Christmas BUYS
We’ve got your table covered with succulent meats, festive cakes and puddings, palatepleasing cheeses and more…
SPANISH OLIVES – WHOLE GREEN MANZANILLA IN BRINE (200G) ABOUT R15; SPAR
These plump olives have a firm texture but are a bit small. The flavour is strong and there’s a good salt balance and no bitter taste.
HALKIDIKI OLIVES STUFFED WITH RED PEPPER IN BRINE (230G) ABOUT R81,99; WOOLWORTHS
These firm-textured olives have just the right amount of salt. Well-rounded flavours come through and the red pepper stuffing complements the olive flavour well. Lovely! B0NELESS GAMMON
UNCOOKED BONELESS GAMMON ABOUT R67,99/KG; PNP
This gammon is deliciously moist and tender. The flavours of the glaze (the recipe for which is included) are perfectly balanced and complement the meat well. It has a good layer of fat, though tasters found the meat a bit dry and felt it could do with a bit more marbling to moisten it.
READY-TO-COOK BEECH-SMOKED GAMMON ABOUT R159,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Succulent, with an appealing appearance and a good balance of smoky and salty, this gammon is flavourful and has good marbling. Some tasters found it a tad salty though not overpoweringly so, and thought it would have been tastier with a glaze.
SHAPED BONELESS GAMMON ABOUT R89,99/KG; CHECKERS
This joint has a lovely shape and colour, and a good layer of fat. Tasters were impressed by the smokiness of the meat but felt that it lacked depth of flavour. The gammon carves easily and has a delightfully moist texture, though it tastes better with the glaze (recipe included). BONE-IN GAMMON
UNCOOKED BONE-IN GAMMON ABOUT R72,99/KG; CHECKERS
This dark gammon has a good balance of smokiness and seasoning, and a lovely hint of sweetness from the glossy apricot glaze (recipe included). The meat holds its shape well and carves beautifully, though it has quite a high fat ratio.
SHOULDER BONE-IN GAMMON ABOUT R69,99/KG; SPAR
The good shape, colour and marbling of the gammon, with its substantial, even layer of fat, makes it beautifully succulent. The meat also looks appealing when sliced. Tasters enjoyed the smoky flavour but some found it slightly salty. The texture is moist and there is a high fat ratio. COOKED GAMMON
PINEAPPLE AND CRANBERRY BEECH-SMOKED GLAZED GAMMON ABOUT R219,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Moist, packed with flavour, and topped with pineapple and dried fruit, this gammon looks very appetising. The salty and smoky flavours of the meat infuse beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze. The meat-tofat ratio is perfect.
BEEF FILLET
PEPPERCRUSTED BEEF FILLET ABOUT R289,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Spicy, well seasoned and even coated, this tasty fillet has a good balance of flavours. The meat is soft, tender, juicy and delicious. It slices cleanly and is a good-sized portion. The beef is a lovely colour when sliced and it cooked beautifully, but the fillet needed to be tied to cook evenly.
PEPPER-CRUSTED BEEF FILLET ABOUT R249,99/KG; PNP
While there’s a good peppery flavour, tasters found the fillet a little bland and not salty enough. The meat cooks to a lovely medium rare when following cooking instructions. It’s an even, thick cut of meat and tender, but the beef breaks apart when sliced. It’s also less generous in size.
SZECHUAN-CRUSTED BEEF FILLET ABOUT R269,99/KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
The pepper coating on this generously sized fillet is evenly distributed and there’s a good mix of chilli and herbs. But tasters found the pepper flavour too overpowering. It was also too spicy and lacked salt. And while it has a soft, succulent texture, it doesn’t slice cleanly. LEG OF LAMB
BONE-IN FREE-RANGE LEG OF LAMB ABOUT R199,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
This traditional-looking leg is well seasoned and flavourful. The rub is a bit coarse and the herbs too chunky, but it’s tasty and the gravy has a delicious home-made flavour. Some tasters found the meat a bit dry and chewy.
CLASSIC OVEN-READY LAMB ROAST WITH HERB, LEMON AND GARLIC RUB ABOUT R169,99/ KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
This is an appetising, wellshaped, flavoursome piece of meat. The rub is tasty too, but some tasters found the strong peppery taste a little overwhelming. The meat is soft and juicy, and easy to carve.
DEBONED LAMB ABOUT R145,95/KG; MAKRO
If you prefer making your own rubs or following traditional recipes, this is for you. This generous portion of meat is well shaped, has a nice colour and pleasant flavour. We seasoned the meat, which was succulent and tender, and there’s very little fat! PORK SAUSAGES
BUTCHER’S BEST PORK SAUSAGES (375G) ABOUT R32,99; SPAR
These meaty, firm-textured sausages have a great flavour and are well seasoned. There is no gristle or large fatty lumps. They also brown beautifully, cut cleanly and don’t burst after cooking.
