Review- Krispy Kreme NEW: Hersey's and Coconut & Raspberry

Oh hi little Bloggy, long time no post! It's been a while since my last review, almost a month* in fact..  But you know how life goes - "Busy" has a sneaky habit of keeping you just that! So what's new with everyone? Anything exciting to tell me? Has Spring, sprung where you are? New faves and foods? Gossip? Let me know!

Kicking things back off today, it's the NEW Hersey's Cookies 'n' Creme (Also available in Ring form) and Coconut & Raspberry Doughnuts from good old Krispy Kreme (Not Cream in name but said as cream, not krem. GOT IT!?), which I picked up in my usual Tesco cabinet. Price wise, I bought an assorted box of 3 for £4.85 but assume they are the usual £1.90 each. 

Hersey's Cookies 'n' Creme

Filled with Hersey's Cookies 'n' Creme Kreme, topped with white chocolate flavoured coating and Hersey's Cookies 'n' Creme pieces. 

I was so convinced that no filling was going to feature within my Hersey's number, I had a complaint tweet practically composed, ready to press send as soon as confirmed by the slice of my knife.. But the eager finger was soon shown the door when some Kreme did turn out to be present! - Not a lot mind but more than what it's weight suggested! Onto the eating and texture wise, the very bottom layer of the dough itself wasn't quite cooked and in turn a bit on the stodgy side. Thankfully, the rest was up to the usual fluffy KK standard and delivered that signature sweet flavour. As for the Hersey's aspect, both inside and on top.. It brought nothing to the party - No real creaminess, certainly not cookies whatsoever, perhaps some more sugary, wannabe white chocolate tones but generally, lacked all kind of flavour. It's a disappointing, 1 out of 5 from me. 

Coconut & Raspberry

Filled with coconut Kreme and topped with raspberry gloss and desiccated coconut. 

Moving onto the Doughnut which has been greatly longed for and the one that I had much higher hopes for.. The Coconut & Raspberry! Cutting in two, the dough still proved to be marginally raw a long the bottom but far less noticeable than the above and probably not something anyone would complain about apart from me! From first bite, the coconut aspect was instantly identifiable with plenty of creamy, tropical tones a long with sweetness, all packed into the super smooth, silky abundance of Kreme. The sticky gloss on top added a real pop of fruitiness which as expected, went wonderfully with both the chewy desiccated coconut and the aforementioned filling. YUM - A 4.5 out of 5 from me. 

Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag here from Krispy Kreme. Hersey's is no Reeses in my opinion** so if KK are expecting it to catch on.. I can't help but think they've got another thing coming given what they've produced - Mine really did taste of nothing! As for the Coconut & Raspberry offering, it is a "spot on" delight and you would be a fool not to get yourself 1.. Or a dozen. Happy Doughnut munching! 

*Whilst I was MIA.. On the 23rd of March.. It was the Bloggy's 2 year birthday.. And I completely forgot. Whoopsie doodle. Happy Birthday Bloggy!! 

**What do I know, I don't even like Peanut. I'm just channelling my inner Nibby Nobs. She knows stuff, that one. 

Review- M&S NEW Lemon & White Chocolate Tart

Don't you just hate that instant feeling of regret when leaving a shop empty handed, not having bought the something you know deep down that you longed for? I know I do and was stupidly this foolish last week when deciding against buying M&S's NEW Lemon & White Chocolate Tart - Lord knows what I was thinking!

Never one to make the same mistake twice and like a woman on a mission, I frogmarched myself to the stores bakery section today, whacked one in a baggy and paid my £1 at the till. Given my all round excitement, I kind of forgot to take note of any other detail regarding the product so I have no description whatsoever and it may be suitable for vegetarians, it may not.. Who is to say!? 

The tart cut in half with ease to reveal a sneaky hidden curd layer beneath a ooey-gooey sticky filling which both looked and smelt a treat. Crumbly and buttery, the pastry itself was perfection with a short texture and not all to dissimilar to a shortbread biscuit really! Undeniably lemon-y but without a super zesty kick (No where near as potent as the Lemon Muffins for reference), the citrus tones came across well, pairing with the silky smooth and rich, condensed milk like, white chocolate "ganache" mixture above - Strangely however, the left half possessed fair more flavour akin to actual white chocolate than the right! All the elements went well together to produce one very tasty, pleasantly sweet and indulgent tart that I could have quite easily eaten another of! 

So now my regret has progressed to the "I wish I had bought 12 more" stage - This NEW Lemon & White Chocolate Tart is oh so good and makes for a decently sized treat to have with a cuppa! The only fault I can find with it, not that I am particularly fussed but I can understand why some might be, is the fact that the citrus aspect isn't lip puckering or likely to keel anyone over.. But since, it isn't wishy-washy either, this really is just being pernickety - It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me!

