AS I walked into the Waitrose Christmas showcase, I knew this year’s festive range was going to be above and beyond anything that’s gone before.
I was given the opportunity to test the posh supermarket’s whopping 554-product Christmas range, which includes 175 new items.
Festive items have been popping up in Waitrose‘s 400 supermarkets since the end of September and will be available in full in December.
With so many products on offer, from moreish mains to divine deserts, the retailer really does have every aspect of the festive season covered.
Despite having so many products on offer, there was one item in particular that I really wanted to try, and that was the Limoncello fizz panettone.
It’s not Christmas without a panettone, but Waitrose is putting an interesting spin on the festive treat this year.
While messing with Christmas classics may seem like a controversial move, I’m fairly sure this one is going to be well-loved.
The Italian cake contains candied lemon peel, pockets of limoncello filling and is infused with sparkling wine syrup.
Plus, it is sprinkled with fizzy sherbert lemon sugar to finish.
The limoncello and the sponge complement each other really well and the booze isn’t too overpowering.
I think even the most ardent traditionalists would be impressed, and I can imagine a fight breaking out over the last piece on Christmas Day.
For me, it came out on top.
At £12, it is a little pricey, but it’s worth it if you want to impressive your guests this Christmas.
If you have a sweet tooth but chocolate is more your thing, then don’t worry, Waitrose also has this covered.
The supermarket is selling a £6 hot chocolate brownie that it says serves four.
The Belgian chocolate treat was really rich and creamy and the marshmallow toppings were the perfect addition.
If I was looking for just one word to describe this desert, it would be decadent.
But I can imagine it would be even more delicious served with ice cream and it’s bound to be a hit with both adults and children alike.
I also really enjoyed Waitrose’s white stilton with Luxardo Limoncello.
Even if you don’t like Limoncello, this one could still be worth a try as the flavour isn’t too overpowering and it doesn’t take away from the cheese.
It costs £2 for 150g.
SHOWSTOPPING CENTREPIECES
Waitrose said it has created centrepieces that are ready to serve and create a “wow factor”, with table appeal, flavour and restaurant quality.
And you can really feel this sentiment in its centrepiece offering.
A beef sirloin is a staple of most households’ Christmas dinner spread, and Waitrose has decided to jazz its version up this year.
The No.1 wagyu beef sirloin joint comes with a beer malt glaze and shallot, herb and garlic crumb.
It will be available from December 20 to December 24 through Waitrose’s food-to-order service.
This service allows you to book and pay for your Christmas dinner and other treats ahead of time with collection closer to the big day.
It is priced between £59 and £72 depending on the weight you choose.
This varies between 0.95kg-1.16kg and can serve between four and six people.
But if your Christmas isn’t complete without a turkey, Waitrose has you covered here too.
The treacle glazed stuffed turkey crown costs between £60 and £75 for a bird weighing up to 2.5kg.
The turkey is served with chestnut and bacon stuffing and topped with treacle-cured bacon and finished with a sticky and delicious treacle glaze.
It is also available through the food to order service.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to spend ages preparing for Christmas, it could be worth forking out for these pricey centrepieces.
They’re bound to impress your guests and will take little preparation.
So if you’re looking for a fuss-free way of making Christmas dinner, they could be a good option for you.
Waitrose isn’t the only retailer to have launched its festive range.
We had a first look at Fortnum & Mason’s 2024 Christmas range including edible coal, £40 hamper & £265 advent calendar worth £1,000.
Plus, we reveal the full list of supermarket Christmas savings schemes – and how to get £25 free cash.
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