Madhouse Family Reviews

Children's book review : Formula Fast : Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing - Matt Ralphs

2026-04-06T15:19:00.002+01:00

Formula Fast from Phaidon, by Matt Ralphs with illustrations by Dragan Kordic, is an illustrated guide to Formula One racing, exploring the world's fastest sport through superhuman drivers, legendary tracks and cutting-edge cars. I used to vaguely follow Formula One about forty years ago and my daughter Juliette is a big fan now, so I was pleased to see that the book includes names that we are both familiar with : Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Desiré Wilson but also Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

The book is an exciting, eye-catching look at the sport that will appeal to readers aged 8 and upwards. Each page is bright and colourful with simple to follow, short texts that even beginner readers will be able to deal with.

The book cleverly combines fascinating facts, detailed illustrations and technical insights to give an overview of the engineering, strategy and human skill behind Formula One. From record-breaking pit stops and high-tech steering wheels to the training that helps drivers withstand extreme G-forces, readers will discover how teams prepare for race day, how car design has evolved and how safety, diversity and sustainability are shaping modern F1.

The book includes a timeline of key developments that charts the sport's global rise and a glossary of terms that clearly explains the sport's essential technical vocabulary. Whether you are a big fan of the sport or just have your interest piqued by the title, everything is clear to understand and makes the sport more impressive. It is also educational, linking Formula One to STEM learning through real-world examples of physics, engineering and design.

Here are just a few of the fascinating facts to whet your whistle :

- The world record for the fastest pit stop is 1.8 seconds.

- Drivers can lose up to 3kg in sweat during a single race.

- Formula One cars act like upside-down airplane wings to "stick" to the track.

- Races take place on every continent except Antarctica.

- The first F1 drivers raced without helmets or seatbelts.

There are plenty more facts and figures inside the book that your kids will love to share with you !

RRP : £16.95

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Jan. 2026
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1837290164
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1837290161
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 740 g
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25 x 1.2 x 30.5 cm

Formula Fast is available on amazon or in all good bookstores.

Disclosure : We received a review copy of the book in order to share our honest opinion.

Degustabox March 2026 review : Hello Spring & Ready for Easter

2026-03-29T13:13:00.006+01:00

The latest Degustabox recently arrived, with the theme Hello Spring & Ready for Easter. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are four products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was hiding inside this month's box.

Urban Noodle Soba Noodle (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Ramen Noodles or Udon Noodles) are Japanese style noodles, designed for rich broths and hearty bowls. They are made with quality ingredients and are free from artificial flavours, offering a satisfying texture and authentic nutty taste. They are ready to eat in 3-5 minutes and are simple to prepare. Soba noodles can be incorporated into hot soups or refreshing cold dishes, paired with a rich broth or light soy-based dipping sauce. I have a couple of Japanese-inspired recipes using soba noodles on my blog that you might like to try out : Pork Yakisoba and Teriyaki Duck with Soba Noodles. Available on Amazon.

Kanzen Meal Japanese Curry Rice (RRP £3.50) is designed as a healthy, nutritionally-balanced meal option with a healthy colour scheme on the traffic light labelling. Each meal contains more than 20 g of protein, 26 types of vitamins and minerals and controls the amount of fat, sugar, saturated fatty acids and salt that are of concern. It is quick and simple to prepare by just adding hot water. The meal is a rich, full-bodied and spicy curry, packed with the concentrated flavours of beef, the savoury sweetness of onions and tomatoes and a blend of spices such as red chilli, cumin and coriander. Available online.

Sweet Freedom Fizz Pineapple & Coconut (RRP £1.50 - other subscribers received Lime & Mint, Raspberry & Cranberry or Mango & Mandarin) is a low calorie drink containing no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavours and no refined sugar. They are sparkling waters with a hint of natural flavour rather than a full-on, sweetened drinks flavour but they are quite refreshing. Their other plus point is that they contain carefully selected ingredients to support your wellbeing. Lime & Mint contains kola nuts and guarana, both natural sources of caffeine to help you feel energetic and alert. Pineapple & Coconut contains dandelion leaf and baobab which support good digestion, gut health and general wellbeing. Raspberry & Cranberry contains acerola fruit which is rich in Vitamin C, supporting immunity, skin health and digestion. Mango & Mandarin contains schisandra berry (also known as the ‘wonder berry’) which supports nervous system functioning, helping to deal with stress. The drinks are sweetened with a brand new to the UK market natural sweetener, cocoa juice, which is sweet with tropical notes. Available on www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and amazon.

Nescafé Espresso Concentrated (RRP £4.99) is the ultimate iced coffee hack, guaranteeing a great tasting drink using the milk of your choice in seconds. It is comparable to the iced coffee you can buy in coffee shops, made with no fuss in your own home. I'm not a coffee drinker but the girls are excited to try this out. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Paxo Quick Cook Sage & Red Onion Stuffing Mix (RRP £2.65) is a great new way of making the nation's favourite roast dinner accompaniment. Just 13 minutes in the air fryer or 18 minutes in the oven are all that are required for great tasting stuffing that is crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The flavours are rich and satisfying, perfect for adding some extra oomph to your Sunday roast dinner. Available at Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.

Bisto Signature Chicken Ready To Use Gravy (RRP £3.50) is another updated way of providing the perfect roast dinner accompaniment. Slowly simmered with succulent meat juices and natural ingredients, the result is a rich gravy with maximum flavour. Just pour it into a jug and warm in the microwave or heat on the hob. It's more expensive but delivers a smoother texture and richer flavour that the regular gravy made from granules. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout.

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Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan 28/2/26

2026-02-27T15:44:00.000+00:00

I haven't posted a menu plan for almost a year. We went on to buying Too Good To Go bags which make it hard to plan meals in advance but this week, we stocked up the fridge when we got back from visiting the family so I decided to try to use up some of the spices and seasoning sachets that are taking up space in the cupboard. Many of them came in Degustaboxes so they aren't necessarily things we would have bought but let's see what I can manage to use up. Here's the plan for the coming week.

Saturday

lunch- cheesy courgette gratin with chicken gyros

dinner- meatballs with Ikea meatball sauce and mash

Sunday

lunch- pork filet mignon with roast potatoes, stuffing balls, green beans and gravy

dinner - Nadiya's Punchy Chicken and Rice One Pan (with red peppers, onions, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes)

Monday

lunch- school canteen for me (Sophie and Pierre will be going to get his braces changed)

dinner - noodles with chicken, veggies and sweet chilli sauce (supposed to be for sweet chilli halloumi but we don't fancy saucy halloumi)

Tuesday

lunch- risotto with bacon, onions, mushrooms

dinner- couscous (sausages, chickpeas, onions, red peppers, carrots and couscous)

Wednesday

lunch- smoked sausages and onions with pasta

dinner- cheeseburgers with garlic and herb wedges and coleslaw

Thursday

lunch- school canteen for me (leftovers for Sophie and Pierre)

dinner- slow cooked pork for pulled pork with rice (needs to be set off before I go to work in the morning)

Friday

lunch- pasta carbonara

dinner - chicken burgers with rösti (potato fritters)

Saturday

lunch- takeaway or leftovers

dinner- croziflette (tartiflette made with crozets pasta)

Sunday

lunch- roast chicken dinner

dinner - breaded fish with homemade chips and green beans

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

Degustabox February 2026 review

2026-02-25T13:34:00.002+00:00

The latest Degustabox recently arrived and we excitedly pulled out the contents to see what was hiding inside. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are seven products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value.

The first product comes from a big brand that we are big fans of : Bisto Smooth Peppercorn Sauce (RRP £2.95). I love the taste and convenience of their gravy granules so I was keen to see what we'd think. Well, it was a big hit. We love the taste and the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce which can be made in minutes to accompany steak and burgers or sausages, chicken and pork chops. You just need to add boiling water and stir so it requires minimal effort and really perks up your plateful. It is free from artificial colours and preservatives and each tub contains 19 individual servings. Available in all major supermarkets.

Snyders of Hanover Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Pieces (RRP £2) are a deliciously crunchy snack bursting with a sweet and savoury flavour that we all loved. Created by America's number one pretzel brand, they are also available in Hot Buffalo Wings, Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño flavours. They would be a great addition to packed lunches or can be enjoyed in front of a movie on the sofa. Available on amazon, in Ocado and in quality convenience stores.

Filippo Berio Squeezable Olive Oil (RRP £7.99 each) offers a convenient new format for the popular olive oil range. The easy pour cap and squeezable plastic bottle make pouring, squeezing and drizzling simple and mess-free. We already knew and loved the fresh taste of the Classico oil, perfect for cooking on a daily basis (I use it in a frying pan with sausages, steaks, pork chops, chicken or whatever else needs cooking but also drizzled over potatoes in the oven for perfect roasties) but we also discovered their Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Finishing and Hot & Fiery Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil which is great for perking up meat, vegetables and chilli con carne. Available on amazon or the Filippo Berio website.

Truly Nuts Buck Naked Whole and Raw Brazil Nuts (RRP £3.99) are sustainably sourced Amazon-harvested nuts, offering wholesome nutrition (including high selenium and healthy fats) and a positive environmental mission. We loved the crunchy, almost creamy texture and fresh taste. Other subscribers received Deep Thoughts Dark Chocolate and Sweet Talk Milk Chocolate varieties, which also sound very tasty. Available in WH Smiths.

Wagamama Firecracker Curry Sauce (RRP £2.75) is a simple and cheaper way of recreating some of your favourite in-restaurant meals. The Firecracker sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce with sriracha and chilli, perfect for recreating prawn, chicken or tofu firecracker curry. The jar contains 2-3 servings and has a hot three-chilli rating. Other subscribers received Coconut and Lemongrass Curry Sauce. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Tuk-In Lime Pickle Bombay Trail Mix (RRP £1.50) ofers the zesty, acidic flavour that you would expect of lime pickle. The ingredients include a range of superfoods. Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and the packs are high in fibre, a source of magnesium and vitamin E, with 7g of protein in every bag. I'm not keen on the taste of lime pickle but the kids enjoyed the zesty flavour and crunchy texture.

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Degustabox January 2026 review : Breakfast and Brunch

2026-01-28T19:14:00.003+00:00

The latest Degustabox arrived a couple of weeks ago, the first one of 2026. With the recent cold spell (we've managed to avoid all the snow which I'm happy about), I was hoping for lots of winter warmers and snacks to nibble on tucked up under a quilt on the settee in front of the telly. I was also wondering if it would be packed full of healthy options with New Year's Resolutions in mind. In the end, it was a happy balance of the two. Here's what was tucked away in the January box, which had the theme Breakfast and Brunch.

