Degustabox August 2025 review : Back to School & Relaxing Evenings

Another month has spun around and it was time for the postman to drop off this month's Degustabox. This month's selection covers all bases, with breakfast options, drinks, snacks and ingredients for main meals. The latest theme is Back to School (not something I want to think about yet, thank you !) and Relaxing Evenings (ooh sounds hopeful for indulgent snacks). Here's what was tucked away in this month's box.

 

The first product was Bold Bean Co Queen Cannellini Beans (RRP £3.25 - other Degustaboxers got Queen Chickpeas or Smoky Chilli Baked Beans) which are cooked to perfection using high quality ingredients sourced from where they grow best. The product write-up suggested eating them straight from the jar, adding them to salads or spooning them over toasted sourdough. I didn't fancy eating them cold though so I put them in a pan with chopped tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and bacon pieces, topped with spices then served with rice, which was delicious. They would also work well in soups and casseroles. Very tasty. Available at Tesco's, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, major independents and directly from boldbeanco.com

Double Dutch Pomegranate and Basil (RRP £1.50 - only available in a case of 24) is a complex, intriguing mixer. It starts with a herby punch that gives way to a hint of sweetness then a piquant finish. The bold balance of fruitiness and herbiness is great mixed with fruit juice in a mocktail or champagne or white wine as a refreshing cocktail. It's perfect if you're looking for something different to sip on. Available on Amazon and Ocado.

 

Seabrook Waffle Bites Maple Bacon Flavour (RRP £1.50) are a delicious crunchy but soft snack that the whole family gobbled up. We loved the texture and also the maple bacon flavour that is the perfect blend of salty savouriness and slight sweetness. Despite the bacon flavour, they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They are also gluten-free and are perfect for packed lunches or cheeky snacks. Available in Asda, Morrisons and Ocado.

Tilda Soy & Ginger Sticky Rice (RRP £1.54) is the first part of this month's Product of the Month. Part of the range of microwavable pouches, we love the flavour options and convenience of these products. We have already tried the basic Sticky Rice in a previous Degustabox, using it to make sushi, but we loved the additions to the flavour of this version. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the rice needs just 2 minutes in the microwave or 3 minutes on the hob and it's ready to eat. Available at Sainsbury's or on Tilda.com.

 

Tilda Chinese Special Fried Rice (RRP £1.54) is the second part of this month's Product of the Month and I was instantly won over by the flavour, as it reminded me of one of my favourite Chinese takeaway items. Mushrooms, carrot, peas, Chinese spices and soy sauce give the rice a delicious oriental flavour and while the pack suggests using it with pork or tofu, it also tastes great with chicken. Available at Sainsbury's or on Tilda.com.

Mentos Pure Fresh Strawberry Gum (RRP £2) is a sugar free gum that comes in a handy tub containing 35 pieces of gum. The unique selling point is the gum's intensely fruity, liquid centre which adds a really refreshing burst of flavour when you start chewing. Delicious ! Available at Tesco.

 

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Premium Instant Coffee (RRP £3) uses the same high quality 100% Arabica beans as in the chain's coffeehouses. Expertly blended together with dairy milk and the celebrated flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers the warming, seasonal flavours of autumn to enjoy at home. Juliette instantly let out a squeal of appreciation and sneaked them into her bag, but she tells me they are very nice. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Sacla Creamy Pesto Pasta Pot (RRP £2) is a tasty pot of food that needs just 5 minutes to prepare. Combining short-cut tagliatelle, fragrant basil and cheese sauce, it tastes better than it sounds. I was expecting a heap of soggy mush but it actually stays al dente and has a nice taste. It is made in Italy, contains no nasties and is a source of protein. Perfect as a quick snack or simple lunch, it's also easy to stuff in your work bag and make up using just the kettle in the kitchen. Available in larger Asda and Morrisons stores, on Amazon, Ocado, at sacla.co.uk and in the Sacla Tik Tok shop.

 

Activit Sparkling Vitamin Water (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, sugar-free, 3-calorie drink with added vitamins including B6, B12, C and D. We got Lemon and Lime flavour, which was quite tart and refreshing, but other Degustaboxers received Blackcurrant & Raspberry or Tropical. It's a pleasant, thirst-quenching drink that has the extra bonus of the added vitamins. Great as a little pick-me-up on a hot day. Available in the major supermarket chains.

