Review- McDonald's UK NEW Bacon Clubhouse Double

Oh hi Bacon Clubhouse! It's nice to see you again.. Oh, you've found your long lost beef patty twin? That's beautiful, I am so pleased for you! ..Christ, I'm talking to a burger. A picture of a burger, at that. This is what happens when you don't have a McDonald's for a good while.. It's a slippery slope, my friends!

Perhaps the extent of my "in the beyond-ness" can be attributed to the fact I had to drive all around my bloomin' county to acquire the bloomin' thing! - Unbeknownst to me, my local Fast Food store is under renovation. Until the 21st March. I am yet to figure out how I will cope. So, a major detour was taken and finally, at long last we were reunited. 

Two 100% British and Irish beef patties, Big Mac sauce, two rashers of Beechwood Smoked Bacon, a slice of Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Onions, a slice of Tomato and Lettuce, all in a brioche style bun.

Despite the miles it travelled, the burger looked most inviting indeed.. Smaller than I remembered but pretty much picture perfect with some sneaky lettuce and onion on show - Not the usual slipey-slidey, sloppy-moppy mess, that I am all too often presented with!

Cutting the Burger in half, things seemed fairly soft and squidgy with a good amount of "added extras" on show. Starting with the bun, it appeared plenty fresh, tasted pleasantly bread-y and was surprisingly robust enough to withstand all that it held despite, the light, airy texture. The Big Mac sauce packed that signature gherkin-esque flavour which paired up nicely with the grilled to perfection onions, a long with a burst of freshness from the salad. As expected, the melted cheese and slightly smoked bacon were a match made in heaven, providing both mellow and smokey tones.. Unfortunately however, this was where the positives came to a grinding halt. Cooked seemingly well and being plenty juicy themselves, the beef patties did deliver on being meaty.. But without a shadow of a doubt, were far too "bitty" and difficult to get down, regardless of the quantity of sauce above, making the burger overall about as dry as a dog! Disappointing. 

Ah McDonald's.. I fear it is a case of "so close and yet so far"! - This NEW Bacon Clubhouse Double isn't anywhere near as good as it could be (Or it's predecessor!).. But so easily rectified! An extra slice of cheese and a squirt of the Big Mac sauce between the two patties, to break up the texture and I reckon, the entire dry aspect would be avoided. To be honest, I can't fathom why McDonald's didn't consider this to begin with.. Surely during taste testing, they realised that the lower half of the bun and bottom beef was essentially redundant without having something to hold it together? I mean, I ended up chucking that part away as it had no place or purpose! Such a pity - It's a Fast Food forlorn, 2 out of 5 from me. 

Snackmas Day 19- Tesco Finest Bombes: Salted Caramel & Chocolate Brioche

Yes, the Victoria Plum & Damson was loathsome.. And the Kir Royale almost had me in tears.. But the Toffee & Pecan was lovely.. So here are, perhaps foolishly, 2 more puddings that Tesco have to offer! 

Purchased at same time as the beast of Snackmas Day 7, these Salted Caramel and Chocolate Brioche Bombes are half the size at 227g and priced at £2.50 a pop.. Although you might be lucky and get them on a 2 for £4 deal as I did. 

Following the instructions of piercing the plastic film ferociously with a fork and microwaving (Steam it for 30 mins if you're a carefree Comet) for about a minute, I zapped the puddings separately and left them to stand for the advised 1 minute prior to having the annual breakdown over getting the lid off and turning them upside down onto a plate - It just doesn't budge! I don't know how the elderly are meant to get into these things! 

Salted Caramel Bombe

That's not right, is it?

Oh.. Bugger.

All butter sponge pudding with salted caramel pieces and salted caramel sauce. 

Nice to see those instructions were foolproof, Tesco! I squished the sad, stuck to the pot piece back on top and grabbed a spoon. Despite lacking any decent amount of sauce, the super stodgy sponge was generally extremely sweet and cloying but had no flavour itself with zero in terms of buttery tones to break things up. A pinch of salt may have come through at the end but that was by no means enough to save such a pathetic excuse for a dessert. It's a 0 out 5 from me!*

Chocolate Brioche Bombe

Miraculously, this Pudding came out of the tub in its whole domed glory - It looked quite cute really!

All butter chocolate sponge pudding with brioche, Belgian chocolate pieces and Belgian chocolate ganache sauce. 

