We've had some lovely weather lately and the kids have set up our little summertime outdoor area on the patio, complete with parasols, chairs and a table. All we need now are some summertime nibbles to enjoy in the sun, so we were delighted to discover the theme of the latest Degustabox : BBQ & Garden Party.
We were intrigued to discover the contents of the box and the kids helped unpack, convinced that they would find loads of crisps, biscuits and sweets to nibble on. Here's what was hiding inside.
Bull's Eye New York Steakhouse BBQ Sauce (RRP £2) is a beautiful rich sauce that we have discovered in previous Degustaboxes (both the New York Steakhouse BBQ Sauce and Original BBQ Sauce have featured in the past, as well as a Bull's Eye Kentucky Habanero with Whisky Hot Sauce). Made with a blend of tangy tomatoes and bell peppers with just a hint of chilli, it offers a deep and smoky but not spicy sauce, perfect for accompanying barbecued meats, such as pork chops, steak or chicken. It is also great for adding a burst of smokiness to chilli and casseroles. My personal favourite? Mixing into leftover roast chicken for a pulled pork style sandwich - hmmm !
Carr's Italian Herbs Flavour Melts (RRP £1.69) are deliciously crisp and have a lovely texture that seems to melt in your mouth. They are tasty straight from the pack as a quick nibble or can be topped with anything from cheese to sun dried tomatoes, if you fancy a simple lunch or a more substantial snack.
Echo Falls Merlot (£2) is described as a "delicious smooth red wine with blackberry and plum flavours and a hint of oak". A hint of oak? I have no idea what that is supposed to taste like ! I will be honest, I threw this into a beef bourguignon style stew and it was lovely. I did have a quick sip before emptying the bottle though and it's rather nice. Apparently this is supposed to be perfect paired with pizza or whilst out socialising with friends. Available at ASDA and convenience stores.
Love Raw Salted Caramel Cre&m Wafer Bar (RRP £1.89) is a tasty treat that I'd never heard of before. It's a fluffy caramel-filled wafer, smothered in a layer of vegan salted caramel chocolate. The idea reminded me of a Kinder Bueno type bar. Very tasty but also vegan, with no palm oil, no artificial nonsense and no compromise !
Gunna Turtle Juice Tropical Lemonade (RRP £1.10) is an intriguing new drink option, perfect for trying out this summer. The manufacturers claim :" Turtle Juice is inspired by a mango daiquiri recipe we discovered in St Lucia, full of tropical sunshine but without the rum. Packed with sweet mangos, zingy limes and a hint of coconut to deliver an explosion of characterful flavour." This is lovely straight from the fridge or served over ice. Fruitilicious ! Available on Amazon, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Sainsbury's and independent retailers.
Geo Watkins Mushroom Ketchup (RRP £2) is described as a vegan alternative to Worcestershire sauce (I'd never thought about Worcester sauce not being vegan but I've just been to check and it contains anchovies). It can be used to add rich umami flavour to pasta, pies, gravies, soups, ramens and noodles. I've been experimenting and adding it to chillis or stir fries that need a little extra oomph and it's actually a very versatile product. Available at Tesco, Waitrose, Booths and Ocado.
Slim Noodles Pad Thai (RRP £4.99 - other subscribers received Slim Rice Tarka Dal, Slim Noodles Panang Curry or Slim Pasta Arrabiata) is a scientifically proven meal for weight loss from the Eat Water company. The basis of the dish is konjac noodles. I had tried Slim Noodles in the past, without a sauce, and I disliked the smell and the texture. They are slightly more palatable with a tasty sauce mixed in, so if you're looking for a simple way to lose weight, they're worth trying. The whole dish comes in at just 208 calories and only takes a couple of minutes in the microwave.
New York Delhi Hot Chilli VIP Nuts (RRP £1.50) are a delicious snack from a company that I discovered in a Christmas hamper several years ago. The peanuts have a great crunchy texture and a lovely flavour that the whole family enjoyed. They are also available in Classic Sea Salt or Hot Honey & Mustard flavours. They're gluten-free, high protein and vegan. Available on Ocado, Amazon and the VIP Nuts website.
Cheddar and Onion Peapops (RRP £1.85) are the third product in the box to appear in what is obviously this season's key colour ! They are a new take on crisps, made from chickpeas and popped, so they have 60% less fat than regular fried crisps and less than 100 calories per serving. They have 20% plant-based protein, are gluten free, high in fibre, vegetarian and made from all natural ingredients. Best of all, they taste great. We're not the only ones to think so as they won a Great Taste Award.
Slooow Crispy Rustic Rolls with Honey (RRP £1.65) are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients, including the most important ingredient of all - time. The bread is given more than 24 hours to rise then is stone baked for a delicious crispy crust. The rolls need ten minutes in the oven and are lovely, spread with butter on the side of the plate, but they could also be topped with cheese or jam as a tasty snack or light lunch or breakfast.
The Sweet Botanist Mellow Mint CBD Peppermint Gum (RRP £3.99) is produced for World of Sweets, whose origins as sweet makers began back in 1895. The team of confectionery creators have teamed with CBD experts to create the tastiest fresh flavours to help improve mood and well-
being. The producers promise : "With high quality "healing" ingredients grown in nature, combined with delicious tasting confectionery and meticulous testing, you can feel safe and reassured." Each pack contains 45mg of CBD and the gum is suitable for vegans.
Free From Fellows Vanilla Vegan Mallows (RRP £1.99) are a tasty treat, free from the top 14 allergens, making them suitable for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians. They don't contain any nasties and have also been approved by the Vegan and Vegetarian Societies. They're lovely straight from the pack or can be toasted on the BBQ and made into S'mores. They're available in Strawberry, Vanilla or Mini Pink & White Vanilla Mallows. Available at Sainsbury's, Ocado, H&B and Waitrose.
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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