website is easy to use, with suggested greetings and occasions, plus different sizes, gluten vs. non gluten free, and a myriad of delicious flavourings to choose from. I had original chocolate, but I forsee Coconut & Double Chocolate in my very near future.
Apart from the dark chocolate from Venezula, almost all of Love Brownies’ ingredients come from around the bakery in Ilkley. Chantal highlights their eggs, for example, which she gets from a great farm in Ripon; “I am passionate about animal welfare and their hens are looked after beautifully, and it shows in the eggs.”
As for the taste? These brownies are the best I’ve ever had, without doubt. The care and attention, the ingredients, box, freshness – it shines through. Fluffy and crisp around the edges (from the individual bakes), but rich and moist inside, with milk chocolate chunks to add bite and cut through the dark cocoa. They’re little parcels of heaven!
From great taste to lovely design, packaging and more, I’m not surprised these won a Great Taste Award for the second time. When you put quality and love in, you get great food out.
Buy 4 AMAZING brownies with free delivery for £15.95, or 8 for £18.95 here.