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Why you need to give this ‘hated’ Christmas treat another chance

A festive food item known for being divisive has had a revamp – and now the treat often overlooked at Christmas is one you’ll snaffle.

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IGA’s popular Christmas range is about to return, offering fantastic fare for the festive season.

The independent supermarket chain is gearing up to stock shelves with an array of award-winning products from its Signature Collection, promising “well-priced quality” with its Christmas range.

The usual fare is there, with festive products featured in the line-up including the brand’s popular naturally smoked bone-in leg ham” at $9.50/kg, which was awarded the best nationally available ham at the Australian PorkMark Awards for Excellence in 2019.

And a new addition shoppers can look out for is the pork crackling roast, $20/kg, designed specifically to take the hard work out of getting that “perfect” crisp.

But it’s the ever-controversial Christmas mince pies, priced at $11 for 6, that might cause the biggest shock for customers.

IGA stores around the country are getting into the festive spirit. Picture: News.com.au
IGA stores around the country are getting into the festive spirit. Picture: News.com.au
News.com.au was invited to a preview of the Christmas range. Picture: News.com.au
News.com.au was invited to a preview of the Christmas range. Picture: News.com.au

IGA’s head of fresh and private label produce Estella Young said the supermarket was confident there was something for everyone – even “those with the most discerning tastebuds”.

“It’s made specially for our customers with local produce to showcase and support our country’s quality-led artisan producers and the sensational ingredients we are lucky to have right here on our doorstep,” she said.

“The hardworking teams at independent family-owned IGA stores across the country can’t wait to share these tasty and easy-to-serve products with their local communities to help them create a memorable Christmas with their favourite people in 2022.”

There’s a new pork roast that guarantees perfect crackling. Picture: Supplied
There’s a new pork roast that guarantees perfect crackling. Picture: Supplied
As well as a two-pack of beef Wellington. Picture: Supplied
As well as a two-pack of beef Wellington. Picture: Supplied

Ms Young added there were some “great new additions” in 2022, describing the crackling as “sensational”.

“New on the menu this year is the sensational Signature pork crackling roast which, thanks to the work of our amazing suppliers, will help deliver the perfect roast,” she said.

“We’ve done all the work to help make it easier to achieve the perfect crackling every time and make even the worst of us in the kitchen a hero.

“We can’t wait for our local shoppers to taste it this Christmas.”

Mince pies are traditionally divisive with people either loving them or hating them. Picture: News.com.au
Mince pies are traditionally divisive with people either loving them or hating them. Picture: News.com.au
But reporter Jasmine Kazlauskas, who admits hating them, said the IGA pies are delicious. Picture: News.com.au
But reporter Jasmine Kazlauskas, who admits hating them, said the IGA pies are delicious. Picture: News.com.au

After being invited to a preview of the new range, news.com.au can confirm that the mince pies are “delicious”.

Even this reporter – a longstanding mince pie hater – enjoyed the fruit-filled treats.

The pastry was beautifully buttery, the insides spiced perfectly, and after tasting one heated up and served with fruit and cream, I was officially converted.

IGA Signature Collection Christmas products

• IGA naturally smoked bone-in leg ham ($9.50/kg)

• Six-month matured Christmas pudding (400g $9, 800g $15)

• Brandy-infused mince pies ($11 for a six-pack)

• Decorated shortbread cookies ($9.50 for a six-pack)

• Shortbread cookie shapes ($4.50)

• Gingerbread cookies ($7 for a six-pack)

• Beef Wellington ($15 for two portions)

• Signature pork crackling roast ($20/kg)

The IGA Signature Collection Christmas range arrives in selected IGA and Foodland stores across the country from November 1, for a limited time only.

Read related topics:Christmas Shopping

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/why-you-need-to-give-this-hated-christmas-treat-another-chance/news-story/73b76aefdb86db4b23b6bf40adc02f91