Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Gin is set to quench the nation’s taste buds this Christmas -not just with tonic but infused into savoury centrepieces and sweet treats. So says Asda, as it unveils details of its new products in preparation for the festive season.
Gin has inspired several of this year’s products, including a Sloe Gin Ham Joint, Mulled Gin Spice Kit (as an alternative to mulled wine), a Sloe Gin and Cranberry Jelly for the cheeseboard and Belgian Chocolate Gin Truffles.
The supermarket chain has also been inspired by the feasts shown in the fictional banquet halls in TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ to bring ‘show-stopping’ roasts to the dining table.
Examples include Extra Special Triple Lamb Crown served with a fruit stuffing and port and mint jus and decorated with rosemary sprigs; Extra Special Toffee Apple Pork Hog Roast, coated in a sticky toffee apple sauce; and, in a twist on pigs in blankets, Asda will launch Deer in Duvets: venison sausages wrapped in cured bacon.
Desserts include an Extra Special Chocolate Reveal Cake, which features a chocolate dome that theatrically melts to reveal a hidden cluster of profiteroles, and a foot-long Giant Éclair.
To top off Asda’s spread, there are Christmas Tree Shaped Crumpets and a white Chocolate Smash Igloo that can be smashed open to reveal the contents inside.
Mark Richmond, innovation development chef for Asda, commented: “Christmas is all about quality time with the family and indulging. We’ve been inspired by extravagant feasts from days gone by, turning classic dishes into imaginative and festive creations that are easy to prepare, so people can spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating.”
“To achieve our show-stopping spread, we’ve worked closely with suppliers, growers, farmers and specialist producers in the UK and further afield to ensure you enjoy the best flavours and top quality ingredients at an affordable price.”
Asda operates 609 stores in the UK: 32 supercentres, 330 superstores, 34 Asda Living stores and 197 supermarkets.
