Eridanous Vanilla Creme Swirl

Lidl fans, I know, I know, I've been neglecting you. It's mainly because I've got into a nice routine of buying the same things each week from Lidl, so haven't actually had that much new to review. Alas my wine drinking isn't prodigious enough for me to get reviews of their wines in before they go out of stock.The good news is, my local Lidl has now started stocking fresh rosemary, so I may never shop at Tesco again.

Anyway, I was in my Lidl last week and the woman in front of me was basically buying one of everything in their Greek range they had on that week. The woman in front of her commented on this, and the woman replied that she was Greek herself and missed Greek food, pointing out what was particularly good (the Mousaka was highly rated). So, next time I went, I stocked up myself. Reviews incoming, First up these gorgeous little things. 

Not the best photo, I know....

Price: £1.49 (for four)

Score (out of five): 4 1/2

Review: when these come out of the oven, they actually look better than they do on the "serving suggestion" on the packet. 

Now, I've never been to Greece, or had a Greek Vanilla Creme Swirl, so I can't compare these to anything else. But comparing them to nothing, they're bloody gorgeous. Light, crispy pastry that cracks almost as if you're eating crackling, which gives away to a wonderful custard. The custard isn't overwhelming either.

The only reason they've lost a half-mark is because they take 40 minutes in an oven at 200 degrees to get to this state of utter deliciousness. I was going to have one the other day, but when I looked at how long they took to cook, they went back in the freezer. I was imaging something small and dainty that would take 10 minutes to cook. These, on the other hand, are big and tasty. If you're willing to wait, I'd strongly recommend them. 

Jam doughnuts

There was a doughnut here for a few minutes

Price: 19p

Score (out of five): 5

Review: as I've blogged about before, the bakery section in Lidl is generally ok, but not necessarily brilliant. Their croissants have improved a lot lately. I'll review their mini pizzas soon. 

But, I have a problem reviewing their jam doughnuts. Getting a photo is a bit tricky as they don't seem to last long enough - as you'll see.

Now, Scotland has a bit of a reputation when it comes to doughnuts. And it's not an enviable one. But I think people should be queuing up outside Lidl to buy these doughnuts. Imagine biting into a light fluffy pillow, covered with sugar with a jam that actually tastes of fruit. That's basically a Lidl doughnut. 

Eat them. Eat all of them. Apart from the ones I eat before you get there. 

Sourdough white bloomer

Price: 99p

Score (out of five): 3

Review: like most middle class people I whooped with joy when my local Lidl installed an in-store bakery. In fact it was when I started shopping there regularly.

The baked products however have been a bit hit-and-miss. This bread is definitely this. Positive points are: really nice crusty crust and it has a really nice nutty flavour coming through from the sourdough mix. However, like a lot of the baked products from my local Lidl it's a bit doughy and undercooked. Our only local supermarket used to be a big Coop (Scotmid) and it was really bad for undercooked bread. This isn't literally dough in the middle, but it does look like it could do with a bit longer in the oven.

If you toast it, and put butter and jam on it, then it is very nice indeed. I'd be disappointed if I took it on a middle class picnic though.

Rowanfield Hot Cross Buns

Price: 75p

Score (out of five): 2 1/2

Review: at this time of year I do like a bit of hot cross bun with my butter, as you'll see. Hot cross buns are a funny one - I've spent a small fortune on "finest" or "extra special" ones and been mightily disappointed that they are just over-spiced and over-sweet. What I'm looking for in a hot cross bun is a light, fluffy texture, a good amount of fruit evenly spread, and a good kick of spice. When toasted they should have a nice crispy outside too.

So, how do Lidl's compare? I'm afraid not very well. They were a bit doughy and not light and fluffy enough. The spice was there, but did not have that kick that leaves you smacking your lips. And unfortunately when toasted they don't get that crispiness, they're just a bit wangy.

Eighth day of Christmas - Favorina Mini Panettone

Price: 99p

Score (out of five): 3

Review: I've come to think that panettone is a bit like limoncello and other odd liqueurs - its a gift you're given and thank the giver profusely and then think "what do I do with this?". Now, I know you're supposed to slice it and serve it with apricot jam, but if you're not Italian do you really have time, or the stomach space to eat one over Christmas?

For this reason in our house they sit around in their box until the summer when I get sick of the sight of it and put it in the food waste bin. One year I made a very nice bread and butter pudding with one, adding brandy to the custard, but my partner didn't like it so that's never been made again.

So, I was quite excited that Lidl sold mini pannetone. I went for the chocolate one. It was alright. Nice flavour, but not as light and fluffy, like a fine butter brioche, as the pricey ones from Edinburgh's finest deli Valvona & Crolla. They'll do for an elevenses snack over the festive season, but I wouldn't give them as a gift.

Seventh day of Christmas - Mini Marzipan Butter Stollen

Another guest post kindly created by Sara Dorman.

Price: £1.99

Score (out of 5): 4

Review: These bite-size stollen morsels are perfect with a cup of coffee half-way though the morning. 

Studded with sultanas, filled with marzipan, and lightly covered with icing sugar, everyone in our family loves them. We devoured them last Christmas and took a package to the Highlands over half-term to celebrate their return in October. 

They're okay straight out of the package, but reach truly great heights when heated for about 5 minutes in a warm oven. Normally I wouldn't put anything sugar-covered in the oven, but this works. Just make sure they don't get too hot, as marzipan burns can be painful. 

Distinctly more-ish, if a bit pricier than the rest of the range.