LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2024

BAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pecan, Date & Dried Cherry Bites Medjool dates and pecans form the base of these fudgy cubes, which are no-bake, healthy and delicious—a rare combination during the holidays. For the best possible tex ture, try to serve them fridge-cold. 14 oz (400 g) Medjool dates, about 20, pitted 1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cherries 11/4 cups (310 mL) chopped pecans, toasted, divided 1. Line a 5 x 8-inch (12 x 20-cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside. 2. Combine dates, cherries, 1 cup (250 mL) pecans, cinnamon and salt in a food processor and pulse until mixture is well combined and clumps together. Add chia and pulse until just combined. Scrape mixture into prepared pan, lay a piece of plastic wrap on top and press mixture into an even layer. 3. Finely chop remaining 1/4 cup (60 mL) pecans and sprinkle evenly overtop of date mixture, pressing down lightly to embed. Wrap pan in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight—block should feel very solid. Use parchment to pull mixture out of pan and place on a cutting board. Cut block into 32 bite-size pieces. Transfer to an airtight container, using parch ment between layers to keep pieces from sticking together. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks. 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt 2 tbsp (30 mL) chia seeds

Makes 32 pieces

WHAT TO SERVE Luxardo Cherry Liqueur

Sangue Morlacco LCBO 439448, $35.15

Pluck the cherries out of these bites by serving a cherry liqueur—thick, sweet, tangy and intensely fruity. Serve it well chilled.

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———————— HOLIDAY 2024