LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2021

INSIDE SCOOP

Your pantry checklist o Whole-grain products

When you’re assembling your spring cleaning list, don’t forget the pantry. Here’s what to look for and ways to reduce waste in the future. Spring cleaning KITCHEN HACKs

a star anise then cover with hot wine. Store in the fridge and use in baking or on salads. In the future, resist the temptation to purchase club packs and choose more modest quantities. o Spices Do you remember when most of your spices were purchased? No? Then it’s time to chuck them out and start over. Your dinner will thank you. Buy in bulk only what you’ll use within a year or two, and label them with the purchase date. o Yeast Using yeast past its prime will result in major baking fails. To test whether it’s still active, put some in a bowl of warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams, it’s still good; if not, bin it. In the future, keep yeast in the freezer to prolong its shelf life.

Whole-grain foods such as brown rice, farro and whole- wheat flour go off much quicker than their white counterparts. When they get that unpleasant rancid odour, throw them out and buy in bulk only what you’ll use within six months. o Nuts Nuts are also prone to going rancid, especially fatty varieties, like pecans and walnuts, and chopped or roasted nuts. Buy raw whole nuts in small quantities, and roast only as you need them. If you find yourself with a surplus, freeze them in an airtight container. o Dried fruit Despite the name, dried fruit should be moist and plump. If it is desiccated from age or improper storage, place in a jar with a few whole cloves and

Spring ushers in the start of the astrological wheel. To mark the occasion, the LCBO is offering up a whole calendar of cocktails. Whether you’re a religious horoscope reader, just curious or seeking inspiration for a birthday treat for someone special, let the drinks astrology wheel guide you. You’ll find cocktails, sweet treats and cakes to match every sign at lcbo.com/fdspring21. These three cocktails are perfectly aligned with the spring astrological signs. Astrology mixology what’s your sign?

Pisces

Aries

Taurus

Ice Dancer This dreamy, inventive concoc- tion is best suited to Pisces’s imaginative and creative MO. Follow the recipe verbatim, or embrace your natural instincts and get creative with it.

Ginger Old Fashioned

Manhattan Reliable, practical and straightforward, this archetypal cocktail matches all of the best Taurean characteristics.

We know you like things un- complicated, Aries, so here’s a classic with a twist that will also appeal to your bold and adventurous side.

by Victoria Walsh

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SPRING 2021 FOOD & DRINK