LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2021

GIFTING

A little something

The holidays are a perfect opportunity to show your gratitude to the people who add something special to your life—whether that’s a teacher, a hairstylist or a neighbour. Giving ready-to-drink selections, with a little something extra, says it all.

By Shawna Pereira and Tara Cochrane PHOTOGRAPHY by vince noguchi

Wonderkind Looking for unique gifts to bundle up with LCBO products, we turned to Wonderkind, a gift-catering service founded in 2019 by two friends, Shawna Pereira and Tara Cochrane. “So many people want to shop for gifts in a meaningful way,” explains Tara, “but are too busy to go to local markets and shows to find talented Canadian artisans and makers. Wonderkind does all the research for you, sourcing wonderful products and items made by small companies all across Canada—companies that are either founded or co-founded by women.” Wonderkind then curates them into gift packages. They’ll even put together a personalized surprise gift set if you fill out a short Q & A on their website. Find out more at wonderkind.ca. All of the items Wonderkind has sourced are being produced in small batches, so quantities are limited.

Seasonal ciders Wonderkind has found a delicious affinity between particular spiced ciders and small-batch gourmet popcorn from a family‑run business in the Yukon. Ernest Apple Strudel Cider ( LCBO 128009, 473 mL, $3.65) is sweetened with honey and warmed up with a hint of cinnamon—a perfect match to Klondike Kettle Corn’s irresistible Candied Apple flavour. Yukon Gold (chocolate and caramel popcorn) is another of owner Katie Young’s delectable recipes. Try it with Liberty Village Chai Spice Cider ( LCBO 19970, 473 mL, $3.50), enhanced with notes of nutmeg, cardamom and vanilla—and containing zero sugar! klondikekettlecorn.com PORTRAIT BY STACEY BRANDFORD

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FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2021