Friday 9 December 2016

Tesco Festive Food

Festive Food
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
Christmas tree and gifts
Christmas

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. 
Christmas party food
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.  
Christmas Party Food
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. 
Christmas food
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: 
Festive Food
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).
Christmas Food
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.
Christmas desserts
For the children amongst us, Tesco have some really fabulous novelty cakes this year. 
Novelty Christmas Cakes
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. 
Christmas Food

Tea Time Treats:
Decorate your own Gingerbread house, £5.
Christmas food
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.  
Christmas Food

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. 
Christmas food
Still not convinced, well Tesco has lots of other yummy offerings. The peppermint snowflakes, £3.50 and Belgian milk chocolate honeycomb, £3.50 get my vote.
Festive Food

Festive Drinks:
Christmas calls for a lovely bottle of fizzy and Tesco Finest Prosecco, £10 is a great price. 
Festive drinks
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? 
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. 
Festive food

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