PORK SAUSAGES ABOUT R59,99/KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
These substantial sausages have a lovely texture and good meat-to-fat ratio. Tasters felt that the pork flavour was too prominent, and that the meat needed more seasoning.
PORK SAUSAGES (500G) ABOUT R34,99; PNP
Firm but slightly coarse in texture, these sausages are a good size, have a generous amount of meat and a lovely colour. However, tasters found that the pork lacked flavour, tasted processed and was a bit fatty. FESTIVE HAMPERS
FESTIVE HAMPER ABOUT R79,99/KG; PNP
Beech-smoked gammon: We loved the smokiness of the meat, which the sweet glaze complements really well.
Corned beef: The meat lacks flavour and salt, and is a bit dry. It’s also fairly tough to slice, but not sinewy.
Pork belly: The pork is smoked and moist but not tender enough and very salty.
CLASSIC FESTIVE HAMPER ABOUT R79,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Gammon: This generous portion has the perfect mix of saltiness and smokiness. Moist and juicy!
Corned tongue: Tasters felt it lacked salt and flavour but that it was juicy and tender.
Corned beef: This substantial addition has a good salt and flavour balance. But it is very sinewy and is a bit dry.
CHRISTMAS 4-WAY HAMPER ABOUT R79,99/KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
Gammon: The meat has a light smokiness but lacks flavour and is a bit dry Pickled pork: Tender and moist, with a light pickle taste. Corned beef: The meat is sinewy and slightly vinegary. Pickled beef tongue: Lovely and moist, but some felt it was bland and chewy.
ICED FRUIT CAKES
BRANDY FRUIT CAKE (800G) ABOUT R159,99; WOOLWORTHS
Simple but festive in appearance, we loved the richness, strong spice and boozy flavour of this cake. The flavour combinations are well balanced, delivering a sweet and spicy hit. The cake is moist and the fruit content is good. The marzipan layer is generous but bland.
ICED FRUIT CAKE (1KG) ABOUT R119,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
Light and moist, this gently spiced cake has fruity flavours with a hint of citrus. The marzipan is tasty, and the cake could do with more. While the texture is a bit grainy, there is a generous amount of fruit. It has a lovely crumb and slices well. This is a great option if you find fruit cakes too heavy.
ICED BRANDY FRUIT CAKE (1KG) ABOUT R199,99; PNP
This mild-tasting cake is one of the most attractive of the lot. It’s lightly spiced, with hints of vanilla. But tasters felt that the marzipan layer wasn’t generous enough and found it tasteless, with the icing overpoweringly sweet. It has a good fruit-tocake ratio and cuts nicely, though the texture is a little grainy. PLAIN FRUIT CAKES
FRUIT CAKE (700G) ABOUT R139,99; WOOLWORTHS
This delicious traditional fruit cake has a rich colour, is soft and moist. It has quite a good kick of brandy, and the flavour combinations are good but it could do with a bit more spice. It’s a classic cake that you are sure to enjoy.
FRUIT CAKE SLICE (430G) ABOUT R59,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
This cake is flavoursome and has lovely fruity notes. For some it was too simple and lacked richness and spice. Overall, it’s full of flavour, is moist and has a lovely texture. It’s rich in colour and generously fruity, and it slices easily and cleanly.
ALCOHOL-FREE FRUIT CAKE (800G) ABOUT R89,99; PNP
Rich in colour, beautifully moist and crammed with a good variety of fruity flavours, this cake has a generous amount of cherries and fruit, and just the right balance of sweetness. The texture is lovely and it slices neatly. It has a good cake-to-fruit ratio, and looks and tastes like homemade cake. JEWELLED CAKES
LUXURY FRUIT CAKE (1KG) ABOUT R199,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
This tasty, luxurious-looking cake is light but not crumbly. It has a generous topping of pecan nuts and cherries, and is moist and deliciously spiced, with lovely citrus notes. It is a tad sweet and could do with a stronger hit of brandy.
CHERRY GENOA (700G) ABOUT R149,99; WOOLWORTHS
Generously topped with cherries and almonds, this cake has a good balance of flavour. But for some tasters it lacked spiciness and the cherries were a bit too sweet and overpowering. The cake has a buttery taste yet it’s slightly dry and crumbly. Also, there’s more cake than there is fruit.
LIMITED-EDITION CHOCOLATE FRUIT CAKE (800G) ABOUT R220; CHECKERS
This pretty fruit cake will definitely be a centrepiece on your Christmas table. It has a lavish topping of glacé fruits, which most tasters found too chunky. They also thought the taste of chocolate dominated and the texture was a little dense and chewy. MINCE PIES
6 FRUIT MINCE PIE SELECTION ABOUT R39,99; WOOLWORTHS
A generous amount of filling is packed into light pastry in this variety pack. The castor-topped option is tasty but very sweet; the pecan pie is fruity but not overly sweet; and the crumble has lovely citrus combinations but is slightly dry in texture.
