Review- Shaken Udder NEW Strawberries & Clotted Cream Milkshake

A few weeks, I was contacted by Nikki (Hi Nikki! Thanks Nikki! Happy Sunday Nikki!) asking if I would be interested in trying the NEW Strawberries & Clotted Cream Milkshake by Shaken Udder. As I am not crazy, I accepted this generous offer and 3 bottles of the baby pink stuff turned up on my doorstep, not to long after. 

Parading its pips on the outside, Britains best berry earned its name from the farmers stuffing straw around their plants. We blended this scrumptious strawberries in a bottle with Rodda's divine Cornish clotted cream. 

It's essentially summer in a 330ml bottle! Who doesn't like strawberries and cream come a scorching July day, after all? Well me for one but that's neither here nor there - Cream haters are few and far between so I am told.. I will take the fruit though, a long with the promise of British Milk and no nasty hidden preservatives. flavourings or colours. 

Giving the Shake a shake and pouring some into a tumbler, the Shake* appeared to be up to the usual Shaken Udder consistency of being plenty thick yet still smooth, silky and easy to drink. The strawberry flavour, albeit very pleasant, didn't quite pack the strength I anticipated with not all that much in terms of sweetness or potency.. But of course, this could solely be down to the fact it was the "real deal" opposed to a cheap and most likely, artificially flavoured supermarket Strawberry Milk (Nesquik, anyone?). Creaminess wise.. It was certainly that which did pair up with the relatively mild strawberry nicely but managed to avoid being overly cloying, to produce one very tasty, indulgent, "grown up" drink. 

Overall, this Shaken Udder Strawberries & Cream offering didn't disappoint in the slightest.. Well, in fact, it's exceeded my expectations really, especially after having prepared myself to be repulsed by the cream aspect. Perhaps I am a changed woman. Perhaps I might channel my inner "Wimbledon" and go the whole "Strawberries & Cream hog" this year. Perhaps.. I just really like Shaken Udder. I think it might be the latter, don't you? Get yourself a £1.49 bottle from Waitrose and let me know what you think - It's a 4 out of 5! 

*Has Shake now lost all meaning? Shake. Shake. .....Shake. 

Snackmas Day 8- Nespresso Holiday Variations ft. M&S Christmas Capsules

I trust you all go mad for the Christmas coffee ranges at Starbucks, Costa and co. From Fudge Hot Chocolates to Salted Caramel Cappuccinos, there's something about a calorie laden, festive bevvy that I just can't say no to, with the Tiramisu Latte from Caffe Nero being a particular favourite of mine this year.. But what does one do when they need a fix at home? The only logical answer is to turn to Nespresso, of course! 

2016's Limited Edition Holiday collection is inspired by Austrian Pastries - Apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte and Sachertorte - All with an intensity rating of 6 and coming in the 40ml espresso sized capsule. I purchased mine on the Nespresso website with a box of 10 costing £3.80 but getting them in store is always an option if you've got one close by - Saves on the p&p when not buying 200+! 

L-R Apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte, Sachertorte 

Look how cute they are! I adore the minimalistic swirly pattern design with a bit of colour to reflect the individual flavours.

The coffees essentially all looked identical so I shall not bombarded you with repetitive pictures.. Be jealous of my Christmas mugs though!

Apfelstrudel

A puff paste layered dessert revealing a sweet apple filling, delicately spiced with cinnamon. Variations Apfelstrudel flavoured espresso results from the sweet marriage of Livanto's balance and roundness with rich aromas of pastry, baked apple and a hint of cinnamon. 

Starting with the Apfelstrudel, I can't say I tasted actual apple or cinnamon but the flavour and quality of coffee was second to none with just the right strength and not remotely wishy-washy considering the full fat milk I used to top up with. A slight buttery taste begun to linger once well into the drink which was somewhat like the promised pastry! It's a 3 out of 5 from me. 

