The latest Degustabox arrived last week and the theme got me feeling all excited and warm inside : BBQ and Garden Party. That's as good as announcing that summer is almost here and everything that that signifies - lazy days off work, going out for long walks in the warm sunshine, heading off on our big family holiday, catching up on my me-time. Bring it on, I say ! In the meantime, let's have a little look at what was hiding away in the Degustabox
First of all, I pulled out The Hungry Boar Flamin' Piri Piri Sticklers (RRP £1.50) which are a new product that are sure to appeal to all the carnivores out there. They are made with seasoned, smoked and cured pork and they taste delicious, reminding me of the kabanos sausages I tasted in Poland. The hot piri piri flavour didn't really appeal to me but they are available in other flavours, including chicken, pork and loaded cheese. As well as tasting great, they will fight hunger pangs and provide a good source of protein. Available at Tesco and selected convenience stores.
Blue Raspberry and Bubblegum Squeezits (RRP 2 x 69p) are a new kids' drinks option that instantly had me squealing "I remember those !" I was right too - produced in Austria since 1973, they were introduced to the UK market in the 1980's. My tastes have changed since my childhood though so the sweet shop-inspired flavours didn't really appeal to me. While I now favour natural, subtle flavours, the blue raspberry and bubblegum flavours did appeal to the Madhouse kids, who also loved the idea of squeezing the packaging to release the drink. Available at ASDA, B&M, Home Bargains, Iceland and numerous other stores.
Batchelors Super Noodles Air (RRP 2 x £1.45) are a new twist on instant noodles, made with air dried noodles rather then fried. Just as quick and easy to prepare as the regular kind, they are high in fibre, low in fat and a source of protein. Just add boiling water and they are ready to devour in five minutes. I personally would add some leftover cooked chicken and veggies but Pierre is happy to munch on them just with the seasoning sachets added. He loved both the BBQ Beef and Chicken flavours and asked me to buy some more. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack if you're running short on time or energy. Available at all major supermarkets.
Pelagonia Chargrilled Aubergine Slices (RRP £3.20) offer a simple way of adding a taste of the Mediterranean to your mealtimes. They can be eaten hot or cold, served straight from the jar in salads, antipasti or meze sharing boards or on top of crunchy bruschetta. They could even be added to cooked dishes, including aubergine parmigiana, pizza or pide, shakshouka, aubergine rolls stuffed with ricotta or, if you want something a bit more exotic, sabich pita with boiled eggs, hummus and tahini or make a veggie tart with a puff pastry base. I'm not keen on aubergines but even I was won over by the smoky flavour. Available at Ocado, Coop and Booths.
Proper Mature Cheddar Popcorn (RRP £1.90) is a new flavour to be added to the range of Proper Popcorn, which we have already tried and loved. I wasn't sure about cheesy popcorn but it does actually work very well, offering a rich, tangy mature cheddar flavour to get your tastebuds tingling. High in fibre and coming in at under 100 calories, it is also gluten free and uses all natural flavourings. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, ASDA and Ocado.
Mixologist's Garden Freeze Dried Sweet Strawberries (RRP £2.50) are a great and simple way of adding some pizzazz to cocktails and mocktails. Delicious, juicy strawberries are freeze dried to lock in their natural flavour and colour so all you have to do is float them on your favourite drinks. They could be mixed up into smoothies or used to top cupcakes too. Available in Tesco, Amazon, East of England Coop and www.mixologistsgarden.com
Crunchips X-cut Paprika (RRP £1.25) are gluten-free, deliciously flavoured, crinkle cut crisps that were deemed so tasty here at The Madhouse that I barely got a look-in ! They have a bold flavour and the texture seems extra thick and crispy. Utterly delicious.
Kit Kat Hazelnut Flavour (RRP 85p) is a new take on the classic chocolate-covered wafer biscuit snack. I was expecting the regular bar to have a hazelnut filling but it is actually the chocolate itself that has been infused with a hazelnut flavour. I already loved the crispiness of the original Kit Kat bar but I was won over by the richness of the extra hazelnut flavour that reminded me of nibbling on praline chocolates at Christmas time. Available at all major supermarkets.
Creative Nature Apple & Cinnamon Oatie Snack Bar (RRP £1.40) is a gluten, dairy and nut-free snack bar that is actually free from the top 14 allergens. It is also kosher, vegan and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Alongside the natural apple flavour, there is a hint of warming spice that adds a real feel-good factor while you're nibbling. It's a simple bar with natural wholesomeness that makes you feel good about eating it. Available on the Creative Nature website.
Cape Herb & Spice Rub Greek Style Lemon & Herb Seasoning (RRP £3.75) is a tasty, Mediterranean-inspired spice blend, made with zesty lemon, roasted garlic and woody herbs. It can be sprinkled over most meat in the frying pan or on the barbecue, but it works particularly well with lamb, chicken or potatoes. I have also been experimenting on using it with fish, including salmon. It adds a great taste of freshness and summer sunshine. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
Cirio Polpa Finissimo Finely Chopped Tomatoes (RRP £1.50) are this month's Product of the Month. This new product takes the same ripe Italian tomatoes and chops them into smaller chunks before adding a rich tomato sauce that will add a fresh taste of Italy to whatever you're cooking. Whether you're eating, pizza, pasta, tomato soup, chilli or a meaty casserole, these tomatoes are the perfect ingredient. Already available at Ocado and Morrisons.
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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.
