LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2015

It’s no coincidence we call the holidays the “festive” season. The word’s two meanings—“merry” and “pertaining to a feast”—go hand-in-hand at this time of year. Hospitality, generosity and just plain fun are the orders of the day. So let Food & Drink play the role of Master of the Revels with some helpful and inspiring ways to let the good times roll. We start with a gathering of very origi- nal cocktails and canapés with a chic black-and-white theme, then take everything back to basics with our rundown of Christmas party essentials. Tired of turkey? Lucy Waverman presents five delectable alternative mains to serve as the centre of the feast.     The first time you host the family for Christmas can be daunt- ing. Our “Christmas Dinner Premiere” menu, full of make-ahead tips and simple foolproof options, can help. And speaking of first impressions, we have a feature devoted to the all-important aperi- tifs that set the mood for what follows. For serious bakers, pastry chef Joanne Yolles presents sensational grand finale desserts, and when the time finally comes to relax, we have a menu of munchies made for chilling in front of a movie. We have the holiday season covered—and filled with feasts and merriment. HOLIDAY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE

114 CHRISTMAS DINNER PREMIERE | 124 ARRIVING IN STYLE 132 MAIN EVENTS | 138 FILM NIGHT FARE | 144 JUST DESSERTS 150 PARTY PIECES | 160 STUDIES IN BLACK & WHITE