Linzer Torte

A tasty redcurrant tart, recognisable by the lattice design. Variations Linzer Torte flavoured espresso results in the sweet marriage of Livanto's balance and roundness with the taste of red fruits and notes of spiced dough. 

Moving onto the Linzer and my hopes were high from first whiff! Sweet, fruity and just like the actual torte, the jammy, berry flavour was undeniable with warming biscuity undertones to match. This was a delicious pairing to smooth, silky coffee and made for an all to easy drink to glug! A 4.5 out of 5 from me.

Sachertorte

A glaze chocolate cake containing of thin layer of apricot jam. Variations sachertorte flavoured espresso results from the sweet marriage of Livanto's balance and roundness with the flavour of soft chocolate and apricot notes. 

Last but by no means least.. The chocolatey option - Sachertorte. Super rich and creamy, the coffee was just as flawless to the above with no sharp notes. Chocolate tones came through beautifully with a sweet, mellow apricot edge to compliment and really reflect and taste of it's namesake. Delicious - A 4 out of 5. 

Overall, this is a gorgeous Holiday trio from Nespresso. I can't fault the coffee itself whatsoever and the balance of flavours is second to none. Yes, it would have been nicer to have more fruity tones in the Apfelstrudel a long with some warming spice but perhaps they were just saving it for my personal winner, the Linzer Torte! I am only too happy to drink all 3 regardless and will be buying more before they disappear.. If you have a Nespresso machine, I highly recommend you do the same! 

M&S Christmas Coffee Capsules

An added hot drink extra. I was lured in by the promise of chocolate and citrus.. Not to mention the price - Sparks card holders had 20% off when I purchased the 10 capsules for a £2.40 opposed to the usual £3. As seen with the Nespresso, these are also a 40ml cup size serving but with a slightly stronger intensity of 8. 

Specially blended beans from Brazil, Ethiopia & Central America, roasted for a wonderfully deep, dark flavour with seasonal hints of chocolate & citrus.. Perfect at Christmas. 

No snazzy pattern but at least they're festively red!

The coffee smelt good when being dispensed but nothing like chocolate or citrus. This was reflected in the taste which was disappointingly, just that of a decent coffee in not being too strong or weak but neither of the promised elements were present. Nice enough but a tad boring - A 2 out of 5 from me. 

Snackmas Day 4- M&S Festive Lunch ft. NEW Recipe Sandwiches

One of the highlights of the season for me is the array of Festive Food On The Go in every supermarket, petrol station and cafe alike - From sandwiches and wraps to the hot options of toasties and panini's, there really is a vast choice with both meat and vegetarian options to keep the entire Christmas choir happy. 

Naturally, I gravitate towards the traditional turkey, stuffing, cranberry numbers and usually when in bread but this year I've decided to be a bit wild and go for an entire lunch with some different stars of the show.. 

It's trusty old Marks & Spencer, supporter of the charity, Shelter, that we turn to today for a Wrap, Scotch Egg and Drink Trio. Much to my dismay, they didn't listen to my groans of last year that their measly 5% of sale donations was abysmal but alas.. At least I have done my bit in buying a sleigh load of their products to bump up the takings, right?  

Christmas Turkey Wrap

Roast British turkey breast, Brussel sprout slaw, parsnip mayonnaise, pork, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry chutney, spinach, smoked British bacon and fried onions on a barmarked tortilla wheatflour wrap. RRP £3.

As someone who usually finds wraps fairly uninteresting and akin to chewing cardboard, I can't say the prospect of the two halves thrilled me greatly.. They did look attractive though! Taking a bite, the overwhelming amount of spinach was the first thing to hit which I promptly disposed of and carried on. Soft and squidgy, the wrap itself wasn't as offensive as first anticipated, even if a bit to much for the quantity of filling. Two large chunks of soft turkey, one in each half, were present packing a good amount of flavour with smoky bacon in the background. The slaw provided lots of veggie tones (Maybe from the Parsnip mayo too?) albeit not obviously that of sprouts, and lots of creaminess. This was only complimented by the herby taste of stuffing and mild onion which was never going to disappoint! As for the cranberry chutney.. I can't say I noticed any with zero sweetness or tart edge but I liked it nevertheless! - A 4 out of 5 from me. 

