Attending Asda’s Christmas Show & Filming with James Martin

Last Wednesday saw me catch the earliest train I could into London to experience Christmas in July! No, really. It was Christmas, in July!

You see, the month of July is dedicated to brands showcasing what they have in store (literally) over the festive period to the press- and despite the 30 degree heat, I felt utterly immersed in a captivating winter wonderland of delicious food and stunning home ware and clothes by Asda.

How pretty is the setting?!

 

Oh and there were cocktails at 10am.

My kind of event.

The main man of the hour- and new face of Asda- James Martin was there demonstrating delicious festive dishes of Christmas Dinner Soup and Smoked Salmon Mousse to get us in the spirit-and I got lots of time to chat to him about the new culinary chapter in his career.

I’ve met James a few times before- and the good Yorkshire man that he is, means he’s always up for a laugh!

As you can see right here (insert bunny ears emoticon)!

And here he is again taking centre stage, doing what he loves-

I also went live on Facebook with James which was hilarious to film and watch back (you can see it HERE).

…After I told him off for making me look so short (he’s a complete giant) he made sure he stood on his tip toes for all of our pics! I’m actually tall #foragreekgirl. Honest. Haha!

I made a vlog of the day too so you can see first-hand just what a ball I had!

And what a delicious day it was too-from tangy bubbles (hey there Asda Extra Special Vintage Champagne and Prosecco Jeroboam – the size of three bottles of champagne!! )

There was also a whole lot of cake-sampling, cheese munching and even having the chance to choose my own top culinary picks (Extra Special King Prawn & Avocado Terrine as you asked 😉 and the glossiest, glistening, mouthwatering chocolate cake in town ‘The Ultimate Chocolate Gateau’)- making it my all-time most favourite Christmas show ever!

-It took all of my willpower not to bite one of these chocolate bear’s heads off I can tell you!

And check out this 3 Tier Christmas Pie tower- perfect for a festive buffet! Yum!

This retro style …..NAME has made me want to get all 70’s and I’ll be serving it up at my annual Christmas drinks party.

 

Do look out for some gorgeous Christmas picks this festive season in store at Asda.

Below, I share just a few more (there were so many) of my favourites:

 

Extra Special Caorunn Fin & Orange Smoked Salmon

This oak smoked, flavoursome salmon infused with Caorunn gin, highland heather honey, orange and juniper berries would make the perfect appetiser on Christmas Day.

 

The Extra Special King Prawn and Avocado Terrine

This beauty offers a tasty twist on the usual prawn cocktail and is the most delicious, creamy and refreshing dish, perfect with warm baguette or crackers.

For something different for main course, opt for the Extra Special Rack of Lamb with Redcurrant & Mint Butter.

 

Produced in Wales before being matured on the bone for three whole days, this succulent rack of lamb with tangy redcurrant and buttery mint is a true beauty to behold ,and feast on, this Christmas.

For those who have to have a turkey (why not have both?) the Extra Special Corn Fed Bronze Dry Plucked & Aged Turkey with Extra Special Pork Clementine Orange Stuffing topped with Bacon Lattice is EVERYTHING, baby!

 

Add the Extra Special Prosecco Stuffing Wraps with all the trimmings to please everyone!

Cakes are my thing at Christmas so choosing my go-to desserts always makes me happy.

Just look at these bad boys below.

I think it would rude not to have the table bursting with the sweet stuff this Christmas, don’t you?!

Now sit back and get ready to swoon.

Extra Special Sticky Toffee Melt in the Middle Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is my ‘all-time must-eat- can never say no to’-pud. You don’t like sticky toffee pudding, then sorry, we just can’t be friends!

This one’s enriched with the softest dates and has a melting caramel centre that makes for one magnificent pud.

What’s more, it’s coated in a Belgian chocolate ganache and decorated with gold rolled chocolate-coated honeycomb pieces to finish.

Basically if Beyoncé was a dessert, this is it.

 

Christmas Pudding Smash Cake

We were lucky enough to be gifted one of these beauties in our gift bag and yes it’s all been eaten- and it’s not even the second week in July. #Sorrynotsorry.

With this, you smash the chocolate dome on top of this which has been garnished with sugar holly leaves and white and red marshmallow frosting to reveal milk choc malt balls and gold star sugar sprinkles.

And there’s more, a layer of moist chocolate sponge cake covered with chocolate frosting lies beneath. I know, you need to sit down right. AMAZE-ing!

 

Extra Special Yule Log

My kids are obsessed with yule logs and my mum tells me I was exactly the same as a child.

They’re just all a bit magical aren’t they?!

This one is hand rolled and finished, and consists of that special red velvet sponge which gets everyone oohing and arrghing  at Christmas.

MEGA YUMS!

…Now a few hours later, it’s all about the cheese and biscuits isn’t it?! And boy do Asda have a treat in store for you!

Their luxurious selection will have you going back for more…and more…and more….

Extra Special Cornish Brie, Stilton and Cheddar were my faves on the day and I’ll be picking up cured meats, a favourite of my Dad’s. These make for the perfect Boxing Day too!

Just wow. I literally can’t wait for Christmas now, can you?!

Getting the boys these bobbly hats too!

For all your Christmas-needs, get yourself to Asda and enjoy!

 

This is a commissioned post but all words and opinions are my own and honest