Once again, the sauce was hardly in abundance but I do think a tad more generous to the above.. Ish. Unfortunately, that was where the positives came to a close. Possessing the flavour of cardboard, the brioche sponge was lighter but had no real taste and was ridiculously claggy to the point of being all to easy to get stuck in ones throat. The chocolate aspect was equally as yucky, leaving a film in the mouth and tasting like the standard, cheap sauce found in most microwave puds rather than the thick, rich indulgence it should have been! Another 0 out of 5. 

I must be a glutton for punishment or something. These Tesco Finest Bombes are a waste of money, waste of calories and I am pretty sure, will ruin any Christmas Dinner. If you really are intent, for whatever reason, on giving them a go I recommend custard by the bucketful and to seriously toss up which is worse.. A sugar rush and diabetes from the Salted Caramel or playing the Heimlich manoeuvre dummy in the Nativity whilst a rogue chunk of the Chocolate Brioche is lodged in your gullet. I hope A&E isn't too busy.. For your sake. 

*Gluten Free-ers, there's a Butt to assist you. 

Snackmas Day 1- Chiostro Di Saronno Tiramisu Panettone

On the first day of Snackmas, John Lewis gave to me.. A severe case of deja vu-ey? Yes, Chiostro Di Saronno is back and back with a bang at that! We've moved on from the wonder and awe of the Al Cioccolato of last year to bigger and better things.. It's 2 of my favourites combined - It's Tiramisu Panettone! 

I was like a child on Christmas morning upon stepping foot in my local John Lewis at home store and  making a beeline for the Italian Cakes display - My little beady eyes can spot Panettone from a mile off at the best of times but put coffee into the mix and I charge! Rather disappointingly however, the ornate tin of last year has been done away with, in exchange for a rather lack lustre, albeit festively illustrated, cardboard box which I can't help but feel is a bit of a disservice and takes away that "luxury" feel.. Not to mention the fact that the change in aesthetics didn't reflect in the price! - The 750g Italian Cake was still a relatively costly £15! 

A twist on the classic Panettone, it is filled with a smooth Tiramisu cream and chocolate chips. 

The Panettone cut perfectly with a knife, slicing through as easy as anything to reveal an interior which was surprisingly nothing like the golden yellow dough seen previously. Thankfully, this didn't affect the texture and it delivered the same bouncy, fluffy and all round delightful quality that just can't be beaten. Nothing was hindered taste wise either with a pure, rich buttery flavour combined with sweet hits from the abundance of cocoa morsels. This was complimented by the pockets of silky yet sticky, smooth cream running throughout which provided an almost boozy, European feel that I would say to be more similar to ice cream than actual coffee.. Not that it mattered in the slightest - Amazing. 

Chiostro Di Saronno have done it again. This Tiramisu Panettone is almost faultless.. And that's when it doesn't even really taste that much of it's namesake! Perhaps I am bias given my sheer, undevoted love of the stuff but if you were to have it with a cup of coffee anyways.. Who cares? I certainly don't. It's a cracking start to Snackmas and a 4.5 out of 5 from me!

Review- M&S NEW Spirit of Summer: Ultimate Burger Buns

Since it's been quite possibly the hottest few days ever as well as it being National Burger Day, chances are you'll have had or will be having a Barbecue at some point this week. This means you will most definitely be needing a Bun to contain all the meaty goodness.. M&S have us covered! 

I picked up the pack of 2 Burger Buns from the Bakery section* for £1 which I thought was relatively reasonable given the Spirit of Summer status and "luxury" feel. Suitable for Veggies as well as the freezer, the doughy delights are a source of Vitamin D and fibre.. Which for some reason M&S felt compelled to plaster on the side of their packaging. 

Egg glazed bun enriched with egg and butter. 

I cut the strongly butter scented, almost cheese like, gleaming Bun in half with ease to reveal the fluffy, aerated texture within which naturally, screamed for a smorgasbord of extras..

Cheese, onion and ketchup! - Doesn't it look a beaut? Taking a bite, the Bun proved to just as soft and squishy as expected with a lovely moist feel and zero in terms of stodge. Taste wise, it was extremely buttery as its aroma suggested with a subtle yeasty flavour as well as a hint of sweetness - This went well with a savoury filling and was by no means overly sweet. Thankfully, the other element I smelt, cheese, wasn't reflected in the flavour - Despite adding a slice myself, I am not sure how I would feel about an actual cheese brioche bun! A richness was definitely noticeable which I can only assume was down to the eggs (And butter no doubt!), to make for one all round fantastic burger buddy!