Review- Krispy Kreme NEW: Chocolate Orange and Tiramisu

Happy Monday! Happy New Year! I have good news. Possibly the best news ever. Krispy Kreme have only gone and released 2 brand spanking NEW Doughnuts today! Could there be any better way to kick of 2017? I think not!

Behold! A Chocolate Orange and a Tiramisu doughy delight! ..You're thinking the same as me, aren't you? Why these weren't the Christmas offerings, I'll never know - It makes zero sense given the festive feel of the duo but never mind I guess, better late than never! Purchased from my local Tesco cabinet as part of a trio box, I assume they were priced at the usual £1.90 individually.. But one can never be too sure when I am forever being charged varying amounts in my store!

Chocolate Orange

Filled with chocolate orange flavour kreme, topped with orange flavour gloss, dark chocolate shavings and decoration. 

Having come to the realisation that it is impossible to guess how much filling is inside all of KK's Doughnuts, I was overjoyed to see a packed centre of smooth kreme despite it's relatively light feel. Smelling exactly that of its namesake, taste wise it reminded me a lot of a cheap "Jaffa" Cake bar with a slightly bitter, medicinally orange flavour combined with generic chocolate - Not the Terry's, I hoped for by any means. The sticky gloss on top, I found to be far more pleasant than the filling adding a different sort of citrus tone.. Although still not quite spot on. As for the doughnut itself, there was not much to complain about with the signature KK flavour and light, fluffy texture, no stodge or uncooked dough. A 2.5 out of 5 from me.  

Tiramisu

Filled with coffee flavour kreme, covered in white chocolate flavour coating - CONTAINS NUTS.

Moving onto the Tiramisu and the sheer panic of reading "Contains nuts" after eating the bloomin' thing! - Since when did Tiramisu feature hazelnuts?! Thank the lord it wasn't peanuts.. That would have been anything but a marvellous start to the year! Cutting into the aerated Doughnut, as seen above, the whipped to perfection kreme proved to be in abundance but didn't really have much of a scent to it at all.. Certainly not that of coffee which immediately didn't bode well in my mind. Taking a bite, thankfully I was proved wrong the a decent enough hit of creamy coffee coming through, albeit once again, a tad on the artificial side. The cracking and crumbling white chocolate added some sweetness to balance but as usual, was hardly of the highest quality and I am not sure, one would know what it was meant to be.. Which essentially summed things up entirely in being nothing like Tiramisu as I know it.. But could pass as Cappuccino/Latte inspired! A 3.5 out of 5. 

Hmm.. I can't help but feel a tad let down by these 2 NEW Doughnuts. The desired flavour is just not there with the Chocolate Orange and the Tiramisu is not really what it claims to be whatsoever.. I did much prefer the latter however as a all round coffee fanatic! A few tweaks and some better quality ingredients and KK might just be onto a winner..

Now, only time will tell what else might come our way this year.. But I beg of you KK, listen up and please let coconut feature! I need it! 

Happy New Year- Tesco Finest Reveal Dessert

Happy New Years Eve, Snack Army! Did we all have a nice Christmas? I know I did and have been thoroughly spoilt on all fronts - Lovely presents, tasty food and a wild drink or 2! It has pretty much been the best.. But one final dessert can only make it better, right?! - It's a potentially shaky yet potentially sensational, Tesco Finest Reveal Dessert, to see out 2016!

And featuring a nice bit of questionable lighting thanks to my kitchen too - Sorry sorry! I picked up the 580g, serves 6, bang on trend pud off the end of one of the stores fresh aisles and was happy to see it had been reduced from £6 to £4.32 - It's yellow sticker heaven in there at the minute so definitely worth a looksee if you're on the hunt for a bargain. Although not stating in black and white whether suitable for vegetarians or not, the box does come with some extensive recycling information - The carton and sleeve are green all the way but you've got to check with your loyal recycling centre about the plastic pot, tray, lid and dome and heaven forbid, whatever you do, don't think about doing anything with the plastic window as it's a no go so just bin it as usual! Got it? You better have taken notes. 

Once again horribly hued but the flying saucer reminiscent dessert looked the part with it's sparkly festive come galactic appearance, ready to have the caramel sauce poured over top, which I followed the instructions of removing the lid and heating in the microwave for just less than the recommended 70 seconds.. 

Well that worked well didn't it. Welcome to the inside of my microwave, folks. Question - If I had zapped it for the full time, would I actually have any sauce left in the tub? I am going to say not. Nice one Tescy. 

