I opened up the bag and found seven eggs, all individually wrapped in fiddly green foil, but I managed to unpack them. I bit in and found that the shell of the egg was impressively thick, and underneath it was a hazelnut flavour paste. It has a nice nutty taste, and the chocolate was super smooth with no bits. Interestingly, I knew there wouldn’t be bits, not because it is Galaxy and it is expected to be smooth, but because I read the ingredients and I couldn’t see hazelnut listed, which is a bit weird. There is an allergy warning that it "may" contain nuts, but no actual nuts, unless I misunderstand. Also, the recipe says "natural flavourings," which is more confusing: natural from nuts? As much as I liked these Galaxy Hazelnut Creamy Truffle Mini Eggs I was a little bit confused over the ingredients.
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31 January 2023
Galaxy Hazelnut Creamy Truffle Mini Eggs (Co-Op) By @Cinabar
I opened up the bag and found seven eggs, all individually wrapped in fiddly green foil, but I managed to unpack them. I bit in and found that the shell of the egg was impressively thick, and underneath it was a hazelnut flavour paste. It has a nice nutty taste, and the chocolate was super smooth with no bits. Interestingly, I knew there wouldn’t be bits, not because it is Galaxy and it is expected to be smooth, but because I read the ingredients and I couldn’t see hazelnut listed, which is a bit weird. There is an allergy warning that it "may" contain nuts, but no actual nuts, unless I misunderstand. Also, the recipe says "natural flavourings," which is more confusing: natural from nuts? As much as I liked these Galaxy Hazelnut Creamy Truffle Mini Eggs I was a little bit confused over the ingredients.
30 January 2023
Terry’s Chocolate Orange Easter Edition With Crushed Shells (Iceland) By @cinabar
Terry’s are branching out and have released an Easter edition. I imagine there was a brief discussion about how the complexities of making a sliced egg shape were just too much trouble, and the idea of adding mini eggs to the chocolate was dismissed as well, and we ended up with Terry's Chocolate Orange Easter Edition With Crushed Shells.
I "tapped and unwrapped" the orange, and the pieces fell away neatly. The first thing I noted was that there wasn’t much shell to be seen. It was there, but you had to really look for it. I tried the chocolate, and the woosh of rich, sweet chocolate and orange filled my palate. I thought of Christmas. This is a lovely, sweet, fruity chocolate. The crushed shells do add a bit of texture, and there is a nice crispiness when you bite in. I don’t think Terry’s Chocolate Orange Easter Edition With Crushed Shells is that much effort in terms of a new Easter flavour but I was really pleased that it made me buy a Chocolate Orange again.
29 January 2023
Marmite Crunchy Peanut Butter - all in the same jar (@NLi10)
My friends at the Junk Food Project often encourage me to try new things - especially if they are trying to get rid of them! One that was practically thrust into my bag is this jar of Marmite - and jar of crunchy peanut butter - which happen to be the same jar.
28 January 2023
Otter Brewery Otter Ale (Morrisons) By @SpectreUK
At 4.5% in volume, the Otters have used Devon's finest Maris Otter malt, or so the little furry fella with the tail stated on the back of the bottle, were used in the brewing. Fuggles hops and Challenger hops were also used in this brew's production. So I'm expecting a nuttiness from the malt, and some woody, and spiciness from the hops.
On opening this Otter Ale there was a nutty malt aroma from this deep brown beer. On taste this Otter Ale was surprisingly light and crisp. I say 'surprisingly' mainly from the colour of the beer, as I was expecting a more biscuity maybe even burnt toast flavour. Here light sweet malted barley notes of nuttiness touched my tastebuds to begin with, followed closely by a light spice and a mild woodiness into the aftertaste.
I found this Otter Ale light, crisp and refreshing. It perfectly washed down the Lamb Jalfrezi Cinabar and her mom had cooked all day in the Slow Cooker. Oh, and no Otters were harmed during the making of this beer, or the writing of this blog. However, they do work very hard, those Otters do.
27 January 2023
Bunny Bao Buns (Marks and Spencer) By @Cinabar
This particular bun contains a plum sauce with vegetables and is quickly heated in the microwave to cook. I gave it a try and was very impressed with it. Not only was it cute, it was also super tasty. The filling was heavy on the plum sauce, and that worked for me. As I really like texture, the crispy vegetables and soft dough were a winner. It was such a nice combination. The bao buns were just spot on; they had such a nice soft and pillowy texture. The vegetable filling is also well seasoned, adding a nice balance of flavours. The bao buns are also filled with plenty of vegetables, making them satisfying and healthy. I will buy these again, they are perfect for a quick working-from-home casual lunch and perfect to heat up between meetings.
26 January 2023
Huel - premade banana - new years resolution in a bottle (@NLi10)
It's that time of year again folks - when I remember the original function for the pot I use to eat crisps at work was to make Huel lunches and wonder if I should start again.