Turkey, Pork & Cranberry Runny Scotch Egg

Runny poached egg wrapped in turkey, smoked maple cured bacon and cranberry sausagemeat, in a parsley crumb. RRP £2. 

Designed to be eaten hot or cold, I forced this lofty, 120g Scotch Egg on MSW who didn't take to much convincing to get stuck in.. As long as it was warm that is, so I whacked it in a 180ºC Fan oven for the advised 12 minutes. 

Well, it was certainly runny.. Just look at that yellow yolk puddle! Crispy on the outside with a contrasting soft, squidgy sausage meat layer, the flavour of pork was definitely at the forefront with a sweet undertone of cranberry from the plump, ruby red chunks. The centre of poached egg was plenty soft and not rubbery in the slightest, delivering just the right amount of richness. It's a 3.5 out of 5. 

Pressed Apple, Pear & Winter Berries

Pasteurised apple and pear juices, not from concentrate, with plum, sloe berry, blackberry and elderberry purees. RRP £1.50. 

A drink to wash down all the savouries was a must and what could be better than all the winter fruits? Very sweet and refreshing thanks to the fruity flavours and being ice cold, the juice was pure delight. Apple was the main flavour with a hint of pear and a real tang from the berries - Not that I could put my finger on which exactly having never knowingly had sloe berry previously and all the different fruit flavours being blended so well. Delicious and the sort of thing I wouldn't be opposed to drinking hot - A 4.5 out of 5 from me. 

Is anyone hungry for more? Suck it up people, it's not Christmas without a NEW Recipe Turkey Feast and Pigs in Blanket Sammie! 

Turkey Feast

Roast British turkey breast with pork, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry chutney, smoked British bacon and mayonnaise on malted brown bread. RRP £3.25. 

For something with allegedly a new recipe.. The sandwich didn't look all that different to last years offering - It may have been slightly paler in colour but then again, that could just be my lightening! Perfectly soft and squidgy although with some harder nibs in the bread, the packed filling didn't disappoint in flavour. Together the chunks of tender turkey and herby stuffing were as expected, a match made in heaven with an almost absurd amount of slightly salty bacon to compliment. Both the mayo and the cranberry prevented things from becoming dry with the latter adding that traditional hit of sweetness. One thing that I didn't notice was the long list of spices included in the ingredients.. Which I can't say, I was all to upset over! Scrumptious as always, a 4.5 out of 5 from me! 

Turkey & Pigs in Blankets

British pork sausages and smoked British bacon, roast British turkey breast, cranberry chutney, spiced mayonnaise and spinach on sage and onion bread. RRP £3.

Once again, the description didn't suggest anything was particularly new about the sandwich.. But it certainly looked greener with a more than generous helping of spinach.. Which I swiftly flung across the table in disgust! Similarly to above, the bacon aspect took a starring role with a good handful of rashers included, delivering smoky tones. This was heightened further by the soft sausages for a real porky flavour, not all that unlike actual Pigs in Blankets. Sadly, the turkey fell into the background slightly given that there was so many other elements going on and probably wasn't helped by the borderline overwhelming taste of spice which I can only assume came from the mayo - As a despiser of cloves, I was close to calling it quits but the chutney saved the day and put things back on an even kiln. Superb bread also! A 4 out of 5 from me. 

Overall, it isn't a bad selection of snacks from M&S this year - Definitely not as extensive as last but I don't expect any of us really need umpteen different sandwiches when the classics are covered a long with something for the Gluten Free-ers (Gluten Free Turkey Feast) and Veggies (Scorched Squash Wrap). There's even one for those with more money than sense in the form of the Christmas Club, priced at an extortionate £4.50! 

