Morrisons Christmas Showcase Event: What Food to Buy for Christmas?

The perfect Christmas scene

Last week Frost was lucky enough to attend the Morrisons Christmas showcase event. We tried out all the delicious treats Morrisons is offering for this year. You may have already seen our Morrisons Christmas range article

Morrisons does an exceptionally good job of transcending the image of the corporate behemoth. Whilst other supermarkets were hosting investor days, Morrisons was focused on getting its message out to its customers. The event was hosted in a magical house which had apparently been featured on Grand Designs. It felt like it was Christmas day already! What struck me was the genuine passion and honesty of all the Morrisons team.

After being warmly greeted we were offered a glass of Morrisons award winning champagne. I don’t pretend to be much of a wine expert but my partner and I have been sold on Morrisons champagne ever since we first had some a few months ago. Honestly some of the best champagne I’ve ever had.

Moving on we were invited to try some of Morrisons bakery products. Graham, one of the bakers responsible for Morrisons new products, proudly encouraged us to try some of their new work. Morrisons employs more bakers than any other supermarket. All of the products we tried are made directly in the store.

mmmmm

White Christmas Pudding

Morrisons has brought in Claire Clark, world-famous pattissiere, to make this delicious alternative to the original Christmas pudding. It’s moist lighter and dare I say in many ways better. For those who aren’t fans of more traditional Christmas puddings this is well worth trying. Good value at just £3 as well.

Snow Capped Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska with cassis liquer, blackcurrant cream and sauce.

Christmas Tree Bread

Delicious and easy. Eleven mini buns locked together in the shape of a Christmas tree. Ideal for breaking and sharing.

Candy Cane

My absolute favorite of the new range. These look and taste wonderful. It is essentially a chocolate brioche wrapped around a currant bun. Definitely worth getting a couple for Christmas breakfast.

Panettone Cheesecake

This was a wonderful creation. I love cheesecake so it was great for me to try a Christmas version for once. It tasted superb the Morrisons team can be rightly proud of this one.

We next meet baking specialist Martin. Martin is very friendly and passionate like everyone else. He encourages us to try Morrisons old favourites, the award winning Panettone and Stollen, both have been updated slightly with extra fruit. Both are exceptionally good. I don’t think I’ve had better. I love Panettone.

I have barely finished stuffing my face when I am greeted by Roy, Morrisons meat specialist. He brings me a huge plate of Morrisons Christmas meats.

The quality of the ingredients really shines through, everything was excellent.

I really enjoyed the Crusted Turkey joint

The Morrisons team has worked with Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth to develop this.

You definitely won’t go wrong with Morrisons pigs in blankets. They were delicious. The cranberry sauce, stuffing and lamb were all excellent.

Everything is washed down with a delicious glass of Chilean wine. Morrisons is doing a lot to help their customers choose the right wine. Wine can be pretty confusing and often I get overwhelmed by all the different choices. Try out their new online taste test to see what wine is right for you.

The items above are just a small sample of Morrisons huge Christmas range.

Morrisons is a fantastic supermarket. An example of a great British business which provides food and livelihoods for a huge number of people.

I was really impressed by the genuine passion of the Morrisons team. There was no fake interest or pretence, just satisified people with a passion for their work.

Morrisons often doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to the quality of its food. They’ve put together a fantastic Christmas range make sure to check it out.

 

Morrisons Christmas Range: What To Buy For Christmas

It may seem strange to see a Christmas article so early but there is a reason: most companies have their Christmas PR days in July. There is always a lead up needed for Christmas articles. It is the same in acting, you film the Christmas specials six months early. By the time Christmas comes I feel I have been celebrating it for at least half the year.

Morrisons has launched an excellent Christmas range. The food is well-selected, reasonably priced and sourced by professionals in their field. Here are some reasons why I think Morrisons is great for Christmas….

Morrisons source livestock straight from farmers. They also sell black summer truffles at £99.99 a kilo…which means you can buy your own truffles for £3 or £4.

In 2011 they pledged to have more than 50 promotions each week to make it cheaper for customers to get their 5 a day. They average 93 promotions a week.

None of their fruit or veg goes to waste, what is not good enough for customers is given to animals.

I was lucky enough to taste some food made by Neil Nugent who is Morrisons Executive Chef and Head of Innovation, Ray Craven, meat specialist and Martin Clayton, bakery specialist. I have picked out my highlights below from the UK’s fourth-largest grocer.

Mince Pie & Cream Flavoured Popcorn.
The acronym OMG was made for this popcorn. It just tastes divine. Available from October 15.

Morrisons Best Champagne Brut has won the Which? Best Champagne Award twice.
“I am very prod of our Morrisons Best Champagne Brut as I handpicked the blend myself. It is multi-award-winning and adds a certain elegance and style to any meal or celebration.” Arabella WoodrowWine Specialist. I have tasted a lot of champagne and this is now my favourite. It just tastes amazing. No wonder is has been voted Best Champagne twice.

Beetroot Smoked Salmon, Smoked Halibut and Smoked Salmon
This salmon is delicious. I really liked the Beetroot salmon. The halibut was good too. A tip from Morrisons is to buy your salmon in advance and freeze it. Salmon has a long shelf life.

Christmas Tree Tear and Share Bread
This tastes great and it looks fun too. Wrap uneaten piece in cling film to make them last longer.

Panettone
Freshly baked and with 15% more fruit this year. Morrisons makes good panettone. I will be buying this again for Christmas.

Other highlights: Soda bread by Bryn Williams, White Christmas Pudding created by Claire Clarke MBE, Crusted Turkey by Nigel Haworth and Rustic Country Pate created by Pierre Koffmann.