The first product that I pulled out of the box would be ideal for anyone on a bit of a new year's health kick and trying to up their protein intake : Up & Go Protein Chocolate (other Degustaboxers got Vanilla flavour - RRP £2.50). Packed with 35g of protein, essential vitamins and minerals, this is designed as a convenient breakfast drink to fuel your busy mornings. Pierre loved the taste and the smooth texture, as well as the fact that it is ready to drink and requires no faffing about mixing or blending ingredients. If you're looking for a mess and fuss-free way to increase your protein intake, this is a simple solution. Available at Tesco and Co-op.

Sharwood's Chef's Special Tikka Masala Curry Kit (RRP £2.80) is a great compromise between store bought and home made curry. The two step kit consists of a garlic and ginger paste to cook with your chicken or vegetables and a creamy tomato tikka sauce to simmer the ingredients for a richly-flavoured dish. Quality Indian ingredients are used and the sauce is cooked in small batches in stages to deliver layers of flavour, as if you were cooking from scratch. We all enjoyed the rich, fragrant flavours and the mild spice rating appealed to the whole family. Available at Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.

Pip Organic Pineapple & Mango Organic Fruit Smoothies (RRP 2 x £1.50) are utterly delicious and easily transportable, perfect for popping into a pocket or a handbag for an after-school trip to the park. The brightly coloured packaging with fun fruit characters will appeal to kids, while parents will love the fact that they are made with 100% organic fruit. Each carton contains 1.5 apples, 1/4 of an banana, 1/4 of an pineapple, a chunk of mango and a dash of squeezed orange. Even better, they avoid all fossil fuel derived fertilisers and synthetic pesticides. They're not just for kids though. We all loved them. Available at Ocado, Abel & Cole and on the Pip Organic website.

Mission Carb Balance Original Wraps (RRP £1.80) are Sophie's favourite wraps as they are better for her diabetes. They contain just 9g of carbs per wrap (66% less than Mission Original Wraps) but are still high in fibre and have a lovely soft texture. We all think they taste just the same as the regular wraps so it's a no-brainer - lower carbs for everyone ! Available in all major supermarkets.

Nakd Blueberry Muffin Raw Fruit & Nut Bar (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Cocoa Orange flavour) is the perfect vegan & gluten free option for convenient on the go healthy snacking. All ultra-processing, added sugar and artificial additives are banished so nothing but natural ingredients and their recognisable, appealing flavours are used. It even counts as one of your 5-a-day. They taste lovely and you have a real feeling that you are being kind to your body and giving it what it needs, unlike many snacks and sweet bars. Available in major supermarket chains.

Linwoods Chocolate Flavour Protein Overnight Oats (RRP £4 - other Degustaboxers received Strawberry, Vanilla or Original flavour) are a blend of oats, plant protein and chia seeds that are a source of protein, fibre and omega-3, helping provide sustained energy throughout the day. Just add milk and pop them in the fridge overnight and they'll be ready to eat in the morning. We liked the chocolate flavour but weren't overly keen on the chia seeds. Available at major supermarkets, health food stores and on the Linwoods website.

Cirio Passata Rustico (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, versatile sauce that can be used as a pasta sauce, a pizza base or with chicken or vegetable sautés. It is made with 100% Italian tomatoes and offers a rustic, chunky texture and rich, sun-ripened flavour. Just mix in with leftovers from a Sunday roast dinner and you'll have Monday's dinner on the table literally in minutes ! Available at Ocado, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

This month's Product of the Month is Bisto Creamy Cheese Sauce (RRP £2.95), a real timesaver in the kitchen. Just add four level tablespoons of cheese sauce mix to 250ml of boiling water and stir until smooth and creamy. I used this for making cauliflower cheese and we all loved it. The flavour is just as good as homemade and it is so much easier than making it from scratch. It could also be used in pasta bakes, lasagne or macaroni cheese. It contains no artificial colours or preservatives and each tub contains 19 servings. Available in all major supermarkets.

Clearspring Organic Tofu (RRP £1.89) is the same award winning, velvety-smooth Organic Japanese Silken Tofu, now in a single serve 200g size, which is perfect if you are catering for one vegetarian in the family. You can make all sorts of things with tofu, scrambling it for breakfast, slicing it into fresh tofu sashimi, stirring it into a warming miso soup or blending it into a creamy dessert. It's great to keep in the fridge to fall back on if you need a veggie option in a rush. Available in health stores, on clearspring.co.uk, at Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic.

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Degustabox December 2025 review : Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments

2025-12-14T10:52:00.000+00:00

Festive food is big news at the moment, as everyone is making sure they've bought the biggest turkey possible, made (or quite possibly bought) everything from Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings to mince pies and pannetone. When the December Degustabox was delivered last week, I was quite pleased to see that this month's theme - Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments - suggests an end to the festive overeating and a welcome return to simple suppers and snacks. Here's what was in this month's box.

Nothing says comfort food better than a tin of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup (RRP £1.60). The iconic brand was born in 1897 and immortalised by Andy Warhol in the 1960's. Its thick, creamy consistency and rich flavour are perfect when you need something quick and filling and it always makes me feel like it's a hug in a bowl. It's lovely on its own, maybe with some dried onions and paprika sprinkled over the top and a slice of toast on the side to dip into it, but it is also very useful as an ingredient in more complex dishes. Over Christmas, it would be ideal mixed in with leftover turkey and vegetables then transformed into a pie, a curry or a pasta bake. Available in all major grocery stores.

Bonne Maman Madeleines (RRP £3.15) are beautifully flavoured, soft, buttery cakes that are made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Perfect as a mid-morning snack with a hot drink, they can also be enjoyed straight from the pack in front of the TV or whenever you feel like one. I've even been led to believe that they are a particular favourite of Father Christmas, so make sure you tell the kids to leave one out on Christmas Eve ! The lovely festive scene on the packaging makes them the perfect Christmas nibble. Available in all major supermarkets, while stocks last for the special Christmas packaging.

Nestlé Very Berry Cheerios (RRP £3.50) are a delicious new cereal option that contain berries (blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and strawberries) for a great new flavour at breakfast time. They are high in fibre and contain 7 vitamins, calcium and iron . They are made from a combination of oats, wheat and barley, and we all loved the flavour and the crunchiness. The kids love a bowlful when they get in from school and I'm happy to scoff a bowlful every morning before heading off to work. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Ocado, Waitrose and Morrisons.

Double Dutch Double Lemon (RRP £24.99 for a case of 24) is a zesty mixer with a refreshing blend of lemon, lime and a touch of quassia bitterness. Quassia adds more piquancy than traditional quinine, not only improving the flavour but also reputedly aiding digestion. It can be paired with vodka, sloe or bramble gin or you could add it to your own festive cocktail creations. Available on doubledutchdrinks.com - you can save 20% on a case with the code DEGUSTA20 until 31st December.

Garofalo Stortini Pasta (RRP £2.60) is a small curved pasta, bronze-drawn for a slightly rough texture that is ideal for absorbing sauce. It takes just five minutes to cook until it is al dente, ready to accompany creamy or tomato-based sauces. Its small shape makes it great for kids but adults will also love it. Very tasty. Available on amazon.

Get More Vits Summer Fruits Multivitamin Squash (RRP £2.50) is a delicious fruity squash, made with 20% fruit juice and with no added sugar. Just one serving contains 25% of a child's daily dose of 8 vitamins, including vitamins C, D and B12. If you want to mix up the flavours, it is also available in Apple & Blackcurrant and Orange, Mango and Passionfruit. Available in Tesco and Morrison's.

Ritter Sport Orange (RRP £1.89) comes from a brand that has been around for a whole century but I have yet to sample any of their products. The Orange bar is a zesty, fresh orange creme covered in rich, indulgent dark chocolate. I usually prefer milk chocolate but the two flavours and textures work well together and I'd definitely buy this again. Available at Waitrose, on amazon and in convenience stores.

Teapigs Mao Feng Green Tea (RRP £5.49) are high quality (I would call them posh !) tea bags (or "plant-based tea temples", in teapigs language) filled with whole leaves to provide a clear, pale green brew, completely unlike the murky brown of standard green teas. Teapigs evoke a delicate taste of fresh summer air, peaches and apricots but unfortunately, they weren't a hit here at The Madhouse. I will pass them on to a tea loving friend and I'm sure they will get a much warmer reception. Available in major supermarkets.

Finally, this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Spicy Mexican Rice (RRP £1.54), now made with a new look and a new recipe, is a spicy, two chilli-rated dish, perfect for using up some of the leftover festive turkey and veggies. It contains black beans, sweetcorn and red peppers along with chipotle and jalapeno chillis. It is gluten free and takes just two minutes in the microwave or three minutes on the hob. It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians if you avoid adding Christmas leftovers too ! Available in all major supermarket chains.

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Book review : Christmas in Newfoundland 3 : Sgt. Windflower Holiday Tales - Mike Martin

2025-12-12T11:15:00.000+00:00

Certain things instantly make me feel Christmassy. The smell of a warm mince pie, the glimpse of a string of fairy lights flashing in a window, the sound of a children's choir singing Christmas carols under the Christmas tree in the middle of town, ... For the last few years, there has been a new festive trigger, helping to get me into a Christmassy mood - reading a couple of chapters of the latest Christmas in Newfoundland book.

This third instalment arrives like a perfectly gift-wrapped present. Instead of a sparkly bow and well-chosen wrapping paper, the book is tucked away inside a feel-good festive cover. Complete with snowy streets, front doors festooned with holly wreaths, passers-by, wrapped in thick coats and scarves, walking dogs and children, a lighthouse and old-fashioned street light reflected in the icy water and a frosty moon and stars highlighting Santa and his sleigh flying over the town. It's a festive work-of-art !

The book itself is equally heartwarming, looking at Christmas traditions in Newfoundland past and present. While Winston Windflower gets tied up in his usual policing, his family and friends get gaily involved in festive pastimes. Many of them reminded me of my own childhood memories - festive baking, preparing pies and cookies to leave out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve (and to munch on ourselves in front of the TV), visiting friends and family to exchange presents, ... Other traditions are more local to the Newfoundland setting, such as mummering, where people dress up to hide their identities then visit from house to house, singing, dancing and telling tales, before eating Christmas fayre and waiting to see if their hosts can guess their identities.

