You might have noticed it's all gone a bit quiet here on the blog lately. I've spent the last couple of weeks running about between doctors, even spending a night in hospital. It turns out it was a lung infection so I'm on antibiotics and should be better soon. Sophie has stepped in, cooking and cleaning like a total star while I've been lying on the settee recovering ! Perfect timing for the latest Degustabox to arrive, offering some simple meals to prepare and some tasty snacks to fill our cupboards (and stomachs !).
You can't beat a bowl of soup as a quick and tasty meal when the temperatures start to fall, so I was pleased to discover Knorr Crofter's Thick Vegetable Soup and Knorr Super Chicken Noodle Soup (RRP 2 x 90p) in the box. With everyone worrying about fuel bills skyrocketing and looking for cheap ways to fill tummies, 90p for four bowls is a great price. Add a slice of bread on the side (or cheese on toast if you're feeling a bit decadent) if you're feeling extra hungry. It's quick to prepare - jut add water and bring to the boil in a pan - and the texture is better than I expected (we usually make our own soup or buy it in bottles or packs ready-made and it compared quite well). The kids loved adding a topping of spices, grated cheese and dried onions to the veggie soup and the chicken noodle soup was a big hit.
Ballymaloe Original Relish (RRP £2.20) is a lovely tomato relish that we've tasted before, maybe in a previous Degustabox ? Created by Myrtle Allen, Ireland's first female Michelin star chef in 1964, it is a tried-and-tested recipe made in small batches using only 100% natural ingredients. It adds a delicious hit of sweetness that goes well in ham sandwiches, cheese on toast or just on the side of the plate (or mixed into mash or rice, if you follow the kids !).
Nature's Heart Sea Salt & Pepper Crunch (RRP £2.25 - other Degustaboxers got Smoky BBQ or Chilli & Lemon Crunch) is a snack made of crunchy edamame, peas, broad beans and seeds. As well as providing one of your 5-a-day portions, it is high in protein (12g per 50g) and fibre (7g per 50g). It can be nibbled straight from the bag but is also good sprinkled over salad for some extra crunchy texture.
Nick's Peanuts n' Fudge (RRP £1.50) is, just as the name suggests, a peanut bar with creamy fudge, wrapped in milk chocolate. It tastes very sweet and "normal" so I was surprised to learn that it contains no added sugar. It is also gluten free and contains no palm oil.
Shaken Udder Milkshakes (RRP 2 x £1.59) are always a big hit with the Madhouse kids who love the rich flavours and the creaminess of the drinks. We got Vanillalicious (made with real vanilla beans) and Chocolush (made with Belgian chocolate) which were both declared delicious. They are a great source of protein and calcium, contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians. Best of all - they taste great ! Close inspection of the flyers in the box revealed a voucher for another free bottle - bonus !
Dalston's Real Squeezed Cherry / Rhubarb Sparkling Water (RRP 2 x £1.25) are drinks born in an East London nightclub and made by chefs. They promise full flavour fizz made with real fruit that's better for people and the planet. They are low in calories, free of refined sugar and artificial ingredients, carbon neutral and farm friendly. The kids enjoyed the original and natural flavours. Available at Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Asda, Ocado and amazon.
Brixton Brewery Reliance Pale Ale (RRP £2) declares itself to be as bold and fresh as the South London neighbourhood it is proud to call home. It is described as a drink that is perfectly balanced, easy-going and full of flavour. I love the brightly coloured can but I'm not a fan of beers so I've passed this on to a friend.
Dorset Cereals Dark Choc & Hazelnut Muesli Crunch (RRP £3.69) is utterly delicious, both in a bowl with milk or grabbed by the handful as a snack straight from the box ! It is made from the brand's signature muesli grains, tumbled with light and crispy granola clusters, deluxe dark chocolate curls and cocoa caramelised hazelnuts. The tastes and textures work really well together and the whole box disappeared in record time !
Kit Kat Chunky Caramel (RRP 2 x 70p) is this month's Product of the Month and I had to chop them in half because everyone wanted a taste. The usual crispy wafer is topped with runny caramel before being covered in milk chocolate. It tastes just as good as it sounds and we had to say, going back to the traditional Kit Kat would be a step down. Delicious !
Starbucks Salted Caramel Signature Chocolate (RRP £4.25) had the kids going "oooh" as soon as they spotted the Starbucks logo ! Inspired by the drinks they sell instore, Starbucks have created a caramelly hot chocolate powder with a hint of salt to prepare at home. Simply stir with warm milk for the ultimate indulgent tasting experience. You get ten sticks of hot chocolate powder in the box so it works out more expensive than regular hot chocolate, but top with squirty cream and a biscuit on the side for a cheaper alternative to a trip to your local Starbucks ! The kids were very impressed.
A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout.
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Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.
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