Snackmas Day 22- Christmas Spreads: Hotel Chocolat Gingerbread and M&S Clementine & Cranberry Curd

We don't do elaborate Christmas breakfasts in my house, due to the fact we aren't big on brekkie anyway and more importantly, wouldn't dare risk spoiling our impending "all the trimmings" festive lunch. For those of you who do desire something a bit special however, be it for guest or just your Dancer-selves.. A Spread duo today of Chocolate Gingerbread courtesy of Hotel Chocolat and a citrus-y M&S Clementine & Cranberry Curd!

With a fairly stark price difference of £6 for the 150g spicy spread and a far more reasonable £2.50 for the 300g jar, fruity option, both are suitable for vegetarians and recommended to be kept in the fridge and consumed within 4 and 6 weeks respectively.. That's if you can make them last that long, of course!

Hotel Chocolat Christmas Gingerbread Spread

Caramel and milk chocolate praline spread with spices. 

Smelling both chocolate-y and spicy with a very thick and almost dry texture, I was a little taken a back upon first scoop out of the plastic tub.. Although somewhat bizarrely, it spread far more easily  (Even when cold) than one would expect from its appearance - Bit odd! 

Despite the serving suggestion, to be enjoyed on muffins or cupcakes, I went for the traditional croissant breakfast which the spread melted on beautiful once warmed by the toasty pastry. Taking a bite, I soon came to realise that perhaps this wasn't the best option as the buttery aspect was all a bit too overpowering. Tasted alone however, a fairly mild cocoa flavour was noted with hints of nutty praline in the background and an almighty punch to the face of spice! I can't say it was completely that of pure ginger and certainly not having the taste of any actual biscuit-y gingerbread I've experience but the real warmth was unmissable. As for the caramel aspect, there wasn't that much sweetness which should probably not come as a shock given the sheer amount of spice used. A 3 out of 5 from me. 

M&S Clementine & Cranberry Curd

Cranberry and clementine curd. 

No alarming jingle bells this time with the consistency - The curd was gloriously smooth, thick and ploppy, not to mention possessing an aroma most definitely reflecting its namesake! ..And yes, I did eat the above blob straight off the spoon. 

Thankfully this time, my choice of croissant didn't let this spread down with the curd and pastry being a match made in heaven! As velvety in feel as it appeared with a buttery rich, creamy base flavour, the citrus tones were in abundance including lemon which although wasn't in the ingredients, I am still sure I could detect beneath the orange. A potent zing came from the fruity cranberry which struck just the right balance of tart and sweet making for one very delicious, slightly addictive Curd. It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me! 

Overall, I think it is clear to see which one of these Christmas Spreads does it for me.. Clementine & Cranberry Curd, I could eat you all day and M&S, I take my Santa hat off to you! As for the Hotel Chocolat Gingerbread Spread, by no means is it repulsive but I do think one would carefully have to consider what they are having it with and maybe, really relish spice in general to fully appreciate exactly what it delivers.. I personally will probably end up sandwiching it in a chocolate cake come the new year!

Review- Asda NEW Spreads: Dark Chocolate & Mint and Salted Caramel Chocolate

Today's review should have been yesterdays review. I had my Thursday all planned out - Go to Asda for NEW Spreads, buy NEW Spreads, eat NEW Spreads, post review on Friday of NEW Spreads.. But this turned out to all be in folly. Not only was the entire store evacuated and my shopping abandoned but then my car broke down.. In the carpark.. Where I waited for a serial oversharer of an RAC man. Pure joy. 

So considering I left empty handed on the NEW Spread front and £90 poorer thanks to my car giving up the ghost, I made a special trip on this sunny Saturday and finally got my hands on the Dark Chocolate & Mint and Salted Caramel Chocolate varieties, both priced at £1.50 each and weighing in at the standard 400g. 

Dark chocolate and mint flavour spread and Caramel & chocolate flavour spread with sea salt. 

Dark Chocolate & Mint

Starting with the jar I was most excited about and a question.. Why has a Mint Choc Spread never been a thing until now?! I've certainly not seen such a thing before. Unscrewing the lid and the familiar "After Eight-esque" scent was clear from first whiff and I got stuck in, in my traditional manner of spooning straight from the jar. Very soft and silky smooth texture wise, the dark chocolate gave off plenty of coca rich tones and was by no means as sweet as the usual milk variety used. The mint proved to deliver with an almost tongue tingling, refreshing feel but wasn't as anywhere near as potent as an After Eight.. But plenty enough for a Spread! Delicious - A 4.5 out of 5 from me. 

Salted Caramel Chocolate

Moving onto the Salted Caramel and a second question.. Was it actually going to be salted?! Having a scoop, the buttery smelling spread, definitely had a much thicker texture to above but still velvety. Taste wise, the milk chocolate, albeit pleasant enough was fairly sweet and generic with the tones of toffee/caramel coming through nicely with a smidgen of salt to cut through. This prevented things from becoming overly sickly and even MSW who isn't usually a fan of caramel things, found it enjoyable. A nice balance - It's a 4 out of 5 from me. 

Success! These NEW Mint Choc and Salted Caramel Spreads were worth the wait - I can find very little fault with the first, apart from, I would have liked some minty nibs mixed in for that added bit of crunch.. And the latter, well a higher quality of milk chocolate would have bumped up the marks but I do appreciate how it isn't too sweet or too salty - Talk about being fussy, right? I want salted but not overly salted.. At least Asda have managed to deliver here! Get yourself down to your local store and give both a go. Enjoy your weekend! 

Review- Lurpak NEW Smoked Chipotle Infusions

Does anyone else have a particular Baking Butter of choice? I know I do.. It's Unsalted Lurpak - Always has been and always will. When it comes to quality I don't think you can beat it.. Which is exactly why I was quite excited to see something a bit different from the brand - It's a NEW Infusions line! 

Give your flatbreads and wraps a flavour kick with Lurpak Infusions Smoked Chipotle. The whipped blend of Lurpak butter and rapeseed oil, infused with smoky chilli and spices, is the easy way to life your food Dollop and spread straight from the fridge, then top with whatever takes your fancy. 

I discovered the dinky 115g, Smoked Chipotle tub in Tesco where it was on offer for £1 along with a Chilli & Lime version as well as Sea Salt & Pink Peppercorn. The spread which is suitable for Vegetarians, contains no palm oil, hydrogenated fats or artificial colourings.. And is suitable for home freezing but not microwaving*. 

Since I'm not all that keen on flatbreads or wraps, I decided that topping Ryvita with the spread was the next best option. Very light and mousse like with a texture that I can only liken to Boursin, the Infusions smelt also like a spiced cheese and was very smooth in the mouth. Taste wise, it wasn't cheesy at all but super smoky with a real kick of chilli which almost bowled me over but MSW loved it. A garlic flavour was also most apparent, pairing up nicely with the fiery heat. As for the "butter" aspect.. I wouldn't say you would know it was one despite containing 62% - There was no real flavour of Lurpak itself due to all the Chipotle burn.. But was delicious nevertheless! 

Well, this NEW Smoked Chipotle Infusions is definitely one for the heat lovers - The potency of spice is unquestionable and as spreads go, it's faultless. I would say though, if you're looking for a butter equivalent, this isn't really it.. And if you're looking for a cream cheese equivalent, it's not going to be that either.. It's more of its own mysterious, tasty condiment! - A 4.5 out of 5 from me! 

*Does anyone even care about this information? I get the Veggie brigade kicking off (Ish) but who is concerned if they can microwave their spread.. Heck, you're clearly a bunch of rule breakers anyways and would do it regardless.