Today I visited Aldi's Christmas in July event. A place where Aldi take full advantage of showcasing their Christmas range for 2015 to the media!
Last years event was amazing. I got the chance to meet Olly Smith who was working with them on their wine range. He gave me some great advice on which wines to try for my delicate palate. I also got to view their gift range & taste their Christmas food range, I was not disapointed, & this years event was no different!! I was impressed!!
It's going to be hard to keep this short, so bare with me, I have a lot to say....
Firstly start your day with a brioche Christmas tree. Or the very cute Christmas tree crumpets. Yes they don't need to be tree shaped, but doesn't it give it a little sparkle to start the day off knowing it's a special kind of day!
Or even some smoked salmon. Coming in a range of delicious flavours. Who wouldn't want to wake up to this....
As the day moves on, you start to think about your dinner. Nobody wants to be stressing, so Aldi have brought out an easy carve duck. They will of course be stocking your turkeys, hams, and again the amazing multi bird roasts! We had one of the 4/5 bird roasts last year, and it was amazing, so I'll definitely be down there when they get released in store.
The meats display......
So after dinner, when you're almost full to brimming, it's time to think desserts!! Of course Aldi brings out their guns again with their show stopper Christmas pudding! But my fave, was their table pleasing centre piece Christmas cake. It was elegantly simplistically beautiful. I also loved the look of the shot desserts! What a way to wow everyone when you bring these out to the table.....
So it's time to sit, let your dinner go down, and spoil those that Christmas is all about.... The kiddies!!! I was super excited to see what they would be bringing out this year for the kids, so I could see what Mstr J and Miss Iz might like. I've definitely got my eye on a few bits! Sadly the toys and gifts range will be part of Aldi's 'special buys', which means there will be limited stock, and when they're gone they're gone. I will try to monitor when the items are being released and let you lovely lot know as soon as poss so you can get down there! Here are some of the great kids range....
And for the adults, the obligatory Xmas jumpers....
For those like me, that like the kiddies to have some new special Xmas pyjamas, there's is some great dressing gowns and onesies on the way...
As the day moves on, you might go for a light bite. There are some delectable puff pastry tarts. Serving 8, they'll go a long way. The one that peaked my interest the most was the cod, chorizo & tomato mini tarts! Sounds delicious, I'll definitely be trying to get my hands on these!
These would also be great for a Christmas Eve treat.
After last years success of the lobster tails, which sold out almost instantly when they hit the shelves. (I have been assured there will be more stock this year, so we (me included), won't miss out!). They have brought back the lobster tails, with the garlic butter again, (the public spoke), but will also have a version with Thermidore butter!! Sounds amazing! If I get the chance I will definitely be getting a pack of each to try. Prices are not set yet, but from what I gathered, they will not be beat! Aldi again bringing value & quality!
Next is the cheeses. We all love a nice cheese board at Christmas. They've got a fantastic selection....
But the one that stood out, not for my sake, but for hubbies, was the Stilton. Something I hate, but he adores!!! They have a specially selected Stilton with port glaze!! Even I have to say it did look stunning!
After you've had a nibble, move onto a little drink. Ok ok, I'm sure you wouldn't of waited until this late in the day to have a glass, but when should I have put it?? At breakfast?! 😉
Many people won't know that Aldi have won numerous awards for their wines & spirits, and at a fraction of the leading brands, they are definitely worth a try. They even sell amazing champagne, and this year a pink champagne too!
Next is the party food. This is an area last year where Aldi truly wowwed me! They had a new innovative range of party food, gone were the spring rolls and sausages rolls, and in their place was a delightful range of bite size beauties!! This year they had some lovies too....the duck selection looked great.....
There is also the stunning & delicious I might add (I got to try a piece) handmade pork pies! Yum yum yum yum yum, that is that!
Onto one of my faves, the sliced meat selection. Again they will have a beautiful range of good value high quality meats. But the centre piece has to be...... Drum roll please...... I've been dying to tell you all about this, their one and only no bone specially selected Serrano Ham Leg!!! Price point hasn't been set in stone yet, but I can tell you from what I got told, you will all be running down there!!! These are stunning value, will look great on any table & are at such a great price you can actually afford to give one as a gift! Unlike the normal Serrano boned legs, which costs normally around £40!!! Again, I know I'll be keeping an eye on the release date & will keep you lot informed as best I can!
For those that like a nibble, they have a new range of crisps coming out especially for the season. The flavours will definitely get you wondering. They have, gin & tonic, Camembert & caramelised onion, and venison & juniper berry!! I tried the gin & tonic flavour as I just needed to know what that could taste like. It surprised me! I expected to reel away with a resounding 'ewwww', but instead I was pleasantly surprised. A sweet start, slightly sherbetish, followed by the potatoeyness. Definitely worth a try. These will be in store in November. Along with a new Christmas nut range. Some hickory smoked & caramelised mixed selections to take your fancy.
As always Aldi will have their specially selected mince pies. As quoted from my husband tonight (who ate almost a box full that I brought home with me), "these are amazing", "they taste naughty and delicious!". I think that's a fair reveiw! They had fabulously thin pastry & tons of filling!
For those that like the German lebkuchen. My husband goes through bags full!! This year they have a specially selected range of them. As can be seen at the top left of the pic below. They look fab, and I'm sure I'll be sent to get a few packs!!
My fave was the below, the chocolate caramel tart!! Again, just YUM!!
Last but not least, the chocolates. This year there will be a Swiss selection pack. Some hand made truffles. Some beautiful looking bars. Etc. etc.
I especially liked the look of these boxed truffles. There's definitely a few flavours I'd like to try in there. And I'm sure hubby would help me out with the others!! I think these would make a fabulous gift!! So if you're wondering what to buy me everyone....
They also have a kitchen 'special buys' range coming out. These items would make a great addition to your kitchen / dinner table this Christmas, or even a great gift!
Again, there was a little treat in the corner, catching my eye & making me get all excited. They have this little beauty below coming out!! Now, as the blog suggests, I do like a cake or two, be it eating them, or baking them. My eyes sparkled when I caught this. It will have all the attachments you needs. And even a meat grinder I believe it was. (I may have switched off a tiny bit while revelling in its beauty). Again, the price point is not 100% set yet, but if what was suggested to me as the possible price is true, I think they might have people queueing at the doors!! Again, I will do my best to keep you all up to date with a release date.
And that my friends is that. I hope you've enjoyed reading my blog about my fab day and all that Aldi has to offer you this Christmas.
One thing I find extra special about Aldi is they source a lot of their products from the UK. I don't think people realise that. And still see Aldi as this 'foreign' little shop. But in fact it has moved on so much & is just so much more than that.
Aldi has outdone itself yet again in my eyes! I was impressed. So impressed. I hope Aldi gets all the praise it is due for bringing some new outstanding ranges to the table. I can't wait for Christmas and to enjoy the magic with all my family and my little bit of Aldi here & there!!!