A dome of Belgian chocolate encases a decadent chocolate brownie topped with Ecuadorian chocolate mousses, hand drizzled with white chocolate, sprinkled with popping candy and toasted hazelnuts. Pour over the hot caramel sauce.. Then watch and listen.* 

Pouring over the liquid gold caramel, I waited in anticipation..

Oo oo going..

Going..

Aaaaand it's gone! Check out all that ooey-gooey action!

Grabbing a spoon and getting stuck straight in, the sauce was still slightly warm, producing almost melted, but not quite, glossy pools from the chocolate shell. Taking a mouthful, an array of textures presented itself - A decently sized dense, fudgy brownie, whipped ganache like mousse followed by a crunch from the nuts, popping 'n' crackling of the candy and of course, the silky smooth, luscious caramel, chocolate mix. Taste wise, the combination of elements were ridiculous indulgent with nothing but the highest quality, rich cocoa paired with varying creamy sweetnesses from the other chocolate aspects as well as a buttery, toffee hit from the sauce - I can't say the hazelnuts particularly shone nor produce that "Nutella feel" but with so much going on already, I think anything stronger would have ruined it! A chocoholics dream and potentially, a heart attack in a saucer! - Yum! 

Overall and as you can probably tell, this Tesco Finest Reveal Dessert is pretty much a life changer. Yes, it may be the sort of dessert that you need to lay down after consuming and take an antacid or 3 but it's well worth it for the good of something which I am going to say is the best pud, I have had this year. It's top marks from me - 5 out of 5! ..Heck, I might even make it a 6 purely on the basis of the caramel not being salted! I am putting my cards on the table here!

Have a lovely night all, whether you're at home with a quiet cuppa or a crazy kid out on the town.. Be sensible and be safe, please. Here's to 2017! 

*It made no sound. 

Snackmas Day 21- M&S Merry Molten Truffles ft. Salted Caramel Fudge Log

We're on the home straight now.. Christmas is only a few short days away! Eek! I trust by now you are all completely organised with the food in, presents wrapped and not a single ounce of impending doom lurking in your panicked subconscious.. No? Well, breathe.. Calm yourselves.. Sit and have a chocolate with me. 

Clementine flavoured milk chocolate truffles dusted with icing sugar and white and milk chocolate truffles dusted with icing sugar and freeze dried cranberries. 

Truth be told, these Merry Molten Truffles might actually be not what you want if you are running around in a flap.. But to get out for a get together or a stocker stuffer, yes, yes! The 185g tray of half Cranberry & White and half Clementine & Milk Chocolate Truffles cost £4 and are peachy-keen for the vegetarians to consume. 

Designed to go into the oven to achieve their "molten" namesake, I preheated my fan oven to 140ºC and whacked a few balls on a tray for the recommended 3 minutes. Much to my astonishment, the spheres came out perfectly, albeit with slightly cracked shells. 

L-R Cranberry & White Choc, Clementine & Milk Choc 

Now isn't that a glorious? - Melty, ooey gooey to the max! Starting with the Cranberry & White Choc, the outside had a thin, crisp texture, not all to dissimilar to that of a Cadbury Mini Egg with a very much sweet taste, thanks to both the shell itself and the smooth white chocolate, and the flavour balancing addition of a pop of tartness from the cranberries. An ever so slightly warm, liquid pool of milky yet cocoa rich chocolate hide in the centre, complimenting the previous elements and generally feeling very much indulgent. Moving onto the Truffle that I expect will appeal to the most people.. Clementine & Milk Choc! Once again, a good, satisfying crunch came from the ball with the same whiff of powdered sugary sweetness before hitting a pleasantly orange tang within - Not overpoweringly citrus or identifiable as the taste of actual Clementines but delicious nevertheless. As one can probably imagine, this went superbly with the silky chocolate, producing Chocolate Orange vibes.. But for the far more sophisticated "grown up"! It's a 4 out of 5 from me. 

Salted Caramel Fudge Log

Oo it's an added extra and one, let's face it, that I was never not going to buy - I just love me some fudge! Priced at £2.50, this 146g Salted Caramel Log is also veggie friendly and rather unfortunately, designed to be sliced and shared.. Opposed to bitten by oneself and scoffed ferociously like the animals, I know you all to be.

Milk chocolate (22%) covered fudge with toffee pieces (3%) and a salted caramel core (5%), decorated with dark chocolate. 

I wasn't quite sure what to do with the thing once out of it's packet. Perhaps you could present it on a fancy plate or board rather than a heathen piece of kitchen towel like I did.. Not that I think that took away from its beauty - Check out the chunkiness!  