Whether the book reminds you of things from your own Christmas memories or shows you a glimpse of festive traditions in other parts of the world, this sneaky peek into the lives of the familiar characters from Grand Bank will leave you reflecting on the most important things at this time of year : family, togetherness and little moments of fun and laughter to look back on throughout the coming year.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £19.95

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 27 Oct. 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 152 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896340
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896347
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 286 g
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 0.97 x 22.86 cm
Book 3 of 3 ‏ : ‎ A Sgt. Windflower Christmas Mystery

Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.

Degustabox November 2025 review : Feeling Festive

2025-11-19T15:52:00.004+00:00

I've just been out to eat with a friend in town and I felt decidedly warm-hearted seeing all the tinsel, flashing fairy lights and Christmas decorations set up around the restaurant. I said to my friend that it was all making me feel decidedly Christmassy and we both pointed out that the big day is only just over a month away. Perfect timing for this month's Feeling Festive-themed Degsutabox to arrive then. Here's what was hiding away in this month's box.

Waterdrop Microdrink Blackberry (RRP £7.99) is the trendy way to stay hydrated. Each small, sugar-free cube dissolves into your water and adds flavour and functionality. You need 400-600ml of still or sparkling water and you're good to go. It provides vitamins C, B9 and B12 and we loved the fruity blackberry flavour. Each pack contains enough for 12 servings. We thought it was quite pricey but it works out cheaper than buying twelve cans or bottles and cuts down on plastic usage. Available in major supermarket chains and online.

Silver Spoon Zesty Lemon Flavour Icing Sugar (RRP £1.80) can be mixed into butter, margarine or water to create quick and simple cupcake icing that your kids (or maybe yourself) will love to use. The icing sugar is made with natural ingredients and offers a strong, delicious lemon flavour. Also available in Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Fudge flavours. Perfect for all the festive baking you may have on the cards. Also perfect for whiling away a cold and/or rainy winter afternoon. Available at Tesco and Asda.

One Living Brain Health Shot (RRP £2 - other Degstaboxers received Beauty Health Shot) is a cherry apple flavoured shot to help aid brain performance, keeping you focused and calm. It contains 20 super ingredients, including fruits, ferments, vitamins and minerals that work together and amplify each other. The full ingredients list contains Water Kefir, Apple Juice (30%), Cherry juice (15%), Chicory Root Fibre (3.4%), Raspberry purée (3%), Lemon juice, Trimagnesium Dicitrate, Ashwagandha root infusion, Lavender extract, Vitamins (B6, E, B12, B1, D3), Natural Flavourings, Chamomile Extract, Baobab Fruit Pulp, Inanimate Cultures (Kluyveromyces marxianus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae mineral yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii), Zinc Sulphate. Some of that sounds a bit confusing but it is all natural with nothing artificial. It is designed to support mental function, reduce fatigue, help relaxation, and provide polyphenols that act like antioxidants. They taste great and hopefully provide a little boost.

Wicked Poppets! Toffee (RRP 60p each) are a real step back in time as I remember eating these in my own childhood. The great news is, they taste just as good as I remember. Sweet, smooth chewy toffee encased in delicious chocolate. They have been brought bang up to date thanks to their new packaging featuring Elphaba & Glinda to celebrate Wicked 2: For Good.

Noisy Snacks Chip Shop Curry Flavour Coated Chickpeas (RRP £1.50) have been set aside for Sophie as she loves them and usually makes her own in the Airfryer. These have the added bonus of requiring zero effort and providing the great chip shop curry sauce flavour (another of Sophie's favourites so it's a double win !). As well as tasting great, they are packed with protein, full of fibre and made from all natural ingredients. Healthier snacking has never tasted so good ! Available in Tesco Express.

Leon Brazilian Black Beans (RRP £2.50) is a ready meal inspired by the Leon restaurant menu. Cooked black beans are mixed with carrot, onion, tomato and celery, along with chipotle seasoning paste and smoked paprika. The company suggests eating it with coconut yoghurt, spring onions, red chilli and a sprinkle of parsley to provide a balanced meal that packs a flavour punch. I love the convenience and the idea of providing a great meal within minutes. Available in Sainsbury's.

Maggi Air Fryer Crispy Coatings (RRP 2 x 99p) are a convenient way of providing a delicious dinner with very little effort. The seasoned panko crumbs are designed to deliver delicious, crunchy chicken in under 15 minutes. Just coat the chicken, pop in the Air Fryer and in the time it takes you to prepare, rice, coleslaw or chips to serve with it, it will be good to go. Whether you opt for the classic KFC-style Southern Style or the slightly more exotic Korean BBQ Style, they will be a big hit with the whole family. Available in major supermarkets and discounter chains.

Brain Blasterz Sour Boltz (RRP £2) are another variety from the brand featured in last month's Degustabox. This pack has a sour scale rating of three so it is halfway up the scale, offering the zingy flavour that kids love while not completely removing the upper layer of your tongue ! The lightning bolt-shaped sweets come in four flavours : cherry, blue raspberry, pineapple and apple. They are vegan friendly and I think they are tasty, but I can only eat about two of them at a time !

For Goodness Shakes Glow Collagen Protein Shakes (RRP 2 x £2.50) are new shakes packed with protein, calcium and collagen, designed to help support healthy skin, hair and nails. Lactose-free, fat-free and with no added sugar, they each contain 150 calories and their indulgent flavours (white chocolate or iced latte) make them a fairly healthy option when you are after a satisfying sweet treat. Available at Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Hilltop Blossom Honey (RRP £1.85) is a sweet, tasty and fairly neutral honey, made from a mix of global blossoms, that is delicious poured over porridge or pancakes, eaten on toast, stirred into tea or sipped from a spoon if you're trying to soothe a sore throat. You might also want to use some in your Christmas baking, maybe making honey cake or honey and cranberry cookies, for an extra touch of festive appeal.

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Degustabox October 2025 review : Movie Night & Halloween

2025-10-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

It doesn't seem five minutes ago that that we were complaining about the summer heat and living constantly within reach of a fan trying to cool down. Now, we're constantly scrunching through piles of golden leaves and thinking about Halloween and Bonfire Night. We've been eating baked potatoes and casseroles, moving onto winter warmers and more filling dishes. So would the latest Degustabox represent these new themes? Time to find out !

Fuel 10K Red Berry Crunch Multigrain Flakes (RRP £3.69) is one of the products I remember seeing on the shelf when looking out for high-protein products for Pierre. Inside the box, you will find crunchy wholegrain wheat flakes, spelt and barley flakes, mixed in with delicious, zingy freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries. As well as being high in protein, it is also high in fibre, offering you a tasty and satisfying start to the day. Pierre is also happy to tuck into a bowl as an after-school snack. Available at Tesco, Morrisons, Ocado and Amazon.

Galipette Cidre Brut 4.5% (RRP £2.50) is where it all began, the first cider from the orchards near the river Rance in northern Brittany's Côtes-d'Armor. From the first sip, I could imagine myself sitting in a cafe in Brittany sampling the local brew while visiting the Breton in-laws. The producers promise a cider that strikes a perfect balance between acidity and tannins, dryness and sweetness, and between ciders old and new and it has a pleasant, rich flavour in your mouth. They say that they "follow the character of the pure fruit using wild, slow fermentation, striving for minimal intervention in nature's work and always respecting her ways". It tastes like a rustic, homemade kind of cider, big on taste and very enjoyable. Available in Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, Whole Foods and Booths.

Mission Carb Balance Original Wraps (RRP £1.80) are a new product that we tried back in the June 2025 Degustabox. Sophie loves them, as with just 9g of carbs per wrap (66% less than the original wraps), they are perfect for helping to control her diabetes. Everyone else loves them too, filled with hot or cold fillings, for their great taste and soft texture. To be honest, I couldn't really tell any difference from the regular version and will quite happily use them for ham and salad wraps for lunch or fajitas for dinner. Pierre pointed out that they would be perfect for making homemade French tacos too. Available in Sainsbury's.

Leon Katsu Curry Beans (RRP £2.50) look like one of the typical weird and wonderful-looking concoctions that Sophie loves to try and, sure enough, she let out a squeal of excitement when I showed them to her. They are perfect for rustling up a quick meal in the microwave - just a couple of minutes and you're ready to tuck in. Each pouch is packed with plant-based protein, fibre and plenty of flavour from herbs and spices, inspired by the food you can buy in their restaurants. Sophie was happy to eat them over rice but Leon suggest taking the beans to the next level by adding ribbons of cucumber and carrot, topped with crushed salted peanuts. Available in Sainsbury's, Ocado and Wholefoods.

Good4U Kids Pasta Boost (RRP £2.50 - other subscribers received Kids Breakfast Boost or Kids Everyday Boost) are a new 100% natural, functional meal boost range for children aged 3 yrs+. They are a blend of 10 plants including seeds, berries, Irish Vitamin D and Atlantic seaweed, providing key nutrients to support immunity, digestion, bone health and cognitive function. I can remember when the Madhouse kids were younger and it was sometimes hard to get them to eat healthy food containing lots of vegetables, so this would be easy to stir into pasta sauce as a hidden source of nutrients. Available in Tesco and Good4U.co

Bear Real Fruit Yoyos (RRP 2 x 70p) were a real blast from the past as the Madhouse kids used to love eating these. Made with 100% fruit and no added sugar, they nevertheless have a fabulously sweet and fruity flavour. The kids always used to love unwinding the yoyos around their tongues. In the pink pack is the classic Scrumptious Strawberry Yoyo and on the left is the Xtreme Yoyo, with a twist of sour lemon for a Super Sour Strawberry flavour. The kids loved both of them equally. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's , Morrisons, Asda and Ocado.

The second product from this brand, Fuel 10K Multigrain Hoops (RRP £3.49) is another high protein breakfast option that appeals to Pierre. A blend of oats and wheat, the cereal is fortified with 8 vitamins to create a deliciously crunchy and satisfying breakfast. As well as being high in protein, the cereal is high in fibre and contains 30% less sugar. It is slightly bland so Pierre likes it topped with chopped banana or blueberries. Available in Sainsbury’s, Asda and Amazon.

Brain Blasterz Sour Candy Mix (RRP £2) instantly appealed to me as a Halloween option, until the Madhouse kids gaily scoffed the lot ! The bag contains four different types of mini Brain Blasterz sour candy from sour level 1 to 3, leading the Madhouse kids to lay them out in order to see who could be the hardest and eat them all (Spoiler : all of them !) There are a mix of Sour Lollipops, Sour Gunk, Brain Bitz Chew Bars and Sour Chew Balls, which all sound appealingly disgusting to any teenager ! Available on Brain Blasterz TikTok Shop.

