We're into the middle of February already, which means we've been celebrating Valentine's Day and also Juliette's birthday. It seems unbelievable to me that she's now twenty years old. How can I be old enough to be the mother of a twenty-year-old ?! Another smaller cause for celebration this week was the delivery of the February Degustabox. The theme of this month's box is Home Comforts, which sounded good to me. Here's a look at what was in this month's box.
This month's Product of the Month is Cheez-It Snap'd Double Cheese (RRP £2) which Sophie immediately got excited about because they were our snack of choice on our holiday to Alaska a few years ago apparently. I didn't really remember them (probably because they were being passed around in the back seat of the car and the grown-ups didn't get a look in!) but I tried one and the flavour did remind me of something I've tasted before. They have a lovely crunchy but soft and melty texture and the bright orange flavour shows you just how punchy and tasty the seasoning is going to be. They are baked with 100% real cheese, which I suspect is healthier but just as tasty as the original American version that we tried. We'll definitely be buying these again. Available in all major supermarket chains.
Kelloggs Chocos Caramel Flavour Coco Pops (RRP £3.50) are another brand new breakfast option that are a twist on an old classic. As well as the new sweet caramel flavour, which we all loved, the traditional coco pops shape has been swapped for a crunchy shell shape. Not everything is different though - they still turn the milk brown ! A tasty way to start the day or perfect as a mid-afternoon snack for the growing teens (and twenty-somethings !) in the family. Available at Tesco, ASDA and Morrisons.
Aagrah Lahori Tikka Mix (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers got Peshwari Tikka Mix, Seekh Kebab Mix or Punjabi Tikka Mix) are authentic Indian spices that are perfect for creating a tasty, exotic meal. Perfect for marinades, grills or curries, each blend is crafted for quick, easy and delicious meals. The suggested recipe is simply sprinkling the spice mix on lamb chops or diced lamb before frying, but you can also add the spices to oil to create a marinade that you can use in an Airfryer or on a barbecue. The Lahori Tikka Mix has a medium spice rating but there are numerous other options and spice levels on their website. Available at Tesco, Morrisons, Farmshops and online.
Knorr Beef Gravy Pots (RRP £2.25) are a quick and convenient way of knocking up a pot of gravy to go with your Sunday dinner or alternatively for adding a nice hit of concentrated flavour to stews or casseroles as they are bubbling away on the hob. They are rich, juicy and gluten-free with an authentic flavour that will add richness to any red meat dishes. Available at all major supermarket chains.
Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (RRP £1.50) can be diluted with water or milk and enjoyed straight from the can as a light meal, but I also love using it as a base for chicken casseroles and pies. It brings great taste but also a lovely rich, creamy consistency that makes any homecooked meal seem like you have slaved over it for hours. You might like to try Chicken and Leek Filo Pie, Chicken Spaghetti Bake or American classics Chicken & Mushroom Hotdish and Green Bean Casserole. Available in all major supermarkets.
Mutti Polpa (RRP £1.53) is a unique product that combines the finely cut pulpy part of the tomato with the juice, giving the great taste and bright red colour of fresh tomatoes. Perfect for upgrading anything you're cooking with tomatoes, whether that be tomato soup, bolognese sauce or chili con carne. Available in all major supermarket chains.
Aqua Libra Sparkling Water Infused With Raspberry and Blackcurrant (RRP £1.30) is a fruity drink made with just sparkling water, natural fruit flavours and a dash of lemon. It contains no sugar, sweeteners or anything artificial. Each can contains less than 5 calories. It's great if you're looking for a healthier option, although you may find it a bit sharp if you're used to drinking regular sugar or sweetener-filled drinks. Available at Tesco, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Amazon.
Pringles Hot Blazin' Fried Chicken Flavour (RRP £2.50) is the latest addition to the Pringles Hot range, which is made up of five
flavour variants, offering varying levels of intensity. This one is just one chilli rated and they appealed to me, despite my wimpy capacities for eating spicy food ! They have a nice little kick that does start building up, the more you eat, but they have a lovely chicken flavour that makes it all worth it ! The kids loved them and declared them not very spicy at all. Available at all major supermarkets.
Kadoya Roasted Sesame Oil (RRP £4.50) is commonly used in East Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, and Korean styles, and it is lovely for adding a rich, nutty flavour to your dishes. Here are some tips from the producers for using it : 1. You can use the oil as it is by drizzling it on salads, soups, and noodles. 2.The flavor is elevated when warmed, so we also recommend using it as a finishing oil on stir-fries, warm soups, or noodle dishes. 3. It is also excellent for making dressings. Sesame oil pairs well with ingredients like ponzu, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. 4. It is useful for masking unpleasant odors of fish or meat, so we also recommend using this oil in marinades. (Sesame oil is often used in poke bowl sauces.) I'm already a big fan but I'll definitely be trying some of those ideas out. I've previously used it successfully in several recipes, including Sweet & Sticky Chinese Chicken & Veg, Japchae and General Tso's Chicken. Available at Ocado.
Ibis Rice Cakes (RRP £1.89) are organic wholegrain rice cakes, made with no salt and no sugar, just pure brown rice. They are light and crunchy with a mildly nutty flavour that can be eaten with your favourite toppings or on their own. Their wildlife-friendly farmers are committed to the strictest environmental standards and paid a premium for their crops, lowering carbon emissions, preventing deforestation and protecting over 50 endangered species in the bio-diverse forests of Cambodia. All Ibis Rice products are 100% organic and made from a variety of Jasmine rice voted 'World's Best Rice' 5 times running at the World Rice forum. All ingredients are grown in Cambodia where the products are made and packed, further supporting the local community. They are great if you fancy a healthy snack or lunch option. Available at ibisrice.co.uk, Planet Organic and many independent retailers.
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.
