Asda Free From Mince Pies Improved Recipe Review

I reviewed Asda's Free From Mince Pies last year, but this year they have only gone and bloomin' improved them (again), so here I am reviewing the new and improved versions. The things I do for food research haha!

It's always nice to have more gluten free varieties, and thankfully all the supermarkets are expanding their options all the time - with even Aldi currently doing Gluten Free Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings. It's a step in the right direction for us gluten free folk for sure. I do enjoy Asda's offering, in fact I'd say they're the best budget gluten free mince pies around.

Free from Dairy and Gluten, but sadly not egg these aren't suitable for vegans. And despite the lack of butter, the pastry on these still tastes lovely and buttery, melt in the mouth and has just the right thickness.

The filling is moist and gooey, with the right balance of fruits and spice, never tasting too syrupy or sugary. In fact it's rather authentic for a cheaper mince pie.

I really loved these, and I would say they have in fact improved since last year, it's hard to say how exactly but perhaps the pastry is a little more buttery tasting and the filling is more plentiful? I'm not sure exactly, but for a bargain gluten free treat this festive season these are an absolute must - that's if they don't go out of stock, as always tends to happen with gluten free festive products! Snap these up while you can!

8.7 out of 10.

Twinings Cranberry & Blood Orange Tea

Taking a break from the indulgent foods this festive season, today we have a healthier product, Twinings Cranberry & Blood Orange Herbal tea. This is the perfect drink for the festive season, and a nice way to warm up without loads of calories. I found these teabags in Poundland but most supermarkets stock them I believe.

They taste as you would exspect, warming tart cranberry with the sweeter, punchy blood orange, making for a great combination. I added some stevia to mine as I always do with hot drinks, for a hint of sweetness without the calories. I'm constantly sipping on this stuff in these Winter months, it's such a treat in the mornings especially! Also good when trying to watch your caffeine intake before bedtime.

Overall, I would highly recommend this Twinings tea, they do a great range in general but this one is particularly suited to the Winter months!

8 out of 10.

Marks & Spencer Chocolate Marbled Mallows

The big day isn't far away and the festive treats are flowing...well, they are if you review snacks anyway! Marks & Spencer have been leading the pack this year in terms of interesting Christmas foods, from the likes of Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Tortillas, Prosecco Caramels and even a Christmas Pudding Smoothie. For more do check out my Instagram page (there's updates daily!).

One thing I decided to try recently were these Chocolate Marbled Mallows, purely because they were reduced to £3, come in a fancy box and contain no suspect ingredients (for someone avoiding gluten, anyway!)

They're described as "vanilla mallow with marbled dark chocolate" and come in a fancy wooden tube style box, which you peel open to reveal a bag of mallow chunks.

They certainly looked super squishy and bouncy, with a nice chocolatey swirled effect going on. Plus there was the obligatory dusting of icing sugar.

They tasted pretty good, sweet and chewy and as you would expect, although I couldn't taste the dark chocolate much. There was a hint of cocoa flavour in there but it was overpowered by the sugary sweet mallow. Still these were pretty tasty and better quality than your average cheap marshmallow.

Overall, are these a win? Not quite, they're lacking that bit of "oomph" to make them not just any marshmallow, but an M&S marshmallow...still, they're pretty tasty if quality mallows are your thing. They'd also make a lovely gift just for the tube alone.

7 out of 10.

Tesco Finest Creamy Brie & Cranberry Crisps

Tesco have quite a track record for unusual crisp flavours at Christmas. Last year they did the tasty Cocoa & Spiced Rum Crisps, this year the weird Candy Cane Crisps, and amongst the seasonal range I spotted this relatively more-normal-but-still-novel flavour, Creamy Brie and Cranberry. I wasn't sure about berries mixed with cheese as a crisp flavour so I went with my curiosity...

For £1 a bag these are described simply as "Brie and cranberry flavour crinkle cut potato crisps". Opening the bag they certainly had a super strong cheesy aroma.

They tasted super cheesy indeed, as you would expect from brie flavoured crisps! It was quite overpowering - these definitely aren't for the faint of heart and are clearly only for those who truly love their cheese. The cranberry flavor adds a slight sour tartness, it's subtle but you can (just) taste it amongst all the cheese.

Overall, these are some cheesy crisps indeed, and I imagine you'll either love or hate them. They'd certainly make an interesting addition to any festive party or buffet!

7 out of 10.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons & Freddo Faces Chocolate Tubes

I do often bemoan the quality of Cadbury's chocolate, and with good reason - the taste and texture has gone way downhill in recent years. However I am still human and love most things sweet so when offered to try the Cadbury Christmas range I didn't say no. Their 2017 products include a few newbies in their stocking fillers, including Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo Faces. I was sent those along with Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons so thought I'd do a head to head comparison of the two!

