Marks and Spencer Party Food

 

 

Marks and Spencer Party Food

www.marksandspencer.com

Shopping for M&S Party food just before Christmas was pure hell, not because of the large crowds with a siege mentality during the festive season, nor was it the lack of available culinary opportunities, in fact it was just the opposite in fact. There were far too many choices to make, will aisle after aisle filled to capacity with labour saving opportunities in the kitchen, the vast majority of them heat and serve. I could have filled my American fridge-freezer several times over had common sense not appeared over the aisles from a faraway land!

I am so luck to live within easy travel to Camberley M&S, one of the flagship stores and certainly one of the largest, and busiest. The popularity of food at their stores has certainly not diminished over recent years, figures and statistics show a continuing rising trend, and a few minutes in the store is enough to see why. The range within the party food menu is immense, with opportunities for all, be it simple starters, nibbles, more substantial dishes and desserts and associated dishes.

To me, an enthusiastic foodie going back many years, M&S has always been synonymous with food for entertaining, and this was my opportunity to see, try and enjoy a selection over the festive period with friend and family, a real test where honesty is paramount.

The initial feature leaping out from the shelves was the packaging, clear, colourful and with pictures of the products each a vital factor in the selection procedure. That important feature, alongside cooking times, ingredients, instructions and importantly during the festive season, the use by date clearly on the front, enables party planning to ensure safety and balance for family and friends.

I was indeed fortunate during my visit to encounter a good friend, indeed in this case a particular new friend, an expert in this fascinating area of party food. Catherine Friend is a buyer in the food department, a real food expert, and she was able to draw my attention to a number of products as well as suggesting a few of which she was particularly proud.

This was insider dealing without any fear of penalties, only tasting benefits!

This was the selection, jointly selected by Catherine and I for my festive party food festival, a closer look at party food with friends and family. For the sake of convenience I have divided the collection into three obvious section together my observations and comments

Starters

Nocellara del Bellice Olives, described by Catherine as one of her favourites and after tasting them I could not but agree!



Orkney Crab Soufflés, fluffy, full of flavour and easy to complete the process in the heated oven.

Duck Rillettes, a pate made in heaven, spread on crusty bread this could be a light main course or a filling starter for everyone to enjoy.

Christmas Dip Selection, a favourite for everyone, simply chop a few carrots, cucumbers and peppers for dipping throughout the day, fresh and appealing.





Nibbles



Oriental Crispy Breaded Prawns, heat the oven and thoroughly enjoy.

Chargrilled Sticky Chicken Yakitori, one of my favourites, sticky, full of flavour and far too tempting, one of my absolute favourites as well as being recommended by Catherine.

Black Tiger Prawns Wrapped in Green Leaf, healthy, crunchy and with simple instructions, heat and enjoy.

6 King Prawn Lobster and Salmon Spoons, solid spoons bearing a powerful mousse matching the freshness of the salmon and prawns, a talking point among guests and spoons to keep and use again.

Oriental Vegetable Selection, a stunning favourite for younger daughter who is a dedicated vegetarian, the best spring rolls on the market today, first class.

Prawn Toast & Cone Selection, a little of the best and a little less so. The prawn cones a little lacking, lacking great taste, however the prawn toast was at the other end of the scale, a thicker texture and full of flavour.

Bacon and Cheese Rolls, eternal favourites across the country, cooked to reach almost crispy status and serve, no more needed other than to enjoy fully, and come back for more!

Lochmuir Salmon Skewers, full of flavour, stunning.

Smoked Salmon Blinis, popular, tasty and another everlasting favourite, matched with a glass or two of dry white this one can be brought out at any time of day or night.

Mini Fish & Chip Cones, inventive, full of both fun and flavour, tasty, you can even ad your own vinegar and a touch of salt to taste, just like the larger version!

Mini Beef Wellingtons, an absolute favourite, oven heated and with astonishing flavour, a miniature version of the adult version but lacking nothing in taste and enjoyment.

Mini Coquille St Jacques, a new and again a smaller nibble size version of this eternal starter, without the hassle of preparation, in many ways the essence of party food, either serve cold, or heat the oven, talk to guests, serve drinks and keep a careful eye of the timer.

Scallop Chorizo & Mini Potato Rosti, a little preparation here but oh, what end results. Again my thanks to Catherine for her pointing this one out to me, ideal nibbles or perfect starter, stunning!



Sliced Applewood Smoked Wiltshire Ham, a giant among the family of party food with ample slices already available to each and every guest, vegetarians excluded of course. A wonderful centrepiece on any dining table, even one adorned with so many attractive and interesting dishes. Ideal with a salad for a main dish, simply served as a starter or in sandwiches as an enjoyable supper, adaptable and full of flavour, what more do you need?







Afters



Chocolate Yule Log, a favourite among younger as well as more mature diners, full of rich flavour, it also provides a festive theme when all the nibbles have gone, eaten and enjoyed.



Strawberry & Champagne Soufflé, another giant among desserts, rich in flavour with the fruit, with hidden flavours and textures under the surface and with the bubbling support of the champagne, an absolutely delightful dessert, one not just for Christmas but for the rest of the year.



Christmas Cheese Selection with the Cheese Biscuit Selection, essential partners on the plate, if room permits. This is always a treat, even more so when the selection of cheese includes Normandy Brie, Wensleydale with cranberry, orange and Cointreau, Blue Wensleydale and a Cornish Cheddar, supported with crispness and texture by a rich collection of biscuits. Add a few grapes, a glass of port and drift off the foodie heaven.

But then I had been there, only a handful of days before!