Fruit Bowl Fruit Goals (RRP £2.45) are a sweet treat that are as healthy as they are appealing. Each of the five little bags, perfect for snacks or on-the-go nibbles, contains raisins coated in yogurt, then coloured with natural blue, red or white colourings. The raisins are plump and juicy and the coating is creamy and delicious - the Madhouse kids first thought it was chocolate which shows how good it tastes !

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Degustabox September 2025 review : Family Sharing & Cooking

2025-09-17T16:29:00.003+01:00

Over the last week or two, I have noticed a definite move from summer into autumn. The heat and sunshine have given way to rain and strong winds, I've switched over from my light denim jacket to my mid-season coat as temperatures have dropped and we've been keeping ourselves busy inside rather than heading out into the dodgy weather. We have even started talking about Halloween and Christmas - I blame it on the numerous friends and followers sharing "only 100 days to Christmas" posts on Facebook ! - but it's too early to go there yet ! This month's Degustabox seemed to follow our lead into the kitchen and onto the sofa with a movie with a theme of Family Sharing & Cooking. Here's what was hiding in this month's box.

First out of the box was this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Hearty Meals Madras Bean Curry and Tilda Easy Meals Vegetable Paella (RRP 2 x £2.50), both of which are a quick and simple way of providing a tasty winter (or autumn) warmer. These can be knocked up in just two minutes in the microwave, making them perfect as a quick lunch at home or at the office. The Vegetable Paella is a tasty mix of long grain rice and carrots, red peppers and green beans. Made with 24% vegetables, it counts as 1 of your 5 a day and comes in under 350 calories. The Madras Bean Curry with lentils and pinto beans is a lovely, warming meal that is a great source of protein and fibre. Both meal options are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are great if you are home alone and can't be bothered to cook a big meal. Available in Sainsbury's and at Tilda.com.

Sunfly Sunflower Seed Butter (RRP 90p) is a squeeze pouch containing a nut-free, top 14-allergen free seed butter that is deemed the ultimate on-the-go snack. It can be enjoyed in smoothies or straight from the pack after a workout. High protein and entirely plant-based, it is perfect for those following a vegan diet. I passed this on to Pierre to take to the gym with him. Available on amazon and at Ocado.

Slooow Crispy Multigrain Rolls (RRP £2.80) are organic and 100% natural rolls topped with delicious grains, seeds and kernels. Prepared with sourdough, these are delicious fresh out of the oven then filled with smoked salmon and cucumber. They are also lovely served with hot food, for example, dipped in the Madras Bean Curry that I mentioned earlier. It tastes like fresh bread, still warm, straight from the baker's oven. Available at Ocado, Dunnes Stores and Booths.

Indie Bay Lightly Salted Pretzel Thins (RRP 2 x £1.50) are thin, crispy pretzels that are perfect to nibble on in front of the telly. Baked, never fried, they contain less fat and calories than most other snacks, making them the ultimate feel-good taste-good snack. A winner of the Great Taste Award, they are a source of fibre and contain 70% less fat than crisps.

If you prefer a sweet snack, you might be more tempted by the Rice Krispies Honeycomb & Chocolate Squares (RRP 79p) which remind me of a snack we used to make in cookery class at school back in the eighties. They are a delicious blend of Rice Krispies cereal, combined with a honeycomb flavoured coating and a chocolate flavoured drizzle. These really appealed to the kids but I loved them too. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Munchies Sharing Bag (RRP £1.65) are little squares of tasty crunchiness, made of rich caramel and a crunchy biscuit centre, all coated in a smooth milk chocolate shell. They are utterly delicious and reminiscent of my mum's favourite sweet treat all the way back in the 1970's. I haven't eaten them since and while they don't taste quite the same, they are still very enjoyable. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Mutti Peeled Tomatoes (RRP £1.60) are 100% Italian tomatoes, harvested at the perfect stage of ripeness, then peeled and immersed in a delicious, velvety passata. They have a firm and fleshy texture and taste great mixed into bolognese sauce or chilli con carne. They have a richer, more robust flavour than the cheaper supermarket own brand tomatoes and add some real oomph to your meal. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Goodrays CBD Infused Sparkling Elderflower & Yuzu Drink (RRP £2.29) combines the dry, zesty citrus flavours of the Japanese Yuzu with the distinctly sweet floral notes of British Elderflower. In terms of flavour, I liked it but I was put off by the CBD content. Sophie explained to me however that, while it may help to relax you, CBD will not make you high. I think this is something that will be more accepted as it becomes more widely available. This drink contains 30mg of premium sun-grown CBD, as well as being high in Vitamin D. It contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and is 100% vegan. Available in all major supermarkets.

Cheez-It Cheese & Chilli (RRP £1) are tasty, crispy, thin snacks that are made with real cheese and baked, not fried. They are utterly delicious and, since discovering them on our holiday to Alaska, the kids absolutely love them. We find the Cheese and Chilli flavour to be too hot for our tastes, but if you like spicy snacks, you'll love them. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Brewdog Elvis Juice Hot Sauce (RRP £2.50) is a great-looking, American-style sauce that promises a spicy and citrussy flavour. Inspired by the beer of the same name, it contains chilli pepper puree and lime juice. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, it would be perfect for halloumi but also chicken and tacos. While the idea appeals to me, it has a three chilli rating so I knew it would be too spicy for our tastes. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Fruit Bowl Fruit Goals (RRP £2.45) are juicy raisins coated in multi-coloured yogurt, making them appeal to kids visually as well as in terms of taste. The whole Fruit Bowl range offers delicious, fruit snacks, made with real fruit, using natural colours & flavours. They're suitable for vegetarians and gluten free. Ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks. Available in all major supermarkets.

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Bonny Bite snacks review

2025-09-01T10:57:00.000+01:00

With the kids going back to school (and parents going back to work), it is the perfect time for looking out for new and preferably healthy snacks to keep everyone going throughout the day. When I was given the chance to try out a new range of fruity snacks from Pravera Ltd, my instant reaction was "oh, I thought they were into health and beauty products". Well, it turns out, I was right. Last year I reviewed some Ben & Anna Natural Care Bath Salts which are also distributed by Pravera. Learning that they had moved into organic and sustainable food products, I was keen to see what we would think.

So let me introduce you to Bonny Bite, a range of dried and puffed organic fruit and vegetable snacks that appeal as much to kids as grown ups. Clean and simple to transport and eat, they offer the nutritional benefit and natural sweetness of the fruit without any added sugars, preservatives or artificial flavours.

As you can see in the picture, the snacks are gently dried and puffed, withholding their vibrant colours as well as their intense flavours and essential nutrients. The distinct natural fruit shapes - such as these apple rings or the berries and kiwi slices below - allow you to instantly recognise what you are eating and help young children to associate the sweet fruity flavours with the kinds of fruit that they are eating. These apple rings, for example, are beautifully sweet, slightly tart, crunchy and crispy then melt in your mouth to create a soft, intensely appley mouthful. The taste reminds me of fresh apple juice and is very refreshing and enjoyable.

The Crunchy and Puffed Strawberries are equally tasty. The soft, airy texture almost dissolves in your mouth, giving a fresh natural burst of sweetness that reminds me of eating a spoonful of strawberry jam, minus the added sugar. You get the great taste of jam while feeling wholesome and virtuous for eating nothing but natural fruit - that definitely sounds like a win-win situation to me !

I was keen to see what we would think of the kiwi version, as it is a fruit that is less common in dried form. Despite being labelled as Dried Kiwi, I found the fruit to be deliciously moist and chewy, packed with a sweet but tart flavour that we all loved. I particularly enjoyed the combination of the soft, chewy fruit with the occasional crunch of the seeds popping between my teeth.

My daughter was keen to try out the Veg Medley too, so we all had a nibble. This limited edition pack is made up of crunchy and puffed onion, sweet capia pepper and cherry tomatoes and was a surprising (to me) hit. The peppers and tomatoes offer just as much sweetness as the fruit options and the onions add a savoury tang that made me feel like I was eating pizza. Definitely a game changer if you want a healthy, lower calorie and lower fat snack to put a smile on your face with no sense of going without.

Grown, picked, dried and packed in Türkiye, the Bonny Bite snacks are organic, gluten free and vegan. The fruity packs provide fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, while the Vegetable Medley also offers vitamins A, K, B6, lycopene, potassium and folate. Also in the range are Organic Dried Watermelon, Organic Crunchy and Puffed Melon and Organic Dried Melon, which give you a great way of enjoying the flavours of these summer fruits throughout the whole year. They're delicious and I thoroughly recommend them.

RRP : £2.95

for more information : Bonny Bite | Discover Healthy Fruit Snacks Today

Disclosure : We received the product in order to share our honest review.

Degustabox August 2025 review : Back to School & Relaxing Evenings

2025-08-14T11:23:00.000+01:00

Another month has spun around and it was time for the postman to drop off this month's Degustabox. This month's selection covers all bases, with breakfast options, drinks, snacks and ingredients for main meals. The latest theme is Back to School (not something I want to think about yet, thank you !) and Relaxing Evenings (ooh sounds hopeful for indulgent snacks). Here's what was tucked away in this month's box.

The first product was Bold Bean Co Queen Cannellini Beans (RRP £3.25 - other Degustaboxers got Queen Chickpeas or Smoky Chilli Baked Beans) which are cooked to perfection using high quality ingredients sourced from where they grow best. The product write-up suggested eating them straight from the jar, adding them to salads or spooning them over toasted sourdough. I didn't fancy eating them cold though so I put them in a pan with chopped tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and bacon pieces, topped with spices then served with rice, which was delicious. They would also work well in soups and casseroles. Very tasty. Available at Tesco's, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, major independents and directly from boldbeanco.com

Double Dutch Pomegranate and Basil (RRP £1.50 - only available in a case of 24) is a complex, intriguing mixer. It starts with a herby punch that gives way to a hint of sweetness then a piquant finish. The bold balance of fruitiness and herbiness is great mixed with fruit juice in a mocktail or champagne or white wine as a refreshing cocktail. It's perfect if you're looking for something different to sip on. Available on Amazon and Ocado.

