This is the third time I've been to Taste of Christmas and I had a really good time this year. I saw more cooking demonstrations this year which was fun. I took a lot of photos. Click here to see them all.

Jean Christophe Novelli opened the show on Saturday.

Cutting the ribbon

The first thing I did was a short cooking class with the new Waitrose Cookery School. I did the Cocktails and Canapes session.

My work station

Our instructor Wilson

smoked salmon canape made with Heston's new tea smoked salmon

Putting the finishing touches on my pomegranate and pineapple cocktail

10am isn't too early for a cocktail right?

Cute cupcake chocolates they're selling at Waitrose

Cupcakes from Kooky Bakes. Scott is such a nice guy. I got a Kooky Slice and it's a monster! It could be a meal all on it's own! See my flickr for more photos of Kooky Bakes cakes.

Jean Christophe Novelli demo

He made a really awesome chicken with a sauce based in red wine and cocoa! He asked who wanted to taste and only me and one other guy raised their hand! So I got a taste and it was fantastic.

Time to spend my crowns. I came prepared, I printed off a PDF menu.

Louis Vuitton cake at Tate & Lyle stand

SOBO Cookies. I got a chocolate and hazelnut cookie.

Eggnog from Hotel du Vin. It was good but a little strong for me!

Winter Truffle Risotto from Gauthier Soho. I liked this. I don't know much about truffles though.

Gratin of macaroni cheese with crispy lardons from Villandry. I love Mac & Cheese! This was good but a little on the salty side. I woke up at 4am gasping for water!

 

Braised daube of beef, carrot ad cardamon puree from Plateau. I've lived in Canary Wharf for 4 years and never been there before!

My favorite tea stand was Chateau Rouge. I wish I'd bought some now.

Exhausted from all that eating I had a sit down with a glass of champagne

I went to a chocolate tasting presented by Chocolate Craft and I knew a little bit about how chocolate was made but not much.

Dark chocolate and milk chocolate are made from cocoa powder and white chocolate is made from cocoa butter. The powder and butter are forcefully separated.


Christmas pudding chocolates. I don't really like Christmas pudding and all that but these were really nice.