FlavrBox / November Edition

ooohhhh, It's always exciting to receive a box full of yummy goodies... and this is the BEST box so far, in my opinion! Here I give you november's FlavrBox:

Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company - Cheddar Cheese Straws

I had to open these within 3 minutes of getting the box *greedy*

They taste even better than I expected - they are like puff pastry sticks, full of cheeseness flavours (of course, you must love cheese and I personally would marry cheese, if I could!). NEEDTOFINDMOREOFTHESE!!!

Rossini's Rub - Panch Phoron

I must say I'm not a big fan of marinades because I don't like meat and don't cook it from scratch very often; also, I prefer my vegetables 'au naturel'. This tin is a pretty generous size and could last for years, I reckon. They suggest to mix the seeds with some oil to create a paste - great tip and will give it a go with some fish.

Jing Tea - Ali Shan Tea

This is a seriously weak tasting tea (or maybe I can't bloody brew it properly).

Anyway, it is very very light in taste which is not such a bad thing because I can avoid to put any sweetener in it. It's described as hearty and refreshing and yes, that is just spot on - I couldn't find better words to describe it myself.

These are actually tea pearls, which I had never tried before, and  can be re-used three/four times, apparently.

Sundowner - Parmesan, Olive & Rosemary Biscotti

I can't deny these biscotti (more like crackers?!) taste very familiar - parmesan & olives are part of the typical italian diet and some of my favourite things... so I could only end up loving them!

Apart from the burst of authentic flavour, I was pleasantly surprised to find them quite moist and not dry, thanks to the olives.

I also received the nut mix from Sundowner, last month, but I haven't had the chance to try them yet.

The Pelagonia Range - Aivar

Another utterly delicous product! If you can only try 1 product from this box, I have to recommend this one.

It takes so authentic and fresh and with high quality ingredients.

Apparently, this brand works in partnership with over 650 families from the Pelagonia valley, in the south-west of Macedonia. They source and create these delicious, authentic recipes from the region and they taste sooo natural that you would think they had just been made in front of your eyes and not our of a jar.

Aivar, in particular, is a blend of roasted peppers and aubergine that can be cooked with chicken, as pasta sauce or simply as a spread. I rocked it with the cheese straws and the Sundowner biscotti!

Chocca Mocca - Real Raspberries Dipped in Fine Dark Chocolate

...and finally dessert!

Delicious raspberry coated in dark chocolate - I love dark chocolate!

Great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and cutting few calories in the process.

I got to say that these boxes never, never fails to please... unfortunately, this is gonna be my last box for a while... back on diet after Christmas. :(

Check out the previous boxes here and here.

Food Delivery / FlavrBox and Free Coffee

I took advantage of the 50% off promotion and ordered myself another FlavrBox!
This is an exciting box to receive and as soon as I open the box, I want to scoff down everything instantly... not good for the waistline but good for the soul! ;)
You can check my previous box here.

Olive Branch Olive Oil Strawberry Jam

 I love jams and I always have some in the morning on some rusks. It's my favourite way to start the day.

This sounds delicious - The jam is a blend of olive oil, Cretan honey and fruits; I haven't tried it but if I like it, I already have my eyes on the apricot version.

Pink's Smoked Tomato Tapenade
This sauce is made with smoked  tomatoes, cashew nuts and parmesan cheese - all my favourite things together in a jar. Promising indeed and in fact It didn't disappoint!
I love this stuff on everything: you can use it as a dip, or spread on bread or as a marinate for meat and fish.
It's full of flavour and with a wee bite - my favourite product from this box, definitely!

The Bath Pig Original Chorizo
Another popular item from the box and in fact it's already finished!
I used it in 2 recipes: I cooked half to create a salad with new potatoes and baby spinach and the other half for a pasta sauce. I add double cream and zucchini to the chorizo and tossed lightly with some penne pasta. Delicious! Personally, I think it works better with wholewheat pasta.

Hare's Moor Rogan Josh D.I.Y. Curry Kit
I have made Korma a couple of times for my family because my parents like it but it's not something that I would choose to cook, honestly.
I do like a good curry occasionally, but I usually just buy the Tesco's curry-in-a-bag meals.
I love the fresh ingredients in this wee bag and I'm excited to give it a go - I will probably cook it with chicken (minus the ginger that I HATE!!!).

Sundowner Pecans & Almonds
I also received this generous bag of nuts.
I like nuts and I have an helping 3/4 times a week; I usually get the graze boxes because I like the variety that you can order.
These ones are coated with crunchy seeds, a touche of agave syrup and a kick of chilli which sounds a great combination. I will save them for next week snack sessions. :)

***
Finally, I also discovered eightpointnine.com
This website offers a subscription where you can get your coffee ration delivered to your door, every week. They have different types available and you can also create your personal blend.
I went with the random one and oh boy, that is potent stuff! The smell of coffee is unbelievable!
Now, I don't drink enough coffee to get a bag regularly but it's a great concept as It lets you change flavour every week and I like variety.
They also send you an info sheet about your blend which I find extremely interesting.

I have a promo code for you, if you'd like to try a free box. :)
code: PG534NQ - let me know what you think!
x

FlavrBox

Few days ago, this delicious box landed on my doorstep!

I've been looking forward for it to arrive for the past couple of weeks and my tastebuds were pretty excited with anticipation, too.

FlavrBox* is the latest subscription that give you the possibility to discover food and drinks from UK makers.

FlavrBox aims to deliver better quality products that taste amazing (of course) but also made with integrity; it's your chance to try producers that maybe are not exactly from your neighbourhood and you wouldn't come across, otherwise.

In September' Box you'll find:

Peter's Yard Artisan Swedish Crispbread Original:

Peter's Yard is an artisan bakery, based in Edinburgh and these crackers are so good that they have been awarded two gold stars by the Guild of Fine Foods in 2010.

I can't stop eating them: they are delicious on their own or topped with cheese or smoked salmon.

Eat 17 Chilli Bacon Jam:

My favourite item from the box so far...

I couldn't resist and I popped it open within minutes - of course, it marries beautifully with the crispbreads.

It just tastes deliciously homemade! The smoke of the bacon and the kick from the chilli... still not too spicy, don't worry. ;)

 The Relish in Spice Company Wasabi Mustard:

Mark Strachan, a Michelin star trained chef, is the mind behind this company.

I tried the mustard but unfortunately, I don't like wasabi; shame but it's only personal taste... I have donated this jar to a friend that will enjoy it, I'm sure!

 Gusto Secco Elderflower Rice Pudding & Spanish Garden Paella:

 We got 2 offerings from Gusto Secco - a range of dried ready-meals with Mediterranean roots... I'm in my comfort zone here.

I'm saving these - after all I've a whole month before the next box! - and they're going to be super-easy to make. I'm planning to get some fresh king prawns to add to the paella since I love fish... and I've actually never tried rice pudding (or elderflower) so I'm excited to give it a go, too.

Bonny Confectionary Marshmallow Pop & Dipper:

Finally, something sweet to complete the box.

 This company is only a year old but they have been busy coming up with different combinations... from fruity to covered in chocolate wee sugar squares.

 The mango and chocolate dipper works so well as an afternoon snack, dipped in early grey tea.

 There's also a brochure with an introduction to the different producers... which is appropriate and in keeping with the box ethos.

If you're interested in trying this box - or the next one - visit  http://flavrbox.com/

Apart from subscribing to the box, the shop is a highly recommended stop - especially with Christmas approaching (cupcakes in a jar!!! Should I say more??!)

Buon Appetito! ;)

***Quick update: you can also use the promo code: HALFPRICE2012 to get 50% your first box, when you sign up***