Seabrook Waffle Bites Maple Bacon Flavour (RRP £1.50) are a delicious crunchy but soft snack that the whole family gobbled up. We loved the texture and also the maple bacon flavour that is the perfect blend of salty savouriness and slight sweetness. Despite the bacon flavour, they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They are also gluten-free and are perfect for packed lunches or cheeky snacks. Available in Asda, Morrisons and Ocado.

Tilda Soy & Ginger Sticky Rice (RRP £1.54) is the first part of this month's Product of the Month. Part of the range of microwavable pouches, we love the flavour options and convenience of these products. We have already tried the basic Sticky Rice in a previous Degustabox, using it to make sushi, but we loved the additions to the flavour of this version. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the rice needs just 2 minutes in the microwave or 3 minutes on the hob and it's ready to eat. Available at Sainsbury's or on Tilda.com.

Tilda Chinese Special Fried Rice (RRP £1.54) is the second part of this month's Product of the Month and I was instantly won over by the flavour, as it reminded me of one of my favourite Chinese takeaway items. Mushrooms, carrot, peas, Chinese spices and soy sauce give the rice a delicious oriental flavour and while the pack suggests using it with pork or tofu, it also tastes great with chicken. Available at Sainsbury's or on Tilda.com.

Mentos Pure Fresh Strawberry Gum (RRP £2) is a sugar free gum that comes in a handy tub containing 35 pieces of gum. The unique selling point is the gum's intensely fruity, liquid centre which adds a really refreshing burst of flavour when you start chewing. Delicious ! Available at Tesco.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Premium Instant Coffee (RRP £3) uses the same high quality 100% Arabica beans as in the chain's coffeehouses. Expertly blended together with dairy milk and the celebrated flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers the warming, seasonal flavours of autumn to enjoy at home. Juliette instantly let out a squeal of appreciation and sneaked them into her bag, but she tells me they are very nice. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Sacla Creamy Pesto Pasta Pot (RRP £2) is a tasty pot of food that needs just 5 minutes to prepare. Combining short-cut tagliatelle, fragrant basil and cheese sauce, it tastes better than it sounds. I was expecting a heap of soggy mush but it actually stays al dente and has a nice taste. It is made in Italy, contains no nasties and is a source of protein. Perfect as a quick snack or simple lunch, it's also easy to stuff in your work bag and make up using just the kettle in the kitchen. Available in larger Asda and Morrisons stores, on Amazon, Ocado, at sacla.co.uk and in the Sacla Tik Tok shop.

Activit Sparkling Vitamin Water (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, sugar-free, 3-calorie drink with added vitamins including B6, B12, C and D. We got Lemon and Lime flavour, which was quite tart and refreshing, but other Degustaboxers received Blackcurrant & Raspberry or Tropical. It's a pleasant, thirst-quenching drink that has the extra bonus of the added vitamins. Great as a little pick-me-up on a hot day. Available in the major supermarket chains.

Forest Feast Honey & Sea Salt Cashews & Peanuts (RRP £1.50) are a totally scrumptious snack that we gobbled up in minutes. A mixture of Colossal Cashews and Jumbo Peanuts, glazed with the golden nectar of Scottish Heather Honey and roasted with hand-harvested Sea Salt, they are the perfect sweet and salty blend that everyone loved. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Kellogg's Bluey Multigrain Cereal (RRP £3.50) is a new breakfast option that is sure to delight young children. Even the Madhouse kids (who are now well beyond the target age range) loved the flavour, the crunchy texture and the fun shapes. They are high in fibre, with no artificial colours or flavours. Available in all major supermarket chains.

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Degustabox July 2025 review : Summer & Get Outdoors

2025-08-01T16:31:00.000+01:00

We've just come back from our summer holiday in Morocco - we spent two weeks soaking up the sun, getting friendly with the camels and sweltering in the manic heat in Marrakesh - and the cupboards were decidedly bare so we grabbed hold of the Degustabox that was waiting for us to see what would be inside. With a theme of Summer and Get Outdoors, we were thinking refreshing snacks, picnicky bits and bobs and cooling drinks. Would we be right ? Let's find out !

The first product out of the box was Nescafé Iced Classic Espresso Concentrate (RRP £4.99) which is described as the ultimate iced coffee hack, giving you a rich iced coffee within seconds just by mixing it with the liquid of your choice. It is convenient, easy to use and gives you café quality coffee at your fingertips. We're not coffee fans but I will be passing this on to Juliette to play with. Available in major supermarkets.

Get More Vits Pineapple & Grapefruit (RRP £1.25) is a new flavour in the range of sparkling vitamin-enhanced drinks. The Pineapple and Grapefruit flavour offers the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and refreshing tartness. As well as being a tasty drink, it offers support for healthy bones and immunity. I also love the fact that it is sugar free and contains just five calories. Other Degustaboxers got to try the other new variety, Raspberry and Pomegranate (helps support healthy bones and immunity) and it is also available in Mango and Passionfruit (supports healthy bones). Available in multipacks from Tesco.

Acti-Snack Buffalo BBQ Keto Trail Mix (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Peanut Butter Energy Trail Mix) are part of a range of snacks designed to offer a punch of protein to deliver lean muscle mass. Pierre has just started going to the gym and wants to bulk up so he is big on protein at the moment. As I suspected, he loved this and devoured the pack in one go ! A mixture of almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds with a spice mix combining smoky heat and sweetness, the trail mix provides magnesium, potassium and iron to fight muscle fatigue so you can push yourself farther and faster at the gym. Above all that, it tastes great. Hand-crafted and baked never fried, only natural ingredients are used - they promise there is nothing artificial and definitely no gut-busting sweeteners ! Available at Morrisons and anti-snack.com.

Swizzels Squashies Tropical (RRP £1.25 - other Degustaboxers got Squashies Sour Shooting Stars) is a new product in the Squashies range, that just happens to be Juliette's favourite sweet range. The shapes are tropical - they are a mixture of parrots, pineapples and watermelons - and so are the flavours - mango & passionfruit, pineapple and watermelon. They are the perfect addition to the range and seem summer-inspired. Delicious ! Available in major supermarket chains.

Oxo Succulent Chicken Stock Pots (RRP £1.85) are the perfect way to add a dose of flavour to anything from soups and casseroles to curries and chillis. I always have a box of the original square Oxo chicken stock cubes in my kitchen but these are like a souped up version that avoid all the annoying bits like trying to find a corner to rip open and avoiding getting stock cube particles under your nails when you crush it up. These stock pots just need to be plopped into your dish straight from the pack, where they will slowly dissolve revealing all their rich flavour. They are made with real chicken juices, herbs and seasoning and they are gluten-free, containing only natural colours and flavourings. Available in major supermarket chains.

Milliways Plastic Free Gum (RRP 20p) is a plastic-free (both in terms of the packaging and the gum itself) and chemical-free gum, unlike many others, so it helps look after your health and the planet. It combines the natural flavours of Mentha Peperita and Mentha Arvensis to provide a sensation of ice cold arctic breeze. Guaranteed to freshen up your mouth and, as an added bonus, it's sugar free. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Amazon, Whole Foods, Costa Coffee, Ocado and WHSmith.

Just Spices Vegetable All Rounder (RRP £3.99) can be sprinkled over veggies before roasting them, stirred through mashed potatoes or mixed with vegetable oil to create a delicious marinade. It's a blend of sea salt, black Tellicherry pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, lemon peel and chilli peppers. It's great as a time-saving blend that doesn't need time and energy spent deciding which spices to pluck off the spice rack. I love it sprinkled over a baked potato with butter or a plate full of plain pasta when you want something quick as an easy meal. Available in the major supermarket chains.

Hi-Chew Strawberry and Green Apple (RRP 2 x £1.25) is Japan's number one selling sweet, now available in the UK. The unique double-layer structure is designed to recreate the experience of eating fruit, giving you the strong freshness of the first bite followed by the spreading sweetness or sourness of the fruit's flesh in your mouth. It's pleasant and the flavours and textures were both a big hit with the Madhouse kids. Available in major supermarket chains and on TikTok Shop.

Finally Blanco Niño Chilli & Lime Tortilla Chips (RRP £3 - other Degustaboxers got Smoky Chipotle or Creamy Jalapeño) are delicious, crunchy snacks that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped into guacamole or sour cream. They are made with simple, quality ingredients, crafted using an ancient cooking method known as nixtamalisation (I investigated, it's a maize processing method that involves boiling corn kernels in water with lime) and each batch takes three days to make. It's worth it though and you can taste the difference. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Co op, Ocado and Amazon.

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Degustabox June 2025 review : Picnic & On-The-Go

2025-07-04T15:11:00.001+01:00

The postie dropped off our latest Degustabox last week and with the heatwave descending on us, it has the perfect theme : Picnic and On-the-go. What would be in this month's box to help us beat the heat and enjoy time outside ? Let's find out !

Tilda Steamed Rice Pouches (RRP 2 x £1.54) are a great way of beating the heat in the kitchen - just pop them in the microwave for two minutes for perfectly cooked rice, with no need to slave over a boiling pan of water. They are available in over 25 flavours so they're a quick and simple way of adding new flavours to your meals. The Mushroom Basmati Rice is one that we often buy - it has a neutral, savoury flavour that goes perfectly with all sorts of meat and vegetable dishes. The Egg Fried Rice one was a new one for us and we loved it, mixed in with some leftover chicken, although it would also work well with prawns or tofu (as suggested on pack) or just on its own. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Sauce Shop Original Smoky BBQ Sauce (RRP £2.80) is the perfect accompaniment to summertime barbecues, slathered on hamburgers, sausages or grilled chicken. The product info even suggests trying it drizzled over pizza, which sounds like it would be nice. It is a classic sweet and smoky sauce, loaded with tomatoes, hickory wood smoked water and rich molasses. The flavour instantly makes me think of classic American barbecues and grill houses. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and www.sauceshop.co.

Proper All The Cheese Lentil Chips (RRP £2) are a tasty, crispy snack that we all loved. This new flavour is labelled as a "homage to the fromage" and it is a blend of four cheeses : cheddar, emmental, mozzarella and gouda. The rich flavour is decidedly moreish and is made from real cheese. They are gluten free and each serving comes in at under 100 calories. Available in all the major supermarket chains.

Skittles Citrus (RRP £1.10) are a new take on one of my favourite sweets. The new flavours are orange, lemon, lime, mandarin and blood orange, which offer a lovely, zingy, summery hit. We shared out one bag then poured the other into a bowl and mixed in a bag of regular Skittles to enjoy all the different flavours together. Bliss in a bowl ! The great thing about Skittles in the summer is that they won't melt, however hot it gets. The kids love using Skittles as cake toppers too. Available in all major supermarkets.

