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- 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- Organix LE Cherry Rice Cakes

It's an R4R first - We've ventured into Baby Food! No, I am not on a weird fad diet but there is a thrilling tale behind todays review.. Get comfy. One of my buddies has a toddler. A fussy toddler at that, she won't mind me adding, who is a professional Food Launcher come Toxicology Analyst. The child possesses endless talents when it comes to avoiding eating but one thing that has recently wooed her and what her Mother is referring to as "Baby Crack" are these Organix LE Cherry Rice Cakes. 

Delicious organic wholegrain rice cakes covered with cherry juice.

Practically forced into buying some myself, I hot footed it down to Tesco and picked up a 50g bag of the 7 months+ Finger Foods for £1.19 - Absolutely absurd pricing but they are currently on offer for 3 for £3.. Which obviously makes all the difference. Made from organic wholegrain rice along with apple and cherry juice concentrates, the Rice Cakes have no hidden nasties or junk and are also suitable for Vegetarians if your offspring has made that life choice at an early age. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity in the bag and for once, it wasn't half full like you so often find with "Grown up" packet snacks. The rosy pink dusted and slightly sticky Cakes smelt good and how Rice Cakes should with a subtle sweetness. Taking a munch, the sort of dry and airy, crunchy signature texture was there with a Puffed Wheat taste along with a mild fruity flavour which I am not sure I would have been able to identify but I did like it! One thing that I did notice however was that the Rice Cakes weren't coated evenly and in turn meant that the flavour wasn't consistent throughout the bag - A shame! 

Overall, these Organix LE Cherry Rice Cakes aren't to shabby at all - They taste as expected with a smidge of sweetness and I can see why they would be popular with little ones. My only real qualm is the overkill of a pricing but I guess these Baby Food companies like to (And can!) prey on parents obvious desire to give their children the "best" organic, nutritious food.. And of course, the convenience of it all! My advice would instead be to pay a visit to my buddy who currently has a cupboard full of the things equating to about £50s worth.. It's a 4 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- 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.