LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2018

DINNER PARTY ENTERTAINING WITH KIDS

DESSERT THAT pops On a skewer or pick (not too sharp, for young ones!), alternate pound cake cubes, strawberries and a mini-ball of frozen dessert topping such as Cool Whip—mini-gourmands might even enjoy a mint leaf. CHEAP & ch rful

Outside Voices

Skip tablecloths, so wind

is not an issue.

➤ Repurpose indoor furni- ture: turn a cot into a settee or big cushions, ottomans and poufs into outdoor seating. Use clean plant pots or garden pails full of ice to chill drinks. Big, clear plastic jars with lids keep the bugs and humidity away from crispy snacks, fruit salads or sweets. An upside-down cup- cake liner (with a hole poked through for a straw) keeps bugs out of sweet drinks. ➤ ➤ ➤

Accidents ha en. Have a clean-up ca y fied with cloths, as we as a sma brush and dustpan set , handy in the kitchen.

Serve pre-dinner snacks in little decorated paper bags (stamp or hand-personalize). Flavoured popcorn, cheese or vegetable sticks, warm nuts, spiced bread sticks or pretzels are crowd-pleasers .

Bamboo or palm-leaf picks and mini-plates, ceramic soup spoons and other dollar-store

Rolls of patterned tear-off napkins and packs of paper placemats serve large groups when textiles run short.

Ice-cold beer is a straightforward pairing for this family barbecue menu. Choose a light-bodied Asian lager such as Tiger Beer ( LCBO 537258, 500 mL, $2.30). Lively and balanced, Tiger Beer is one of Vietnam’s most popular brands and a fix- ture at Toronto’s Vietnamese restaurants. Holland’s or Chinatown finds make fun appetizer or kiddie servers. what to serve

KIDS will love smoothies made with

fresh fruit, blended with crushed ice and a dollop of condensed milk. In Vietnam, these drinks are a standby at restaurants and street vendors. Choose your family’s favourite fruit, or go authentic with dragon fruit, jackfruit or custard apple from a specialty market. Alternatively, try our refreshing, fruity Pineapple Mango Lemon Smash Punch on p. 136.

Heineken ( LCBO 18, 6 pk, $14.50) comes to the table with floral and grassy hop notes and a crisp, cleansing finish. Japan’s Sapporo PremiumBeer ( LCBO 546564, 650 mL, $3.95) is brewed in a food-friendly dry style, with light bitterness and citrus notes.

FOOD & DRI NK AUTUMN

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