Forest Feast Honey & Sea Salt Cashews & Peanuts (RRP £1.50) are a totally scrumptious snack that we gobbled up in minutes. A mixture of Colossal Cashews and Jumbo Peanuts, glazed with the golden nectar of Scottish Heather Honey and roasted with hand-harvested Sea Salt, they are the perfect sweet and salty blend that everyone loved. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Kellogg's Bluey Multigrain Cereal (RRP £3.50) is a new breakfast option that is sure to delight young children. Even the Madhouse kids (who are now well beyond the target age range) loved the flavour, the crunchy texture and the fun shapes. They are high in fibre, with no artificial colours or flavours. Available in all major supermarket chains.

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. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Degustabox July 2025 review : Summer & Get Outdoors

 

We've just come back from our summer holiday in Morocco - we spent two weeks soaking up the sun, getting friendly with the camels and sweltering in the manic heat in Marrakesh - and the cupboards were decidedly bare so we grabbed hold of the Degustabox that was waiting for us to see what would be inside. With a theme of Summer and Get Outdoors, we were thinking refreshing snacks, picnicky bits and bobs and cooling drinks. Would we be right ? Let's find out !

 

The first product out of the box was Nescafé Iced Classic Espresso Concentrate (RRP £4.99) which is described as the ultimate iced coffee hack, giving you a rich iced coffee within seconds just by mixing it with the liquid of your choice. It is convenient, easy to use and gives you café quality coffee at your fingertips. We're not coffee fans but I will be passing this on to Juliette to play with. Available in major supermarkets.

Get More Vits Pineapple & Grapefruit (RRP £1.25) is a new flavour in the range of sparkling vitamin-enhanced drinks. The Pineapple and Grapefruit flavour offers the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and refreshing tartness. As well as being a tasty drink, it offers support for healthy bones and immunity. I also love the fact that it is sugar free and contains just five calories. Other Degustaboxers got to try the other new variety, Raspberry and Pomegranate (helps support healthy bones and immunity) and it is also available in Mango and Passionfruit (supports healthy bones). Available in multipacks from Tesco.

Acti-Snack Buffalo BBQ Keto Trail Mix (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Peanut Butter Energy Trail Mix) are part of a range of snacks designed to offer a punch of protein to deliver lean muscle mass. Pierre has just started going to the gym and wants to bulk up so he is big on protein at the moment. As I suspected, he loved this and devoured the pack in one go ! A mixture of almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds with a spice mix combining smoky heat and sweetness, the trail mix provides magnesium, potassium and iron to fight muscle fatigue so you can push yourself farther and faster at the gym. Above all that, it tastes great. Hand-crafted and baked never fried, only natural ingredients are used - they promise there is nothing artificial and definitely no gut-busting sweeteners ! Available at Morrisons and anti-snack.com.

Swizzels Squashies Tropical (RRP £1.25 - other Degustaboxers got Squashies Sour Shooting Stars) is a new product in the Squashies range, that just happens to be Juliette's favourite sweet range. The shapes are tropical - they are a mixture of parrots, pineapples and watermelons - and so are the flavours - mango & passionfruit, pineapple and watermelon. They are the perfect addition to the range and seem summer-inspired. Delicious ! Available in major supermarket chains.

Oxo Succulent Chicken Stock Pots (RRP £1.85) are the perfect way to add a dose of flavour to anything from soups and casseroles to curries and chillis. I always have a box of the original square Oxo chicken stock cubes in my kitchen but these are like a souped up version that avoid all the annoying bits like trying to find a corner to rip open and avoiding getting stock cube particles under your nails when you crush it up. These stock pots just need to be plopped into your dish straight from the pack, where they will slowly dissolve revealing all their rich flavour. They are made with real chicken juices, herbs and seasoning and they are gluten-free, containing only natural colours and flavourings. Available in major supermarket chains.

Milliways Plastic Free Gum (RRP 20p) is a plastic-free (both in terms of the packaging and the gum itself) and chemical-free gum, unlike many others, so it helps look after your health and the planet. It combines the natural flavours of Mentha Peperita and Mentha Arvensis to provide a sensation of ice cold arctic breeze. Guaranteed to freshen up your mouth and, as an added bonus, it's sugar free. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Amazon, Whole Foods, Costa Coffee, Ocado and WHSmith.

