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.
Christmas food is the best! My mum always stocks the fridge and freezer with loads of treats, we basically live off canapes for the week (and turkey leftovers of course)! xxx
ReplyDeleteLucy @ La Lingua | Life, Travel, Italy
Your mum sounds wonderful and the perfect house to have Christmas in. I really love canapés Lucy x
DeleteHow cute are those cakes but I think that the design your own gingerbread house has to be my fave!
ReplyDeleteGood choice,making a family gingerbread house is a great way to get festive Lucy x
DeleteIt all looks so nice! I'm jealous! I managed to get to the Aldi and M&S showcase, they're all stunning.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see an update ;)
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I read both on your blog and they sounded amazing lucy x
DeleteThe seafood platter looks amazing! I love the look of the gingerbread house too - they're so much fun to decorate, whatever age you are haha. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with Noah and your family! xx
ReplyDeleteToasty
The seafood platter is so spectacular and the slate stand for using afterwards superb x
DeleteI love this post and the way you wrote about Christmas food. We are are in Russia now and I really miss all tesco lovely Christmas cakes. Hope you had a beautiful Christmas. Sending you love and care. Liuba & Nikita xx
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a lovely time in Russia. Is it Nikita's first trip? Wishing you and family a wonderful New Year Lucy x
ReplyDelete