The name didn't lie.. These Ultimate Burger Buns really are ultimate! They are top notch in both texture and taste and I think you would struggle to find better.. And that's coming from someone who adores her bread products! Get yourself some pronto, *M&S even make it easy for you by having a stand right next to their Barbecue meat fridge section. It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me.

Review- Chiostro Di Saronno Panettone Al Limoncello

So it turns out that Panettone isn't just for Christmas or Easter.. It's an all year round delight! Well, it is at least in the Land of John Lewis who have beautifully wrapped and bow tied, Italian cakes on their shelves. Of course, I couldn't refuse - There was me thinking I would have to wait until the Autumn to be munching on a Chiostro Di Saronno treat again! 

Behold! Panettone Al Limoncello! - Yes, I did squeal when I saw that 2 of my favourite things had come together and grabbed it quicker than I could even note the price (£15, just FYI) . A whole Stand dedicated to this beautiful purple flower paper along with yellow bow is currently gracing the shop floor.. There are further items from Chiostro Di Saronno, Butlers Chocolates as well as unbranded Prosecco and Truffles - I implore you to go have a looksee if you're in need of a present for some one! 

A delicious twist on the classic panettone, this version has zingy limoncello cream running through it and candied lemon peals instead of sultanas for an extra hit of lemon flavour. 

Unwrapping the delight who's paper I have kept to use at a later date, lead me to the 750g, perfectly golden brown monstrosity. With the studded lemon peel pieces already clear to see, I had a feeling good things were about to come.. And perhaps a blue picture.. 

Both delivered! The sweet smelling cake cut perfectly into wedges to reveal oozing pockets of sticky jellied like curd blobs running throughout the fluffy, aerated dough - This was up to the usual standard in being rich, buttery and generally tasting of the highest quality, sweet Panettone. The candied peel was plentiful and not hard in the slightest, bringing a muted lemon tone before even hitting the main star of the show.. The Limoncello Cream! - Quite thick in texture yet super smooth, it certainly brought further citrus tones but once again, was pleasantly subtle rather than a full on tart Lemon flavour. A ever so slight, boozy tone did linger in parts but I do think that was only due to the fact I knew it was there! All the flavours married beautifully to produce something essentially.. Perfect! 

Oh Italy. You are the most glorious country.. I may never have been to you but your produce is what keeps me going in life! This Chiostro Di Saronno Panettone Al Limoncello is just the bees knees - It's buttery, lemon-y, gooey and really, just makes everything right in the world when you eat it! Please everyone, go get one.. You won't be disappointed. It's a 6 out of 5 from me - We've gone off the scale!

Review- Waitrose Easter Panettone

Today, the 23rd of March is a very special day. It is Reaching for Refreshment's 1st Birthday! YAY!

I can't quite believe it has been a whole year of reviews.. It seems longer than that and yet at the same time, only yesterday that my first post went up. It's been a journey. There have been some amazing snacks and some I wish to forget, some lovely comments and some that leave quite a bit to be desired! I've met some bloomin' brilliant people who I count just as much, if not more, my buddy chums as people I've known for yonks - This blogging malarky is a beautiful business and I would only encourage anyone considering it to give it a go.. You might just find yourself. Anyways, moving on to the real importance of today.. Easter Panettone! 

Yes, you did read that right - Christmas has merged into Easter with a Hot Cross Bun twist on an festive classic! I figure this is quite a natural progression really.. Despite having very little knowledge on the history of said Italian cake as well as being no expert on the religious connotations of it all, but Jesus, right? Lets just eat the bloody thing (It cost £8 from Waitrose, FYI). 

Italian cake made with butter, sultanas and candied orange peel.

Those are some big sultanas right there, studding the top of the cake which can only be described as perfectly golden brown! As you may be able to see, there is a lighter cross through the centre which is ready for the following.. 

A dusting of spiced icing to be sprinkled on with the help of a handy dandy stencil! 

There was no way I was going to miss the full experience here so did as instructed to get my cross - The stencil was surprisingly effective and produced a neat design.. The same can't be said for the table, unfortunately.  

Oh how I love Panettone. Cutting a wedge was a dream with the knife slicing through super easily thanks to the ridiculously light and airy texture of the bread. The pure buttery flavoured dough melted in the mouth after an initial soft chew to deliver the sweet, rich taste that we all know and love. Dotted throughout was an abundance of both plump sultanas as well as chunky pieces of orange peel - I have never seen such big bits with these here being 10 times the size of any bought "tub" kind! Fruitiness came in every mouthful which as expected, paired beautifully with the cakes flavour and with the ever so subtle spice of cinnamon, thanks to that light sprinkling of icing sugar, it certainly rang distant Hot Cross Bun bells! Delicious! 