For anyone wondering.. And still reading, today's little lot came to a grand total of £12.75 so that's just shy of 64p going to the folk at Shelter. Seriously, M&S, if you're intent on backing a charity, don't be half-arsed and stingy about it. I can't even.

Review- PG tips NEW Caramel & Vanilla Black Tea Capsules

As a big drinker of both tea and coffee, I am always on the look out for different hot beverages to try. Thankfully, there are a lot more options nowadays and today's review is something I've been on the look out for a good while - NEW Black Tea Capsules from PG tips to go into ones Nespresso machine! 

Located and purchased in Waitrose, the box of 10 capsules cost £2 and are made with real black tea leaves combined with the creamy notes of caramel and vanilla. 

As instructed, I removed the top lid of the capsule to reveal the filter paper beneath and whacked the capsule in my Nespresso ready to add about 200ml of water. 

The tea dispensed perfectly and somewhat bizarrely, smelt uncanny to the caramel sauce that Costa use - Not something to ever complain about! Very drinkable even without milk, the tea was plenty strong and provided a good flavour with the promised creamy vanilla and caramel tones really shining and providing lots of sweetness. The caramel aspect certainly lingered for a delicious aftertaste and I quickly found myself making another cup! Lovely! 

Overall, this Caramel & Vanilla Black Tea from PG tips is really quite delightful. The capsules work perfectly in a Nespresso machine, not to mention, being a far quicker way to get your caffeine fix than having to wait for the kettle to boil.. To then have to wait for a teabag to brew.. To then find such a nice flavour has been far from achieved! It's a solid 4 out of 5 from me. 

Review- Nomadic NEW Apple & Banana Yogurt & Oats Drink

It may have taken me a month shy of a year but I have finally found another flavour from Nomadic to try. This time, it's a Yogurt & Oats Drink in Apple & Banana which I thought was a bit of a strange combo.. But it was branded NEW and I was sucked in!

Rise and shine with our delicious and filling signature yogurt made from the finest milk and blended with crisp, juicy apples and healthy oats. 

Tesco is where I picked up the 275g bottle for £1.50 - Not the cheapest but no doubt healthier than a Frijj or Milkshake equivalent. Made in Ireland using low fat yogurt, apples and oats, the drink is suitable for vegetarians and can be kept in the fridge for 2 days once opened, if you fancy prolonging things.. I know I would struggle having that much dairy in one go come a morning! 

Cracking into the bottle and pouring some into a tumbler, I expected the scent of banana to be much more apparent, instead it was mainly an acidic aroma and not much like any fruit at all. This reflected in the taste completely with the flavour of yogurt being very much at the forefront with a real tang yet creaminess and a further zing from what I can only assume was meant to be apple.. Although you wouldn't really know it! An aftertaste of banana may have lingered after one mouthful but then again, it was so vague, I could have quite easily imagined it. Texture wise, things were equally as strange - Smooth and silky combined with the somewhat off-putting and "bitty" pieces of oats. Very bizarre. 

Overall, I can't say this Nomadic NEW Apple & Banana Yogurt & Oats Drink has wooed me. It isn't unpleasant by any means but the flavours are whack with a dodgy texture to match and at the end of the day, not what it says on the bottle. I'm going back to the Lassi! It's a 2.5 out of 5 from me. 

Review- M&S NEW Spirit of Summer: Watermelon & Lime Aqua Fresca

There's a bit of a heatwave going on this week in the UK which can mean only one thing.. Everyone is moaning! Us Brits do love to complain whatever the weather but my current 33ºC in the shade, does seem a little excessive and I am slowly melting.. A cold beverage might help!

Watermelon and lime juice drink lightly treated for a longer shelf life. 

M&S have a shedload of NEW Spirit of Summer drinks on the shelves from Mocktails, Pressés, even Smoothies.. So naturally I went for the "tame" option in the form of this Watermelon & Lime Aqua Fresca. The 750ml bottle which is included in the 3 for £5 across all juices, cost me £2.50 and is suitable for vegetarians, surprisingly enough. 