Holy moly, what a sight to behold.. This has to be some of M&S's finest work here, surely with the Log cutting beautifully to reveal a trio of golden colours - A thick surrounding coating, the promised core and a dense fudge centre. Soft, squidgy and malleable rather than the rock solid, "gritty" variety, the aforementioned itself was nothing but creamy with oodles of vanilla and naturally, extremely sweet! Adding further to this although not being too much at all, the caramel aspect was equally as divine delivering further buttery, sugary tones.. But not salted in the slightest from what I could tell! A real hit of cocoa came from the chocolate which I have to admit, I feared would let down the lot but surprisingly enough, I was proved wrong and only helped cut through whilst providing a good velvety texture broken up by the toffee nibs, to match. Amazing - A 4.5 out of 5.

Overall, both of these chocolate-y offerings from M&S have floated my boat big time! The Merry Molten Truffles are scrummy, not to mention a great novelty and will make a fabulous addition to any stocking or if you're looking to switch it up, great fun for a party - Maybe only a sit down do however otherwise you'll discover a trail of chocolate all over your carpet, upholstery and comatose-d Grandad*, later on. As for the Salted Caramel Fudge Log.. I don't even care that it isn't salted. Go get one. 

*Also, don't give him one that hasn't been in the oven - Any teeth he does have remaining won't thank you.

Snackmas Day 13- Hotel Chocolat Festive Wreaths: White and Cookie

After having decided to Dasher-way from the disappointing LE Selectors that Hotel Chocolat push out at this time of year, I figured it would be worth giving the Wreaths a whirl - A cranberry and pistachio packed White for those who like things on the sweeter side and a Milk Chocolate, cookie, florentine combo for the traditionalist with a twist. 

Priced at £7 and each weighing in at 100g, these Wreaths are definitely a big of a splurge.. But when something looks so beautiful, it makes for a pretty stunning gift to a loved one.. Or to yourself. 

Made using 36% cocoa and 27% milk solids for the White and 50% cocoa and 20% Milk for the Milk Chocolate, only the finest of ingredients are used by Hotel Chocolat with both being suitable for vegetarians and are alcohol free. 

On closer inspection of the Cookie Wreath, it appears mine had bloom on it. Why does something that is meant to be a luxury product have bloom on it? "It won't effect the taste"? I don't care. I don't want bloom, thank you very much! 

The Festive Wreath - White

Solid creamy white chocolate with cranberries and pistachio nuts. 

Extremely sweet smelling and not all to dissimilar to a MilkyBar, the quality of chocolate itself didn't disappoint in melting perfectly on the tongue with a silky smooth feel and having a creamy, sweet flavour that was by no means sugary or cloying. A whole host of different textures contrasted this from the plethora of added extras - A pleasant chew from the plump, ruby cranberries which also provided a pop of tartness and a solid crunch from the gloriously green, pistachio nuts. The balance of different elements was perfect despite having a lot going on and it even wasn't too rock solid to bite! A 4 out of 5 from me. 

The Festive Wreath - Cookie

Milk chocolate with nibbly cookies and caramelised almond florentines squares. 

Moving onto the Cookie option which I am happy to say, possessed the aroma that any decent dark chocolate should. Taste wise, things were plenty rich with cocoa tones of a good sweet/intense balance and certainly a lot more pleasant than most milk chocolates. Packed with chunky, crunchy cookie pieces and hard yet chewy florentine, the biscuity and caramelised nutty flavours came through a treat and provided a real mouthful, especially when contrasting to the sleek feel of melting chocolate. Another absolute delight - 4 out of 5. 

Overall, both of these Festive Wreaths do it for me and I am pretty chuffed I picked some good'uns from Hotel Chocolat this year - £14 well spent, I reckon! There is also a Rare & Vintage number, packed with hazelnuts, almonds and cranberries for anyone who favours the dark side as well as the option to go big with a 450g Wreath, priced at £22 for the aforementioned and today's variants at £20.. Just incase anyone is feeling particularly generous and up to sharing this Christmas! 

Snackmas Day 5- Krispy Kreme Season's Treatings: Santa Belly and Melting Snowman

I've been waiting for it. You've been waiting for it. Nibs has practically been beside herself with worry. We've pondered, we've speculated.. But no more - The sugar plum fairies have finally worked their magic and Krispy Kreme and their 2016 festive Doughnuts are upon us, at long last! 

In stores and cabinets from today, a (Upside down, in my case) jolly, jiggling Santa Belly and a rather macabre, Melting Snowman which I picked up in Tesco for £1.90 a pop - I was so eager this morning, I actually saw the KK van delivering them and everything! Also, isn't it lovely to see how, that despite it being the busy season, the KK monkey's haven't let their decorating skills slip.. The Doughnuts are so neat and uncanny to the promo images, right!? 

Santa Belly

Hand dipped in raspberry flavoured red icing, filled with chocolate truffle Kreme, hand decorated with chocolate iced buttons and belt, then finished with a buckle. 

