Snackmas Day 20- M&S Parsnip, Camembert & Chestnut Pithivier

Pithivier. I didn't know how to say it until I googled it.. But it's pastry and what else does a pastry fanatic really need to know?! Oh I know what, it's only bloomin' vegetarian too! This one is for you, veggie members of the Snack Army! 

The 245g, single serve, puffed pastry tart cost me £3.50 in Marks and Spencer, where I found it situated amongst the regular vegetarian range - I am thankful for that festively green packaging making it stick out! Scanning the ingredients, the list was fairly few and far between with relatively minimal components compared to some of products the store produce which unnecessarily go on for days - Rejoice, there's not a single E number here! 

Parsnips (10%) with Camembert cheese (10%), chestnuts (9%), shallots (7%) and thyme encased in all butter (19%) puff pastry. 

I cooked as instructed in a 180ºC Fan oven for about 25 minutes and it turned out most inviting indeed - Beautifully golden and smelling just as sensational. Then I was in a quandary as to how I was going to get the Pithy out of the foil tray-ey.. 

With a bit of jiggery-pokery, I just about managed to get the tart onto a plate before wielding my knife and slicing in half - I can only apologise that it kind of looks a bit "vommy" but I can assure you, the scent alone would make you want to go for a face plant! Ridiculously flaky with buttery tones all the way, the pastry itself was sheer perfection and everything one could want from a puff. The packed encased filling, comprising of soft veggies and actual camembert chunks delivered loads of creamy, smooth cheesiness with parsnip and super sweet shallot to compliment. I couldn't taste any chestnuts nor did I find it to be overly herby or taste of thyme.. Not that it really mattered but it could have done however, with a smidgen more salt to really bring out the individual flavour profiles. 

Ooh-Eeh-Aah, M&S have done it again - This Parsnip, Camembert & Chestnut Pithivier is very almost top marks.. If only it had just that tad more seasoning! Get grinding the salt and bask in the cheesy, veggie glory whether you are vegetarian or not - You'll enjoy it, I promise! It's A 4.5 out of 5 from me. 

Snackmas Day 14- Tesco Finest Creamy Brie & Cranberry Crinkle Cut Crisps

It's a second crisp option for Snackmas Day 14 with soft cheese taking centre stage once more. We're hopping from Baked Camembert & Oak Smoked Garlic to something a bit fruitier - Creamy Brie & Cranberry Crinkle Cut, courtesy of Tesco. 

Creamy Brie and sweet cranberry flavour crinkle cut potato crisps. 

I actually found this 150g sharing bag in the normal crisp aisle rather than where one would think, amongst the seasonal items. Costing a very reasonable £1 exactly, the Veggie friendly, thick, ridge-cut chips are made using 100% British potatoes which are fried in small batches and carefully tumbled in seasoning to ensure for a perfectly even coating and the highest quality of crisp. 

Jeepers, it was like being engulfed by an old cheesy foot upon getting into the bag! - Not exactly what you hope for in a crisp but I suppose at least they were going to be potent.. And packed full of flavour, they were! Unfortunately however, it was of the repulsive kind rather than falling into heaven. The brie aspect was strong to the point of being artificial and somewhat plastic tasting with zero in terms of tart cranberry to help break things up. This made the crisps extremely sickly and not something I could bear to eat. They were of a good thickness though and plenty crisp.. So that's something. 

Creamy Brie & Cranberry Crisps, I had such high hopes for you but good god, you sit on a throne of lies! I cannot fathom how Tesco have made something quite so revolting and still managed to get it past taste testers. I am actually wondering if they even bothered at all. Please, whatever you do, don't buy them! It's a 0.5 out of 5 from me. 

Snackmas Day 6- Kettle Chips Baked Camembert & Oak Smoked Garlic

Crisps are a Christmas must. I expect many households are overrun with bags currently, just incase that unexpected visitor pops over who favours a savoury bowl of snacks to grab from rather than the likes of chocolate tubs. Play it safe with everyday flavours or go for something more of the season? That is the question. Be bold, I say and just maybe these Baked Camembert & Oak Smoked Garlic Kettle Chips can sway you..  

Capturing the spirit of winter food, this seasoning combines rich and creamy baked camembert with oak smoked garlic. 

I went on a hunt for these Limited Edition crisps as soon as I knew they existed. Luckily for me, they weren't difficult to find and I nabbed myself a 150g sharing bag in Sainsbury's for £1.50. Gluten free and containing no artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or MSG, these seem ideal for pretty much anyone.. Even those who go loopy over Lupin and the Veggies! 

These smelt just as their name suggested! - Nothing but potent cheese and garlic! Grabbing a handful, the chips proved to be up to the usual Kettle standard with the signature crunchy thick cut and base potato flavour. Taste wise, the smoked garlic flavour was an immediate punch to the face with strong oak tones and enough to send any lurking Vampire Vixens running for the hills. Given that it was such a strong flavour, I didn't notice the Camembert at first but a creaminess did come into play which helped mellow, a long with a smidgen of cheese - Not Quavers level though, by any means! 

Well, these Baked Camembert & Oak Smoked Garlic Kettle Chips didn't see out the day.. Something so munchy and more-ish is never going to last long in my house! - Heck, we've even already replenished our stock as we can't not make the most of them whilst they're around! If you're a fan of garlic, you need these in your life.. As do your guests! It's a 4 out of 5 from me.