Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

historical fiction

 


"Archers were already positioned in their order of a staggered harrow, with wedges of men rather than straight lines, in order that each man in the fore should have the maximum field of fire... Already now the archers were bending their bows, drawing and loosing a deadly storm upon the walls. The arrows rose thick in the sky.

It was beautiful - and horrifying, Ed thought."

"He watched the attack grimly. The professional English soldiers cut through the townspeople like knives through soft French cheese. They could not defend themselves against professionals".


Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks is a gripping historical novel set in 1346, during the Hundred Years War.


Blurb:

1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack - one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle...

Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen...

And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle - the Battle of Crėcy - one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years War.


Fields of Glory is the first book in The Vintener Trilogy

The Knights Templar by Michael Jecks is one of my top favourite historical mystery series. I also enjoyed A Bloody Mary Mystery series and read one of The Art of Murder books too. 

For some reason, The Vintener trilogy was a terra incognita for me, despite the first book appearing ten years ago. It is different in genre and plot-setting.

At the centre of the story is Edward's ambitious and cruel campaign, leading to The Battle of Crėcy.

King Edward III is convinced that France is the land, ripe for the taking. He believes in his claim to the French throne.

Restless after years of war and hungry for the French crown , he comes up with a single brutal plan to draw the enemy out, break them in one savage blow, and gain what should belong to him.

Into this bloody gamble marches the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, led by a battered vintener Berenger Fripper. His vintaine is just a handful of tough hard-bitten men, sixteen souls who are cynic and without illusions. War is a business for them, they want to get rich, and go home. 

Worn thin by too many campaigns, they crash ashore on the beaches of Normandy, weapons ready and lusting after a fight... which never comes, as the French, it seems, have no wish to engage into a real battle.

The English army is driven deeper into the French territory, surviving hunger, mud, smoke, leaving terrible scars of war carved into the countryside. All roads lead to Crécy, which will be forever remembered in history as the slaughterhouse. There in the chaos, written in blood and iron, some men will rise, others will fall, and the Hundred Years' War will shock the European leaders.



Berenger is a likeable protagonist, complex and multi-dimensional. A seasoned warrior, he questions himself at times, unable to justify the atrocities committed in the name of God and the King. He doesn't glorify the war.

The main plotline is intertwined with secondary strands of narrative, which follow the lives of the supporting cast of characters, including a young English lad Ed who comes to France, set on revenge; Beatrice, the French girl who flees the persecution; Roger, the leader of the second vintaine,who is hiding a dark secret (he's one of the most controversial characters in the story); the gunner Archibald the Serpent, the master of the black powder, etc.

Ed "The Donkey" is an orphan who has witnessed the slaughter of his family by the French. He's burning with desire to avenge his family. He is left disillusioned by the atrocities commited by his own side while marching across the French countryside. 

There is nothing remotedly romantic about the battles described in the novel. 

While reading the book, I had to stop often enough and pause, as I found the battle and massacre scenes resonating with the current wars and atrocities, committed in the name of religion and/or spurred on by the avaricious rulers. Centuries pass, and innocent people are still slaughtered en masse for someone else's greed and zealousness.


Fields of Glory is a thoroughly immersive read, which deftly combines the real historical account with a tale of a dangerous adventure, as seen through the prism of ordinary people, enmeshed in the ambitions of the ruthless rulers.



Many thanks to Michael Jecks, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my e-copy of the book!


Chez Maximka, historical fiction set in France



Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Fieldsof


Author Bio –

Studied actuarial science, then became a computer salesman for 13 years- after the 13th company folded, he turned to writing.

He’s the author of 50 novels, 6 novellas, 4 collaborative books and short stories. His tales are inspired by history and legends, but are all grounded in real life and real people, what motivates them, and why they turn to violence.

Founder of Medieval Murderers, he has served on the committees of: Historical Writers’ Association, CWA and Detection Club. He has judged the Debut Dagger, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and other prizes, as well as serving as Dagger liaison officer and CWA Chair. He has taught writing at Swanwick and Evesham, and tutored for the Royal Literary Fund. He now runs South West Writers in Devon.