Did I expect to be slicing poor Santa in half this Christmas? No, no I did not but there I found myself, knife wielding, ready to reveal the filling within. Light, fluffy and of a good KK standard, the dough itself was a winner with no uncooked stodge in sight and delivering that signature taste we all know and love. The chocolate Kreme of 2015 was back but wasn't as whipped as usual although still plenty soft with a real cocoa rich flavour.. And of a more than generous quantity! This paired up nicely with the thick and sticky layer of tangy, fruity raspberry icing (Seen previously with the Love Bug) on top. Tasty but relatively boring - It's a 3.5 out of 5 from me. 

Melting Snowman

Hand dipped in white chocolate flavour coating, filled Lotus Kreme, then hand decorated with chocolate iced buttons and scarf. 

Moving onto the Melting Snowman which came with a cracky and crumbling topping that went pretty much, everywhere. Similarly to above, the doughnut itself was once again faultless in being light and aerated and a good base flavour to the abundance of mousse-like Lotus Kreme which delivered a pure hit of caramelised biscuit. The coating didn't really taste of much, certainly not identifiable as white chocolate but did add further sweetness. Finishing things off, was of course, the Snowman's face, made of a harder fondant icing for that added something extra. Fairly 1 dimensional and that of April but 100 times duller - A 3 out of 5. 

Overall, I am quite disappointed by this duo.. And can't fathom why, after such a cracking year of pushing the boat out with a whole host of "new" flavours that KK would do themselves such a disservice by using the same old chocolate truffle and Lotus Kreme fillings? I like both, don't get me wrong but what about a flavour of the actual season? I am not asking for the world or heaven forbid, demand something as wild as mince pie or cranberry but a simple chocolate orange or mint number wouldn't go a miss rather than adopting the unoriginal and lazy "Let's just take bits from other Doughnuts" approach - It's not even a case of style over substance as they don't even look good! Maybe Krispy Kreme are saving themselves for the New Year? Maybe a bang is coming? I really do hope so as neither Santa Belly or Melting Snowman, even fizzle! 

Review- Red Velvet Oreo vs Red Velvet Chips Ahoy

Who here likes biscuits? Who here likes Red Velvet? Who here likes both, especially when provided by Nabisco? Wave your hands in the air, like you just do not care as it's Cookie vs Cookie, Red vs Red.. Oreo vs Chips Ahoy! 

I hadn't seen either of these Biscuits here in the UK (Until this Monday which is bloody typical) but had been pining for them since a certain someones glowing reviewing of the Oreo. Luckily for me, my friends sister was jetting stateside in September and managed to nab not only the aforementioned but the Chips Ahoy version too! - Thanks Lottie! Thanks Lucy! 

Red Velvet Oreo

I couldn't not start with the biscuit which in my opinion is THE biscuit - Who doesn't like Oreos? No one, thats who. Smelling absolutely sensational upon tearing into the packet, the deep red hued sandwiches looked remarkably in good nick considering the miles they had travelled with a creme filling that was only to apparent to be far thicker than anything we get here in the UK. Taste wise, they didn't disappoint in the slightest! Crunchy on the outside with the signature Oreo, albeit slightly sweeter than "usual" cocoa flavour, the biscuit itself went perfectly with the abundance of soft, super sweet filling. A cream cheese tang was definitely noticeable, despite none actually being listed in the ingredients, which delivered the flavour that we all know and love to be that of Red Velvet. Amazing - 4.5 out of 5!

Red Velvet Chips Ahoy

Having never tried Chips Ahoy, not even our British version, I wasn't sure what to expect from the cute and dinky Cookies which unfortunately, this time, didn't fair so well in transit - Crumbs galore! Soft and chewy on the outside with a hidden pocket of something(?)*, they were just as sweet as the above but with a slightly artificial edge and lacking a real tang, even from the cream cheese flavoured chips - Not to dissimilar to the Red Velvet Pop Tarts which came close to being Red Velvet.. But not quite. After a few, I found the chemical flavour and general sugar rush all too much and called it quits whilst I could still stand - A 3.5 out of 5 from me. 

Well, there you have it Folks.. It's clear to see which 'Bisco Biccie reigns almighty in my books -  Both on the Red Velvet front and in general when it comes to the quality of biscuit. Granted, the 2 are very different with the Chips Ahoy being a much softer, cookie texture but the promised flavour just isn't quite there and certainly a way off from the near perfection of the Oreo! Having said that, if you do happen to stumble across either, don't hesitate in picking yourself up a pack.. You'll only regret it! 

*Haven't the foggiest what the something is.. Frosting, perhaps? Not cream cheese, I know that much.

