There really isn't any better time of the year for a foodie than Christmas. I start dreaming about all the food possibilities I can be eating from about October onward. So when I received an email from Tesco inviting me to their Christmas showcase in June, I didn't have to think very hard before hitting the reply button. The thought of being able to see all their Christmas food offerings early and share them with mini FoodieForce was an exciting proposition.
Noah had a wonderful day seeing his first Christmas tree, snow and presents.
So here's a round up of the event and the best food offerings.
The Night Before Christmas:
Having something to snack on for Christmas Eve is a must, but it has to be low effort. Tesco's Finest have taken the stress out of the foodie feast this year with mini Venison pies, £6.
Filled with rich venison, mulled wine ragu and a crispy parsnip, potato rosti star, they are the perfect addition to any table (more specifically mine).
Another perfect appetiser mini pulled beef toasties with Red Leicester cheese, £5.
The beef brisket was cooked in a smoky sauce and the tangy Red Leicester cheese was the perfect accompaniment.
Wow your guests with the Tesco Finest three tiered seafood platter, £32.50. The first thing to say is I'm not sure how Tesco achieved such a great price here.
Three tiers of seafood heaven, presented on a slate bed. The platter comes with a whole lobster, dressed crab, king prawns, smoked salmon and mackerel pâté. A real showstopper.
Christmas Dinner:
I personally love a succulent British free range turkey for my Christmas dinner. The meat is full of flavour, garnishing it with bacon means that the breast stays nice and moist, serve with traditional stuffing balls, sausages and vegetables.
Tesco Finest British Free Range Bronze Basted Turkey Crown, £14/kg (1.5-2.25kg).
Top tips:
For evenly cooked sausages, score down the middle before frying or grilling.
Using stuffing in your bird, only stuff the neck, stuffing the main cavity prevents it cooking evenly.
Dessert offerings:
The Reveal Dessert, £12. Camera at the ready, swirl the warm toffee sauce across the Belgian chocolate dome to create a show stopping dessert.
For the children amongst us, Tesco have some really fabulous novelty cakes this year.
Tesco snowman cake, £10 with a delicious vanilla sponge topped with buttercream. Santa cheese cake, bursting with strawberry and marshmallow topping. The perfect cakes to delight and cheer up any Christmas table.
A cheese board at Christmas is a must, with some lovely chutney's, grapes, figs and crackers.
Tea Time Treats:
Decorate your own Gingerbread house, £5. 
I love family baking with Noah and a Gingerbread house means the children can let their imaginations run riot and create a masterpiece of pure yummy indulgence.
Create your very own cute penguin cupcakes.
I am one of those strange beings that likes sprouts, I have done since I was very little. Often I can be found clearing sprouts off the plates of those who detest them.
Don't like sprouts, don't worry Tesco's have come up with the perfect antidote. Chocolate truffle sprouts £3, Belgium chocolate that will have you fighting over the last one.
Festive Drinks:
Christmas calls for a lovely bottle of fizzy and Tesco Finest Prosecco, £10 is a great price.
With wonderful flavours of apple, grapefruit and citrus its a great accompaniment with any roast.
Not a fan of the fizz, why not rustle up some Christmas cocktails?
Need some inspiration? Have a look here.
What are your favourite Christmas food and drink treats? Share in the comments below.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