Just Spices Vegetable All Rounder (RRP £3.99) can be sprinkled over veggies before roasting them, stirred through mashed potatoes or mixed with vegetable oil to create a delicious marinade. It's a blend of sea salt, black Tellicherry pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, lemon peel and chilli peppers. It's great as a time-saving blend that doesn't need time and energy spent deciding which spices to pluck off the spice rack. I love it sprinkled over a baked potato with butter or a plate full of plain pasta when you want something quick as an easy meal. Available in the major supermarket chains.

Hi-Chew Strawberry and Green Apple (RRP 2 x £1.25) is Japan's number one selling sweet, now available in the UK. The unique double-layer structure is designed to recreate the experience of eating fruit, giving you the strong freshness of the first bite followed by the spreading sweetness or sourness of the fruit's flesh in your mouth. It's pleasant and the flavours and textures were both a big hit with the Madhouse kids. Available in major supermarket chains and on TikTok Shop.

Finally Blanco Niño Chilli & Lime Tortilla Chips (RRP £3 - other Degustaboxers got Smoky Chipotle or Creamy Jalapeño) are delicious, crunchy snacks that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped into guacamole or sour cream. They are made with simple, quality ingredients, crafted using an ancient cooking method known as nixtamalisation (I investigated, it's a maize processing method that involves boiling corn kernels in water with lime) and each batch takes three days to make. It's worth it though and you can taste the difference. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Co op, Ocado and Amazon. 

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. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Degustabox June 2025 review : Picnic & On-The-Go

The postie dropped off our latest Degustabox last week and with the heatwave descending on us, it has the perfect theme : Picnic and On-the-go. What would be in this month's box to help us beat the heat and enjoy time outside ? Let's find out !

Tilda Steamed Rice Pouches (RRP 2 x £1.54) are a great way of beating the heat in the kitchen - just pop them in the microwave for two minutes for perfectly cooked rice, with no need to slave over a boiling pan of water. They are available in over 25 flavours so they're a quick and simple way of adding new flavours to your meals. The Mushroom Basmati Rice is one that we often buy - it has a neutral, savoury flavour that goes perfectly with all sorts of meat and vegetable dishes. The Egg Fried Rice one was a new one for us and we loved it, mixed in with some leftover chicken, although it would also work well with prawns or tofu (as suggested on pack) or just on its own. Available in all major supermarket chains.

 

Sauce Shop Original Smoky BBQ Sauce (RRP £2.80) is the perfect accompaniment to summertime barbecues, slathered on hamburgers, sausages or grilled chicken. The product info even suggests trying it drizzled over pizza, which sounds like it would be nice. It is a classic sweet and smoky sauce, loaded with tomatoes, hickory wood smoked water and rich molasses. The flavour instantly makes me think of classic American barbecues and grill houses. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and www.sauceshop.co.

Proper All The Cheese Lentil Chips (RRP £2) are a tasty, crispy snack that we all loved. This new flavour is labelled as a "homage to the fromage" and it is a blend of four cheeses : cheddar, emmental, mozzarella and gouda. The rich flavour is decidedly moreish and is made from real cheese. They are gluten free and each serving comes in at under 100 calories. Available in all the major supermarket chains.

Skittles Citrus (RRP £1.10) are a new take on one of my favourite sweets. The new flavours are orange, lemon, lime, mandarin and blood orange, which offer a lovely, zingy, summery hit. We shared out one bag then poured the other into a bowl and mixed in a bag of regular Skittles to enjoy all the different flavours together. Bliss in a bowl ! The great thing about Skittles in the summer is that they won't melt, however hot it gets. The kids love using Skittles as cake toppers too. Available in all major supermarkets.

Mission Carb Balance Wraps (RRP £1.90) have only 9g of carbs per wrap (which is 66% less than Mission Original Wraps), while maintaining their great taste and texture and offering a source of high fibre. Sophie instantly leapt in and said that they would be good for her to help with her diabetes - eating low carb food helps with managing blood sugar levels. Even without diabetes, they are great for making anything from breakfast burritos to lunchtime wraps and Mexican style dinners. They taste just as good as the regular wraps and we love the soft texture. Available in Sainsbury's.

 

Kellogg's Oaties Original Crunch (RRP £3.50) is a new breakfast cereal option, made up of crisp, crunchy, sweet oaty squares. They are made with wholegrain oats and are high in fibre. The kids were happy enough to munch on a bowlful topped with milk but I was slightly underwhelmed and prefer jazzing them up with fresh fruit (such as strawberries, mandarin oranges or bananas) and Greek yoghurt poured on top. They contain sugar but seem like a relatively healthy choice to me, compared to some of the other cereals out there. Available in Tesco, JS, Asda and Morrisons.