His work has been celebrated by Visconti and Conway Stewart pens; 2014 he was International Guest of Honour at the Bloody Words festival in Toronto, and Grand Master of the first parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @Michael.Jecks.author

Twitter: @MichaelJecks

Instagram: @michaeljecks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MichaelJecksNews

Bookbub profile: @michaeljecks



Chez Maximka, historical fiction set in France


Sunday, 27 April 2025

Photo Diary: Project 365, week 17, 2025

 Easter and mocks, that's the sum of our week. 

Last Sunday was a special day. This year, despite different calendars, both Catholic and Orthodox churches celebrated Easter on the same day, April 20th.

I sent off my guys to the church service, while cooking our Easter meal. We were supposed to have guests at 1pm, in the morning I got a message, asking if we could move it to 2pm, and later even to 3pm, at which point I said, OK, let's have an early dinner instead, as my guys were already hungry. It's good I waited to put half a leg of lamb in the oven until I was sure about the times. I also cooked a gammon in lemon marmalade glaze the evening before, and made a batch of potato blini in the morning.

It's our favourite starter, when we entertain for Christmas, New Year's eve or Easter. Every time I think, I should change and do something different, but then, since we all enjoy it so much, I end up making blini. I also cured a piece of salmon in sea salt, sugar, spices, juniper berries and gin.


Chez Maximka, Russian food


Our guests brought the most delicious brownie, which we had with ice cream, and we were so full that nobody wanted a Colomba cake. I opened it on Monday instead. Colomba means "a dove" in Italian, and the cake is shaped like a dove (supposedly).


Chez Maximka, Italian easter dessert


Easter weekend is a special time for me, as I enjoy listening to Classic FM Hall of Fame. It takes four days of countdown to find out which classic music pieces win. None of my votes did particularly well, as all were below 50.

But, but, but... there was a big surprise... Typically the first and second places go to Lark Ascending and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no.2 (to be honest, I'd love to see something completely different at the top). This year The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins has been voted to no.2, so Lark Ascending has indeed descended. 

I know, it's the news which only matter if you listen to ClassicFM, and my guys couldn't understand my agitation, but I was all agog. 

I listened to the little radio in the kitchen and to the Global Player on my phone, and enjoyed every moment of it. 


Chez Maximka, radio

The Dubai chocolate saga continues. I saw on Insta that M&S has released a new chocolate bar, named The Big Daddy Pistachio. In comparison to the other bars, it's properly chunky. There is a big layer of pistachio filling, almost like halva in texture, and a layer of caramel, all covered in chocolate.

I didn't like the caramel, as it makes it way too sweet, but Eddie said he actually prefered it to the Lindt variety. It costs £8.50, still pricey, but a better value per weight.

Have you seen it in the shops near you?


Chez Maximka, Dubai style chocolate



One of the ink drawings I did a few days ago, with a lovely quote about friendship.


Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art



More food pics, apologies for the food-heavy content this week, it's all I seemed to be taking photos of.

As Eddie's been sitting his mocks this week, I tried to support his brain function with sandwiches of salmon caviar. It is rich in Omega 3, vitamins and proteins, and tastes lovely too.

When we were in Paris two weeks earlier, we had ordered some blini with salmon caviar. I told my husband, just don't mention Caviar, or they will bring you the stuff for 150 euros, say Salmon eggs. :)



I talk to my Mum every day. In the past I used Skype, and called her on her landline. Being a Luddite by nature, she categorically refuses to update her antique  mobile phone, which can only send texts and receive phone calls. Since Skype is closing down its business in May for good, I asked my brother to help us, asking whether he could get her some easy smartphone so we can continue talking daily.

He got her an Alexa, and now my Mum is super happy that she can actually see me. 

Every time she sits down to talk to me, her cat runs to monopolise the space, as if she is jealous. The cat was rescued by my niece years ago, when she was a street kitten, and chased by dogs. My niece brought her to my Mum and begged her to let her stay. The cat stayed, and despite being a stray, has very fussy eating habits, as if she were a pedigree cat. Mum grumbles about her, but they are happy in each other's company.

This is a collage of several screenshots of Mum and the cat (not the best quality). 



I took a picture of our garden, as my friend asked me to show her what is in bloom right now.


Chez Maximka


Whacky whacky is this week's theme of Penandinkchallenge, and one of the prompts was a baby dragon in a teacup. For some reason, I read it as a baby dinosaur, and sketched a little stegosaurus in a cup, only realising I got the wrong animal when I was doing a post on Insta. 




