I tested Buckingham Palace’s Christmas hamper and one thing shocked me | Royal | News
I can definitely say that Christmas is my favorite time of year. When will I start watching festival films? September. Is this too early? Probably. Do I care? No. With its decorations, music, traditions, and of course, food, this truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. When Buckingham Palace offered us the opportunity to sample their christmas basket; There was only one answer: YES! Strap in because you’re in for a treat.
It’s only natural to start our taste test with a cup of tea and how tea it is. After just one sip, I had a burning urge to put up my Christmas tree, dance uncontrollably to All I Want for Christmas Is You, and decorate the halls with sprigs of holly, fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.
This delicious elixir is described as “infused with the sweetness of apple, rosehip, and citrus zest” and is perfect “for those cozy winter moments.” Truer words have never been spoken.
“Now bring us some fig pudding, now bring us some fig pudding and bring it here.” Good, now that I’ve got that out of my mind, let’s talk about the symbol of every good festive meal: Christmas pudding. Oliver Cromwell and his band of Puritans described the treat as “sinful riches” and something “unfit for God-fearing men.”
To be fair, they weren’t great harbingers of joy and mirth, but after tasting this dessert, I’d dare say the same. Rich, aromatic and utterly indulgent, whether you get your turkey with pudding, cream or brandy butter, you’d be crazy not to make room for this after your turkey with all the trimmings.
There can be a lot of pressure when choosing the perfect dippable biscuit, the symbol of every good basket, and Buckingham Palace didn’t fail. These mince pie-inspired treats are packed with warming spices but still chocolaty enough to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
At this point in our taste test, I need a cup of tea and a quick break before diving further into this dreamy festive multiverse – Love Actually, anyone? NO? OK, now back to our unfinished business, and it’s a big deal; The humble mince pie.
Crumbly, buttery and undeniably homemade, these were the perfect treats to find in our hamper – simply gorgeous. Traditional medieval custom dictates that you eat mince pies every 12 days of Christmas, so we’re bending the rules a bit by starting our taste test early, but trust me, it’s worth it. Love them or hate them, I can’t fault them if you beg me to.
Next up, although it may not be a Christmas classic, there is an indispensable part of every party: Christmas Cheese Bites. With a strong hint of cheese and a pillow-soft texture, these will be the perfect snack to impress or to grab a quick bite if any friends or family stop by for an unexpected holiday visit.
Our taste test is now almost over. Those of you with more Grinch-like sensibilities can breathe a sigh of relief, but if Buddy the Elf is a character that speaks to you, then you’ll already know: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loudly for all to hear.” Here I go, because these last two holiday gifts might inspire me to write a Christmas Number One.
What’s the best thing after the main course? Pudding, you’re right. But after that? Cheese board, of course. And I really can’t think of a better way to round out your celebrations than with pickled caramelized onions courtesy of Buckingham Palace. Poured over a good, rich cheddar or drenched in gloriously oozing camembert? Heaven. I’m already drooling.
Next up is chutney’s partner in crime: a three-berry marmalade that screams for use in Christmas and Boxing Day breakfasts. I’ll keep it short and sweet: This crazy creation would make Paddington Bear proud, and who can say it’s fairer than that?
I feel like Scrooge after the departure of his three ghosts – jolly, jubilant and positively bouncing around in the Christmas spirit, so forgive me for quoting good old St Nick here, but “Merry Christmas to all and good night to all!”
The full wicker basket costs £125 and includes eight wonderful Christmas treats, including a beautifully crafted crown tree decoration.
