LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

With its festive red, green and cream colour scheme, this hearty baked pasta dish will stand out at any buffet— an eye-catching side or even the main event, whatever the season. In warmer months, it can be lightened up by leaving off the melted mozzarella topping, finishing it instead by scattering on a chiffonade of fresh basil once the dish is out of the oven and has cooled a little. ITALIAN VERSATILITY You’ll need a wine with enough acidity to handle the marinara sauce and cut through the cheesy richness, but that also has something herbal to offer the spinach and basil in the recipe. A leafy Cabernet Franc from Ontario might seal the deal—or you could look at Piedmont, Italy, and be certain. There’s a reason the people who grow world class Barolo drink Barbera when they go home. Bersano Costalunga Barbera d’Asti DOCG (LCBO 348680, $15.05) is great value and extremely versatile on the table. Medium- to full bodied, it’s dry, tangy, and the upfront red cherry fruit is kept in check by some spicy, dried herb and floral lacing. Equally welcome at posh parties and on pizza night! 6. SAUCY PARTY PASTA BAKE P. 231

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