Was helping my elderly in-laws complete their ESTA applications for a visit to their son in Calif. OMG this was a tech shambles that seems designed to put people off visiting the US. A weird combo of antiquated intrusive bureaucracy and half functioning IT.

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Why do supermarkets and coffee packers still put these plastic “sniff” disks onto packs? Seems like a complete waste of resources, likely reduces the shelf life. @mr-waitrose.bsky.social

Still getting through this delightful secret Santa gift of craft chocolates from Glasgow based Bare Bones chocolate. Loving the wild chocolate tastes from different part of the world.

These speciality pies were brought up from Yorkshire, just a couple of days past the sell by date but still fine. Excellent shortcrust and a variety of lux toppings. 8/10

M&S Classic v’s M&S Collection- the collection pies are smaller but richer and sweeter. Too sweet in my view, (7/10). The Classics have a good crust and a nice spicy filling. The crust is just a tad thin (7.5/10).

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I wouldn’t normally consider buying puff pastry mince pies but these Waitrose creations were a gift from a friend. The packaging strongly recommends heating to eat and I’m glad I did - the sugar topping caremalised nicely giving them a sweet crunch. The mince was juicy though nothing special. 8/10

Splashed out on these delux pies from Waitrose. Finally a premium pie that doesn’t disappoint. Nice buttery pastry that they managed to avoid getting soggy by using some apricot jam between the filling and the crust. Excellent mince with tangy candied peel. 8.5/10

This is Costa’s seasonal offering. I found the pastry a bit cardboard-like and hard baked. The filling was juicy but too sweet, lacking in spice. They served it with a dollop of cream from a canister, which strangely helped. 6/10

Ok, so these are Aldi’s standard offering by “Holly Lane”. The pattern on the pie is obvs borrowed from MrK. They’re quite nicely cooked but the filling lacks taste or succulence and the pastry is a bit on the suety side. A bit underwhelming. 5.5/10

These pies from the Sainsbury’s bakery are excellent. The pastry has a nice bite to it and the filling is a good texture. Nice handmade feel with variations between each pie. They seem to have more packaging than last year.

Better than expected. Not too sweet. Nice fruity mince. Slightly doughy crust. Available at the local shop! 7/10

These posh mince pies, with frangipane are over priced and over packaged to my mind. Only a smidgen of mincemeat, a bit on the dry side. Waste of good ingredients really 4.5/10

First mince pie review of the season. Waitrose standard (base level pies). Filling was Ok - not too sweet but lacking spice. Pastry was a bit soft and floury but not bad for starters. 6.5/10

Coffee is an essential part of my day. I hope dedicated growers will stay resilient to climate change. Otherwise 😢