Mission Carb Balance Wraps (RRP £1.90) have only 9g of carbs per wrap (which is 66% less than Mission Original Wraps), while maintaining their great taste and texture and offering a source of high fibre. Sophie instantly leapt in and said that they would be good for her to help with her diabetes - eating low carb food helps with managing blood sugar levels. Even without diabetes, they are great for making anything from breakfast burritos to lunchtime wraps and Mexican style dinners. They taste just as good as the regular wraps and we love the soft texture. Available in Sainsbury's.

Kellogg's Oaties Original Crunch (RRP £3.50) is a new breakfast cereal option, made up of crisp, crunchy, sweet oaty squares. They are made with wholegrain oats and are high in fibre. The kids were happy enough to munch on a bowlful topped with milk but I was slightly underwhelmed and prefer jazzing them up with fresh fruit (such as strawberries, mandarin oranges or bananas) and Greek yoghurt poured on top. They contain sugar but seem like a relatively healthy choice to me, compared to some of the other cereals out there. Available in Tesco, JS, Asda and Morrisons.

Nescafe Iced Caramel Latte (RRP £3) is a great choice for coffee-lovers trying to deal with the summer heat. Made with carefully selected and responsibly sourced coffee and milk, the result is a refreshing, creamy-tasting drink. I passed this on to Juliette who gave her approval. Available in all the major supermarket chains.

Just Live A Little Maple & Toasted Pecan Granola (RRP £1.50 - available in a full-sized 360g pack for £4) is a tasty breakfast option. Not just maple and cinnamon toasted oats but also nutty pecans, crisp coconut, juicy raisins, crisped rice and a dollop of almond butter to tickle your tastebuds. The company believes that better food makes you feel better so they use nothing but the finest ingredients. It's a tasty and satisfying breakfast or snack topped with milk, stirred into yogurt or incorporated into biscuits and crumble toppings. Available in selected Sainsbury's stores, amazon, justlivealittle.com and selected independents.

Nestlé Carnation Chocolate Fudge Flavour Drizzle (RRP £3.19) was a surprise hit that is perfect to enjoy over the summer months. I know Carnation as a condensed milk brand, which I don't like as I find it too syrupy sweet (although my mum uses it in tea in place of regular milk). This product however has a rich, deep chocolate flavour that is absolutely delicious drizzled over hot pancakes and waffles or cold ice cream. You can even get creative and layer up fresh fruit (bananas, mangoes, strawberries, ...), meringues, ice cream and cream in rich ice cream sundaes. Also available in Caramel or Condensed Milk flavours, in all major supermarkets.

Cheez-It Double Cheese & Cheese & Chilli (RRP 2 x £1) are deliciously crunchy and savoury snacks that are decidedly moreish. They are baked, never fried, made with 100% real cheese and seasoned to perfection. They are perfect for nibbling on in front of the TV, adding to a summer's day picnic or used to accompany grilled meat at a family barbecue. They taste so good you could eat them anywhere you want ! Available in all major supermarket chains.

Divine Milk & White Chocolate Cappuccino Bar (RRP £1.29) is a satisfying blend of creamy milk chocolate, smooth white chocolate and a hint of rich cappuccino, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and rich coffee flavour. It is made using Fairtrade-certified cocoa and I was surprised to find that I liked it as I don't usually like coffee. When you need a little treat offering richness and indulgence to brighten up your day, this is ideal. Available direct from Divine at www.divinechocolate.com.

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Book review : Friends Are Forever - Mike Martin

2025-06-15T11:07:00.000+01:00

I did a bit of a double-take when I started writing this review. I went to check which number book this one is in the Sgt. Windflower series and discovered that it is number 16. How is that even possible ?! Yes, our friendly, kind, even-tempered Mountie hero has already starred in an amazing 15 other books. This surely explains why readers (or at least I) have a real sense of coming home and catching up with a family member or friend when a new Sgt. Windflower book hits the shelves.

If you have yet to read any of the books in the series, let me explain the homely setting and its heart-warming main character. Sgt. Windflower is a RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer who lives in the small town of Grand Bank. Imagine beautiful sea views disappearing in the swirling fog that also hides the numerous giant moose lurking on the fringes of the roads, with a distinct scent of por'cakes and curried salmon wafting along on the breeze. As well as being a police officer, Sgt. Windflower is a big-hearted family man, husband to Sheila and daddy to two daughters, Stella and Amelia Louise, as well as guardian of two pets, a dog named Lady who loves to go for walks with Windflower and a cat called Molly who is far too important to cast a look at her master if he doesn't come bearing salmon-flavoured gifts ! Sgt. Windflower also shares some elements of his Cree heritage, whether through his smudging rituals or his dreamweaving, where he catches up with his family members who have passed on.

Sgt. Windflower has a close-knit group of friends and workmates who pop up in the various novels. Colleagues Eddie and Carrie Tizzard, along with their growing brood of children, Herb Stoodley at the local diner The Mug-Up and the whisky, food and literary quotation-lover Doc Sanjay, who sadly puts in his final appearance in this novel.

Despite all the good times in Newfoundland (the novel begins with a celebration for the newly promoted members of Sgt. Windflower's team), criminal shenanigans are never far away and this book throws Windflower into a series of violent bank heists, involving international mobsters and local biker gangs. As the body count starts to rise, Windflower realises that these crimes are the test run for a bigger crime spree, probably based in Toronto.

While he doesn't hold back, even willing to put his own life on the line, it's the warmer, more comforting moments of his life that will keep me coming back for more tales of his life - a catch-up with friends, a good meal shared with loved ones or a witty battle of Shakespearean quotes with his friends. Bring it on, Sgt. Windflower, bring it on !

star rating : 4/5

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 May 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 286 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896308
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896309

Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.

Degustabox May 2025 review : BBQ & Garden Party

2025-05-28T14:19:00.000+01:00

The latest Degustabox arrived last week and the theme got me feeling all excited and warm inside : BBQ and Garden Party. That's as good as announcing that summer is almost here and everything that that signifies - lazy days off work, going out for long walks in the warm sunshine, heading off on our big family holiday, catching up on my me-time. Bring it on, I say ! In the meantime, let's have a little look at what was hiding away in the Degustabox

First of all, I pulled out The Hungry Boar Flamin' Piri Piri Sticklers (RRP £1.50) which are a new product that are sure to appeal to all the carnivores out there. They are made with seasoned, smoked and cured pork and they taste delicious, reminding me of the kabanos sausages I tasted in Poland. The hot piri piri flavour didn't really appeal to me but they are available in other flavours, including chicken, pork and loaded cheese. As well as tasting great, they will fight hunger pangs and provide a good source of protein. Available at Tesco and selected convenience stores.

Blue Raspberry and Bubblegum Squeezits (RRP 2 x 69p) are a new kids' drinks option that instantly had me squealing "I remember those !" I was right too - produced in Austria since 1973, they were introduced to the UK market in the 1980's. My tastes have changed since my childhood though so the sweet shop-inspired flavours didn't really appeal to me. While I now favour natural, subtle flavours, the blue raspberry and bubblegum flavours did appeal to the Madhouse kids, who also loved the idea of squeezing the packaging to release the drink. Available at ASDA, B&M, Home Bargains, Iceland and numerous other stores.

Batchelors Super Noodles Air (RRP 2 x £1.45) are a new twist on instant noodles, made with air dried noodles rather then fried. Just as quick and easy to prepare as the regular kind, they are high in fibre, low in fat and a source of protein. Just add boiling water and they are ready to devour in five minutes. I personally would add some leftover cooked chicken and veggies but Pierre is happy to munch on them just with the seasoning sachets added. He loved both the BBQ Beef and Chicken flavours and asked me to buy some more. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack if you're running short on time or energy. Available at all major supermarkets.

Pelagonia Chargrilled Aubergine Slices (RRP £3.20) offer a simple way of adding a taste of the Mediterranean to your mealtimes. They can be eaten hot or cold, served straight from the jar in salads, antipasti or meze sharing boards or on top of crunchy bruschetta. They could even be added to cooked dishes, including aubergine parmigiana, pizza or pide, shakshouka, aubergine rolls stuffed with ricotta or, if you want something a bit more exotic, sabich pita with boiled eggs, hummus and tahini or make a veggie tart with a puff pastry base. I'm not keen on aubergines but even I was won over by the smoky flavour. Available at Ocado, Coop and Booths.

Proper Mature Cheddar Popcorn (RRP £1.90) is a new flavour to be added to the range of Proper Popcorn, which we have already tried and loved. I wasn't sure about cheesy popcorn but it does actually work very well, offering a rich, tangy mature cheddar flavour to get your tastebuds tingling. High in fibre and coming in at under 100 calories, it is also gluten free and uses all natural flavourings. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, ASDA and Ocado.

Mixologist's Garden Freeze Dried Sweet Strawberries (RRP £2.50) are a great and simple way of adding some pizzazz to cocktails and mocktails. Delicious, juicy strawberries are freeze dried to lock in their natural flavour and colour so all you have to do is float them on your favourite drinks. They could be mixed up into smoothies or used to top cupcakes too. Available in Tesco, Amazon, East of England Coop and www.mixologistsgarden.com

Crunchips X-cut Paprika (RRP £1.25) are gluten-free, deliciously flavoured, crinkle cut crisps that were deemed so tasty here at The Madhouse that I barely got a look-in ! They have a bold flavour and the texture seems extra thick and crispy. Utterly delicious.

Kit Kat Hazelnut Flavour (RRP 85p) is a new take on the classic chocolate-covered wafer biscuit snack. I was expecting the regular bar to have a hazelnut filling but it is actually the chocolate itself that has been infused with a hazelnut flavour. I already loved the crispiness of the original Kit Kat bar but I was won over by the richness of the extra hazelnut flavour that reminded me of nibbling on praline chocolates at Christmas time. Available at all major supermarkets.

Creative Nature Apple & Cinnamon Oatie Snack Bar (RRP £1.40) is a gluten, dairy and nut-free snack bar that is actually free from the top 14 allergens. It is also kosher, vegan and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Alongside the natural apple flavour, there is a hint of warming spice that adds a real feel-good factor while you're nibbling. It's a simple bar with natural wholesomeness that makes you feel good about eating it. Available on the Creative Nature website.

