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When the postie dropped off this month's Degustabox a couple of weeks ago, I hastily opened the box and pulled out the contents card to see what this month's theme would be. Something to do with Christmas maybe? Winter warmers to add some much-needed internal central heating ? Well, there doesn't actually seem to be a theme this month. Nothing on the card anyway. Hmmm maybe I should make up my own theme ? Let's go for Liven up the Leftovers and Sweet Treats ! There are some interesting looking spices and sauces that I'm looking forward to getting creative with, especially with all the festive leftovers that will undoubtedly be cluttering up the fridge very soon.
The first product will be swiftly gobbled up by Juliette (I've put them aside to stuff in her Christmas stocking) - Bett'r Peanut Butter Cups (RRP £2.99). They are a vegan and gluten-free alternative to Chocolate Nut Butter Cups and they look very tasty.
Double Dutch Double Lemon (RRP £1.20) is a tasty option to drink on its own or with alcohol (Pimms, vodka or whatever else you may fancy over the festive season). It is made with lemon, lime and quassia, which adds more piquancy than the traditional quinine. This is said to not only improve the flavour but also help with digestion - definitely a plus point with all the over-eating at Christmastime ! It is made with all natural ingredients, contains no artificial sweeteners and is low in calories and sugar. Dubbed "bottled sunshine", it offers a refreshing, tasty drink option, with or without alcohol.
Filippo Berio Truffle Pesto (RRP £4.99) is one of the few offerings from the brand that I haven't tried yet. Made with black summer truffles, it can be stirred into pasta and topped with parmesan, added to risotto or pizza or even used to make a decadent sandwich - that all sounds like some great ways of using up the leftover turkey after Christmas ! (Other Degustabox subscribers received a jar of Filippo Berio Tomato & Ricotta Pesto, which I have tried before and the whole family loved it.)
Green Sour Cherry and Orangeade (RRP 2 x 99p) are part of a range of drinks that offer a healthier and more natural option, using plant-based Stevia and real fruit juice to deliver a refreshing, fruity taste. They contain no aspartame and no added sugar. The kids loved the sour cherry while I preferred the orangeade. Available at Sainsbury's, Ocado, Holland & Barrett and Amazon.
Heineken Silver (RRP £1 per can, £6 for a multipack - only available in a multipack) is an extra-refreshing lager, with a lighter tasting and low bitterness profile. It is made using ice-cold lagering at -1° C to produce its unique taste. It is made with natural ingredients and has a 4% abv. I'll be putting these out with the Christmas drinks over the festive period.
Halos Chocolate & Orange Flavoured Mini Doughnuts (RRP £1.50) are orange doughnuts coated in milk chocolate then topped with gold and bronze sugar sprinkles. They are steam baked, not fried, to give a lighter eating experience. There are seven in a bag so I get to secretly munch on the extra one ! Yum !
Heinz Made For Veggiez Chilli & Miso Sauce (RRP £2.50) is one of a range of sauces, influenced by world cuisine and designed for coating, cooking and dipping veggies. Many people opt for veggie dishes in January, inspired by Veganuary, whether to cut down on calories, for ethical reasons or to lower the cost of the weekly shop. This sauce is a great way of adding extra flavour and excitement to mealtimes, during Veganuary and beyond. Available in Morrisons and Ocado.
The Jelly Bean Factory 36 Mix Pouch (RRP £1.50) is one of my favourite sweet options so I was keen to discover the new mix. I couldn't really tell any difference from the previous mix to be honest, but I loved all the flavours. Each bean has to be savoured one at a time which is a real test of patience and resistance ! Hmmm ! Available on Amazon.
Nando's Peri-Peri Seasoning Flavour Shaker (RRP £2) is one a new range of seasonings, designed to bring some zing to anything from garlic bread, pasta and roasted veg to stir fries. Having never eaten at Nando's, I can't tell you how well it relates to the flavour of their in-house dishes, but it is very tasty. Also available in Lemon & Herb or Garlic & Herb. Perfect for adding some oomph to your festive leftovers !
Pot Noodle Fusions Chilli Chicken Flavour (RRP £1.39) are ideal as a snack for hungry teens after school or as a quick lunch option. The Fusions range, which also includes Katsu Curry and Thai Green Curry, offers big flavours inspired by exotic cuisine. Perfect if you have very little time (or very little motivation) and need to fill your belly !
Tea Rex Fresh Infusions (RRP £3.85) is one of a range of products, made out of just fresh fruits, roots and leaves. Even the 100% recyclable tubes are made of sugar cane, not fossil fuels, so they are sustainable. They are totally simple to use - just squeeze and infuse in hot or cold water, using a traditional teapot, cafetière, tea strainer or infuser. You need to squeeze in 1 heaped teaspoon (10g) per cup for a good strength cup but flavour is a personal thing so you can make it stronger or weaker by how much you squeeze and how long you brew. We got Lemon, Ginger & Turmeric, but the range also offers The Real Earl Grey, Rhubarb & Redcurrant, Rooibos & Blood Orange and Turmeric & Black Pepper. Sophie is a big fan of infusions and fruit teas, so she's keen to try out the other flavours in the range.
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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