Once again when it comes to Panettone, I am lost for words to describe how amazing this Easter offering is - It is everything you could ever want it to be and so much more! If I was to be really  really pernickety, the Hot Cross Bun aspect could be elevated just that little bit as it is quite subtle.. But then again, I didn't pour the entire contents of the spiced icing sachet on so perhaps this is my fault. Sensational - It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me!

Lastly.. Just a quick thank you to all of you who continue to read and support R4R. I appreciate it probably more than one should and most likely more than what is deemed normal, but it really does mean the world to me. You're the best Snack Army a Warrior could ask for and I salute you all. Here's to a fabulous and perhaps, slightly less soppy year 2!

Review- McDonald's UK NEW Bacon Clubhouse Burger

Fast Food doesn't feature much here on R4R.. Despite the KFC Med Bites of last summer being a very popular post and not to mention the fact I, like so many others, am addicted. Legitimately addicted! I've been good recently but broke all that today for the NEW Burger on the block.. The Bacon Clubhouse! 

Of course, Burger Lad was the first to announce that this most sought after, McDonald's item was finally coming to the UK - His little Principle Burger Critic, Admiral Burgerbar (Go follow him - He's brilliantly barmy, enjoys a sing song and usually three sheets to the wind) actually reviewed the Belgium version in 2014 and was so impressed, it ended up being the number 1 pick on BL McDonald's Wish List.

100% British and Irish beef burger with Big Mac sauce, cheddar cheese, Beechwood smoked bacon, Batavia lettuce, tomato and grilled onions in a toasted Brioche-style bun. 

So what is so exciting about the Bacon Clubhouse? Well, it is the only Burger on the menu to contain Big Mac Sauce other than.. You've guessed it, the Big Mac itself! Now, I hate to go and burst the bubble but said Burger has never really done it for me and I think throughout the years, they have gradually tasted worse and worse.. I know that many of you will now be revolting and wishing me harm but personal preference and all that - Lets all stay friends here.  

In classic Mcdonald's fashion and as you can see in the second picture, my Burger did look a bit thrown together but that was ok - The melted cheese looked very appealing and it only took a little budge to put things semi straight before taking a big old bite. Starting from the outside, the Brioche bun had been slightly toasted as promised with a super soft and fluffy interior - A most welcome change to the usual offerings which can sometimes be a bit cardboardy, dare I say. A hell of a lot was crammed in between the halves - The beef patty, which I am sure is the same one used in the Big Tasty, was most enjoyable, tasted of actual meat and as expected, was wonderful with the mild cheese. A slight smokiness was apparent from the rashers of bacon which was all that was needed as anything stronger probably would have ruined the lot! Lettuce was in abundance and thankfully, not limp or looked like leftovers and as for the tomato, it tasted fresh and was very soft in texture - Something I always appreciate! Now, all that was smashing but the real star of the show was of course, the Big Mac Sauce! Although I wish there had been a little more, it packed a punch with its distinct flavour and was a wonderful accompaniment to all the other elements but especially with the smooth, mellow taste of the soft onions - I have to say having them grilled was so much better than the usual hard and sometimes, really quite potent chunks you can find. Bloody delightful! 

Overall, I am pretty much blown away by the Bacon Clubhouse - Why on earth has it taken so long to make it to the UK? It's amazing! I can see it being extremely popular with both Big Mac fans and those who just want something a bit more gourmet! I hope McDonald's actually sit up and listen when it comes to making this Burger a regular on their Menu as it is definitely something special and definitely one I will be cramming in whilst I can - A 4.5 out of 5 from me! 

Snackmas Day 23- Tesco Finest Stollen Loaf

Since we have already said Feliz Navidad to our Italian friends with Panettone and Ricciarelli, it is only fair that Germany gets a look in too. Stollen - In all of it's dried fruit, marzipan laden, icing sugar glory.. It's essentially Christmas in a bread-cake cross and our 'Eve Eve review! 

I picked up this Finest Stollen Loaf from.. Wait for it.. Wait for it.. Oo the suspense.. TESCO! My home away from home! Situated in the festive aisle, next to all the other "premium" goodies, the cake cost a whopping £7 - Is it just me or is that ridiculously overpriced? Yes, I did still buy it but.. £7?! 

