Morrisons has a Christmas dessert that is perfect for the festive season, so get rid of the traditional Christmas pud
Another week has passed, which means Christmas is inching ever closer. As I grapple with my own lack of festive cheer, Morrisons tried to dazzle me for the third time this September by offering a sneak peek at what’s set to hit its shelves later this year, reports the Express.
Morrisons, along with its clothing brand Nutmeg and homeware line Nutmeg Home, unveiled a visual and culinary feast at its showcase in London. Tucked away on a charming, old-world side street in Southwark, Morrisons attempted to whisk me away to its own grotto of delights, complete with a banquet table heaving with plates, cottagecore and kitsch crockery, and a dusting of glitter.
There are a few products the supermarket wants you to take note of this year – out of over 200 new items – from its The Best Signature Collection. From party nibbles to interactive starters, hearty main courses to indulgent desserts, there’s something to suit everyone’s palate. But for me, there’s one dessert that should be on your radar this Christmas – and it doesn’t resemble a traditional Christmas pudding in any way, shape or form.
Growing up, the desserts at Christmas dinner thrilled me just as much as the roast with all the trimmings. Mainly because I was allowed to have creative control over the sweet part of the meal: no brandy-soaked fruit, no overrated traditional pud. I still enjoy playing pastry chef in my mum’s kitchen to this day.
However, if I was pressed for time or didn’t fancy slaving away in the kitchen, there’s one dessert from Morrisons that I absolutely need on my dinner table. Ideally with just one fork. The Best Signature Collection Belgian Chocolate & Praline Star. Blimey, what a pud.
A silky smooth chocolate ganache with flavours that remind you of Nutella, a hint of crunch from its shell, decorated flawlessly, I couldn’t ask for more from a dessert. Despite only getting a small slice of the star, I would happily polish it off in one go.
This is just one of the countless desserts Morrisons will be dishing out to its customers this festive season, along with tangy fruit options like The Best Signature Collection Limoncello Panettone and The Best Signature Collection Winter Berry Topped Baked Cheesecake, revamped classics such as The Best Christmas Chocolate Profiterole Bowl, and enough cream to last a lifetime.
Christmas is all about the showstopper – the turkey – but it can be a contentious bird. If you don’t cook it properly, it can end up incredibly dry and hard to swallow.
A common gripe is that the bird is also lacking in flavour, but Morrisons are urging you to push the boundaries. If turkey isn’t your cup of tea or you’re simply in the mood for a change, might I recommend The Best Signature Collection Christmas ‘Tree Bone’ with Chimichurri Rub and Rosemary & Thyme Butter? A perfectly cooked medium-rare T-bone pairs beautifully with all the traditional trimmings; a rich gravy, soft and sticky roasted vegetables, it’s every bit as satisfying as a turkey.
The chimichurri adds a refreshing twist to the meat, while the butter cranks up the decadence. Naturally, if you fancy going all out (well, bird), The Best Signature Collection Giant Double Stuffed Whole Turkey topped with Smoked Bacon will make a magnificent centrepiece on your table.
In my view, no Christmas dinner is complete without one thing: pigs in blankets. In our household, they’re almost charred to perfection, just how my dad likes them. There’s simply no other way to serve them.
Now, if you’re a true PIBs aficionado, Morrisons’ offering might just steal the show. Say goodbye to tiny chipolatas and minuscule strips of bacon.
Thick, succulent and bursting with flavour, keep an eye out for The Best Signature Collection Hampshire Pork Pigs in Blankets. Just be careful not to end up with the meat sweats.
If you’re after something to accompany your Christmas feast, one of drinks expert Olly Smith’s top picks this year is Morrisons The Best Gruner Veltliner. I discovered this wine during a visit to a close friend in Vienna, it’s a staple in Austria.
So if you’re tired of the same old savvy b or chardy, why not explore the valleys of Lower Austria? It’s a wine that’s set to become increasingly popular over the next few years. When I shared my newfound appreciation with Olly, he said I was ahead of the curve. Me, setting trends? Who would have thought?
The Christmas range at Morrisons was a joy to behold, even though I couldn’t try everything on offer. Over a week has passed and I’m still daydreaming about that dessert….
It’s clear that I’ve been missing out on the festive magic that Morrisons brings each year. That chocolate star dessert will be mine, even if I have to devour it all by myself before Christmas Day.
Products will be rolling out over the coming months, with prices yet to be confirmed.
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