It's Christmas!!

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Posted at 1:00PM, 22 July 2010 by Sarah Sysum - Assistant editor, Easy Cook magazine

In my world Christmas comes but twice a year; there's official Christmas and then there's Christmas in July.

Instead of dusting off the barbecue, I'm dusting off my reindeer antlers

Magazines work a good five months in advance, which means instead of dusting off the barbecue, I'm dusting off my reindeer antlers in preparation for visiting over 40 Christmas press shows.

Now I love Christmas - I've already made my cards, decided on the sweets I'm making, started on my menu spreadsheets, and, yes, I genuinely love turkey. But imagine having to taste 12 different turkeys in a day, not to mention the puds and cakes...

This is the world of 'Christmas in July', when most high street stores lay on shows to showcase their new seasonal ranges. It is of course all done with a hefty sprinkling of fake snow and more than a large dollop of festive tunes (although this year the Glee soundtrack is reigning supreme). So far I've been transported down a Victorian shopping parade and listened to carollers in Westminster.

I've also tasted my way around rather a lot of food. My day of shows (there'll be around five or six a day) starts at 9am and finishes around 4. At the last count, today I'd tasted eight different turkeys, six mince pies, various slices of smoked salmon and rather a lot of canapés and we haven't even got on to the slices of cake... Lots of it yummy - delicious chocolate fruit cake and melt-in-the-mouth cheese biscuits. But also some Santa won't be bringing me; mango-flavoured Stilton and chocolate-stuffed olives.

But it's definitely been worth it. I've talked to lots of inspiring producers and buyers and seen some real innovation. My favourites? Well you'll just have to wait to December to find out.

Comments

Cassandra Amy Rose

22 July 2010, 8:40PM
Cassandra Amy Rose

I luv xmas food, but i'm not sure about having it in this hot weather! Must be quite funny though, if people ask you 'what have you been doing today' and you say 'i've been eating mince pies, roast turkey and christmas cake LOL!! They might think you've gone a bit mad!!

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rozmorgan

23 July 2010, 9:00AM
rozmorgan

This little bit of Christmas in July makes me so happy! I'm a real Christmas fan and while everyone else is enjoying the summer I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. I'm not allowing myself to start planning till September. Roll on September!

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Caity

23 July 2010, 4:18PM
Caity

I lived in Australia and New Zealand for a year after I finished uni and quite a few of my friends had "Christmas Dinner" on the 25th July as it was too hot in December for the full meal! I really enjoyed it and my family and I still do it over here for any of my many cousins who are over here on their OE (although it's more normally turkey steaks on the BBQ and potato salad rather than the full meal). Happy Christmas to you :-)

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minnie

26 July 2010, 9:41PM
minnie

Every time I read these articles I know I'm in the wrong job! How does one become a food taster?

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jasonoleary72

31 July 2010, 9:03PM
jasonoleary72

From all of us, thank you for doing this at this time of year. I realise how much planning goes into the festive season in one's own home, and of course, it's all made a little easier and innovative due to the work you are doing now. Thank you, and happy holidays (be they summer or Xmas!!)

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Lisa

11 August 2010, 2:38PM
Lisa

mmmmm Christmas cake yum anytime of year

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julie

13 August 2010, 12:00PM
julie

just pulled off my christmas cake recipe so now time to make shopping list of ingredients i will need, can`t wait to start it!

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Marcella

26 August 2010, 5:58PM
Marcella

Agree with Lisa!! Christmas cake any time of year!

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Jo. x

1 September 2010, 11:06AM
Jo. x

I'm very big on Christmas-- love it! My parents and friends moan at me when I'm prepping ahead in October with making Christmas cards or homemade present tags. Nothing wrong with getting ahead! I've noticed in Clinton's and Card Factory that they have Christmas cards up now- I think that's why some people don't like Christmas starting early, because the SHOPS emphasis it so much. Will deffo try the 'sweets' link though-- White Chocolate and Bailey Fudge sounds good to me :)

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ZeTallGerman

3 October 2010, 12:40PM
ZeTallGerman

For some reason I'm also in a Christmas Mood very early this year (well, it's October now so not that much longer to go actually!) I'll be making truck loads of truffles at home... everyone loves them and it's a lot cheaper than buying the darn things! Plus, people really seem to appreciate receiving something home made like chocolates, cookies or mulled wine marmelade :-)

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