Nescafe Iced Caramel Latte (RRP £3) is a great choice for coffee-lovers trying to deal with the summer heat. Made with carefully selected and responsibly sourced coffee and milk, the result is a refreshing, creamy-tasting drink. I passed this on to Juliette who gave her approval. Available in all the major supermarket chains.

 

Just Live A Little Maple & Toasted Pecan Granola (RRP £1.50 - available in a full-sized 360g pack for £4) is a tasty breakfast option. Not just maple and cinnamon toasted oats but also nutty pecans, crisp coconut, juicy raisins, crisped rice and a dollop of almond butter to tickle your tastebuds. The company believes that better food makes you feel better so they use nothing but the finest ingredients. It's a tasty and satisfying breakfast or snack topped with milk, stirred into yogurt or incorporated into biscuits and crumble toppings. Available in selected Sainsbury's stores, amazon, justlivealittle.com and selected independents.

Nestlé Carnation Chocolate Fudge Flavour Drizzle (RRP £3.19) was a surprise hit that is perfect to enjoy over the summer months. I know Carnation as a condensed milk brand, which I don't like as I find it too syrupy sweet (although my mum uses it in tea in place of regular milk). This product however has a rich, deep chocolate flavour that is absolutely delicious drizzled over hot pancakes and waffles or cold ice cream. You can even get creative and layer up fresh fruit (bananas, mangoes, strawberries, ...), meringues, ice cream and cream in rich ice cream sundaes. Also available in Caramel or Condensed Milk flavours, in all major supermarkets.

Cheez-It Double Cheese & Cheese & Chilli (RRP 2 x £1) are deliciously crunchy and savoury snacks that are decidedly moreish. They are baked, never fried, made with 100% real cheese and seasoned to perfection. They are perfect for nibbling on in front of the TV, adding to a summer's day picnic or used to accompany grilled meat at a family barbecue. They taste so good you could eat them anywhere you want ! Available in all major supermarket chains.

Divine Milk & White Chocolate Cappuccino Bar (RRP £1.29) is a satisfying blend of creamy milk chocolate, smooth white chocolate and a hint of rich cappuccino, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and rich coffee flavour. It is made using Fairtrade-certified cocoa and I was surprised to find that I liked it as I don't usually like coffee. When you need a little treat offering richness and indulgence to brighten up your day, this is ideal. Available direct from Divine at www.divinechocolate.com.

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. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Book review : Friends Are Forever - Mike Martin

 

I did a bit of a double-take when I started writing this review. I went to check which number book this one is in the Sgt. Windflower series and discovered that it is number 16. How is that even possible ?! Yes, our friendly, kind, even-tempered Mountie hero has already starred in an amazing 15 other books. This surely explains why readers (or at least I) have a real sense of coming home and catching up with a family member or friend when a new Sgt. Windflower book hits the shelves.

If you have yet to read any of the books in the series, let me explain the homely setting and its heart-warming main character. Sgt. Windflower is a RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer who lives in the small town of Grand Bank. Imagine beautiful sea views disappearing in the swirling fog that also hides the numerous giant moose lurking on the fringes of the roads, with a distinct scent of por'cakes and curried salmon wafting along on the breeze. As well as being a police officer, Sgt. Windflower is a big-hearted family man, husband to Sheila and daddy to two daughters, Stella and Amelia Louise, as well as guardian of two pets, a dog named Lady who loves to go for walks with Windflower and a cat called Molly who is far too important to cast a look at her master if he doesn't come bearing salmon-flavoured gifts ! Sgt. Windflower also shares some elements of his Cree heritage, whether through his smudging rituals or his dreamweaving, where he catches up with his family members who have passed on.

Sgt. Windflower has a close-knit group of friends and workmates who pop up in the various novels. Colleagues Eddie and Carrie Tizzard, along with their growing brood of children, Herb Stoodley at the local diner The Mug-Up and the whisky, food and literary quotation-lover Doc Sanjay, who sadly puts in his final appearance in this novel.

Despite all the good times in Newfoundland (the novel begins with a celebration for the newly promoted members of Sgt. Windflower's team), criminal shenanigans are never far away and this book throws Windflower into a series of violent bank heists, involving international mobsters and local biker gangs. As the body count starts to rise, Windflower realises that these crimes are the test run for a bigger crime spree, probably based in Toronto. 