Our finest Stollen loaf is beautifully moist, packed full of soft and juicy rum soaked sultanas and raisins. A soft centre of rich marzipan offers a lovely almond flavour to the rum syrup and butter soaked loaf. Hand decorated with a glacè cherries and tasted almonds for a beautiful finish. 

A fat price tag and yet they couldn't even be bothered with any sort of fancy presentation - A flimsy, plastic tray, Tesco.. Really? 

My anger at the lack of show was fairly short lived once I had smelt and more importantly tasted the Stollen! The fruit cake scented loaf was deliciously, doughy and dense with a soft and super sticky feel and flavour somewhere between a Hot Cross Bun and Christmas Cake - Sweet, buttery and a hint of spice to go perfectly with the packed in fruitiness of raisins and sultanas as well as the citrus notes. The marzipan aspect wasn't all that strong until biting through the almost gooey, log that ran throughout the centre which went amazingly well with the, stronger than I expected, punch of Rum. On top it was almonds and then some which added a serious bite in contrast to all the squidgy elements.. Another in being, the line of glistening glacè cherries, adding that final bit of sweet goodness. Superb!

Overall and without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best Stollen I have ever had - It is ridiculously moist, packed, and generally all round scrumptious! It may be expensive for what it is and you probably will question if it will serve the suggested 8 on the box but it is well worth it and most definitely will considering its richness! Santa Baby, slip another Stollen under the tree for me - A 4.5 out of 5! 

Snackmas Day 1- Traditional Italian Panettone Al Cioccolato

On the first day of Snackmas, John Lewis gave to me.. A giant Chocolate Panettone! Don't worry - I won't put you through that every single day but it did rhyme so I couldn't not have a sing song to start us off! They didn't give it to me either unfortunately - I purchased it with my own money for a rather pricey £15. 

A few words from the makers, Chiostro Di Saronno.. 

Panettone is the famous Italian Christmas Cake, created in Milano in the fourteenth century. The Panettone Al Cioccolato produced by Our Company is filled with chocolate cream and coated with chocolate and chocolate flakes. A spectacular centrepiece for the festive table. 

When they said Cioccolato, they really meant Cioccolato - The whole cake was covered, top to bottom! Sliding it out of its plastic wrapping was a messy job and a trail of smudged chocolate was left all over the table.. I managed to refrain from licking it off. 

Cutting myself a wedge, the knife went through sweet scented bread, a dream to reveal inside, the beautiful and surprisingly golden, yellow cakey Panettone goodness. The dough was light, airy and ridiculously bouncy to the touch which resulted in a beautiful melt in the mouth texture with a equally delicious rich, sweet buttery flavour - It felt very much freshly baked despite its long shelf life! Dotted throughout were big blobs of smooth chocolate cream which were cocoa rich with a European feel without the cheap boozyness, you can often find. On top was a thick layer of more chocolate and flakes that boosted the Cioccolato element even further - Sheer perfection.

Words cannot describe how amazing this Panettone is - Its the most soft, gooey, chocolatey and all round indulgent Italian Cake I've ever had.. And I've had a fair few so should know! Yes, it may seem expensive at £15 for 750g but it would make the perfect gift for anyone who you are unsure on what to get - We all know that food presents are the best and this is one you can get for both young and old.. I'll definitely be asking Santa for another! 

Panettone Al Cioccolato, All I Want For Christmas Is You - It's top marks for the first day of Snackmas, 5 out of 5! 

Review- Jus-Rol NEW Bake It Fresh Chocolate Chip Brioche

I LOVE Brioche, be it cold as is or warm and smothered in Chocolate Spread.. Theres no wrong way to eat it hence my excitement that the time has come for the ever so sneakily hinted at, Jus-Rol Chocolate Chip Brioche which I mentioned in my Tesco Cookie Dough review. Once again, these were purchased in Tesco for £2 although they are currently on a 2 for £3 offer. 

The 335g can of Brioche is rather fun to get into - A red tab is present on the underside of the cylinder which once pulled will pop open the can and cause some of the dough to haemorrhage out.. I wish everything was so enjoyable and easy to get into!

I followed the instructions of rolling each of the 6 pre cut pieces into cylindrical shapes and whacked them on a baking tray, ready for cooking at 180ºC fan for 13-17 minutes. I failed to glaze the Brioche with milk but did score with 2 decorative lines before putting them into the oven!

After about 16 minutes, the Brioches looked and smelled amazing - The scent of warm sweet dough wafted all throughout the house! They did lack a bit of shine but were very uniform in size and shape which I like to think compensated for the dullness.

