Tag Archives: review

Co-Operative Meal Deal

Posted on by Anne

I rarely buy ready meals as I prefer to make my own but we all like to have a night off once in a while and this is what I did last Saturday.

I was kindly given a £10 voucher to test out one of the Co-operative Meal Deals which promised a two course meal for two and a drink. It sounds like a fabulous deal, but was it?

My local Co-op had four choices for meal, side dish and sweet, plus wine or non alcoholic drinks. Not the biggest selection ever, but reasonable enough.

The wine was an easy choice as I prefer red, I chose their South African variety. I am no expert but found this a very pleasant wine and lighter than our usual, I would happily drink it again.

For the main course there were two fish dishes: salmon in pastry or paella. Or two meat: turkey breast or chicken chestnut and mushroom pies. I chose the pies as my husband is not keen on seafood.

For the side I decided on chorizo potatoes. Incidentally I could have chosen some fresh vegetables but I already had some at home.

When it came to cooking the potatoes and pies they both needed different temperatures (slightly disappointing for a ready meal) so I started by putting the potatoes in the oven at 200c for ten minutes and then turned the oven down to 180c for twenty minutes for the pies, both cooked well. It was difficult to get the pie onto a plate. It came in a foil container and only had a crust on the top, hence the slightly untidy look. However the taste more than made up for it’s lack of presentation, it was delicious. You can see from my picture that I added some cauliflower and carrots.

For dessert there was a choice of four but I particularly liked the sound of salted caramel cheesecake. This was very tasty on an oat biscuit base, with a slight hint of saltiness.

Would I buy these again.

Yes I would, as I say its not often that I buy ready meals but I would definitely try another of these for a treat and a night off from cooking.

Could it be improved in anyway?

The only thing I would say is I did feel the need to add something more to the main meal (extra veg). However I did feel that it was value for money.

It was also be more convienient if cooking temperatures matched up for sheer ease.

 

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Hot Wheels Wall Track Power Tower Review

Posted on by Abi

My boys have been fans of the Hot Wheels Wall Track range for quite sometime now, so when we were offered the opportunity of reviewing the latest addition we were more than happy to agree. The new track is called the Power Tower and promises new thrills to add to an existing wall track or if you’re just starting your collection.

Previously we had found the wall track easy to assemble and this time was no different. The only issue we had was trying to keep the boys away as my husband stuck the pieces to the wall! The Power Tower does require batteries which we didn’t have in the house (worth noting if you’re thinking of this as a Christmas gift) so a quick trip to the shops and we were good to go.

To say the boys (and my daughter too) love this track would be an understatement, it can keep them occupied (and blissfully quiet) for a long time. Cars whirl around in the lift(elevator) style toy before zooming down the track, hoping not to get caught in the chomping head further down.

Would I recommend this product?

Definitely, it’s as much as the previous versions of wall track and can of course be connected up to other packs, making it a versatile and fun filled toy.

Could it be improved in anyway?

I always prefer toys that come with batteries included in case I don’t have any in stock. I’m also not a huge fan of the background posters if you are planning on connecting up several tracks.

Details

The Power Tower RRP is £39.99

Available at all good toy retails online and instore.

Further details available at Hot Wheels website

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Boursin Sun Ripened Tomato, Onion and Chive Review

Posted on by Abi

In 1957 in the Normandy town of Gournay, French cheesemaker François Boursin® created the famous soft cheese that still bears his name to this very day. It was also the first cheese featured in a TV advert back in 1968 when it was declared “Du pain, du vin, du Boursin®” (Some bread, some wine and some Boursin®). Over fifty years later Boursin has added a brand new flavour to the collection called Sun Ripened Tomato, Onion and Chive!

Having recently received a sample of this new flavour, I am happy to share my thoughts with you all today. I already love the original garlic and herb cheese but would this new flavour pass the taste test?

It’s texture is identical to original Boursin so if you love the soft crumbly consistency perfect for adorning a slice of crunchy fresh bread you’ll not be disappointed here.

The flavour is devine, the familiar creamy backtaste, but layered with a rich tomato flavour set off perfectly by the onion and chives. If you have travelled to the Mediterranean then this cheese can take you back there in one bite. Spread it thickly across fresh baked bread and drift off to warmer climes in an instant.

Would I recommend this product?

I think this makes a fabulous addition to the cheeseboard and it will certainly be a familiar sight around this family kitchen.

Could it be improved in anyway?

I’d love to see this flavour available in minis in the future for crumbling into salads and soups. In terms of flavour I think it is perfect.

Details

Boursin’s sun-ripened tomato, onion & chive flavour is available right now at your local supermarket for £2.20 per 150g.

For further details on the Boursin range and a delicious selection of recipes visit Boursin Online.

 

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