As ever it feels like no time at all has passed since my last
Degustabox review and it’s even harder to believe that this time round it was the Christmas edition. This was another truly excellent box of goods (although perhaps not very festive for a Christmas box?) and I’ve very much enjoyed exploring my way through the treats on offer this month.
It’s probably quite obvious by now that the selection I tend to enjoy the most is the sweet treats selection and this month was no expection. The Butter Crisps from Jules Destrooper (£1.19) are heavenly- a light and crunchy biscuit with a rich buttery taste with hints of caramel. These are just perfect with a cup of strong coffee and I imagine they’d make excellent ice cream sandwiches too although I’m yet to try that myself. New to me were the cookie squares from Michel et Augustin (£0.89) and I had high hopes from the description…four cookie squares play host to dark chocolate and a pinch of sea salt, these are insanely moorish and fully live up to expectations. Delicious and not for sharing! Equally addictive was the Crunchy Slam Dunk Peanut Chunk bar from Broderick’s. Mouthful of a name aside this bar (£1.29) is everything that’s right with the world in my eyes. Whole roasted peanuts, rice krispies, rich Belgian chocolate and a thick layer of crunchy peanut butter this is something that every peanut butter obsessive must try at least once.
The savoury snack selection was also a winner, mostly. Personally I didn’t fancy the sound of wild thyme and rosemary crisps from Piper’s Crisps (£2.00) as I’m not a herb flavour fan but my parents really enjoyed these and I think they’d made a good addition to a festive buffet table. Ryvita are something I eat a lot of and both the caramelised onion Ryvita Thins (£1.89) and the cracked black pepper Ryvita Crackers (£1.29) were very much enjoyed- the thins are perfect for scooping up dips and the crackers for serving with a big wedge of cheese!
Tea addicts will love the light, palette cleansing taste of the citrus mint sorbet tea from Ahmad Tea and delight in the gorgeous packaging. This would look lovely in a Christmas gift hamper too although I don’t have the price information to hand. For the kiddies over Christmas these Gruffalo themed cartons of apple juice are ideal. Who doesn’t love the not so scary beast?
Jazz up your trifle with Hartley’s Glitter Jelly (£0.75 each) in either mixed berry or raspberry flavours or delight guests of all ages by serving up a sparkly jelly and ice cream dessert. I haven’t made these up yet but I just love the idea of a sparkly pudding especially over the festive period.
I’m not going to lie, I was a little perplexed by the inclusion of Hollandaise Sauce as I’m not entirely sure what it is or what you do with it. Further research makes me think it would be perfect with eggs and bacon for a Christmas morning feast and the fact that the three pouches from Christian Porter Sauce (£2.50) can be heated in ten seconds in the microwave make these the ultimate convenience food.
If you’ve read my blog for any length of time you’ll know I love my popcorn so the inclusion of a long term favourite cinema sweet style from Butterkist (£1.69 for a multipack) as well as a new to me flavour- Choc Mallow (£1.49) was a delight. Choc Mallow is the ultimate in indulgent yet light snacking and despite initial reservations is a pretty good flavour for popcorn. Perfect for a family night in or a movie night with friends…anyone seen my copy of ELF?
Finally we come to the drink selection, now I didn’t try either of these personally but my Dad really enjoyed both the wild berries and strawberry-lime flavours from “The Good Cider” (£1.50 per bottle) served over ice. Ideal for a party or as part of a drinks hamper for any one who likes their flavoured ciders. Mum was the recipient of J20 Glitterberry (£2.49 for a four pack) and was very excited over the prospect of a glittering drink. This is the perfect soft drink for over the festive season with it’s spiced grape and cherry flavour and fun inclusion of edible glitter that gives it a magical glow.
If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant
£7.00 off of your first box (making it just £5.99!) by entering
the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought of them.