Review- Thorntons NEW White Chocolate Caramel Shortcake Bites

It helps having friends who are eager snack finders.. Not only do they inform you of said NEW products but if you've been really good, they send them to you too! It's a win win situation! 

My lovely buddy-chum, Charlotte is to thank for these Thorntons White Chocolate Caramel Shortcake Bites which appear to be the same as the regular Milk variety just with a different topping - It's about time we all got something even sweeter in our lives! Purchased in Asda and priced at £1, I am yet to see the Veggie friendly, dinky delights in store myself or in any other supermarket.. But no doubt, Thorntons themselves have their shelves stocked to the brim!

Scrumptious shortcake squares covered with a delicious caramel layer and topped with smooth white chocolate. 

Turns out, they were a bit smooshed but no matter - No one is ever going to refuse oozing caramel.

I cut the Bite in half, purely for picture purposes and it actually turned out to be more robust than I expected with not a single crumb out place. Smelling beyond ridiculously sweet of a butter, Werther's Original combo, I popped a piece into my mouth and let the sugar overload engulf me. Starting with the base which was quite gritty, it didn't add anything to the flavour with the middle of thick, squidgy caramel completely overpowering any potential other taste and generally being just how it smelt! The white chocolate, albeit a nicer contrast to all the soft, didn't really come through either due to the aforementioned but did add further sweetness. The 3 elements together were pretty sticky, cloying and definitely something that would give you diabetes.. And a dry, sore tongue! 

Overall, unless you're an absolute sugar fiend or are prepared to power on through the initial sweet, sickly punch to the face, I am not sure these NEW White Chocolate Caramel Shortcake Bites are going to woo everyone.. There is nothing wrong with them as such but even I, the lover of all things with more sugar than anything else, found them to be a tad too much. Perhaps Thorntons should stamp "Enjoy with a strong coffee!" on their packaging.. Because believe you me, you're going to need it! It's a 3.5 out of 5! 

Review- M&S NEW Spirit of Summer: Summer Tartlet Selection

Penultimate SoS review, Folks! One I was particularly looking forward since my discovery and now, undying love of the Banoffee version.. A flavour trio this time - Mississippi Mud, Coconut & Lime and Dulce de Leche & Pecan.. It's a Summer Tartlet Selection! 

The 178.5g (Oo precision), box of 6 cost £2.50 with 2 tarts of each flavour, all suitable for Vegetarians.. But not Mustard, Sesame or Nut allergy sufferers due to manufacturing methods. Talking of Nuts, the box also comes with a nice warning not to feed such a thing to your Sprog as small children can choke on nuts.. I expect so can some adults. 

The tartlets were presented in a nice little plastic tray and weren't too smooshed.. Unlike some of the other boxes on the shelf! It does make you wonder whether it is in transit that products get destroyed or could the shelf stackers be the blame.. I assume they aren't in such a state when they leave the factory. Someone let me know. 

Mississipi Mud

All butter chocolate pastry tartlets filled with a chocolate brownie and topped with a chocolate buttercream and chocolate sauce. 

Smelling extremely cocoa rich, the ooey gooey tartlet was a pure hit of chocolate from start to finsh - The buttery, soft pastry encasing a squidgy brownie and a thick, ganache like buttercream with a final hit from the runny sauce centre. The proportion of each element was spot on and texture wise, was not dry in the slightest. Nothing but a Chocoholics dream! - Divine.

Coconut & Lime

All butter pastry tartlets filled with lime curd and a coconut sponge topped, with a coconut buttercream, lime curd and desiccated chipped coconut. 

Moving onto the Coconut & Lime, the pastry here seemed to be a little too tender as in the process of cutting in half, the side broke.. Although faultless in taste! A real zestyness was apparent when munching through the tartlet but was not all that easy to identify as being lime - It could have quite easily been lemon and I wouldn't have questioned it! As for the sponge, it also had problems in feeling a tad to thick for a treat of its size and surprisingly didn't deliver in terms of coconut - Not in taste, signature chew or even with the sweet buttercream to heighten the potency! A strange one!  

Dulce de Leche & Pecan

All butter pastry tartlets filled with caramel and toffee sponge, topped with a Dulce de Leche caramel buttercream, a pecan nut and white chocolate. 

Last but by no means least, Dulce de Leche & Pecan. The tart halved well with no pastry lost or even a crumb out of place to reveal the golden sponge within which tasted very much like golden syrup! Soft and sticky, the butteriness was undeniable with bucket loads of sweet caramel tones to compliment. The Dulce de Leche aspect really shone in the buttercream however, as seen above, I do feel there could have done with being a little more! Topping the lot was of course, the choking hazard of a pecan which tasted fresh and crisp - A nice finishing touch! 

