Snackmas Day 15- The Battle of the Yule Logs II

The battle is back and very much on! Yes, the moment is upon us for another 2 of the supermarket Yule Logs to fight it out - Sponge vs sponge, chocolate vs chocolate.. Which will reign almighty? Only time will tell.. It's M&S vs Waitrose! 

M&S Christmas Hand Decorated Chocolate Yule Log

I shall start with the Bûche De Noël that I found first and coincidently, the most expensive of this Yuletides duo at an exceptionally pricey, £6. In all of it's 595g, festively red packaged glory, the log which is designed to feed 12, is also suitable for the Veggies and can be frozen, as long as used within a month and defrosted fully in the fridge before consumption - Would one ever really go to such effort? I get that the shops are manic come "Christmas Week" but surely, it's worth risking it all and going out for the good of a "fresh" Yule Log? 

A light chocolate swiss roll filled with indulgent chocolate buttercream and generously covered in milk chocolate and a chocolate fudge frosting & delicately sparking sugar snow dusting. 

I had a bit of a meltdown over choosing which Yule Log to buy from the selection stacking M&S's shelves. They all looked completely different in both shape and size with a noticeable weight discrepancy between the lot (As an avid baker, I am a bit nifty when it comes to guesstimating the mass of things so do pick me as a date on a trip to your local Fête - I will win the "Guess the cake weight" comp for you, no problem!). I ended up picking what I thought was the best of a bad bunch but even then, I can't say it was the prettiest thing in the world.. Or remotely centered on the silver cake board!

Smelling extremely chocolate-y, the Log cut into well into slices, with minimal mess thanks to being quite a bit firmer than the usual overly soft, no substance types, I've had previously - This helped when eating as for once, it didn't go everywhere! Cocoa rich and almost fudge like, the super thick, ganache like icing had a good bite to it yet was squishy enough to contrast against the set layer of chocolate before hitting the sponge. Fine, light and moist was that of the cake itself, with a good swirl from being rolled tightly and a slightly sweeter tasting buttercream spiralled throughout. Both of the elements brought different tones of chocolate-y flavour into the mix whilst preventing things from becoming overly sickly or cloying. Expensive.. But oh so good! A 4.5 of 5 from me.

Waitrose Christmas Chocolate Yule Log

Our second contender, coming with a delightful snowy box scene, this unbeknownst freezable Yule Log which is also available on Ocado, costs a whole £1 less at a fiver and once again has the nod of approval for vegetarians to consume.. Only 8 of them though given that it's approximate 480g is to feed an octet! 

Chocolate sponge filled with chocolate buttercream, finished with a chocolate frosting and sweet dusting.

I tell you what, I don't know who's been looking after all these Yule Logs this year but they aren't half doing a shoddy job! My Waitrose had boxes and boxes of the things, all with generous sell by dates but no word of a lie, they all looked like they had been thrown down the stairs a fair few times, with bashed in cardboard and frosting everywhere but on the actual Chocolate branches, to match! Thankfully, I found one which was quite neat but the struggle was very much real - You'd think they would take more care, no? 

Lobbing off the end of the Log, purely for the joy of excess of icing, I can't say it smelt as good as the above and was much "sloppier" with the chocolate going all over the place. Sadly, things didn't approve upon first bite with an immediate cheap/artificial taste being all to apparent - Nothing indulgent, buttery or something one would want to continue eating. Texture wise, things weren't all bad - The sponge was on the dry, claggy side but the buttercream itself was smooth and silky.. Even if totally one dimensional and lack lustre in taste. A 2 out of 5 from me.

We have a winner.. Standing out by a merry mile, the M&S Christmas Hand Decorated Chocolate Yule Log! It really is a case of chalk and cheese with the scrumptious aforementioned and the frankly, abysmal Waitrose offering - I am not even sure how the so called "top class" store is justifying the price tag when it lacks any sort of quality. Save up your pennies, stop being a freezer happy hermit and splurge on the real deal - Well done M&S!