I was eager to crack into the bottle given my life long love of all things fruity and the immediate refreshing scent didn't disappoint. Taking a sip, the juice proved to be very cold and smooth with the unmistakable flavour of watermelon packing a punch. I have absolutely no idea where the lime was at as no zesty citrus taste came into action which unfortunately made the whole thing kind of lack lustre.. It was just slightly sweetened watermelon juice - Thirst quenching enough but nothing more. 

Overall, this Watermelon & Lime Aqua Fresca is about as riveting as a sweaty back. If you love watermelon and can't be bothered to blend and strain your own than this will be perfect for you.. But if you can, just remember to add an abundance of lime because clearly M&S can't! It's a 2.5 out of 5 from me. 

Review- Tesco Finest Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Drink

Am I the only person that isn't mad for Juice? Don't get me wrong, I'll drink the fruity stuff once in a while but am miles away from the individuals who appear to chug it, willy nilly! BSW, the Tropicana King is a fine example of this which is why todays bright orange bottle of goodness is being kept well out of his sight! 

Freshly squeezed, unpasteurised smooth orange juice blended with water and sweetener. 

I picked up this 750ml bottle of Tesco Finest Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Drink for £2.49 where it was marked as NEW, next to the other Finest options - Whether it is actually NEW or not though is unknown as the label has now be removed off the shelf! From the description, it was clear to see that this wasn't going to be a thick "traditional" Juice (And more to my liking!) but instead a watered down number with the addition of Steviol Glycosides.. Oo chemicals. 

I poured myself a little tumbler, ice cold from the fridge and began to wonder if it did actually contain bits as floaty things were plain to see! It turned out not to be the case thankfully, with the Juice being beautifully smooth and as expected, not the thick, throat coating "traditional" kind. Flavour wise, it was very much fresh orange with a decent tang and not particularly sweet or tasting much of its Stevia derivative - Something I am happy about as I'm not a fan! Fruity and refreshing! 

Overall, I really liked this Tesco Finest Orange Juice Drink and the bottle didn't last long at all! It is the perfect option for anyone who, like me, enjoys fruity drinks but not so much the likes of Tropicana.. And there is only 49kcal per 150ml for those who are calorie conscious! It's a 4 out of 5 from me. 

Review- Nomadic Strawberry & Pomegranate Lassi Yogurt Drink

I don't much like Yogurt. Well I do but not enough to buy them regularly or even ever think about doing so.. Why have Yogurt when you can have Cake, after all? I must have forgotten to ask myself this very question when picking up this Nomadic Strawberry & Pomegranate Drink in Tesco.. I was lured in by the NEW sign but don't actually know if it is given my amateur status! 

Along with not knowing if it is NEW or not, I can't remember the price either! I want to say around £1.50 for a 330ml bottle but don't hold me to it! 

I poured myself a dinky tumbler and was immediately impressed by the fruity scent of the stuff. The texture certainly felt very luxurious - Thick and creamy and very smooth which went down a treat. Taste wise, it was full on strawberry! A few pips and pulp ran throughout which boosted the overall intensity and made it feel very "real". I couldn't really make out the pomegranate unfortunately but then again, I've never thought it tasted of much even in its fruit form. The flavour was somewhere between the Müller Light Yogurt of the same flavour and the Yop Drinks which I am unsure if are sold still... But healthier and of much better quality, of course!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this Nomadic Strawberry & Pomegranate Yogurt Drink and I would definitely buy again. I am keen to try other flavours and have spotted a Coconut & Vanilla which sounds right up my street! It may not be Cake but its worth a whirl - 3.5 out of 5 from me! 

Review- Dominion Soda: Root Beer, Creamy Orange Soda and Black Cherry Soda

A few weeks ago I was approached by Heathwick Ltd, distributors of Dominion Soda, who asked me if I would be interested in trying some of their authentic American Import Beverages  - Although never having been one for fizzy drinks, I am ever eager to broaden my horizons and try different things so kindly accepted their generous offer. 