Overall, this Summer Tartlet Selection isn't to bad at all and with a few tweaks, could quite easily be amazing.. It's the Coconut & Lime which is the main problem and letting the team down! Hunt yourself down a box, give the aforementioned to some unsuspecting chum and enjoy the rest with afternoon tea whilst M&S still have them! - It's a 3.5 out of 5 from me. 

Review- Krispy Kreme NEW: Smores, Maple Crunch, Chocolate Firecracker and Salted Caramel Cheesecake ft. Glazed Kreme

Today was abysmal. It was the start of the working week and it was wet - Possibly the two worst things if like me, rainy days and Mondays always get you down. One little perk however was the fact that NEW Krispy Kreme were in town - Huzzah! Naturally, I got one of each flavour from my local Tesco Cabinet and couldn't wait to get stuck in.

KK seem to have upped their game and veered away from the mundane, plain options with 3 fairly out there flavours: Smores, Chocolate Firecracker and Maple Crunch, along with a NEW and improved, Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Priced at £1.90 a pop (Tesco currently have 2, assorted 3 boxes for £8) and knowing for a fact that the Smores is Veggie friendly*, there really is something to tickle everyone with this quartet. 

Smores

Hand pumped with mallow filling, dipped in milk chocolate coating, decorated with mini marshmallow, shortcake crumble and white chocolate drizzle.

Starting with the doughnut that I and I expect a lot of people will be most excited about.. The Smores! Crackling and tumbling on first cut, it both smelt and looked absolutely amazing with a pure white centre. Taste wise, the silky smooth yet sticky aforementioned seriously delivered in terms of pure marshmallow that was uncanny to mini marshmallows rather than jarred "Fluff" - You really couldn't mistake it for anything other! The dough itself was up to the usual KK standard in being plump and fluffy with the signature sweet flavour with a toping of decent enough milk chocolate adding some cocoa tones and a bit of crunch from the sprinkled extras. It's a 4 out of 5 from me. 

Maple Crunch

Our signature ring doughnut hand dipped in maple icing and sprinkled with maple flavour crunch and a sparkle of gold dust. 

Moving onto the Maple which genuinely almost made me heave - The aroma was of celery. Potent celery! Hesitating greatly, I sheepishly took a bite.. And shock horror, I was mowed down by the yucky and artificial taste that I am still presuming to be a salad vegetable rather than the glorious, pancake topping, Canadian tree sap. Sadly, I didn't actually get to the actual doughnut part but it seemed to be like a doughnut - A big fat 0 out of 5.. It would have been a 0.1 if there had been some gold dust! 

Chocolate Firecracker

Filled with chocolate truffle Kreme, dipped in chilli infused chocolate icing and topped with gold stars.

I don't know about you but when I first heard Firecracker, I thought "Ooh.. It's going to be popping candy in a doughnut!". Boy, was I wrong - It's chilli! Who puts chilli in a doughnut?! Crazy KK clearly! Once again, slicing in half wasn't a problem with zero toughness but plenty of softness and slightly more bizarrely, a floral scent. Inside was an abundance of somewhat curdled kreme which despite not looking all that appealing did taste nice and chocolatey. The heat of chilli from the icing was unmissable with a tongue tingling sensation which was not to my liking whatsoever but I did appreciate the ever so slight, raspberry flavour from the red icing to cut through.. Whether this was meant to be the case or not, I am unsure as the description mentions nothing of the sort! It's a 3 out of 5 from me!

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Hand dipped in cheesecake icing, filled with salted caramel and vanilla cheesecake, topped with crunchy biscuit and salted caramel pieces finished with a salted caramel drizzle. 

Last up.. The Salted Caramel number which I was interested to see how would fair as the Lemon version earlier in the year, had improved. My little bubble was burst upon discovering some KK monkey had failed to put any vanilla cheesecake inside! Thankfully, the blob of caramel wasn't measly but still.. It ain't ever going to be cheesecake with no cheesecake! Tasting extremely like a buttery toffee with a good saline kick, the sauce made the perfect accompaniment for the soft fluffy dough with extra sugary goodness from the set, cracked topping - Not particularly cheesecake in flavour but nice enough. A 2.5 out of 5! 

Blimey. It's a Doughnut.. Disaster? Well, the Smores is a keeper and I can quite easily see myself buying a few of them whilst they are around but the others? Maple Crunch needs to be banned, entire stock and ingredients incarcerated and then banned again. The Chocolate Firecracker may woo the chilli fanatics but I would like popping candy please.. And stars on top! ..AND the Salted Caramel Cheesecake obviously needs cheesecake. Perhaps KK have tried to be too adventurous and taken on to much but it is really not on to be chucking out half-arsed products.. They cost enough and shouldn't be sloppy! 

