TESTING THE BEST
Our food team have years of experience cooking and tasting the very best in food and drink, and review thousands of products every year. For the Christmas Food Awards they tested over 300 products. Submissions are tested blind, meaning there’s no favouritism and food is judged on its merits. We judged products on flavour, appearance, ease and innovation.
TASTIEST CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
Handmade Biscuiteers Mince Pies Frangipane Flavour, 6 pack, £15, biscuiteers.com
Generously filled with mincemeat and topped with a decadent layer of frangipane, these are seriously good. Food editor Jess Meyer said, ‘These mince pies had a well-balanced sweetness and a satisfying texture.’
Heston Pear & Fig Mince Pies in Triple Cheese Pastry, 6 pack, £3.50, Waitrose & Partners
Perfect for those with a more savoury tooth, this twist on the classic mince pie is inspired by one of Heston Blumenthal’s personal favourites – Eccles cakes with potted Stilton. The puff pastry is laced with three cheeses, and the plump mincemeat is rich with vine fruits, Bramley apple, port and warm winter spices.
Sherry & Cognac Infused Christmas Pudding, 800g, £12.95, Booths
Judges commended the shape and glossy exterior of this Christmas pud. Traditional in flavour with large pieces of vine fruits, glacé cherries, almonds and pecans, it had a great texture, and was described as generous and decadent. Deputy food editor Rose Fooks
