LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2017

SEASONAL  12 DAYS, 12 WAYS

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Holiday Dinner Sparkling ciders and beers are a perfect accompaniments to a rich, celebratory meal. If turkey is the cen- trepiece, reach for a smooth, toasty extra special bitter like Fuller’s ESB ( LCBO 470633, 500 mL, $3.00). The beer’s marmalade-like yeast shines alongside cranberry sauce, while its sweet malty centre resonates with the bird’s seared skin. For ham try the off- dry KW Craft Cider ( LCBO 457044, 4 pk, $14.45), which acts like a splash of tart applesauce on the salty pork. For vegan meals featuring tofurky or whole roasted cauliflower, reach for Flying Monkeys Mythology Canadian Golden Pilsner ( LCBO 469346, 473 mL, $3.10); it’s light enough to let veggie fare shine and is made without the use of animal products.

Tree Trimming

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MULLED COUNTY CIDER recipe on page 254

Gathering around the tree marks the start of the holiday season. And there’s no better way to set the mood than with your favourite Christmas tunes and wafts of baking spices and apple pie coming from a pot of cider mulling on the stove or slow cooker. Our recipe mixes Prince Edward County’s flagship tipple, County Apple Cider ( LCBO 470898, 500mL, $5.95) with a classic combination of cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and star anise—but you can riff off this recipe with a custom mix from your spice cup- board to suit your tastes. And don’t forget to make a non-alco- holic version with fresh-pressed juice for the little ones.

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Fireside Sippers When imbibing a brew next to the crackling fire, look for one with warming alcohol. These decadent beers drink best at room temperature. Pour them into snifters, share and sip. For the hop lover, pick Road 2 Ruin Double IPA ( LCBO 534917, 4 pk, $14.95) from Two Roads Brewing Company in Connecticut, which starts with a citrus kick and ends with a long bitter finish. For stout lovers, serve up Yeti Imperial Stout ( LCBO 613264, 650 mL, $10.95), a Russian imperial stout with swirls of vanilla, caramel and chocolate notes. Fans of Belgian brews can crack a bottle of St. Bernardus Abt 12 ( LCBO 346197, 750 mL, $10.70) with caramel and orange notes and a velvety-smooth finish.

182  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2017