Eddie needed a dental appointment, and afterwards my husband took him to the shoe shop to get a new pair (his school shoes looked a bit Victorian-urchin style), and then they had a cold drink to celebrate surviving a week of mocks. Three more to go this week.



And how was your week?


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Monday, 21 April 2025

Photo diary: Project 365, week 16

 Easter holidays are over, full of adventure and buzz. This was the last week before Eddie does his mocks, starting tomorrow (eeek!) and he's been revising a lot. And I have been working in the garden.

When we were in Paris, we left the keys with our friend who hired a shredder/chipper equipment to chip the lilac wood trunks he cut earlier in the month in our garden. Sadly, some of the old plum trees were getting quite diseased, a fig tree needed trimming, etc. He knows his way around the trees, and I trust him to make decisions of what needs to be done. Now I have four huge bags of chips to spread around the garden for compost. 

Eddie has been spending most days indoors, but he goes around the garden to keep up the step count on his watch. While walking around, he was swinging his arm and managed to throw a key to the summerhouse somewhere in the greenery. I've been trying to find the blasted key for days, but to no avail. We do have a second key, but I have bollocked him for doing silly things. Who walks around, swinging the keys?! 

My lilac is in full bloom now, and smells so wonderful. I adore the scent of lilacs, it's bitter sweet. I have picked a bunch to put in a vase in our hall.


Chez Maximka, English garden in April


Not a photo but a screenshot from an old documentary I found on Youtube made in 1978. My Mum looks so young here, she was 34 years old when the documentary was filmed. And I was a 10-year-old child then. 

My Mum was already known for her beautiful art, and that's the film about the production of hot enamel art, and the local jewellery factory which was well known in the country. 

We lived in a two-room apartment on the ground floor then, and by two rooms I mean two rooms, not two bedrooms. My brother and I shared one room, we also had a gorgeous Siberian cat and a parrot. 

I don't remember feeling deprived or anything, as everyone I knew lived in similar conditions in the big cities. There was a small strip of garden just outside our windows, and in summer I climbed out of the window into the garden, where my Mum grew flowers and raspberries. In my dreams I often re-visit the old place and check out the post box on the front door for mail. 

I'm not romanticising those days at all, but I'd love to go back in time just for an hour to see my young parents. I'm much much older now than they were at that time.



We do like novelty chocolate, but I literally gulped when I saw the price of this Dubai style chocolate in one of the local corner shops. I thought a tenner for Lindt Dubai chocolate was already too much, there is no way I would want to spend £15.99 on a bar.



Taking some photos for the coming post on the current Degustabox. The parcel arrived when we were away. I have emailed the team a week before, asking if the parcel could possibly be delivered after we were back from our trip, so that it didn't sit outside as a flag that there was noone at home. The couriers usually dump stuff at the door, take a photo that they delivered and leave it there. The team got back to me, saying not to worry, the parcel would arrive on Friday. 

Guess what, I had a notification on Wednesday that the parcel was delivered. Thankfully, our friend with the keys was able to bring it in, but what a nuisance.

The goodies look good though, my guys are happy with all the chocolate and the pancakes.




My dear husband has been away since Sunday evening, and was supposedly coming back on Friday. Messaged him on Friday, asking what time to expect him, he replied that actually he was returning on Saturday instead. That's "fab", as I planned to do the last minute grocery shopping, since we have guests coming for Easter lunch. You know what my darling said, "We can always order pizza". The man is clueless, I tell you.


My grocery order came on Saturday morning, missing some bits, so I asked my husband to buy some cheese and a Colomba cake (Easter cake) in the airport. He was already waiting to get on the plane so managed to buy some cheese. This is the photo he took, asking me which cheese he should buy.


Chez Maximka, Italian food

Thankfully, by the time he arrived home, I was still able to run to Waitrose for some bits and bobs, and they did have a Colomba cake on offer. Win-win. 

On the way home, I snapped the new floral decor in the shopping area. Last year it was butterflies, and the summer before umbrellas. Not so sure about the uniform-looking clusters of wisteria blossom, I think they would have looked better at different lengths and levels.