Cape Herb & Spice Rub Greek Style Lemon & Herb Seasoning (RRP £3.75) is a tasty, Mediterranean-inspired spice blend, made with zesty lemon, roasted garlic and woody herbs. It can be sprinkled over most meat in the frying pan or on the barbecue, but it works particularly well with lamb, chicken or potatoes. I have also been experimenting on using it with fish, including salmon. It adds a great taste of freshness and summer sunshine. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

Cirio Polpa Finissimo Finely Chopped Tomatoes (RRP £1.50) are this month's Product of the Month. This new product takes the same ripe Italian tomatoes and chops them into smaller chunks before adding a rich tomato sauce that will add a fresh taste of Italy to whatever you're cooking. Whether you're eating, pizza, pasta, tomato soup, chilli or a meaty casserole, these tomatoes are the perfect ingredient. Already available at Ocado and Morrisons.

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What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 20

2025-05-11T10:04:00.001+01:00

This week was a quiet, normal week which was just what was needed after a few hectic weeks. We had a big moment of panic at work when we suddenly realised just how close the end of term is and all that that entails - final exams, filling in reports, class meetings, sorting out the classes for next year, ... Oh well, one step at a time. This coming week, Monday is our final training day which gives us a nice easy start to the week. Here's the menu plan for next week.

Monday

lunch- school canteen for me (Sophie and Pierre can go fridge diving)

dinner - beefburgers, rice and beans

Tuesday

lunch- bacon and leek quiche with salad

dinner- sausages and mash with gravy and carrots

Wednesday

lunch- something instagram-inspired found by Sophie

dinner-spicy chickpea, tomato and sausage hot pot with rice

Thursday

lunch- something in town with Sophie

dinner- baked potatoes with mushrooms, onions, bacon and cream

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - beef stew with carrots, red peppers, onions, paprika and rice

Saturday

lunch- leftovers

dinner- chilli con carne and rice

Sunday

lunch- chicken curry with rice

dinner - pasta bolognese

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 19

2025-05-04T20:00:00.001+01:00

I didn't end up doing a menu plan last week as we had major problems at home - our toilet blocked and we had to get a plumber out to unclog it. He didn't manage either so we had to get the truck out to force air/water through the pipes, which, he warned us, could end up breaking the toilet that would take a fortnight to repair. Luckily, it didn't break the toilet but the bill still came out at an eye-watering €1800 and we had four days without a toilet. Luckily there's a nearby fast food restaurant that we kept running to as needed and we headed off to Sophie's flat in Lille for the weekend. I'm glad that's over though ! May is the month of bank holidays so we had Thursday off last week and it's the same again this week. I do have to go in on my Wednesday day off though as it's the oral exams for the older kids and they needed more teachers to help out. Here's what's on the menu plan this week.

Monday

lunch- lunch in town with Sophie

dinner - beef, carrot and mushroom stew with rice

Tuesday

lunch- baked potatoes with cheese and bacon

dinner- fresh beefburgers with mash and baked beans

Wednesday

lunch- tomato upside-down tart (a recipe that Sophie found on instagram)

dinner- cottage pie

Thursday

lunch- grilled ham, rice and ratatouille

dinner- cordons bleus for Pierre and Sophie, lamb chops for me from Too Good To Go, with mash and green beans

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - fish and chips

Saturday

lunch- chicken fajitas

dinner- pasta carbonara

Sunday

lunch- roast dinner (chicken or gammon)

dinner - bacon sandwiches

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 17

2025-04-20T09:29:00.002+01:00

After a hectic final week at school, it was lovely to head into a two-week break for Easter. We went visiting family in Hastings, which is always nice and relaxing. We had a week to settle back in at home after we got back and got through some jobs that have been cluttering up my to-do list (paying the remainder of our summer holiday, doing a 3-hour online training session for work, starting to dejunk the garage, ...) My fridge is full of too good to go goodies this week as we've been busy restocking the kitchen cupboards and the fridge. We ended up with about eight rolls of puff pastry that I threw in the freezer so we'll be looking for ways to use those up ! As Monday is a bank holiday, it will be a quieter week back at work next week. Thank goodness for that !

Monday

lunch- baked potatoes with sausages and beans

dinner - smoked mackerel pilau rice for me - chicken cordon bleu with rice for Pierre and Sophie

Tuesday

lunch- chicken burgers with pasta

dinner- puff pastry chorizo rolls with mash and carrots

Wednesday

lunch- something veggie-based using whatever's in the fridge with Sophie

dinner- chicken and chorizo traybake

Thursday

lunch- I'll eat in town with Sophie

dinner- air fryer chicken shawarma with rice

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - pasta carbonara

Saturday

lunch- air fryer chicken skewers with couscous and salad

dinner- paprika pork with pasta

Sunday

lunch- roast gammon, roast potatoes, veg and gravy

dinner - bacon sandwiches

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

Degustabox April 2025 review : Snacking & New Recipes

2025-04-16T16:37:00.001+01:00

Just in time for the school holidays, the postie dropped off this month's Degustabox. Its Snacking and New Recipes theme fit in perfectly with the kids being off school, so much so that the contents started to get eaten before I'd even taken the photos for the blogpost ! I managed to retrieve the Cheez It chips packaging from the bin but the pork scratchings disappeared too soon so they're missing from the main photo - apologies for that ! It shows how popular this box was though ! Here's what was in this month's box.

Mr Porky Crispy Strips (RRP £1.50) are a lighter version of traditional pork scratchings. They have the same salty porky taste, very similar to bacon, but they come in light crispy strips. I was surprised to see that they left no grease at all on my fingers and they are low in carbs and high in protein, containing 59g of protein per 100g. That makes them a good option as a snack before or after going to the gym for a workout, but they are great as a nibble on the settee in front of the telly too ! Available in all major supermarkets.

Brioche Pasquier Choc Chip Pancakes (RRP £2.50) are this month's Product of the Month. The Madhouse kids were all suitably wowed and gaily tucked into them for breakfast. As proudly proclaimed on the front of the pack, they are light and fluffy and they are very quick to prepare, as all they need is a quick zap in the microwave. They are perfect as they are but can also be topped with butter and/or maple syrup or whatever else you may fancy on them. A couple of strawberries and some chunks or apple and orange on the side made them into an extra special holiday breakfast. They are packed in sealed packs of two, making them great as a breakfast-on-the-go or snack option too. Available in Ocado and Morrisons.

Bonne Maman Crunchy Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (RRP £3.10) is a deliciously decadent sandwich filler or toast topper. I was surprised to read that over a quarter of this rich spread is made up of hazelnuts but once tasted, it became more obvious as I could detect crispy chunks of hazelnut pieces in my mouth. The spread is made with top quality, simple ingredients and not a drop of palm oil. It tastes as good as it sounds. Available in all major supermarkets.

Rubicon Spring Vits (RRP £1.29 each) are a new range of deliciously flavoured vitamin drinks. We loved the fruity flavours of both Mango Passion and Black Cherry Pomegranate and are now keen to look out for the third flavour, Strawberry Watermelon. Juliette loved the fact that it comes as a non-fizzy drink and I love the fact that is low in calories (just 15 calories per bottle). On top of that though, one bottle contains 100% of your recommended daily intake of Niacin, Vitamin B6 and B12 which is a huge added bonus. At £1.29 each, they are no more expensive than other similar drink brands so these will be a great summer thirst quencher. Available in front-of-store chillers.

Knorr Aromat (RRP £1.90) is an all-purpose savoury seasoning that we discovered in a previous Degustabox last year. It can be added to anything and everything from pasta and mashed potato to meat or fish, just like sprinkling on salt and pepper before you eat. The producers suggest trying it mixed with finely chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, sea salt and a splash of olive oil, which sounds like a great marinade for rubbing over a roast chicken. Available in major supermarkets.

Kit Kat Sharing Bars (RRP 3 x £1.50) are a new way of sharing an old favourite. These 99g bars come in three flavours : Hazelnut, Double Chocolate and Salted Caramel. We tried all of them and thought they were all delicious but our favourite was Salted Caramel. We love the rich, decadent fillings and the swirly marbled toppings. Available in major supermarkets.

Teapigs Decaf English Breakfast (RRP £11.90) offers a decaffeinated version of regular black tea so you can even drink right before bed without any problems going to sleep. Teapigs use the CO2 method to decaffeinate their tea leaves without removing any of the flavour. I passed these on to a tea-loving friend who said they made a great brew. Available in major supermarkets and online at teapigs.co.uk.

Cheez It Sour Cheese Cream & Onion Snap'd (RRP £2) are a new version of the thin and crispy baked snacks that we (re)discovered in the February Degustabox. They have a lovely, crunchy, melt-in-the-mouth texture and the tangy, punchy flavour is pretty much addictive ! We loved the original Double Cheese version but these ones were a big hit too. Available in all major supermarkets.

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What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 14

2025-03-30T09:24:00.001+01:00

Last week was a majorly busy week and somehow this week didn't seem much better. On Monday, we had a training day at school, followed by a meeting with the school inspectors about our upcoming opening of an English literature class. There will be one new level each year and I've been earmarked to teach them all so I'll be changing from being an English language teacher to an English literature teacher within a few years. On Thursday, I went along with the school orchestra to supervise the kids during rehearsals and a big concert with another school orchestra. At the end, it was back to school on the bus with the kids and time to finish off with the parent-teacher evening. I was totally knackered by the end of the week and fell asleep at 9.30 on Friday night ! Next week should be quieter but the kids are going to see a historic football French Cup semi-final match with Dunkirk against Paris PSG (pretty unbelievable !) and Pierre has to go back to Cambrai for a day at the school he hopes to go to next year. He also has to produce a letter explaining why he wants to go there and a portfolio of 20 photos. It's all happening ! This week's menu plan will be complicated as I'm not entirely sure who's eating where but it's better to have a plan. My fridge is fit to bursting with too good to go goodies this week.

