Thursday 7 June 2007

Arnott's Barbecue Shapes

I am normally one for foods that err more on the sweeter side ("mmmmm.... chocolate", as Homer Simpson might say).

The other day however, I was doing the grocery shop at the local, when I came across an unfamiliar looking box of crackers, emblazoned with the words, "Baked Crisps Chipotle Barbecue". My mind immediately tuned to thoughts of the product pictured here, on the left: Arnott's Barbecue Shapes; those delightful Aussie crackers that forbid many a lured nibbler from ever eating just one.

The Barbie Shapes, as they are fondly referred (at least in my family) are a baked cracker topped with a generous and very visible smattering of onion powder, salt, dried parsley and tangy, dried tomato seasoning. When one makes it to the bottom of the cracker carton, there lies a considerable layer of the tomato seasoning, the honour in syphoning and scrounging this tomatoey treasure from the furthermost corners of the cellophane bag, is both highly coveted and heavily debated. With this in mind, not to mention a mouth reminiscent of one of Pavlov's dogs, I grabbed a box of "Chipotle Barbecue" in the deluded hope that some ingenious fellow had managed to replicate the Arnott's taste...it was not to be.

While the Chipotle Barbecue were faintly reminiscent of the Arnott's variety, they were really only mere wanna-bes; though I doubt the crew at "President's Choice" were trying to re-create the Arnott's classic or were even aware of the product's existence. Nevertheless, there was no comparison. The President's Choice flavours included tomato (apparently), smokey chipotle pepper and onion powder - a fine mist of each, at best. The ingredient list on the back of the pack suggested dried parsley was also a feature of the President's Choice cracker, and the picture on the front of the box appeared to second this assumption, but alas, even after a thorough search to the outermost regions of the cellophane bag, no such positive i.d's were returned.

Don't get me wrong, the Chipotle Barbecue were edible. I didn't mind them at all, but they weren't a patch on the Arnott's variety, and the failed hope of sampling some ridgy didge barbie shapes, has now left me wanting - not that I really need them...please DON'T send me any! OK.

8 comments:

jeanie said...

I am not a fan on the Barbecue shapes!

Now tell me, do they do Salt & Vinegars right? That would be my call to home.

shishyboo said...

Barbecue shapes, chicken crimpys, dixie drumsticks *sigh*

strauss said...

S & V chips are in abundant supply over here. I am not a big chip fan, but if I went for some, it would definately be S&V.

Kathleen said...

Ah, soon enough you'll be able to eat as many as you desire....

Tracey said...

Bad bad fat content! Just look at the 'nutrition' info on the back!!
I've not often been too tempted by them .. because I know they are so 'moreish' once you start.

Kettle chips are my big downfall.... (in the savoury snack department...)

Brissiemum2 said...

Yes! Bbq shapes are the only ones that are worth breaking the diet for. Although now I tend to chomp down on the less fatty Snakatas and the like.

But the bbq shapes are on a par with the monte carlos, iced vo-vos and tim tams, only of a savoury variety! Yum!

Anonymous said...

I'm absolutely addicted to Barbie Shapes. They are the only thing I haven't been able to shake when trying to be healthy. Damn they are tasty.

Unknown said...

Oh no! but they are so yummy!! dammit dammit dammit. its the one thing i can't seem to keep my hands off!

hmm... anyone know of any homemade versions with yummy potential? :)