Chez Maximka

I started my weekly post with a photo of a lilac blossom, and finishing it with another one. As I was showing my Mum our garden, talking on the phone, I spotted a five-petal lilac flower. When I was growing up, we believed it would bring good luck if you found one and ate it. So, I tell my Mum, that I am a lucky girl now.

Can you spot it? Did you believe in similar things when you were a child?


Chez Maximka


How was your week?


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Monday, 14 April 2025

Photo diary: Project 365, week 15

 Eventful, that's how I would describe the past week.

In the last couple of years we have enjoyed short holidays in Paris several times. My husband has been working in Paris these couple of  years, and rents a teeny tiny apartment in the Marais. 

I was a very impressionable 25-year-old when I visited Paris for the first time, romantically inclined to see everything through the rose-tinted glasses. 

Fast forward thirty years, my idealistic views have changed, perhaps not entirely, as now I'm discovering it through the eyes of my boys. 

Sasha loves travelling by train, and he keeps showing me his social story about our trip to Paris (many thanks to his disability team who created, printed out and laminated the story, Sasha absolutely loves it). He knows what he wants, yet he doesn't understand the costs, or how much planning it takes.

Sash was so happy when we got on the train, radiating joy and excitement.

We arrived to Paris in the evening, walking from the metro station to the apartment where we stayed.

While my husband and Sasha stayed in the apartment to relax after the trip, Eddie and I ventured out to buy something for dinner, and Eddie practiced his French, ordering a bao bun from the Chinese food vendor (my French is about Mr Bean's level, if you remember Mr Bean's holiday, well, maybe a tiny bit better).



Chez Maximka


We haven't had any particular plans in mind for Sunday. I was hoping to see Notre Dame at some point, but you cannot book a slot in advance, like I did with the exhibition tickets. They release slots on a daily basis, and you need to keep checking if there are any openings. The reservation slots are free. 

After a quick lunch at the cafe Beaubourg near the Centre Pompidou (five minutes walk from where we stay), we walked towards the Notre Dame to see if there was any chance of getting in without the reservation. The queue was endless, and we didn't bother. Sasha cannot do queueing.

It was a sunny day, and we decided to have a river cruise. We had to wait for twenty minutes, and goodness me, didn't Sasha let us know that he doesn't want to wait. My husband had to leave the queue and take him away. When it was time to get in, I made a quick call and asked if they were still around, and perhaps could join us.

Once on the boat, Sasha was as good as gold, smiling and enjoying the ride. 

It was warm, but not too hot, the sun was shining, the scenery was pretty amazing. I would have loved it much more, if not for the obnoxious Italian woman behind me. She must have been one of the so called influencers/TikTokers, totally oblivious how it might spoil the trip for anyone else, taking video of herself and shouting so loudly that I could hardly hear the guide.

The tour took about an hour, we reached the Eiffel Tower, and then travelled back. 

If you think of taking this tour, you can book tickets in advance, but then you still have to wait in the same crowd before getting on the boat. Tickets cost 17 euros per person. 


Chez Maximka, sightseeing in Paris


Later that day we popped into the Lego store, and admired the Eiffel Tower made of Lego bricks. I was surprised when Eddie asked me if I could get him a small Fortnite/Durr Burger set. 



I booked tickets for Artemisia Gentileschi exhibition at Jacquemart Andre Museum well in advance. She was an important artist in the Baroque, and a true hero, a survivor of rape, who showed a great strength of character. Her works are imbued with rage against male dominance and violence. A powerful exhibition.


Chez Maximka, Baroque art


Having a pause in one of the rooms at the museum... Can you spot my Hunger Games badge?




My husband has been promising to take me to see Ralph Lauren in St Germain. While there, I took a few photos and shared them with my family. My sister-in-law commented that we were very brave, venturing to the posh boutique store. I replied that we were not brave but brazen. The personnel looked at us with an air of superiority, however, I'm not easily intimidated. 

It's a beautiful house, more like a museum of fashion, with lots of portraits on the walls. 
I loved that suit on the standing mannequin. Such elegant lines. No idea how much it would cost, as they don't display the prices (so vulgar!) and we didn't ask. :)


Chez Maximka


From fashion to gastronomic pleasures. We had a hot chocolate at Cafe de Flore, apparently, this is one of the top three places in Paris to have a hot chocolate. It is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris, and has become iconic as it's associated with Sartre, Camus and Simone de Beauvoir.