Starting with the Freddo Faces these aren't all in one tube but rather in little packets inside the tubes, which is disappointing. It doesn't feel special but rather that they've just stuffed some regular products into a tube and given it a festive label. Still it makes them handy to give out as snacks and keeps them fresher. Well, in theory it does if you don't intend on eating them all at once!

They tasted nice, sweet and sugary, pretty much what you'd expect from Cadbury Freddo. No doubt they're perfect stocking fillers for kiddies especially with the fun Freddo shapes. Yes, the quality of the Dairy Milk isn't what it used to be, but they're still fun as far as cheap chocolates go - I can't knock that. And anything Freddo related always has a special nostalgic feel to it. 8 out of 10.

The Dairy Milk buttons are the classics we all know and love, they taste milkier and greasier than they used to but still have that comforting familiar taste underneath all the sugar. Again these come in little packets, somewhat cheapening the point of them being in a festive tube.

They tasted good, although I think giant buttons would have been better because these are a bit small and annoying to eat. But then I have a big mouth and they're not aimed at me so...yeah, I'm sure kids will love them! They're not quite as fun as the Freddo Faces, even though they are a classic. 7.5 out of 10.

Overall, what can I say but basically these are both fun and cheap chocolates that do what they say on the tin...er tube...er...packet. The Freddo Faces are a clear choice for the kiddies and the Dairy Milk Buttons would make a good stocking filler for pretty much anyone.

Christmas in Shops 2017 - Supermarket Own Brand Edition

The supermarkets have really upped their game in recent years for own-brand festive products, with some impressive and weird new treats out for the Christmas Season. Below are some I've seen whilst out and about...although there's lots more! For updates of the most recent do check out my Instagram Page. 

Tesco Chocolate Truffle Carrots: 

These don't actually contain carrot, do not fear! Instead they are coloured white chocolates with praline fillings.

Tesco White Chocolate Polar Bear:

Another white chocolate treat from Tesco are these cute chocolate polar bears.

Tesco Black Forest Dome Gateau:

Making a return for the festive season are these yummy Black Forest Dome Gateaus.

Tesco Christmas Tree Ice Creams:

Also making a return are these Christmas Tree shaped ice creams.

Tesco Chocolate Orange Muffins:

Chocolate and orange is always a welcome festive flavour and now you can get them in muffin form thanks to Tesco!

Tesco Finest Gingerbread Nuts & Raisins Limited Edition:

A mixture of gingerbread flavour cashews, raisins and chocolate pieces, these sound delicious!

Tesco Finest White Chocolate & Strawberry Nuts:

Sounding more like a Summery nut mix, these contains white chocolate nuts with white chocolate coated strawberries.

Asda Caramelised Biscuit Gateau:

Asda are getting fancy this year with their Caramelised biscuit gateau. Yum! 

Asda Party Chocolate Orange Profiteroles:

An orangey variety of Profiteroles, perfect for the festive season!

Asda Christmas Tree Crumpets:

Asda did Pumpkin shaped crumpets for Halloween now they have moulded them into Christmas Tree shapes. I bet these would be gorgeous with butter and cinnamon melted on!

Asda Extra Special Free From Chocolate & Salted Caramel Naked Layered Gateau:

I'm not sure what makes this gateau "naked" exactly, but it sure does sound delicious. Plus it's Gluten Free, hurrah!

Asda Extra Special Raspberry & White Chocolate Macaron Cake:

Asda are also doing this rather unique sounding Raspberry and White Chocolate Macaron cake.

Asda Extra Special Raspberry & Prosecco Pavlova Stack:

Plus the Flavour of the month, Prosecco in pavlova form.

Asda Extra Special Golden Baked Salted Caramel Cheesecake:

And another flavour of the month...or rather last few years...salted caramel baked cheesecake!

Co Op Gingerbread Tortilla Rolls:

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, these Co Op Tortilla Rolls sound pretty unique! If anyone has tried them do leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Co Op Pigs in Blankets Tortilla Rolls:

Also suitable for vegans and vegetarians, I don't know how the Co Op manage to make things taste so meaty without meat! Must be that festive magic...

Co Op Irresistible Cheese Board Crisps:

Containing cheese, these are definitely bot vegan but they are gluten free, hurrah! They're flavoured with brie, wensleydale, stilton and cranberry. Yum!

Co Op Irresistible Posh Prawn Cocktail Crisps:

For those who like something fishy rather than cheesy, there's these Posh Prawn Cocktail Crisps, which are also gluten free. Presumably not vegan though, unless there's such a thing as vegan fish (there probably is).

The Co Op Christmas Mini Caramel & Pecan Tarts:

You can't beat the classic combination of caramel and pecans in tart form!

