DINNER WINNER
I tried Sainsbury’s new Christmas range including lobster crumpets and entire roast in a box for only £45
Watch our video to get a sneak peek at the supermarket's Christmas showcase
WANDERING around Sainsbury's Christmas showcase at Somerset House in London, I suddenly feel completely in the festive spirit - despite it still being September.
I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to taste the supermarket's Christmas range before it hits supermarket shelves - and there were some real show stoppers that pleasantly surprised me.
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I got a first taste of this year's Christmas dinner staples, delicious desserts and festive tipples.
Although Christmas is still a few months away, supermarkets reveal their festive treats early at this time of year.
Sainsbury’s Christmas food has yet to hit shelves, but will be making its way to supermarkets gradually over the next few months.
The first wave of products will be released next week and will include bakery items and festive biscuits.
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But shoppers will have to wait until December to get their hands on several seasonal puddings and joints of meat.
Walking into the showcase, one of the first things that caught my eye was the Taste the Difference-branded Lobster Thermidor Crumpets.
Oozing with butter and chunks of lobster, the crumpets melt in the mouth and feel like a very decadent treat.
So, I’m surprised when Graeme Hibbs, a product developer at Sainsbury’s, tells me that the crumpets used in the dish are the same as the ones normally sold in the supermarket’s bakery.
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“This year our starters focus on fish, with more individual portions instead of sharing plates,” he said.
“These crumpets are perfect as a starter or for all day eating.”
And at £4.50 for two, I’m impressed by the quality of the snack, considering Lobster - a traditionally expensive dish - is involved.
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Further down the table I spot the Slow Cooked Proper Christmas Dinner Box, which is also part of the Taste the Difference range.
For just £45 you get a buttermilk brined turkey wrapped in bacon and all the trimmings including roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, pigs in blankets and a rich turkey gravy.
The box serves four and can be cooked in just 55 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or those who may be working over the festive season.
How to save on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
It even comes with the foil tray to cook everything in.
The pork, chestnut and thyme stuffing would also be a great complement to the smoked streaky bacon and beef-fat roasted potatoes and tastes just like if you made it from scratch.
SHOW-STOPPING DESSERTS
But dessert has always been the main event for me and this Christmas is no different.
This year, Sainsbury’s centre-piece dessert is a white chocolate mousse, which comes with a range of hidden centres.
The most eye-catching one for me was the indulgent Golden Forest dessert, which feeds nine and costs £15.
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Outside is a creamy Belgian blonde chocolate mousse with coated shortcake biscuit balls.
But when scooped with a spoon, the pudding reveals a hidden centre of silky ginger spiced caramel sauce.
For those who prefer a fruity flavour, Sainsbury’s has put a twist on the traditional black forest gateau with its white forest ripple.
The outside is a similar white chocolate mousse, but in the centre of the desert is a hidden tangy cherry compote with a crunchy feuilletine base.
The white chocolate snowflakes, chocolate pearls and edible red glitter make it a beautiful addition to any Christmas table.
It serves ten people and costs just £20.
The popular Sticky Toffee liqueur is back this Christmas, too, after quickly becoming a family favourite last year.
At just £15 it’s an easy drink to have on hand for cocktails or after dinner tipples and the beautiful glass bottle makes it a perfect present too.
When I take a sip I’m impressed by its flavour, which tastes exactly like a Werther’s Original.
There are also Tiramisu and Berry Compote flavours which would make a perfect addition to any Christmas table.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
We had a first look at Fortnum & Mason’s 2024 Christmas range including edible coal, £40 hamper &; £265 advent calendar worth £1,000.
Plus, we reveal the full list of supermarket Christmas savings schemes - and how to get £25 free cash.
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