All I Want For Christmas (And Birthday): Friends, Family and FOOD

A red velvet cake from David Jones for breakfast...

High tea with family for brunch...

Egg mayonnaise, roast beef and tuna; classic combinations.

Delicious finger sandwiches are always a must.

As are cakes.

And scones.

With cream and jam.

*licks fingers*

The gluten-free pile. Ordered only one set just to give it a go. Really thick, dry bread and you're getting less food too, so just stick with the original high tea set.

After high tea with the folks, it was our annual Christmas party with old high school mates. By Christmas party, I really actually mean food fest.

Kebu made his fried haloumi, pear and walnut salad. The haloumi was so salty and creamy and fried perfection that most of it was eaten as it came out of the pan, with a bit of lemon juice.

Lovely golden sticks of shallow fried haloumi, nomnom.

What's a Christmas party without our annual hotpot meal? We practically have hotpot every Christmas!

Inside: Gruyere, appenzeller and cheddar cheeses with a hint of gorgonzola.

This year (2010) we were also graced with cheese fondue.

Unsatisfied with celebrating Christmas and my birthday on the same day, my friends decided last minute that they were all going to crash my house the next day and properly dedicate a day to me. Awwwww :)

My friend Minglez made her tiramisu with Bailey's instead of Kahlua, but tasted just as good!

Must get recipe off her!

C**ksucking cowboys are sweet and strong with butterscotch schnapps and Bailey's.

A party must have shots or some sort of alcoholic beverage. It's nice to have a friend who is a certified barmaid.

For dessert, friends brought along their waffle makers and we had waffles with caramelised apples and icecream. Er, my dodgey butterscotch sauce didn't thicken enough so it turned into a runny caramel, oops.

With friends like these, who needs Christmas presents?

Address:

The Tea Room

Level 3, North End, QVB

455 George St (take a lift up on the far North side)