The Co Op Free From Mini Iced Fruit Cake Bites:

The Co Op are doing a great job if catering for people with gluten allergy this Christmas, and these Mini Iced Fruit Cake bites sound perfect to nibble on!

The Co Op Irresistible Free From Yule Logs:

As do these gluten free Yule logs!

Marks & Spencer Merry Percymas!:

M&S are pulling out all the stops with their treats this year, with even Pecy Pig getting a festive makeover!

M&S Christmas Pudding Ice Cream:

For when you can't decide between ice cream or pudding. Marks & Spencer's Christmas Pudding Ice Cream!

M&S Chocolate Orange Ice Cream:

And if you're sick of Terry's Chocolate Orange (I know I am!) you can also get your orangey chocolate fix in ice cream form. Hurrah!

M&S Turkey Feast Hand Cooked Crisps:

You can also have your turkey feast in crisp form thanks to M&S!

Marks & Spencer Caramelised Pecans:

Caramelised Pecans, coated with milk chocolate and gianduja and dusted in cocoa powder. Sounds delicious, but they're not cheap! But then, they'r not just any nuts, they're posh nuts...

Marks & Spencer Apple Cinnamon Truffles:

Speaking of not being cheap, these lovely sounding apple cinnamon truffles are even more expensive. £15!!! Let's hope they're not just any truffles, but the best in the world!

Marks and Spencer Cinnamon Biscuit Milk Chocolate Truffles:

These sound nice, you can't beat cinnamon and biscuit!

Marks & Spencer Mince Pie Fudge:

Mince pie fudge...what better combination for Christmas?!

Marks & Spencer Orange, Pomegranate & Cranberry Sunrise:

As well as the Christmas Pudding Smoothie M&S have brought out this festive drink - Orange Pomegranate and Cranberry juice, supporting the charity Shelter.

Marks & Spencer Clementine Orange & Passion Fruit Juice:

Plus there's a clementine, orange and passionfruit variety.

Marks & Spencer Crackling Crisps:

And pork crackling crisps! Comes complete with apple cider and rosemary dip.

Marks & Spencer Chocolate Coated Gingerbread Latte Cookies:

Gingerbread latte in cookie form...yummo!

Marks & Spencer Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese & Champagne Hand Cooked Crisps:

Smoked salmon, cream cheese AND champagne in crisp form?! What kind of Frankenstein abomination is this???

Marks & Spencer Bloody Mary Hand Cooked Red Crisps:

Vodka flavour crisps, really?!

Marks & Spencer Winter Berries & Prosecco Hand Cooked Crisps:

As much as I liked the Co Op Proscco Bubbles, I'm not sure about these...

Marks & Spencer Honey Mustard Poppy Seed Tortilla Rolls:

Now these sound a bit more promosing! Also check out my review of the M&S Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Tortilla Rolls.

Marks & Spencer Pigs in Blankets Crisps:

Pork and pork flavour crisps...yum!

Marks & Spencer Raspberry & White Chocolate Trees:

Now these sound nice, you can't beat the combo of white chocolate and raspberry!

Marks & Spencer Snowy Road Mini Bites:

Paddington Bear themed Snowy Road snacks with fruit and marshmallows, yum!

Marks & Spencer Christmas Tree Chocolate Cupcakes:

You can't beat a festive cupcake!

Marks & Spencer Bacon Wrapped Mac & Cheese Stacks:

And what party would be complete without bacon wrapped Mac and cheese?

Iceland Caramel Ice Cream Trees:

Iceland are doing Christmas Tree shaped ice creams again these year, this time in caramel flavour,

Iceland Luxury Chocolate & Orange Choux Garland:

A choux pastry chocolate orange garland...yummy!

Iceland Irish Cream Profiterole Gateau:

You can't beat Irish cream at this time of year...especially in cheesecake form!

Iceland Luxury Dark Chocolate & Mint Dessert:

Neither can you beat minty chocolate desserts...

Iceland Luxury Salted Caramel Cheesecake:

Or salted caramel!

Iceland Luxury Melting Chocolate Snowflake:

Now this looks fancy!

Iceland Raspberry Eton Mess Cheesecake:

More of a summer flavour, but still very yummy no doubt...

Iceland Passion Fruit Gateau:

A passion fruit gateau with Cointreau Liquer.

Iceland Luxury Raspberry Panna Cotta Desserts:

Interesting!

Iceland Luxury Chocolate Creme Brulee Desserts:

You can't beat creme brûlée desserts!

Iceland Fruity Eclairs:

In a variety of flavours such as lemon meringue and black forest, these eclairs sound perfect for the festive season!

Well, that's about it for today's post, there's lots more festive treats in shops of course, do let me know if you spot any! And keep an eye on my Instagram page for updates of any as I spot them too...Happy Christmas Snacking!