For those that haven't come across the brand/cult yet it's pretty decent meal replacement drinks and grains, that are full of a lot of things that bodies crave. And they are usually pretty good value too.
This is one of the pre-made bottles that is more expensive but better mixed so a perfect example of 'do I like this' before you buy the big bags.
25 January 2023
Sticky Toffee Fudge (Aldi) By @SpectreUK
The packet told me that this Sticky Toffee Fudge was made in Scotland with only the best ingredients to produce a melt in the mouth fudge experience. I've always loved fudge ever since I was a wee lad, so I'm really looking forward to this Sticky Toffee Fudge. You can see from the photograph that the fudge pieces were pretty rustic in appearance, which just added to my anticipation.
There was an explosion of toffee flavours on first bite. They were right, the dark toffee coloured pieces of fudge just melted in my mouth. I could certainly taste the fudge to start with, then the sticky toffee flavour was like a KABLAMM to my tastebuds. Gorgeously moreish and perfect with a pot of caramel ice cream, and with a little stick of Cadbury's "Finger of" Fudge stuck in the top, I loved this Sticky Toffee Fudge and I had fortunately left enough calories free to finish the whole packet. Ah, the joys of gorging on sweet stuff after eating way to healthily all day just to get there.
Information on the packet; The 150g packet contains 108 calories per two pieces at 25g, with 2.4g of fat, 17.3g of sugar, and 0.05g of salt. Please see photograph for the ingredients.
24 January 2023
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte (Morrisons) By @Cinabar
So, here's my usual disclaimer: cinnamon is my favourite spice, so this was obviously a must-have for me.
I boiled the kettle, and this drink mixed up nice and easily with the hot water; there were no lumps, and it developed a nice-looking froth on the surface too.
I gave the drink a sip and absolutely loved the flavour. The combination of coffee, milk, and the sweet and warm taste of cinnamon creates a delicious and satisfying drink. It is sweet, but not overly so. This Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a warm and comforting drink that is perfect for cold weather or a cosy night in. The cinnamon flavour is well balanced, not overpowering the other ingredients and adding a nice aroma to the drink. It's a perfect drink to enjoy in the morning or as a pick-me-up during the day. Overall, a yummy spiced coffee that is a must-try for any coffee/cinnamon lover.
23 January 2023
Aero Peppermint Mini Eggs (Tesco) By @Cinabar
Inside the bag are very pretty-looking small eggs, half green and half milk chocolate. The colour split is horizontal rather than vertical. There are no annoying foil or wrappers around them either, which is a win, so why slow down the chocolate consumption?
They do taste just like an Aero Mint chocolate bar, with the same balance of mint and cocoa flavours. Admittedly, there is nothing new taste-wise, but they are a cute snack. Perfect for sharing while watching a movie; again, the lack of wrappers is a plus. All in all, I really enjoyed the Aero Peppermint Mini Eggs.
22 January 2023
Whistling/Singing Swede - dinner for 25p (ish) by @NLi10
The 'junk food' (as in left over) place near me had a massive box of swedes a while back so I thought I'd take their recommendations and have one for dinner!
21 January 2023
Cocow Chocolate & Milk Stout (The Wee Beer Shop @WeeBeerShop) By @SpectreUK
At 4.8% in volume this Cocow Chocolate & Milk Stout was produced by Ampersand Brew Company, in Norwich, East of England. Golden Promise, Chocolate, Crystal Light, Crystal Dark and Roasted Barley malts, and also Oat Malt were used in the brewing, as well as Pilgrim hops, cocoa nibs, and lactose. So I'm hoping for a smooth creamy chocolaty pudding stout, a little bitter, and some roasted coffee all to wash down my Chinese takeaway.
I have mentioned a few times in previous blogs that it's the Chinese New Year on the 22nd of January, so what better way to have a good Chinese takeaway, followed by a hearty chocolate pudding stout to finish. On opening the can there was aromas of a deep mix of sweet malts, a little herbal bitterness, and quite a punch of dark chocolate with a touch of roasted coffee. This was quite a difficult stout to pour, even for an ex-barman. The head on this Cocow Chocolate & Milk Stout was super frothy. Once this dark almost black brew had calmed down a bit, I took a sip minding my nose.
There was an intense jumble of sweet malts of so many different varieties washing around my mouth at once, it was like a cacophony of flavours all battling for position on the tip of my tongue. The herbal almost sour bitterness from the hops stopped them all in their malty tracks with a sharp rap on the lectern for their full attention. Then the dark chocolate malt and cocoa nibs, and also added lactose mixed together swirling light roasted coffee, lending sweet and creamy goodness which lulled my senses off into the aftertaste.
