LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2020

PANTRY

FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2020 1 PANTRY TIPS There’s no doubt about it—if you do the cooking in your family, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year. So quick ways to perk up and personalize familiar recipes are always welcome. You can change the principal protein or simply add something from the pantry—a pinch of a spice mix perhaps, or a spoonful of a prepared sauce, local honey or fruit syrup. These are great things to have within reach and they needn’t be hard to find. A number of Ontario companies specialize in sourcing pro- duce and products from local farms and businesses and bringing them to your door: we’ve included some of those favourites here, too. Quick fixes Keep boredom at bay when the only thing you’re up for cooking is what’s tried and true— we’ve got quick and easy ways to freshen up old faves. By IRENE MATYS photography by vince Noguchi

Dry Spices  Dry spices and spice mixes are versatile ingredients that can really take a dish to the next level. A little goes a long way, so buy small amounts, as most spices lose their potency after six months—or even faster if stored improperly. Keep them in airtight, light-proof containers, away from heat. Prepared Sauces  A good stash of bottled and canned staples is essential to help you make meals in a flash. You can just open, heat, serve or add to elevate your dishes. Ensure you check expiration dates; otherwise, most canned and bottled goods such as sauces, preserves, pickles, and relishes can be kept, unopened, for up to one year.

La Dee Da sauces This Hamilton company sources in- gredients from local farmers to make all-natural, vegan, gluten-free gourmet sauces that taste wonderful. The Twelve Veggie Tomato Sauce is partic- ularly versatile, served hot or cold. ladeedasauces.com

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