Chez Maximka, eating out in Paris



Another day, another museum... Eddie and I had tickets to the Degenerate art in Musee Picasso. The term was coined by the Nazis to condemn the modern art. It is an educational exhibition, which makes you think about propaganda and distortion of reality. Topical, and sadly on point, as people are so easily led by all sorts of political agenda, and propaganda is rampant.

We also saw the permanent collection at the Museum. This portrait of Picasso's son is one of my favourites.


Chez Maximka, sightseeing in Paris


Bachir ice cream is all the rage at the moment. We passed by this Lebanese ice cream place a few times, and the queues are unbelievable. By pure chance, we happened to pass it one afternoon, when the queue was considerably shorter. Here is my happy child with the famous pistachio ice cream. It was so big, he struggled with it. It is tasty, but my advice, if you're not hungry, don't go for the grande version. 


Chez Maximka, food treats in Paris


More food pics, this is a very pretty avocado toast.


Chez maximka, Intercontinental Paris


Every morning I checked the Notre Dame site, hoping to get a slot for our visit. When one of the slots became available on Wednesday afternoon, I couldn't believe my eyes. I quickly filled in the form, but by the time I finished, the slot was already gone. Drat. Back to the start of the page, and thankfully a later slot appeared. I booked us in as fas as I could.

For me, the visit to Notre Dame was the highlight of our trip. They've done an amazing job of restoring this historical place after the inferno. 

We moved slowly, and Sasha was very calm and thoughtful. For some reason he feels safe in churches, and loves visiting them. I lit two candles, asking whoever listens up above to be kind to my boys.


Chez Maximka, sightseeing in Paris

In the evening we had a short walk along the river, and talked about our short holiday. 

Sasha was super excited to go back home the next day. He was beaming, getting on the train. 

I was feeling a bit sad to say Good bye to Paris, but also glad to go back home to my comfortable bed. The sofa bed where we slept in the apartment is the most uncomfortable bed ever. Plus the lights outside keep going on and off all the night, like a blinking disco. 

On the train I had a beer, haven't tried Two Tribes brand before, and apparently Nomad is only available on Eurostar.


Chez Maximka, Eurostar menu

Friday was the day of unpacking, laundry, groceries and a bit of ink drawing. 


Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art


And now back to "normal"... 

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Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Degustabox March box

 

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in March Box Degustabox?


Chez Maximka, food subscription box


Product of the Month: Tilda Ltd Easy Meals Sundried Tomato & Beans 250g/ Easy Meals Chickpea Korma 250g (£2.50) are the latest additions to the versatile Tilda range.

We love Tilda, always have a couple of rice pouches in the pantry for a quick and easy meal, which we mostly use as a side dish for a variety of recipes.

New flavours from Tilda come in bright colourful pouches.

You should receive 1 item in the box (we got two different ones to try).

Tilda Easy Meals Sundried Tomato & Beans is a recipe which combines haricot beans with carrots, red peppers and sundried tomatoes. It is a good source of protein, comes as 1 of your 5 a day, and is under 250 kcal (one pouch is a meal for one). Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Nutritional values: 226kcal and 1.54g of salt per 250g serving.

Tilda Easy Meals Chickpea Korma is a combination of chickpeas, sweet potatoes, coconut cream and spices. Suitable for vegetarians (not for vegans as there is milk listed among the ingredients). This meal is another good source of protein and fibre.

Both meals contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Heat them in a microwave or on the hob in a pan, and your lunch or dinner is ready in 2 minutes.

Well done, Tilda, for expanding your already impressive range!

Available in Sainsbury's.




The Flava People Flava It! Garden Mint (£1.10) is a delicious, easy to use seasoning, just in time for Easter roast. 

Ingredients include sugar, salt, dried mint, dried tomato, natural flavourings, colour (paprika), ginger etc. Free from artificial colours and flavours, this seasoning will work in meals cooked on BBQ, grill, oven and on the hob.

I haven't finalised yet what main to cook for Easter, that would depend if we are going to have friends over or not, but most likely I would do a side of salmon, and roast potatoes with mint seasoning among other dishes.

Nutritional vales: 111kcal and 4.9g of sugar per portion (1/4 pack).

