December Food and Drink News – The number of sometimes weird, but often wonderful, new flavours of crisps launched for Christmas, isn’t surprising really, as we’re entering the entertaining season. I’ve recently tried a couple of ranges: one from Tesco and the other from Walkers and they’re both good. The Walkers Beef Wellington flavour in the Sensations range combines rich umami mushroom flavour with notes of thyme. Also featured in the festive range is the divisive Walkers Christmas Pudding flavour, which has left crisp fans divided (including me). The new range also includes Walkers Sensations Beef Wellington (150g sharing bag), £2.50, along with Walkers Roast Turkey (5 pack multipack), £2.00, Walkers Pigs In Blankets (5 pack multipack), £2.00, and Walkers Sensations King Prawn (150g sharing bag), £2.50.
The Tesco selection includes something for those with a taste for home comforts: Tesco Finest Steak & Onion Chutney Crisps, and other highlights in the Finest range like Camembert, Honey & Rosemary Crisps; Pigs in Blankets Crisps; Buttered Turkey & Herbs Crisps all at £1.35.
Still on a savoury note, after mentioning the fab new sweet range of extra chocolatey M&S biccies recently, I wanted to tell you that they’ve also launched a range to go with cheese, charcuterie, or dips.
Made exclusively for M&S by the Comino brothers in Piedmont, they really are good – and well-priced. The range includes: Collection Italian Rosemary & Sea Salt Dried Focaccia, Collection Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Black Olive Lingue, Collection Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt Lingue, and Collection Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt Stirati, all priced at £4 per pack
Maybe something rather special to enjoy with these special crisps and various dips? TheCodornui Ars Collecta bottle is beautiful: hand-blown glass, showcasing echoes of Spain’s cultural heritage and the artistic legacy of Gaudi. It makes a lovely gift, but you could also treat yourself! The bottle contains the Ars Collecta Blanc de Blancs which has fine bubbles and delicate toasted notes with a hint of stone fruits, brioche, and nuts. It’s creamy, and complex, yet balanced, and is also fab with shellfish as well as poultry. And it’s very reasonably priced for the quality of wine at £15 (on special offer) a bottle from Ocado (it’s also vegan btw – and it’s delicious)
Are you a fan of chai? If so, do check out Chai Guys, a London-based, authentic, chai company, founded by Abhilash Jobanputra and Gabriel Unger. My Indian neighbour Sidrah has given them a big thumbs up and is now a customer. There are three different chais available (gorgeous tins, too nice to hide in a cupboard) There’s Masala Chai Tin – classic Masala Chai blend, premium tea and spices; Kadak Chai Tin – robust flavours from strong black tea and subtle spices. Kesar Chai Tin – limited edition, infused with saffron and rose. £19.95 a tin or indulge in The Trio Bundle – £59 for the ultimate chai celebration with Masala Chai, Kadak Chai, and Kesar Chai.. Refillable tins last, and if you already own them, there are eco-friendly compostable refill pouches.
The Seasoned Gastronome