Reaching for Reflection

Having also bought the winner of 2015's battle, The Tesco Finest Belgian Chocolate Log again this year, I have come to the realisation that it is a hell of a lot sweeter and overall, much more "ooey gooey, overkill of frosting, cake" than what perhaps a Yule Log should be. This isn't a bad thing by any means and it is as indulgent and delicious as ever.. But something to bear in mind if you are looking for a more traditional, richer option. Best bet is to go with M&S, I reckon, even if it is less attractive - Sometimes you do get what you pay for in terms of calibre, I'm afraid! ..Unless you're Waitrose, then naturally, you just take all kinds of liberties.

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 Jelly Mini Eggs

Another day, another Easter review and this one is completely down to the joy that is Mrs 1T - The woman literally has a built in sweet detector and finds all the goodies! I daren't copy all her reviews but these I just couldn't pass up.. It's Jelly Mini Eggs from Waitrose!
   

Soft jelly eggs in a crisp sugar shell. 

I actually sent MSW on a mission to locate these Eggs as I know someone who worked in that particular Waitrose store and I didn't want to speak to them (Don't you dare judge me - We've all been there!). She did a marvellous job and returned with not 1 but 2, 125g boxes of multicoloured eggs which cost a rather daylight robbery price of £3.50 a pop!

After a bit of a faff getting into the box, I tipped my gleaming eggs out and cut the slippery fellas in half for picture purpose. The first thing to hit me was how bizarre the texture was! Expecting a Jellybean like chew, it came as a massive surprise that the outer shell was quite solid and took a good chomp to break through. A gritty sugariness was most apparent which once again was a revelation of the best kind with a contrasting, York/Taveners/New Berry Fruit Jellies like texture in the centre. Flavour wise, it was a real mish mash! Starting with the Yellow and what I assumed would be pineapple, it turned out to be not so easily identifiable but I do know it was delicious and really fruity! Orange was up next and as expected, it certainly delivered its namesake - Full on orange and nothing but! I didn't have a clue what the White would be but it transpired that it was the elusive pineapple with a familiar, juicy tropical flavour which I am certain I have experienced before.. Chewits, perhaps? Pink was next and the one I was most looking forward to! Almost jammy in taste with a raspberry kick and what I think was a flash of apricot, this Jelly Egg was also mouthwateringly good and I could have quite easily eaten a whole carton full! Last but by no means least was the Green.. Apple, right? Well, not quite - This bad boy was actually one of my favourite foods.. Pear! The taste was second to none and scarily true to the fruit! Amazing.

Well these Waitrose Jelly Mini Eggs have to be up there with the strangest sweets I've ever had.. And without a shadow of a doubt, the best! They are so different to any Jellybean (Or any other Sweet for that matter), in both terms of texture as well as flavour. If pure sugary, squidgy, juicy, fruity things do it for you, definitely give these a go - They are well worth their price tag and that's not something I say lightly! It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me.  

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- Waitrose Apple, Raspberry & Rhubarb Juice

I've never been much of a Juice drinker.. Its not something that has ever appealed to me, much - I'm a hot beverage or water kind of Being. BSW on the other hand can drink Tropicana by the pint if not supervised.. The man needs an intervention. Lucky for me, he hates Rhubarb so on the off chance of buying a Juice, it has to be one that I know he won't like otherwise it will be gone in a flash! Waitrose have got my back.. 

I picked up this 1 litre carton of Not from Concentrate, Apple, Raspberry & Rhubarb Juice for £1.60 although it was on a 3 for £4 offer, if you can drink that much! 

I poured myself a glass, one that I am pretty sure was nicked from a pub at some point and took a sip of the baby pink liquid. It was most definitely apple-y and fairly tart with a subtle taste of raspberry to compliment. I was a bit confused and disappointed at the total lack of Rhubarb flavour so checked out the ingredients - Only 4% was Rhubarb juice with a whopping 84% being Apple and 12% being Raspberry puree.. Its a glorified Apple juice, I thought and then twigged, I didn't shake the carton before pouring! I despair too, you're not a lone. My second glass was much more exciting with all elements being distinguishable, especially the after tang of Rhubarb - Not to sweet, very fruity and very refreshing!  

I think I might be converted. I loved this Apple, Raspberry & Rhubarb Juice.. Once I stopped being such a amateur and prepped it properly, that is! I will definitely be buying again and might even branch into other flavours. There was a NEW Tropical flavour that caught my eye - Fingers crossed my polar opposite sibling, dislikes that one too! Its a 4 out of 5, from me.