Review: Charlie Bigham’s – Delicious Handmade Meals for Two
As you may be aware, hubby is a chef and we usually cook from fresh every night. However sometimes you just want a little break from cooking or you might come home late and have no time to cook.
Charlie Bigham’s has a selection of delicious handmade meals “perfect for two, serve with a wink”. When the meals arrived, I was impressed with the packaging: simple and elegant. It was delivered in a cool bag, meals were chilled.
Charlie Bigham’s has three meal ranges: Pan Fry, Oven Cook and Pies. I was sent one from each range, Oven Cook Salmon en Croute, Steak & Ale Pies and Pan Fry Moroccan Chicken Tagine.
It says on the side of the package: “Turn off the phone, dim the lights and crack open a bottle. Steal back some time by letting Charlie prepare you a truly delicious meal. All you have to do is relax and enjoy each other’s company.”
Charlie Bigham’s Salmon en Croute (RRP £5.99) was the first meal we tried. I love fish and seafood in general, so I couldn’t wait to put it in the oven. Salmon en Croute comes with two portions of delicate salmon layered with fresh spinach and handmade creamy smoked salmon sauce, encased in light puff pastry.
Salmon en Croute was ready to be enjoyed after only 25 minutes; it looked and smelled gorgeous when it came out of the oven. Lovely and flaky pastry, generous portion of salmon.
The smoked salmon sauce compliments the fresh salmon and it goes really well with spinach in cream cheese. You only need a salad or vegetables with Salmon en Croute. It is a filling, full of flavour and very tasty dish. Salmon en Croute was my favourite!
Charlie Bigham’s Steak & Ale Pies (RRP £6.99) is a tender British steak slow cooked with smooth ale and a shake of Worcester sauce, topped with light puff pastry. It is ready to served in individual ramekins after 25 minutes in the oven. You only need mash potato or vegetables on the side.
Steak & Ale Pie was rising and within minutes the gorgeous smell took over the kitchen. Generous filling; made with 65% steak and ale pie filling with puff pastry lid. Tender beef and flaky pastry. Absolutely gorgeous!
Charlie Bigham’s Moroccan Chicken Tagine (RRP £5.99) is a traditional handmade Moroccan chicken tangine with apricots, almonds, black olives, honey and spices.
You only need to pan fry the chicken for eight minutes and simmer the sauce for another two minutes. In only 10 minutes, you will have a tasty meal which could be enjoyed with cous cous, rice or flatbread.
Moroccan Chicken Tagine was hubby’s favourite meal. He really liked how tender the chicken was and how the sauce complimented the dish. Hubby’s feedback: “Full of flavour, great texture, crunchy almonds, lovely and moist dish”.
Overall, Charlie Bigham’s meals were delicious, convenient and easy to prepare. Each meal is enough for two people, so it works out at only £3-£3.50 per person, great price for such a tasty meal cooked at home.
Charlie Bigham meals are highly recommended if you are after restaurant quality dishes at affordable prices at the comfort of your own home, without the hassle of cooking. Charlie Bigham’s has a lovely range of pies, pan fried and oven cooked meals available online from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado.
You can follow Charlie Bigham’s on Twitter and Charlie Bigham’s on Facebook.