6 FRESHLINE FRUIT MINCE PIES ABOUT R32,99; SPAR
We liked the home-made look of these mince pies with its dusting of castor sugar. These pies have a lovely fruity flavour and a good balance of tartness and sweetness, though the pastry is a little too short and crumbly, and the pie falls apart when you eat it.
6 LIMITED-EDITION BLUEBERRY FRUIT MINCE PIES ABOUT R44,99; CHECKERS
If you have a sweet tooth and like jammy treats, you’ll like these pies with their punchy blueberry taste. The filling is generous, and though the pastry is a little too thick, the pies don’t fall apart when cut.
CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
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RICH & DARK BRANDY FRUIT PUDDING (450G) ABOUT R109,99; WOOLWORTHS
With its dark appearance and delicious buttery flavour, this pudding is rich and decadent. The alcohol balance is perfect, with just the right amount of spice and moisture. The cakefruit ratio isn't balanced, with more cake than fruit.
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GOLDEN FRUIT PUDDING (450G) ABOUT R129,99; WOOLWORTHS
This beautifully textured pudding has a lovely flavour with just the right amount of spiciness but it's a touch too sweet. The large chunks of fruit overwhelm the pudding and the citrus pieces are difficult to cut and are a tad bitter.
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LUXURY CHRISTMAS PUDDING (900G) ABOUT R239,99; PNP
The dome is nicely shaped, with a generous topping of pecan and citrus. We loved the variety of fruit. The pudding is light in texture and has a lovely crunch. Tasters thought it wasn't rich and buttery enough, lacked spiciness and depth of flavour, and that the cherries were too sweet. DESSERTS
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CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT YULE LOG ABOUT R149,99; WOOLWORTHS
This French-style layered dessert with a chocolate finish and hazelnut ganache filigree looks festive, delicious and luxurious. The chocolate mousse is rich and creamy, and the caramel layer delectable, with a lovely nutty flavour throughout. And it has a beautifully moist texture.
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PETIT DESSERT SELECTION PACK ABOUT R79,99; WOOLWORTHS
These desserts are the perfect size if you don't want to overindulge. The choux are filled with a light, creamy, flavoursome chocolate mousse. The cheesecake is creamy with a rich cheese flavour, and the caramel filling has just the right amount of sweetness.
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CHOCOLATE BROWNIE BITES ABOUT R54,99; PNP
These bites taste like traditional brownies and are flavourful, with a good chocolate-to-sweetness balance. Some tasters thought it could have been richer and that it needed a textural element like chocolate pieces or nuts. The texture is lovely: soft inside with a crispy outer layer. CHOCOLATES
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LINDOR ASSORTED PILLAR (GOLD) (75G) ABOUT R49,95
The chocolate is rich and deliciously creamy on the outside, with a decadent melt-in-your-mouth texture. The smooth filling is delightful and the balance of flavours is perfect. An absolute treat!
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DARK CHOCOLATECOATED WHOLE ALMONDS (100G) ABOUT R45; WOOLWORTHS
The roasted nuts have a lovely crunch and are dusted with cocoa, which has a rich, sumptuous dark chocolate flavour. These nuts are perfect if you would like something sweet but not saccharine. Utterly delicious!
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FILLED CHOCOLATE STARS ABOUT R34,99; PNP
Milky and smooth, the sweetness balance is just perfect. The chocolate is slightly pale in colour but very tasty and the texture, creamy. These festive-looking choccies will make a great stocking filler. CHEESES
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FAIRVIEW CHEESE KIT (660G) ABOUT R199,95; WOOLWORTHS
Camembert/Brie: Creamy, ripe and full of flavour; the glaze and nuts add sweetness. Camembert: Less ripe with a firmer texture, but pleasant. Blue: Quite mild and very creamy, with a nutty flavour. Cream cheese star: A little sharp without much flavour. Herb swirl: A balanced herby flavour, and creamy but a tad sweet.
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MARKSBURY SELECT – BRIE ABOUT R31,99; SPAR
The taste is authentic and has a pleasant flavour, although some tasters felt the cheese was a touch too mild, perhaps because it isn't fully matured. Overall, it's a good Brie, with a firm, creamy texture.
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FESTIVE CHEESE PLATTER ABOUT R299,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
This platter includes creamy (but chewy) red- and blackskin cheeses; an intense pepper cream cheese; ripe, strong Camembert; mild Brie; a mild, soft herb cheese; and a nutty, though bland, yellow cheese. The fig chutney is a bit too sweet and the candied peel a tad bitter, but the dried fruit adds flavour balance.