I’ve tried M&S’s festive range, from blinged-up pigs in blankets to turkey lasagne
SUMMER may only just be over, but the shopping streets are about to get very festive.
In just two weeks, the first orders for Christmas meals will be dispatched and some of the treats are already on the shelves at Marks and Spencer.
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And this year there are some absolute highlights to look forward to with 450 new products to try, from double-wrapped pigs in blankets to the most adorable chocolate house dessert.
Half of M&S customers admitted they were looking forward to Christmas in July, with 43 percent saying Christmas dinner was their favourite meal of the year.
From never-before-seen gifts like a magical light-up chocolate box with a swirling snowstorm of snowto a first marketed WHITE mulled wine, and specially made hot cheeses intended for viral good luck, there is so much to be excited about.
We were invited to come to London and sample some of the seasonal produce, it was a real treat.
Held at The Arcade Food Hall, in the capital Tottenham Court Roadside area, it was Christmas from the moment we walked through the doors with Mariah Carey blaring from the speakers, the smell of roasting turkey in the air and even in the snow – indoors.
First we got to try some of the following dishes: party favorites. For me, one of the best things about Christmas is seeing what snacks all the supermarkets have in store.
And Markies knows how to throw a party. The party pieces include Halloumi in Blankets served with what promises to be the flavour of Christmas 2024, Hot Honey.
Finished with a sweet and spicy sauce, these bacon-wrapped halloumi chunks are absolutely addictive.
Meanwhile, a few charcuterie centerpieces are ready, including a tree, decorated with salshichon, chorizo, gouda cheese and manzanilla and kalamata olives, and a paint by number style board. Perfect for party favors.
Before the main event there will be some traditional food – and some wild cards. As ever, the turkey from M&S is to die for.
This year’s show-stopping Best Ever Slow-Cooked Turkey Crown comes complete with chestnut and pork-filled legs and wrapped in dry-cured oak and applewood smoked bacon. It takes less than two hours to make in the oven and comes with a jar of our Ultimate Meat Gravy.
But for us it is absolute star from the electricity grid show was the wagyu beef. Served pink in the middle it melted in the mouth – and it might even tempt a loyal turkey lover to switch to red meat this December.
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For something completely different, there’s turkey lasagna. Yep, you heard that right.
Everyone flocked to the Italian-inspired main course at the launch. It’s creamy and flavoursome – but a little too rich for my taste buds.
No Christmas dinner is complete without pigs in blankets and this year they’ve gone bling. Forget half a slice per sausage, this year Markies’ pigs are DOUBLE wrapped, making them a salty, savoury treat.
No one does pudding like M&S and this year they have outdone themselves with taste and looks. My favourite was the adorable Santa Popping Down the Chimney Dessert.
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This beautiful dessert for 10 people is made with an exclusive roof-shaped mold, filled with a dark and milk chocolate mousse and dripping butterscotch caramel sauce on a white chocolate and toasted popcorn crisp base. All topped with white chocolate mousse and the cutest edible decorations.
Mince pie fans have more choice than ever, according to mince pie developer Sandy, who proudly showed off the impressive selection.
As a true Christmas fanatic, I have to admit that I’m not a fan of fruit pies, but my girlfriend loved the slow-gin option and the brandy butter pie.
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For me it was all about the chocolate Rudolph tarts – perfect for children…and troublemakers.
No feast is complete without a drink. There are countless options, from matching wines to cocktails.
And new for 2024 is a very unusual white mulled wine. This was a revelation. It has all the spice and warmth of a traditional mulled wine without the heavy red aftertaste. I predict this will be a huge hit this year.
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Kathryn Turner, Director of Product Development at M&S Food, said: “Forget Santa’s workshop – we all know the real magic of Christmas happens in the kitchen. And our chefs have been working behind the scenes for months to bring outstanding quality meals from our kitchens to yours, tirelessly testing and trialling before finding the perfect bite from 450 new products!
“From the exceptional restaurant quality party food, starters, mains and desserts in our ‘Our Best Ever’ range – all based on our customers’ Foodhall favourites, to our unique mantelpiece and centrepiece worthy gifts, and all the artisanal touches in between. For us, it’s never just now “Christmas meal.”
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