I wasn't sure when said Sodas's were going to turn up but lo and behold after only 2 days, mid baking session and covered in a whole host of sticky substances, a lovely Chap in some cool Shades turned up with a case of 6 glass bottles of Pop - 2 each of Root Beer, Creamy Orange Soda and Black Cherry Soda. 

The first thing to stand out to me was the logo.. ITS A STAG!! THATS MY ANIMAL!! You know how some people are crazy Cat Ladies or that one Kid at school who was obsessed with Horses.. I am the Deer equivalent. Like literally, I am obsessed - I have even kept the Stag printed bottle caps. Brownie points for Dominion Soda.. They must have seen me coming.

Root Beer

If like me you know nothing about Root Beer then you might be interested to know that it is made from the root/bark of the Sassafras Tree - Possibly the funnest word in the world to say yet lethal as only the extract is now available after finding that Sassafras itself is carcinogenic! Specifically Dominion Root Beer is made from natural ingredients (Pure Cane Sugar and Honey) and is free from caffeine and high fructose syrup as well as being non alcoholic, making it perfect for all ages. On to the tasting! I popped the topped and it fizzed up, a treat. I took a whiff and was immediately not looking forward to trying it - It smelt so sweet and artificial and not to dissimilar to floor cleaner! I built up the courage and took a sip.. It tasted exactly like old fashioned Bubblegum.. But not in a good way. It was sweeter and much more artificial - Similar in taste to the wheel/tapes that I think were produced by Hubba Bubba back in the day. I can't say I could distinguish any of the Honey listed in the ingredients and can only assume the Bubblegum sort of flavour must be that of Sassafras which I can safely say I don't like at all. It was foul. It must be an acquired taste as the only thing I can think its good for is striping wallpaper. Yuck. Its a 0 out of 5 from me! 

Creamy Orange Soda

Next up, was the bright Orange and potentially radioactive bottle of Pop. The acerbic citrus has been smoothed in this drink whilst provoking the flavour profile of carbonated cream.. Whatever that means. It smelt a lot like Fanta which was always my Fizzy Drink of choice when I was a Kiddo. Taste wise, it was full on Orange with a slightly medicinal taste and very, very sweet. A creamy vanilla tone came through subtly as a after taste too. It is suggested to serve with vanilla ice cream but that appeals to me even less than the drink by itself - Im clearly not Americanised in the slightest! Its a slightly more bearable, 1 out of 5. 

Black Cherry Soda

Lastly was the Black Cherry jobby which I have to admit was the one I was least looking forward to trying despite the 2 previous disastrous taste tests - I love cherry but it is very easy to get wrong, especially when put in a drink! I had a sniff and it didn't smell all that bad although it was very potent of Morello Cherry. Taking a swig, I wasn't completely repulsed - Its a miracle! The flavour was that of a strong Bakewell with the Cherry element being spot on. I imagine this would go down a treat with Cherry Coke fans - I would even go as far as to say it is nicer but that is coming from a Coke hater so perhaps I am bias! Its a 2.5 out of 5 from me. 

Overall, well.. These Dominion Soda's have been a bit of an experience! Surprisingly the carbonated element of the drinks didn't bother me in the slightest - I think my dislike of the flavours completely overpowered any hate I had for the fizzy stuff which is saying something! I wouldn't touch Root Beer again with a 10 foot bargepole but I am guessing a lot of people do like it since its popularity is increasing, here in the UK. I won't lie and say I finished any of the bottles but the Black Cherry Soda is for me, the best of a bad bunch and I could drink it, if I had to. By all means, if you are a fan of really sweet fizzy drinks and fancy something a bit different, they are worth giving a go. Check out Dominion Soda on Twitter as well as the website to get your hands on some. As for my hands.. I am just going to Jazz hand and sing "Sassafras!" until the novelty wears off. Thanks Dominion Soda!