LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2024

EDITOR’S NOTES

’Tis the Season!

on page 97 shares a sampling of the dealcoholized wines, beers and ciders that are available on LCBO shelves. The holidays are also a time when you really want to impress your guests. On page 140, you’ll find desserts that feature the fruits of the season and are sure to dazzle. Or if you’re in a cookie swap, following our guide to cookie-decorating (p. 47) guarantees yours will be the first to go! Then, if you have guests coming for a stay, welcome them with a warming dinner (p. 132) where most of the prep is done in advance and it’s ready to serve as they come through the door. And finally, don’t forget to have fun! That’s exactly what we had in mind when developing “Get in Tune” on page 108, with holiday songs inspiring some pretty delicious drinks, recipes and gift ideas. Plan a movie night with your festive favourites and enjoy an easy-to prepare dinner (p. 79) that is perfect for curling up on the couch. On the drinks side, “Going Green” on page 147 injects three cocktails with evergreen flavours to make perfect seasonal drinks—how fun is that? On behalf of the entire team, at this wonderful time of the year, we wish you the happiest of holidays.

For many, the most wonderful time of the year is upon us once again! What makes this time of year so wonderful are the opportunities it presents to connect and catch up with family and friends, whether it be over a glass of wine, a turkey dinner—or anything in between. If you’re looking for inspiration for what to pour, what to gift or what to serve, this issue can help you find the solution. Transform a gathering into a special occasion with the simplest of touches to your décor, food and drinks—found in “Easy Breezy Entertaining” on page 114. With great ideas for assembling platters of food (rather than fussy menus), choices for serving budget-friendly or splurge-worthy drinks, and some super-simple stylish ways to dec orate, it can be a handy resource all season long. Next up is gifts, with special attention paid to the wine, beer or spirit aficionado on your list, and to anyone else who poses a challenge. We’ve created a gift guide, starting on page 124, that is curated to the interests of your recipient—and your budget—with unique items to add to a well-chosen bottle, or to give on their own. For the beer lover (p. 55), we’ve paired some seasonal specialties with snacks to give alongside. For spirit or cocktail lovers, a bottle of locally made bitters will perfectly complement their favourite spirit (p.181). And, if you have someone on your list who chooses not to drink, “Less is More”

Coming in 2025 Watch for our first‑ ever travel-themed issue, available in stores and online Wednesday, March 5.

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

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———————— HOLIDAY 2024