The evening started with an array of drinks and canapes as guests perused the showroom and saw some of the fantastic new displays for the first time. Home-made pizzas made in the Gaggenau ovens were also served as guests watched them being hand-made by the Gaggenau staff and cooked to order. Many commented that the pizzas were some of the best they’d eaten and far better than restaurant ones!

 

It was then upstairs for a cooking demonstration where guests were wowed with a menu devised by chef Sharon Dodson, who cooked puff pastry squares with chorizo and gruyere, as well as pesto, cherry tomato and goats cheese.

 

She also made smoked salmon and horseradish cream blinis, a thyme and maple gammon joint with glazed red onions, steamed festive cous cous, Christmas coleslaw and mini rosemary and garlic roast potatoes, a roast salmon side with clementine and pomegranate crumb and a choice of desserts including a pear and chocolate frangipane tart with brandy cream, chocolate fondant muffins and a delicious soft meringue roulade with compote of spiced figs and plums. Using all the amazing features on the appliances, Sharon demonstrated the best way to cook each dish as well as giving tips and guidance.

 

Throughout the night guests purchased raffle tickets to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper and all funds raised were donated to the NSPCC which was guest Micheala Fogarty’s chosen charity. Micheala and her husband Carl, World Superbike champion and I’m a Celebrity winner, recently embarked on a trek in Patagonia to raise money for the charity.