Test bench | Practical…and tasty bites?

Ready in just one step, the frozen bites that you just have to slide into the oven are very practical for entertaining guests. But is the taste there? Around ten journalists from The Press tested some new products. Prints.

Monsieur MaBoule’s Shrimp, Coconut and Lemon Balls

What is this ?

New on the market, Monsieur MaBoule offers gourmet bites with very original combinations, including chili con carne, lobster or ham risotto, cheese and mushrooms. Our testers tried the shrimp, coconut and lemon balls.

Our impressions

Heart stroke from our test bench, these balls conquered the taste buds of the testers. They liked the tasty stuffing containing pieces of shrimp and the crunchy breading. The presence of coconut brings a sweet touch which charmed the team. Comments like “I like it!” » or “it’s good!” » were heard from all sides during the tasting. The only downside: the testers would have liked to find a sauce in the box of these bites to accompany them. On the Monsieur MaBoule website, we suggest serving them with a slightly spicy pink mayonnaise recipe.

$14.99 for 10 bites. In IGA grocery stores.

Chaplains Scallops and salmon from Maison Thiriet

What is this ?

Thin, crispy dough containing a stuffing that comes in two varieties: the first, with scallops, cream cheese and lemon, the second, with salmon, cream cheese, basil, dill and lemon. Prepared by the French company Maison Thiriet, this product is offered in Quebec exclusively at Cool & Simple, a Montreal grocery store specializing in frozen products.

Our impressions

The perfectly crispy envelope of these chaplains contains a tasty stuffing. “It tastes like real salmon!” “, exclaimed a tester. Of the two varieties, the one with pink flesh fish was the most popular, some testers having found the lemon too present in the scallop variation. “I would buy that,” summed up another colleague. From Maison Thiriet, the team also tasted mini cheese crispies which received a less enthusiastic reception. In both cases, it has been lamented that it is almost impossible to differentiate the varieties by eye once cooked. An informed host will clearly identify their trays.

$15.99 for 12 bites. In Cool & Simple stores or online.

President’s Choice Parmesan and Black Truffle Polenta Fries

What is this ?

For 40 years, Each year, President’s Choice releases its Holiday Finds Journal which includes around a hundred products, the majority of which are new. Among them are these parmesan and black truffle polenta fries.

Our impressions

If we had to give a grade to these hors d’oeuvres, they would get a passing grade, nothing more. “It’s okay,” summed up a few testers. “The truffle taste is there. It’s creamy polenta,” described a colleague, adding that “it’s not bad.” A good aioli sauce or dip would enhance the taste of these somewhat bland appetizers, the team concluded.

$10.99 for 14 bites. In Maxi and Provigo grocery stores.

Kim Lam’s Fried Chicken Dumplings

What is this ?

Specializing in frozen Asian dishes, the Laval company Kim Lam launched fried dumplings last fall to be reheated in the oven or in a hot air fryer (air fryer).

Our impressions

Fried dumplings? Not everyone liked the basic idea, with some much preferring traditional dumplings. Even though we followed the oven cooking advice on the box, the coating was too dry for the taste of the majority of testers. The stuffing, which included ground chicken, napa cabbage, green onions and roasted garlic, was well seasoned, according to some diners. Others, however, found it too dry. A little sauce might have changed things. A little soy sauce might have changed things. The owner of the company, Kim Lam, suggests serving the dumplings with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger and chili sauce.

$14.99 for 16 pieces. In different grocery stores, including Metro.