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Iceland is known for the huge array of different party foods, especially over Christmas – so Mirror writer Niamh Kirk decided to see what bizarre offerings there are in the bargain supermarket on offer
What’s a Christmas party buffet without an Iceland prawn ring? The budget supermarket has long been famed for its ‘unusual’ festive offerings, from Yorkshire Puddings filled with man ‘n’ cheese, to Tempura sprouts, so what is on offer for this year’s festive feasts.
Iceland, known for it’s huge variety of Christmas party foods is always a go-to for party hosts – but that’s not to say there aren’t a few food offerings that will raise some eyebrows. I took a trip to my local Iceland to find some of the most ‘interesting’ party foods on offer – and if they are worth putting out for your next buffet. With the likes of duck nuggets, a very large pigs in blankets ring, hot dog hash browns, a prawn ring, hunters chicken pigs in blankets and a whole Christmas dinner in a pie – it was an interesting journey to say the least…
I am a huge chicken nugget fan so I was quite curious about a duck nugget. While they look very similar to chicken nuggets, I think any party guest would be shocked to bite into it assuming it was chicken. I can’t say I am a huge fan of duck, perhaps a duck spring roll or duck pancake – but as a nugget this was a new experience. The batter was tasty, but I think the duck meat was quite dry – I think they would be much better if they had a plum or hoisin sauce perhaps. Sadly, this one won’t be making it onto my Christmas food shopping list.
1/5
One of the most Christmassy foods you can get, and there is usually a fight in my house for the most pigs in blankets. However that fight will be saved this year thanks to Iceland’s humongous pigs in blankets wheel. However, I have to admit it doesn’t look the most appetising but it certainly made me stop when I spotted it on the shelf, it was rather tasty.
However this would be quite a tricky party food to try and put on your plate, trying to cut yourself some off all while trying not to take too much and also trying to not put your hands all over it for someone else to eat as well. It was definitely tasty, but I feel like small individual sausages are better as they are crispier than one extremely long sausage that was a bit soggy underneath.
3/5
One of the best things about Iceland is that you can buy food from branded chains such as Greggs and TGI’s. When I saw these hash brown dogs I knew I had to try. Who doesn’t love hash browns or hot dogs? And I have to say, combined together weirdly works quite well. The hash brows were crispy but fluffy on the inside, and were wrapped around a small frankfurter sausage and I was a big fan. I don’t think you could eat many as they are quite filling, but overall I was impressed.
3/5
Hunters pigs in blankets – £4
I was very intrigued by this as they were chicken sausages wrapped in bacon with a BBQ sauce to drizzle on top in true hunters chicken style. These were by far my favourite out of all the offerings I had picked up. The BBQ sauce was sweet yet smoky which worked well with the bacon and chicken, and as they were quite small they were crispy and extremely moreish. I think they also serve as a nice alternative to the classic sausage and bacon dish.
5/5
The classic Iceland prawn ring is a firm favourite among party goers, what’s not to love? This Iceland original various comes with a a sweet chilli dip and is the luxury version with king prawns. The prawns were fresh and tasty, and I was pleasantly surprised by how big they were too. It’s definitely good value for money and is always a firm Christmas Day favourite – just remember to defrost!
5/5
This is exactly what it says on the tin – a whole festive dinner in a pie. You know with a Pukka Pie it will be good and this one is puff pastry stuffed with chicken, sausage, pork stuffing, carrots, bacon, cranberries and a rich chicken gravy. It’s perfect for a cold winters evening dinner and it puts a regular chicken pie to shame. There are a lot of flavours going on and I did feel as if the gravy became a little too overpowering, but nevertheless, it’s definitely a real treat and is great to share with friends and family.
4/5
Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com