Just to make their workload even more strenuous for themselves, the jolly chaps at Krispy Kreme have also decided to run a Throwback campaign which we all "voted" on with Powdered Blueberry winning.. But of course, the contest was too close to call and all entrants will be making an appearance for 2 weeks each.

Glazed Kreme

Our glazed doughnut filled with light and fluffy Kreme filling. 

It's the Glazed Kreme to kick things off! Extremely sticky on the outside thanks to a water icing glaze, the doughnut left a visible puddle of semi dissolved sugar which was pretty much a nightmare to get off the table! The dough aspect was hugely superior to the previous 4 (Despite none lacking or being poor) the spring and aerated texture was, I think the best I have ever had from a KK. As for the filling, it was also sheer perfection with a light, whipped feel and super sweet, vanilla flavour. A 4.5 out of 5 from me!

For anyone interested, this is the order of Throwback Doughnuts to come:
Powdered Blueberry - 19th September
Cruller - 3rd October
Pumpkin Spiced - 17th October 

And for anyone still reading.. I now feel a bit sick. Hop on over to NibsnScribs for a totally different take on todays newbies and have a lovely evening! 

*Apparently all KK are Vegetarian? Who knew. 

Review- The Chocolate Smith's Ice Cream Sandwich Bizarre

Not to long ago I received a surprise package in the post from my dear old buddy chum and the Hand Snack Selfie King, Kevvie! It is safe to say I was giddy with excitement, especially since he had been teasing me with the prospect of summer goodies heading my way for about 2 months previous!

Is there anything that says "British Summertime" more than a trip to the seaside, or fairground? (Aside for the rain, we mean!). We can bring you the beach and the sun with this tropical ice cream sandwich! Coconut, banana, crispy wafer and creamy vanilla in Belgian white chocolate. Enjoy this limited edition Bizarre while you can!

Inside was this Ice Cream Sandwich Bizarre Bar by The Chocolate Smith's which I have to admit, I had been pleading for him to get me - If you ever want some of their wacky flavours, Butty is your man.. Although beware, he's a Bacon Chocolate pusher!

Unwrapping the bar, the smell of white chocolate was very much apparent with super sweet, vanilla tones.. No coconut or banana though as I expected! Not a glimpse of wafer was visible upon the first snap of the bar either - Perhaps the action was in the centre? Well, yes, the aforementioned did make a brief appearance, mainly causing the chocolate either side to go everywhere despite not being in abundance. Flavour wise, no banana was distinguishable bar a vague whiff in one chunk with the coconut aspect being just as MIA. The only real flavour was the pure sugary hit of white chocolate which I could have sworn to be MilkyBar - Creamy and enjoyable but hardly high quality! The wafer itself added a "wafer" ice cream cone flavour along with a slight crunch.. And that was it.

So, this Ice Cream Sandwich Bizarre is just a bar of white chocolate.. One which I don't even think is as nice as the what the Easter Egg Custard presented! It wasn't repulsive by any means but I can't quite fathom why The Chocolate Smith's have labelled it as coconut or banana - It oozes nothing of the sort! Absolutely zilch! Who's doing the taste testing to give the whole lack of flavouring the get-go? We need answers! Thanks Kev, Sorry Kev! It's a 2 out of 5 from me.

Review- Hotel Chocolat Coconut & Coconut

Last week, I received a rather lovely surprise in the post.. My Peanut had sent me goodies! There was an amazing Bakewell Flapjack that I scoffed immediately, DVDs, lip balm and of course, the obligatory chocolatey treats - Nibs knows the way to my heart thats for sure! 

Solid coconut flavoured white and milk chocolate blended with desiccated coconut. 

I was most giddy when I saw this Hotel Chocolat Coconut & Coconut.. You can't not get excited about double coconut! 

My excitement only grew when I saw that there was not just one but two 50g mini slabs, each with a fancy swirly pattern! 

It smelt good - Coconutty, chocolatey and all that it should. Breaking off a piece, the desiccated flakes were plain to see and I delved right in! Beautifully smooth and silky with a fantastic melt, the chocolate itself was superb and very much cocoa rich. The tropical tones came through a treat not overpowering but complimenting the aforementioned along with adding a nice chew in terms of texture. Despite being more white than milk chocolate the high quality of each seemed to balance one another out - It was definitely sweet but not overly so! Delicious! 

Ah Peanut, you've hit the nail right on the head with this Hotel Chocolat Coconut & Coconut - It is perfect and all to easy to eat in one go.. MSW was lucky to even get a look in, it was that good! If you are a coconut fan then you most definitely need to get yourself down to your local HC store and snap a couple up - It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me!