While he doesn't hold back, even willing to put his own life on the line, it's the warmer, more comforting moments of his life that will keep me coming back for more tales of his life - a catch-up with friends, a good meal shared with loved ones or a witty battle of Shakespearean quotes with his friends. Bring it on, Sgt. Windflower, bring it on !

star rating : 4/5

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 May 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 286 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896308
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896309

Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.

Degustabox May 2025 review : BBQ & Garden Party

 

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.

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 20

This week was a quiet, normal week which was just what was needed after a few hectic weeks. We had a big moment of panic at work when we suddenly realised just how close the end of term is and all that that entails - final exams, filling in reports, class meetings, sorting out the classes for next year, ... Oh well, one step at a time. This coming week, Monday is our final training day which gives us a nice easy start to the week. Here's the menu plan for next week.

Monday

lunch-  school canteen for me (Sophie and Pierre can go fridge diving)

dinner - beefburgers, rice and beans

Tuesday

lunch- bacon and leek quiche with salad

dinner-  sausages and mash with gravy and carrots

Wednesday

lunch- something instagram-inspired found by Sophie

dinner-spicy chickpea, tomato and sausage hot pot with rice

Thursday

lunch- something in town with Sophie

dinner-  baked potatoes with mushrooms, onions, bacon and cream

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - beef stew with carrots, red peppers, onions, paprika and rice

Saturday

lunch- leftovers

dinner-  chilli con carne and rice

Sunday

lunch- chicken curry with rice

dinner - pasta bolognese

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 19

I didn't end up doing a menu plan last week as we had major problems at home - our toilet blocked and we had to get a plumber out to unclog it. He didn't manage either so we had to get the truck out to force air/water through the pipes, which, he warned us, could end up breaking the toilet that would take a fortnight to repair. Luckily, it didn't break the toilet but the bill still came out at an eye-watering €1800 and we had four days without a toilet. Luckily there's a nearby fast food restaurant that we kept running to as needed and we headed off to Sophie's flat in Lille for the weekend. I'm glad that's over though ! May is the month of bank holidays so we had Thursday off last week and it's the same again this week. I do have to go in on my Wednesday day off though as it's the oral exams for the older kids and they needed more teachers to help out. Here's what's on the menu plan this week.

Monday

lunch-  lunch in town with Sophie

dinner - beef, carrot and mushroom stew with rice

Tuesday

lunch- baked potatoes with cheese and bacon

dinner- fresh beefburgers with mash and baked beans

Wednesday

lunch- tomato upside-down tart (a recipe that Sophie found on instagram)

dinner- cottage pie

Thursday

lunch- grilled ham, rice and ratatouille

dinner-  cordons bleus for Pierre and Sophie, lamb chops for me from Too Good To Go, with mash and green beans

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - fish and chips

Saturday

lunch- chicken fajitas

dinner- pasta carbonara

Sunday

lunch- roast dinner (chicken or gammon)

dinner - bacon sandwiches

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 17

After a hectic final week at school, it was lovely to head into a two-week break for Easter. We went visiting family in Hastings, which is always nice and relaxing. We had a week to settle back in at home after we got back and got through some jobs that have been cluttering up my to-do list (paying the remainder of our summer holiday, doing a 3-hour online training session for work, starting to dejunk the garage, ...) My fridge is full of too good to go goodies this week as we've been busy restocking the kitchen cupboards and the fridge. We ended up with about eight rolls of puff pastry that I threw in the freezer so we'll be looking for ways to use those up ! As Monday is a bank holiday, it will be a quieter week back at work next week. Thank goodness for that !

Monday

lunch- baked potatoes with sausages and beans

dinner - smoked mackerel pilau rice for me - chicken cordon bleu with rice for Pierre and Sophie

Tuesday

lunch- chicken burgers with pasta

dinner- puff pastry chorizo rolls with mash and carrots

Wednesday

lunch- something veggie-based using whatever's in the fridge with Sophie

dinner- chicken and chorizo traybake

Thursday

lunch- I'll eat in town with Sophie

dinner- air fryer chicken shawarma with rice

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - pasta carbonara

Saturday

lunch- air fryer chicken skewers with couscous and salad

dinner- paprika pork  with pasta

Sunday

lunch- roast gammon, roast potatoes, veg and gravy

dinner - bacon sandwiches

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***