Morrisons unveiled what its customers can expect this Christmas, here’s what should be your radar (Image: Ellen Jenne)
Another week has passed, bringing us ever closer to the festive season. Despite my own lack of Christmas cheer, Morrisons made an attempt back in September to dazzle me with a sneak peek at what you can expect to find on its shelves this year.
Morrisons, along with its clothing brand Nutmeg and homeware line Nutmeg Home, put on a visual and culinary feast at its showcase in London. Tucked away on a charming, old-world side street in Southwark, Morrisons whisked me away to a grotto brimming with treats, featuring a banquet table heaped with plates, cottagecore and kitsch crockery, all dusted with a sprinkle of glitter. The supermarket is keen for you to take note of a few standout products this year – from over 200 new items – particularly those from its The Best Signature Collection.
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I’m still thinking about this dessert to this day (Image: Ellen Jenne)
From party nibbles to interactive starters, hearty main courses to decadent desserts, there’s something to suit every palate. However, there’s one dessert that I believe should be on everyone’s radar this Christmas – and it bears no resemblance to a traditional Christmas pudding.
As a child, I found the desserts at Christmas dinner just as thrilling as the roast with all the trimmings. This was mainly because I was given free rein over the sweet portion of the meal: no brandy-soaked fruit, no overrated traditional pud. To this day, I still relish playing the role of pastry chef in my mum’s kitchen.
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.
If you’re not a fan of turkey, why not have a steak as your centrepiece? (Image: Ellen Jenne)
The Best Signature Collection Belgian Chocolate & Praline Star. My goodness, what a pudding.
A silky smooth chocolate ganache with flavours reminiscent 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 myriad desserts Morrisons will be offering 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, reinvented 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 be incredibly dry and difficult to eat.
A common complaint is that the bird is also lacking in flavour, but Morrisons are encouraging you to push the boat out.
You never need to worry about diddy pigs in blankets again (Image: Ellen Jenne)
If turkey isn’t your cup of tea or you’re simply seeking a change, might I recommend The Best Signature Collection Christmas ‘Tree Bone’ with Chimichurri Rub and Rosemary & Thyme Butter?
A T-bone cooked to medium-rare perfection pairs beautifully with all the traditional trimmings; a rich gravy, soft and sticky roasted vegetables, just as good as a turkey.
The chimichurri adds a fresh twist to the meat, while the butter enhances the indulgence. Naturally, if you wish to go all out (well, bird), The Best Signature Collection Giant Double Stuffed Whole Turkey topped with Smoked Bacon will make a magnificent centrepiece on the table.
In my view, no Christmas dinner is complete without one thing: pigs in blankets. In my household, they’re almost burnt to a crisp, as per my dad’s preference. There’s simply no other way to serve them.
Now, if you’re a true PIBs enthusiast, Morrisons’ offering might just take the biscuit. Say goodbye to tiny chipolatas and miniscule strips of bacon.
Thick, succulent and packed 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 searching for something to accompany your Christmas feast, one of drinks expert Olly Smith’s picks for this year is Morrisons The Best Gruner Veltliner. I discovered this wine whilst visiting a close friend in Vienna, it’s an Austrian staple.
If you’re tired of the same old Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, why not explore the valleys of Lower Austria?
It’s a wine that’s set to gain popularity in the coming years. When I shared my newfound appreciation with Olly, he said I was ahead of the curve. Me, a trendsetter? Who would have thought?
The Christmas offerings from Morrisons were a sight to behold, even though I couldn’t taste everything on the banquet table. Over a week has passed and I’m still dreaming about that dessert…
I’ve clearly 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 continue to roll out over the next few weeks before Christmas.
Dining and Cooking