OH! My 100th review! Yay! xx thanks for the comments!!! xxx Been in Nottingham... and now smiling....
OH! My 100th review! Yay! xx thanks for the comments!!! xxx Been in Nottingham... and now smiling...back now!
Member since:28.05.2006
Reviews:103
Members who trust:52
I had a day off work today and I had already decided to treat myself to a gorgeous bit of carrot cake which I seem to have an addiction too at the moment. But shock horror at the supermarket as I couldn't find any carrot cake at all! None in the whole place! (Is there a carrot strike on???) So on my way to the checkout these grabbed my eye and I quickly dropped them in my basket. Ok so I like carrot cake but chocolate has always been my number one!
** Gü **
Gü is a new name to the market which has created a whole new world of chocolate extremism. Created by a rather clever chap named James Averdieck, he was inspired by the local patisseries use of chocolate in Belgium and after a few experiments and a bit of market research, the first Gü chocolate products were launched in 2003. They now make everything from chocolate brownies to chocolate melting puds and have found their own niche in the chocolate pudding market. One of their first products ever marketed was the Hot Chocolate soufflé, and ironically enough this is my first ever taste of a Gü product. I hope it lives up to the expectations!
** Price & Packaging **
I have previously seen the classic Gü products on the shelves in my local supermarket and have always thought they look very elegant and luxurious. Definitely the type that you would want in your shopping basket. The boxes are usually black and silver in colour. With the classic which Gü logo. However, the box I have is a limited edition pack and is bright pink and white. Why? Well those lovely people at Gü are promoting Breast Cancer Care and for every special pink pack purchased 10p will go to the charity. Every little helps! However, the Gü guys promise that the box still contains the same 'scene stealing hot chocolate soufflé you know and love'.
The box caught my eye for 2 reasons, the mouth watering chocolate soufflé on the front was enough to get my mouth watering and they were on offer in Sainsbury's, 2 boxes for £3. You get 2 soufflés in each box and usually they are £2.99 each, so I got a bargain. I originally thought that £2.99 for 2 was a bit pricey until I realised the chocolate soufflés come in their own reusable glass ramekins! Bargain! My mum will love this as she has wanted to make her own soufflés for ages but couldn't get hold of any decent ramekins.
** Cooking Instructions**
As previously said each soufflé comes in its own glass ramekin and has a silver foil lid which you have to peel off before cooking, like a yogurt pot. Really easy to do with no silly little bits hanging off the edges. It has a rather pretty design on the foil and it made me not want to open it for a brief (very brief!) second! These were in the fridge section of the supermarket and the instructions say that the soufflés have to be left at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking. So I sat and counted down the minutes. Once properly chilled you can cook these 2 ways.
1. Oven cook - Gü advise me that you should oven cook for best results at 140C for 13 minutes.
2. Microwave cook - if you are in a real rush then you can microwave them in about 30 seconds. Gü warn that the results are extremely different if done in the microwave. But we will see about this!
I decided to follow the advice of the masters and do mine in the oven while my mum did hers in the microwave... now for the test.
** Taste Test **
When the soufflé came out of both ovens it had risen a considerable amount and looked steaming hot. The soufflé heated by the oven was slightly more firm on the top while the micro-waved version was slightly softer. But other then that there really was no difference so in future I will stick to the microwave! (A chocolate delight in 30 seconds!). The soufflé itself really was a bit of chocolate heaven. Using a teaspoon to really indulge in each mouthful, the warm soft mousse like chocolate melted in the mouth. It was rich but not too overpowering and the 65g pot was enough to fulfil any chocolate craving. It was light, fluffy and the hot runny chocolate in the middle of the soufflé was divine! Surrounded by a slightly firmer sponge like texture it was heaven in a ramekin.
I have to warn you that the pudding is EXTREMEMLY hot and although I wanted to guzzle it down you can't because you will just burn your mouth to pieces. So take your time and indulge your taste buds.
The taste itself was obviously very chocolaty, although it contains 53% cocoa I didn't find it to be a 'dark' chocolate pudding which was great because I despise dark chocolate. It wasn't bitter or too sweet. Perfect for anyone with a chocolate craving or sweet tooth. I must say though that these soufflés are really deceiving, they fell light, airy and soft. They are not huge or engulfing on the eye but they contain 298 calories and a huge 23.5g of fat!! I was going to op for a second helping but after reading that I thought I should leave them for my dad! Exceptionally unhealthy but for a once in a while treat it won't hurt.
** Conclusion **
These soufflés were absolutely delicious. Melting in the mouth and warming on the tongue. Slightly pricey but with the useful ramekins you can't complain. Plus at the amount of fat and calories involved these should just be a treat and not a daily pleasure! These are also a great little cheat if you want to loo like you are a dab hand I the kitchen. They look professional and taste great so no one would know the difference. (Just throw away the packaging and make sure that your guest isn't already a Gü fanatic!) Slightly heavy on the purse and thighs but light and airy in the mouth.
==100% recommended==
Pictures of Hot Chocolate Souffle-Gu
Hot Chocolate Souffle-Gu - limited edition for Breast Cancer Care.
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Oct 2nd, 2009
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