Smith the Grocer, Old Bank Arcade

Smith the Grocer, Old Bank Arcade, Prob won't buy again.  5/10  Price??

This was a wee while back.. but the caramel and choc was good.  The base was a bit disappointing - too thick and a bit crumbly - perhaps a few days old?  I wonder if this is an example of the rumoured 'Millionaire's Slice'... The base did seem to err on the shortbready side.

Now that I'm racking up a few I think I'd give this a miss next time.

New World, Wellington Railway Station

New World, Wellington Railway Station, 5/10 $4.95? Might buy again

Bought this for a team morning tea at work.  Team thought it was pretty average, but after having quite a slices recently, I didn't think it wasn't as bad as they though thought. It was a quite chocolatey base, with somewhat tasteless caramel, and the doughy topping.  However, it was a good texture, not falling apart, or all crumbly which was a nice change.

Of all the caramel slices with doughy toppings, this was the best.  I think it was ok because it wasn't too heavy.  On closer inspection I did note it was made the day before and had an expiry date of about a month a way.  I wonder if that has quite a large bearing on the quality of the texture. 

Anyway, not too bad, fine for a morning tea - except for my discerning bunch. 

Loaf Caramel Slice - purchased by George at Moore Wilson I suspect

Loaf Caramel Slice, might buy again.  Curated by George.  5/10  Made in Loaf's kitchen I assume. 

I must admit I was somewhat relieved that George, who brought this Caramel Slice over didn't think it was awesome.  It's not that it was bad, it just wasn't what I'd expect a boutiquely packaged slice to be.  In saying that, we have scoffed the whole lot off.   And looked for crumbs.

It had a nice enough caramel and somewhat sugary icing, but the base was a bit crumbly and perhaps too chocolately - I don't recall any coconut either.   I just expected a wee bit more.

Would buy again to take to someones place for an afternoon tea or evening treat - thanks George!

Expressoholic, Cuba St

Wouldn't buy again.  $4.50  5/10  Not sure if made on site.

This looked promising - lots of caramel, many of late not having enough and being a recent complaint.  Though, the caramel was a overpowering and not teamed up with enough chocolate.  The base had some sort of secret ingredient (cornflakes perhaps?) which also made it a bit odd - though some may argue this made it a bit 'sparkley'...   Perhaps if it was half the size and half the price it would have been ok.

RECIPE: Donna Hay with Coconut, made by Robyn!

RECIPE: Donna Hay with Coconut, made by Robyn! 8/10

This was a variation on the recipe made earlier this month by Wendy.  It contained coconut in the base, and had different chocolate on top.     While this new choc topping didn't make it easy to cut it was yum!!

Again, this is more of a 'elegant/svelt' slice than a gritty chunky one - better for a post dinner party treat than a picnic.  More good, good caramel, and the coconut that the last version had swapped out for almond meal made it yum.

Wendo - give it a go.  Recipe can be found at: http://rhid-baked.blogspot.com/2007/10/chocolate-caramel-slice.html

Brumbies, Karori Rd

Wouldn't buy again - no offence intended.  $3.30  4/10  Suspected made off site.

I have in my notes that this was 'very pedestrian' - but I have no idea what I meant by that, though I recollect the rest of the notes.  I do admit this was from about a week ago when I was in a caramel slice frenzy... 

This slice looked a bit of alright, and smelt ok, seemed to have a bit of coconut and cocoa in the base.  However, the caramel blended into the chocolate and the base, all blurred into a mouth slush.  

Not bad, about what I'd expect from a Brumbies.

I must admit I'm getting a bit sick of crap-ish tasting caramel slices - I should have known this wasn't going to be exemplary, but thought I should be fair and review it - I might have been presently surprised.  Though, since I need to a instigate a per swim/per caramel slice rule I will now demonstrate more discretion. 

Massey Uni Cafe, Wellington

Avoid like the plague.  $3.50?  1/10  Made off site.

This doesn't deserve to be called caramel slice. The base is a soft crumbly biscuit mixture and is tasteless. The appalling tasting caramel is applied in a measly quantity. Avoid.