Snackmas Day 20- Baxters Cranberry & Caramelised Red Onion Chutney

I'm not dreaming of a White Christmas.. I long for a deep, purply red affair from Cranberries and nothing but! We all know that a successful festive meal involves Tezza the Turkey being smothered in the stuff but what about the surrounding snacks? A chutney just has to feature!

The tartness of plump cranberries is balanced beautifully by the sweetness of caramelised red onions. Serve on a warm ciabatta with a soft, creamy farmhouse brie and salad.

I picked up this jar of Baxters Cranberry & Caramelised Red Onion Chutney from trusty old Tesco which I can't remember the price of nor can I find it on the website.. Always one to be highly informative, me!

If I had smelt this with my eye closed, I would have thought it was a Branston Pickle wannabe - Between that and a onion jam anyway! Regrettably, I took a taste of this straight out of the jar (Not the whole spoonful, mind!) and almost had my socks blown off. It was ridiculously vinegary acidic and tangy which burnt on the way down and would most likely set off the most horrific bout of a Gaviscon required ailment. Once the sharpness had subdued, I thought it had a salad cream sort of taste along with full on onion from the big chunks and as it smelt, a pickle edge. My tongue was a bit sore from just trying a little but I am happy to say that when eaten as suggested with a creamy cheese, the flavour did mellow with a slight cranberry sweetness making for a wonderful accompaniment - Not to mention a bit different to your usual chutney!

Overall and after my little mishap of taste testing a fresh jar of chutney by it self, along with living to tell the tale, I very much enjoyed this offering from Baxters. I will definitely be trying it on my boxing day sandwich instead of the usual Cranberry Sauce and can easily see myself going all out and maybe even using it as a dip for hot Camembert Bites - A 4 out of 5 from me! 

Snackmas Day 16- Tesco Finest Chicken Parfait with Balsamic Onion Chutney

Patè.. Oo the controversy! The Power of Love makes me eat it all year round, be it smooth or coarse but as with everything else during the festive season, things get a hell of a lot more fancy and the likes of Chicken Parfait with Balsamic Onion Chutney turn up on our shelves, just screaming to be purchased. 

Made in small batches in rural Scotland with British Chicken liver and pork, blended with British cream and apple jelly. Hand topped with a tangy balsamic chutney. 

I picked up this Finest 200g block for £3 in Tesco where it was situated with the premium meat slices and antipasti - There are a whole array of flavours so do go check your local store out to see whats on offer. 

I was in 2 minds on what to have this on.. I first thought toast but then figured a cracker would picture better. A good choice it turned out to be - The parfait spread beautifully and smelt deliciously of pork, spices with acidic notes. Taking a bite was pure heaven. Seriously smooth and light in texture with a creamy taste and herbiness along with the signature taste of traditional liver Patè, although I wouldn't say this was as full on. The jelly like, balsamic onion layer was of perfect thickness and added a tangy sweetness which complimented the parfait beneath with its garlic kick. Absolutely scrummy!

Overall, this Finest Chicken Parfait is pretty darn wonderful - Both as is but with the added layer of Balsamic Onion Chutney.. It's so much more tasty! Yes, it is very luxurious, rich and will most likely fatten you up like the bird it came from but as a 'once' a year indulgence, I don't think its one you want to miss! A 4.5 out of 5 from me. 

Review- Kettle Chips NEW Chef's Signature Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cox Apple Chutney

When it comes to Crisps, you don't often get any better than Kettle Chips - I certainly don't know of anyone who isn't a fan! The Company has taken a posh turn with a NEW Chef's Signature Range, comprising of 3 flavours.. None of which are Salt & Vinegar for any of you who are now as distraught as I was to discover their favourite flavour is missing. With a heavy heart, I opted for Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cox Apple Chutney as my next best option in Waitrose where they cost £2.69. 

Hand Cooked Potato Chips with Wensleydale Cheese and Cox Apple Chutney Seasoning.  

Pulling the bag apart, I was engulfed in the scent of pure Cheese - Imagine Quavers times 100! I got munching the crunchy, fairly dry and thin crisps and soon realised the smell reflected in the taste.. They were some blooming potent chips! The flavour of Cheese was full on with undertones of Apple, similar to those you find in a pressed juice. I thought the Chutney aspect was uncanny to that of Branston Pickle which I absolutely love as well! A spice came through slightly also.. At first I thought it was Cinnamon to go with the Apple but actually turned out to be Ginger - The perfect choice! 

Not to salty, pack a punch and are what they claim to be on the packet - These NEW Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cox Apple Chutney Crisps are spot on! The other 2 flavours in the Chef's Signature Range are Gressingham Duck, Plum Sauce & Spring Onion and the far less exciting Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.. What is so special about Essex Salt and why is it everywhere at the minute? Please someone tell me! 

Be brave and pick a flavour you wouldn't usually! Being a creature of habit isn't always such a good thing.. How can Salt & Vinegar ever be that different after all? Its a 4.5 out of 5 from me!