Available in Morrisons.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


SweetDough Things Vegan Sugar Free Candy Floss (£1.99)  is a vegan-friendly sweet treat. It is light and airy, and perfectly nostalgic.

You should receive 1 item in your box, we got the Honey flavoured candy floss. Made with isomalt.

Nutritional values: 30kcal and 0.01g of sugar per 12g pack.

Available at https://sweetdoughthings.co.uk/.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Cheesies Gouda (£1.50) is a crunchy snack made from 100% cheese and literally nothing else. It is baked til crunchy. High in protein, it contains no carbs or sugar and counts as 119kcal. These moreish bits of cheese have a sharp and punchy taste.

Nibble them on their own, with a drink, or sprinkle over soup as croutons (great with leek and potato soup).

Last year we tried Cheesies Cheddar flavour, and can say with confidence, we liked both. 

Available in Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Amazon and www.wearethecurators.com.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



SlooOW Stone Oven Baguette White (£1.65) is an organic wheat baguette, partially baked and made with the best and 100% natural ingredients. The bread dough is given more than 24 hours to rise, to later become a very tasty crusty bread.

Bake it in the oven for 12 minutes for a crispy crust. We've tried this bread earlier last year for the first time, and it is truly tasty. Great for bruschetta, with tomatoes, basil and olive oil, or make hot mini sandwiches with it, with lots of grated cheese.

Nutritional values: 263kcal and 0.95g of salt per 100g. 

Available at Tesco and Hello Fresh.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Ritter Sport Mini Chocolate Selection (£7.50) comes in a stylish elegant box which will make a lovely gift for any occasion.

We're big fans of Ritter Sport, and all have our own favourites. This box offers a selection of Ritter Sport Classics - 16 milk, dark and white mini square varieties (milk chocolate with cornflakes, dark chocolate with marzipan (my personal favourite!), milk chocolate with a cocoa creme and a butter biscuit filling, milk chocolate with praline filling, alpine milk chocolate (another winner), milk chocolate with chopped hazelnuts, dark chocolate with whole hazelnuts, white chocolate with whole hazelnuts and milk chocolate with whole hazelnuts).

This lovingly curated collection is made exclusively with 100% certified sustainably sourced cocoa.

We were in a chocolate heaven.

Average nutritional values per 100g: 547kcal and 50g sugar. Each mini square is 16.67g, and is just the right size for a lovely treat.

Available in major UK supermarkets.


Chez Maximka


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


As if the wonderful selection box isn't enough, there is another delightful surprise - Ritter Sport Nut Pouch (£3.50). Each pouch contains 7 minis packed with crunchy roasted hazelnuts coated in creamy white, milk or smooth dark chocolate. What an excellent treat!

Average nutritional values: 567kcal and 46g of sugar per 100g (one mini is 16.67g).

Available in major supermarkets.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


More sweet treats this month - Fruit-tella Berries & Cherry Stick (£0.65 each) - lovely as a nibble on the go, or for sharing with family and friends.

Made with real fruit juice, and only natural colourings and flavours, Fruit-tella is vegan, dairy, gluten and nut free.

Nutritional information: 385kcal and 55g of sugar per 100g (one piece is 4.1g each).

You should receive 2 items in your box.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Sanpellegrino Zero Pesca & Clementina (£1.30) is a sparkling peach and clementine beverage, with 0 added sugars. The combination of sun-ripened peaches and clementines celebrates long summer days.

It is a beautiful combination of flavours. Perfect on its own, straight from the fridge, or make a white wine spritz with Sanpellegrino as a tasty base. 

Nutritional values: 21kcal and 3.1g (naturally occurring) sugar per 330ml can.

Available in Tesco.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Ueshima Coffee Company Iced Latte (£2, see above) - the original canned coffee - is best served chilled. Created by their founder Mr Ueshima in 1966, this coffee has acquired a cult status among the iced coffee lovers.

Smooth and refreshing latte, brewed the Japanese way. 

Nutritional information: 75kcal and 10g of sugar per can; Rainforest Alliance certified coffee.

Available on www.ueshimacoffeecompany.com.


If you're a subscriber with a PLUS benefit, you will receive a Divine Chocolate Cocoa (£2.25).


I think this box must be one of our top favourites in the last couple of years.

What is your favourite from the latest box?