Walkers Shortbread Partners With Former Chef to British Royalty

Walkers Shortbread teamed up with Chef Darren McGrady, former chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Diana Princess of Wales and Princes William and Harry, to create a series of recipes using Walkers products. 

“I’ve long admired Walkers commitment to the utmost quality, and its respect for tradition and four pure, versatile ingredients—butter, flour, sugar and salt–for well over 100 years,” says Chef McGrady. “Ours is a dream of a partnership, where I get to explore cuisine with a worldwide fan favorite, and bring it to holiday entertainers in an entirely new light.”

The recipes include Walkers Smoked Pork and Jalapeno Cream Cheese Mini Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies with Peach Jam, which combines the flavors of ingredients that are already in the pantry. 

McGrady also came up with Walkers Holiday Baked Ham - a shortbread-crusted roast that marries sweet and spice with jalapeno peach jam and Dijon mustard. Walkers Mint Chocolate Crunch Cheesecake was inspired by the favorite flavors of Queen Elizabeth II, this cheesecake offers a vibrant green color, topped with red pomegranate and Walkers festive stars.

“We are honored to be working with Chef McGrady to create new ways to experience the world’s finest shortbread, and delight friends and family right in the comfort of their own homes,” says Jim Walker, joint managing director of Walkers Shortbread, Inc. “His lineage and experience give him an unparalleled appreciation for our Scottish heritage, and makes him the perfect partner for us. We can’t wait to taste what Chef McGrady stirs up.”

Now living in Dallas, Chef McGrady today is dedicated to bringing the best in British cuisine to American palates through cooking, writing and consulting. His recipes will live on the Walkers Shortbread Blog, be utilized for Walkers social media and newsletter content and served at Walkers events.