"I've always had a love for good food, but it was during my time in New Zealand that my culinary creativity truly blossomed. One sunny day, I tasted my first Macaron, and I was instantly hooked. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself so I could indulge whenever I wanted!

Upon returning to Lucan, Co. Dublin, and after the arrival of three children, I embarked on the journey to uncover the secret of the macaron. It was a challenging and arduous process, filled with moments of frustration and tears, but ultimately, I succeeded. It's fascinating to me that I chose macarons, considering my French heritage from my Dad's side of the family – it almost feels like it was meant to be!

A friend suggested I test my macarons at a small Christmas market, so I decided to pair them with brownies. As macarons are naturally gluten-free, it made sense to create gluten-free brownies. I've always been familiar with gluten-free and coeliac diets, as my inspirational auntie Grainne and cousin Aoife are Coeliac. They've been incredibly supportive, often asking when I'll open a gluten-free bakery!

Ensuring that my products live up to their promise is paramount to me. I pour love and care into sourcing the finest ingredients and avoiding preservatives. My goal is to add a little more joy to people's lives with these luxurious treats. Who says gluten-free can't be glamorous?

In 2021, I decided to enter Blas Na hÉireann to validate the quality of my treats, and to my astonishment, they won Gold! This success led me to focus on the brownies, which were gaining popularity. I've also introduced a fruit-filled flapjack to the menu, which has been another hit.

Being a part of the SuperValu Food Academy is an honor, and I'm committed to applying the knowledge I gain to build a successful brand that both I and SuperValu can take pride in.

The name 'Grásome!' reflects my love for Irish culture and having a bit of fun. 'Grásome' means 'love some' treats to share with friends or enjoy on your own!

Sustainability is a core value for me, especially when considering my children's future. My time in New Zealand and Antarctica opened my eyes to the importance of sustainability and the impact of our actions, no matter how small. This ethos is reflected in my business practices; I use reusable boxes for delivery and consciously choose packaging and products from responsible retailers. Being part of the SuperValu community aligns perfectly with my commitment to a cleaner, greener environment for all of us here in Ireland.

Go raibh maith agat, Ruth

Food Academy

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