Having been to a heap of Christmas food shows and taste tested a fair amount of what’s on offer, I have come up with my top five Christmas food buys. They’re the tastes that won’t let you down and, with Christmas looming large now, there’s still time to pick them up…

Cornish garlic yarg Available at Waitrose, this subtle semi-hard speciality is covered in garlic leaves and is fabulous with a slice of traditional Christmas cake. £1.92 per 100g, Waitrose

Chocolate Fudge Can’t take any more Christmas chocolate? You might find room for this creamy, chocolatety treat. Enjoy a square a night and don’t tell anyone you’re hiding the box under your bed. £5.95 for 227g, Highgrove (available at Fortnum & Mason stores)

Smoked salmon cuts Perfect for topping canapes, slipping alongside scrambled eggs and adding to pasta, these salmon cuts are cheap and so, so delcious. £2 per 100g, Morrisons

Coconut Snowballs – Oh, these are fun. coconut truffle in white chocolate dipped in dessicated coconut. Guaranteed to keep your festive spirits up if there are no real snowballs in sight. £5.50 for 100g, Hotel Chocolat

Fortnum & Mason Christmas Petits Fours Mince Pie Medley – And finally, I don’t let a Christmas go by without a box of these sumptuous mini mince pies – so much smaller than even the miniest mince pies, they are packed with sumptuous fillings and the pastries are melt-in-the-mouth soft. Only bring them out for your favourite guests. £18.95 for a box of 32, Fortnum & Mason

Merry Christmas everyone – here’s wishing you lots of fabulous festive eating and fun!