My knife went through the Brioche a treat. The outside was crunchy with the soft and doughy interior hidden within. Taste wise, at first I thought it was kind of bland, partly due to my error of trying to eat the thing when it was hot rather than the suggested warm. Once it had cooled it was much more buttery and flavoursome with the chocolate chips which I'd say were more smudges than anything else, adding a mild cocoa flavour with that signature slightly boozy European feel. I do however think that these are best served with something to give them a boost so I drowned mine in Nutella and as expected.. They were 10 times better! 

I can't find much fault in these Choc Chip Brioche apart from a slight lack of flavour.. They are foolproof to wrangle and bake easily but the lack of chocolate lets down things a bit - A shame really! This NEW Jus-Rol range is quite extensive and includes, Bake It Fresh Cinnamon Swirls, Pain Au Raisin, Croissants and Pain Au Chocolat - Something for whatever takes your fancy! I would be interested to see if the 2 latter, are flaky as pastry should be! Today, its a 3 out of 5 from me.

Review- Asda Extra Special NEW Brioche Bread and Butter Budding and Madagascan Vanilla Custard

Asda, the Champion of fresh puds, seem to have loads of NEW warm desserts out at the minute - Perfect since the weather is getting chillier. With much choice comes much dilemma and after some serious to-ing and fro-ing, I decided upon this Extra Special Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding. 

I couldn't quite remember the price but having looked at the other Extra Special desserts on the Asda website, I am going to assume this one is priced the same at £3.50. 

Vanilla custard encasing buttery brioche and juicy Chilean raisins, with apricot glaze

I cooked the pudding for the recommended 20 minutes in a preheated 170ºC fan oven - It was piping hot and looked a lovely golden brown. 

Since such things most definitely require extra custard.. I picked up the Madagascan Vanilla option from the same "premium" range for £1.80.

This time round, I broke the rules by not following the preparation instructions of heating on the hob for 7 minutes.. Who's got time for that? I poured mine into a glass jug and microwaved for a couple of minutes until scolding enough to burn your tongue. 

Please forgive how unattractive that looks - I didn't chuck it in the bowl yet it still looks sorry for itself under my bright kitchen lighting. Its a good job its all in the taste, right? The Brioche pudding was so soft and light with a foamy sort of feel - You don't have to chew this stuff whatsoever, it really is that melt in the mouth. It tasted buttery and sweet with the apricot adding a nice fruity tang. Huge plump and juicy raisins were in abundance throughout. I counted 9 in my quarter portion and that wasn't just me getting lucky - Everyone got a more than generous amount! The custard on top was very nice also and thickened up significantly when heated. The flavour was creamy and strong of vanilla and was a fab accompaniment to the pudding.. Even if it was already set in a custard! 

I think I made the right choice when it came to picking dessert last week - It went down a treat with MSW and BSW. You might question if it will feed the 4 it claims to when taking it out of the box but with a topping, be it custard, cream or ice cream.. It will do the job! I would buy both again but as always, am keen to try more of the NEW puds, Asda has to offer. Its a 4 out of 5 for each! 

Review- St Pierre Bakery Tear & Share Brioche with Chocolate Filling

I have very fond memories of MSW buying St Pierre Bakery Brioche, during my childhood - My favourite was always the round, custard filled Tear & Shares with the icing on the top! Since then, I have only ever seen those in The Spar which I no longer have local to me, sadly.. Imagine my excitement when I saw St Pierre Bakery being sold in Tesco, once again - I could barely contain myself! 

I picked up this 400g Tear & Share Brioche with Chocolate Filling for £1.90. I really like the handy aluminium tray it sits in along with the outer, plastic wrapping - It keeps it nice and fresh! 

French brioche with chocolate flavoured filling and chocolate chips 

The light and airy brioche was super easy to cut in thick wedges which revealed the chocolate swirl inside. The texture was soft and squishy with a lovely chewy texture before melting in the mouth. Taste wise, it was very buttery as all good brioches should be! The chocolate element was plentiful and had the stereotypical, almost boozy, european cocoa taste - A perfect pairing to the buttery, sweet bread. I can't say I noticed many chocolate chips but I didn't feel the brioche was lacking anything, as is - Yummy, yum yum!  

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed having St Pierre Brioche again and couldn't get enough of this offering!  I hope Tesco staring selling more of their products in the future - I would definitely be a regular buyer of these nostalgic baked goods. Its a 4 out of 5 from me!