Monday

lunch- something in town with Sophie

dinner - chicken orloff and pasta for Sophie and Pierre / salmon with spices and pomegranate molasses for me with pasta and salad

Tuesday

lunch- veal paupiettes with mash and peas

dinner- I'm home alone so I'll go fridge-diving - there's a cod and rice ready meal in the fridge that would do (or there may be leftover salmon)

Wednesday

lunch- home alone again - there's some minced veal in the fridge (I fancy trying these Kofta Kabobs )

dinner- just me again - pasta bolognese (in the fridge from too good to go)

Thursday

lunch- school canteen for me (kids can fend for themselves)

dinner- giant sausage with red peppers/onions/mushrooms and rice

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves - there are chicken cordon bleus that they can eat)

dinner - spaghetti bolognese (homemade this time)

Saturday

lunch- chicken burgers with baked potatoes and baked beans

dinner- cheese and ham pastries with salad and mash

Sunday

lunch- beefburgers with chips

dinner - leftovers

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

Degustabox March 2025 review : Hello Spring & Ready for Easter

2025-03-26T14:14:00.000+00:00

I really feel like spring has sprung in the past week or so. Temperatures are rising, we've had lots of sunshine and very little rain for the past couple of weeks and the sight of daffodils, tulips and tree blossom is guaranteed to put a smile on my face on the way to work every day. We're starting to move away from wintry, warming belly-fillers and onto lighter and brighter, veg-packed springtime dishes. Would this month's Degustabox follow this trend? Let's go and have a look at the contents of this month's box.

No complaints when we pulled the first product out of the box - Fruittella Berries & Cherry Stick (RRP 65p each) were guaranteed to be enjoyed. We've eaten many of the Fruittella flavours in the past but this was a new one for us : a mixture of raspberry, blackberry and cherry chewy sweets. They are made with real fruit juice and only natural colourings and flavours, as well as being vegan, dairy, gluten and nut free. Each pack contains ten sweets and as they are all individually wrapped, it is easy to share them out . We loved the fruity, juicy flavours and would definitely buy these again. Available in most independent stores.

Flava It! Garden Mint (RRP £1.10) could be enjoyed year round but as soon as I saw it, I thought it would be perfect for a leg of lamb at Easter. It is a classically British marinade seasoning made with refreshing sweet mint and a hint of rich tomato. It is extremely simple to use - you just sprinkle it over your meat then throw it in the oven (or the pan in you're cooking lamb chops maybe). It takes all the fuss and stress out of cooking if you're not feeling overly confident. Available in Morrisons.

Gouda Cheesies (RRP £1.50) are a tasty snack made from 100% gouda cheese - no more, no less - baked until crunchy. The smooth, mellow cheesy flavour makes them perfect as part of a packed lunch (no fridge required, making them easier to store than fresh cheese) or evening snack in front of the TV. The kids love these and asked to buy them again. Available at Holland and Barrett, Ocado, Amazon and at www.wearethecurators.com. You might like to know that these snacks are available in other flavours if you prefer a punchier option - you light like to try Cheddar, Red Leicester or Goat's Cheese varieties.

From savoury snacks to sweet treats. Ritter Sport Mini Nut Selection (RRP £3.50) is guaranteed to be a big hit with anyone who likes chocolate and nuts. The pack contains seven minis, featuring crunchy roasted hazelnuts covered in creamy white, milk or smooth dark chocolate. We loved all of the flavours and appreciated the fact that the bag is made of paper so it's easy to recycle. Available in all major supermarkets.

Sanpellegrino Zero Peach & Clementine (RRP £1.30) is a new sparkling, fruity drink that is perfect for welcoming in the warmer weather. It is made with Italian fruit juice and no added sugar, just the natural sugar from the fruit. The bold flavour of juicy, sun-ripened peaches and clementines is guaranteed to put a smile on your face as it quenches your thirst, helping you to imagine you're in the shade of an Italian orchard in the middle of summer ! Available in Tesco.

Ritter Sport Mini Chocolate Selection (RRP £7.50) is a chocolate-lover's dream, containing 16 mini-squares of milk, dark and white chocolate varieties, including fillings containing crunchy whole hazelnuts or crispy cornflakes, beautiful buttery biscuit or soft silky praline, sweet almond marzipan or classic alpine milk. We loved all of them and couldn't choose a favourite. Perfect for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, or even any random day when you want to put a smile on someone's face ! Available in major supermarkets.

Slooow Stone Oven White Baguette (RRP £1.65) is a tasty, sourdough baguette, made with 100% natural and organic ingredients to create a flavour-packed soft crumb and a thin, crispy crust. Delicious dipped into soup, eaten on the side of the plate topped with salted butter or filled with your favourite sweet or savoury fillings. It is 100% natural, vegan-friendly and packed with flavour. Available at Tesco and Hello Fresh.

Ueshima Coffee Company Iced Latte (RRP £2) is a Japanese crafted coffee that promises exceptional flavour. Mr Ueshima founded his company in 1969 after seeking a way to buy coffee to be enjoyed any time, anywhere and they were the inventors of the world's first canned coffee. I'm not a coffee-lover so I passed this on to a friend who said she really enjoyed it. Available at www.ueshimacoffeecompany.com.

Sweet Dough Things Honey Vegan Sugarfree Candy Floss (RRP £1.99) is a product that made me do a double-take. Candy floss is literally spun sugar so how does sugar-free candy floss come about?! The website is pretty secretive : "The sugar-free vegan version of the all-time favorite. Our innovative honey flavoured candy floss is created with health in mind. For people who can’t or don’t want to have sugar. Our vegan sugar free candy floss is the perfect no guilt treat. Made with the finest ethically sourced ingredients, this halal product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and has absolutely no sugar, gluten, or added nasties!" I'm still no closer to knowing how it is made but I gave it a try and it is very tasty and very reminiscent of classic candy floss. Other Degustaboxers received Pumpkin or Cinnamon flavours, but the website also offers other options, including Mint, Vanilla, Watermelon, Chocolate, Blueberry, Rose, Liquorice, Candy Cane, Apple and Cherry. Available at https://sweetdoughthings.co.uk.

Finally, this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Easy Meals (RRP 2 x £2.50) are perfect for students, those with limited cooking facilities or anyone who needs a quick lunch at work. Each pouch contains one meal and just needs two minutes in a microwave to be ready. We got Sundried Tomato and Beans which I used (for two people) as a baked potato topping with a little cheese on top. We also tried Chickpea Korma, along some leftover rice, for a tasty and filling dinner. Also available in a Vegetable Paella variety, they provide one of your five a day and are a source of protein while also being low calorie. These are great to store in a food cupboard as a fallback plan when someone needs a quick lunch or a veggie option. Available in Sainsbury's.

for more information :

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What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 13

2025-03-23T18:07:00.001+00:00

It's been a busy old week. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, I had after school meetings for each class to discuss each pupil's results and progress. On Thursday, I had an hour's wait after my lessons then had two meetings. During my free hour, I got a phone call from Sophie. The dog had been pooping blood all over the house and the kids had set up a vet's appointment for 6pm. I would still be in meetings but we managed to arrange for the dog sitter to take Sophie and the dog to the vet's by car. The vet doesn't really know what the problem was - maybe polyps or maybe he ate something - but they came home with medicine and, fingers crossed, he seems to have perked up. On Saturday we took the train to a town three hour's away to visit a school that Pierre would love to go to to do a photography course for the next two years. The trouble is, there are very few places so he now has to send in a letter outlining why he'd like to go there and a portfolio of 15-20 photos. We visited the pupil accommodation blocks too and he'd love it, as there's a gym and a room with a big screen TV to watch movies and sports on. This coming week will be busier than usual too as I have a training day on Monday and a parent-teacher evening on Thursday. Luckily the holidays will be coming around in a couple of weeks - I need them ! Here's the plan for this week's food.

Monday

lunch- I'll be at school (Sophie and Pierre can have sausages and pasta)

dinner - fresh beefburgers with gratin dauphinois

Tuesday

lunch- cheese/mushroom pastries with rice and ratatouille

dinner- pasta carbonara

Wednesday

lunch- fresh pasta from too good to go

dinner- beef stew with rice and carrots (or leftover gratin dauphinois)

Thursday

lunch-something in town with Sophie (fridge diving for Pierre)

dinner- meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - spaghetti bolognese

Saturday

lunch- baked potatoes with bacon, onions, beans, red peppers, cheese

dinner- takeaway (Juliette's choice as she's home for the weekend)

Sunday

lunch- roast chicken dinner

dinner - leftovers

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 12

2025-03-16T13:17:00.000+00:00

Last week, I ended up coming down with a stinking rotten cold - probably the result of the changing weather that I mentioned last week. I fell asleep as soon as I got home after work on Thursday and ended up taking the day off and sleeping all day on Friday too. I'll be going back to work on Monday and will hopefully be fighting fit for all the end-of-term class meetings after school each day next week. Even the weekend will be busy as we'll be heading off to Cambrai (three hours away by train) to see the school that Pierre wants to go to next year. Here's what's on the menu this week.

Monday

lunch- something in town with Sophie

dinner - tacos

Tuesday

lunch- sausagemeat patties, rice and sweetcorn

dinner- fresh beefburgers and pasta

Wednesday

lunch- asparagus ravioli (from too good to go)

dinner- sausages, baby potatoes and coleslaw

Thursday

lunch-something in town with Sophie (fridge diving for Pierre)

dinner- steak pies, mash and peas

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - spaghetti carbonara

Saturday

lunch- something in Cambrai with Pierre

dinner- probably takeaway as we'll be tired out when we get back

Sunday

lunch- chicken, rice, veg and gravy

dinner - leftovers or cheese on toast

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan week 11

2025-03-09T11:03:00.001+00:00

As I write this menu plan, the sun is shining brightly outside and I feel like we're in the midst of spring. I'm hopeful that this will last, but sadly, I think it's just a one-off and we'll be back to rain and cooler temperatures next week. Fingers crossed though - it's amazing how much better we all feel when the weather picks up. We're heading into the conseils de classe at work (end-of-term meetings for each class to discuss marks and behaviour of each pupil) so that will keep us busy for a couple of weeks. Sophie will be picking up the cooking duties when I get in late from work. Here's the plan for this week's food.

Monday

lunch- I'll eat at the school canteen

dinner - fish, rice and peas

Tuesday

lunch- sausages, mash and baked beans

dinner- pork chops with pasta and ratatouille

Wednesday

lunch- chakchouka

dinner- raclette, baked baby potatoes and pork belly

Thursday

lunch-something in town with Sophie (fridge diving for Pierre)

dinner- fresh ravioli (from a Too Good To Go bag)

Friday

lunch- school canteen (Pierre and Sophie can fend for themselves)

dinner - tacos

Saturday

lunch- fricadelles (like rissoles) with chips

dinner- mini burgers with salad and potato salad

Sunday

lunch- roast chicken, roast potatoes, veg and gravy

dinner - leftovers

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***