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 Souffl