LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2023

INSIDE SCOOP

Trendspotting A roundup of what we’re into this season.

The Fifth Element While shopping for the cook who has

everything, consider a single-burner induction hot plate. The trendy small appliance is perfect for the holiday season, giving you an extra burner to cook on for a big feast or an easy way to keep something hot on a buffet. They are also great in warmer weather for an outdoor corn boil or fish-fry station. Duxtop is widely considered to be the top brand and has models for a range of budgets.

Butter Up There is a buzzy new butter in town, and it’s the perfect gift for the food lover in your life. Made with milk from a single herd of Jersey cows raised in Huron, Ont., St. Brigid’s Creamery butter (stbrigidscreamery.ca) is shockingly yellow, which comes from the beta-carotene in the cow’s grass-rich diet. It has a luxurious texture—thanks to 84% milk fat—and a deep flavour. Due to its premium price tag (around $13 per 250-g block), it’s best saved to slather on bread, make grilled cheese or use in sauces. It comes salted or unsalted, and you can find it at fine food shops all over the province.

MINI ME When you’re looking for a unique stocking stuffer or want to sample premium spirits before committing to a full bottle, here are a few miniature options.

El Dorado Miniature Gift Pack LCBO 184671, 3 pk, $29.55 Taste your way through these divine 12-, 15- and 21-year-old rums from Guyana.

Malfy Gin Miniature Gift Set LCBO 34109, 4 pk, $19.95 A sampling of this favourite Italian gin’s four flavours— Originale, Limone, Rosa and Arancia.

Gold Bar Whiskey Mini LCBO 28028, 50 mL, $14.95 Finished in Napa wine barrels, this smooth California whiskey raises the bar on packaging.

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktops ($75 to $230, amazon.ca)

Egg Roll in a Bowl (P. 245) This delicious stir-fry was apparently invented by a keto dieter so they could enjoy an egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper. Between the catchy name and weeknight ease, the dish caught on like wildfire. The basic ratio is simple—1 lb (455 g) ground meat (pork, turkey or chicken work best) to 1 bag (397 g) coleslaw mix (the undressed stuff you find in the bagged lettuce section). Instead of coleslaw, you could julienne or shred 6 cups (1.5 L) veggies like cabbage, carrots, peppers, onions, even peeled broccoli stems.

40 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2023