This stout reflected my busy week to start with, and cushioned me on velvety pillows into my weekend. Ah, lovely. Happy hoppy New Year of the Rabbit to you all, gong hei fat choy :-)
20 January 2023
Costa Instant Millionaires Mocha (Tesco) By @Cinabar
I mixed the sachet up with hot water and had to stir, then went back to it after thirty seconds, as per the instructions, and stirred again. The drink had lumps on top, and I had to stir it quite a bit. Even then, when I walked into the other room with my cup, a few more had appeared on top.
The flavour was good, there was lots of chocolate and coffee, and it was a nice soothing drink on a cold day. I thought the balance of coffee and chocolate was right, and I will look forward to the other sachets in the box. In conclusion, I still have no idea what ingredient is supposed to make this a millionaire’s mocha, it is certainly a mocha and a nice one at that. The extra stirring and the lumps didn’t make it feel special, though.
19 January 2023
White Cadbury Creme Egg (already?!) - by @NLi10
It's Easter!! Well - the shops think it is anyway. They have all the lovely things in stock ready so Mini Eggs are cheaper and the Cadbury Creme Eggs are fresh & runny again.
18 January 2023
Cadbury Salted Caramel Creme Eggs and friends By @SpectreUK
Well, I must say this is very 'egg-citing'. Sorry, but I could help it. I'll try to stop 'yoking' around. It's Cadbury Creme Egg season already, or Easter as some people like to call it. Where chocolate eggs are in abundance for a few months of every year and many people try to decide how many different ways to eat there's, and certainly try to eat as many as possible before Cadbury stop making them until the next year.
Last year Cadbury had a prize of a few White Creme Eggs mysteriously dotted around the stores. I was very fortunate enough to be sent one. I know, unbelievable, but being a snack and booze blogger for nearly fifteen years has the odd perk here and there. This year is even better, White Creme Eggs are available in abundance, with the ubiquitous Dairy Milk Creme Eggs in a box accompanied by Cadbury Caramel Eggs, which have been a staple for many years.
Also available, I know, it's just getting even more 'egg-citing' (sorry, I can't help it) is that this year Cadbury Salted Caramel Eggs are available, and in their own box of five. I don't know why boxes of five either, but I'll try not to focus on that, just on the flavour. First I decided to do a taste comparison between the Salted Caramel Egg and the original Caramel Egg.
So to the Original first, I could smell the oozy caramel on first unwrapping the Original's foil. Of course, after biting off the top, I licked out as much of the oozy sweet caramel as possible, before dumping the rest of the egg in my gob. I haven't had one of these for about a year, and it was simply delicious.
So 'cracking' open the box to find the five eggs of the Salted Caramel variety, I immediately peeled back the foil wrapper of the first egg to fall into my paws. On unwrapping the Cadbury Salted Caramel Egg there was not such a sweet aroma of caramel from the identical looking milk chocolate egg, as the Original. On first taste I noticed the caramel wasn't so oozy, or sweet, but there wasn't much saltiness either. It's a more refined caramel flavour rather than just wall to wall sweetness. I did like it though, and I'd happily eat either egg as often as possible. It depends how you like your's, sweet or not so sweet caramel.
Information on the box; Each 40g egg 194 calories, 10g of fat, 19g of sugar, 1.4g of protein, and 0.27g of salt. Please see photograph for the ingredients.
17 January 2023
Starbucks White Mocha (Morrisons) By @Cinabar
The contents of the sachet mixed easily into the hot water; thankfully, there were no lumps, and it didn’t even need too much of a stir. As I was making it, I noticed a lovely froth forming on the top, which looked like a good sign. I gave the drink a taste, and the wonderful flavours of coffee and white chocolate were absolutely gorgeous. It tasted like a coffee made with white chocolate milkshake; it was sweet and creamy, and the flavour balance was perfect. This was a fantastic drink, silky and indulgent, and a true treat. When I picked this box of Starbucks White Mocha up, I don't think I realised just how amazing the contents would be. I can’t wait to have another.
16 January 2023
Ferrero Collection Mini Eggs - Crispy Eggs (Tesco) By @Cinabar
I prised one apart (which is impressive in itself) and think I was a little disappointed that these mini eggs didn’t have a hazelnut inside. There was room, and it feels traditional with Ferrero chocolates, but none the less, I could see the filling and the wafer.
I gave one of the crispy eggs a try, and it was still amazing. It is sweet, with loads of creamy milk chocolate, and the gorgeous hazelnut shines through. The wafer was magic too; it was perfectly crispy, and I enjoyed the texture ever so much. Yes, I still think they could have put a nut in there, but even without these, they are a gorgeous treat. Definitely one I’ll be picking up again.
15 January 2023
Tamar's Tusk - Artic Pale Ale (@NLi10)
We went on holiday to Tenby a while ago - and I've made it to the last of my beers. I think we'll have to go back!