LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2024

EDITOR’S NOTES

Take It Easy

That’s the motto this time of year. Get out there and enjoy those precious hot sunny days and cooler evenings around the fire, but don’t make it complicated. When it comes time for a bite to eat or choosing the perfect refreshment, keep it simple—but with a Food & Drink twist, of course! For inspiration, start with “Fresh Takes” on page 70. Here we have pulled together some of our favourite summer staples—think hot dogs, corn, pizza and ice cream—and offer up several ideas, tips and hacks, plus a few super easy recipes, to elevate those essentials from simple to spectacular. If impromptu summer cocktail hours are your jam, check out the easiest apps ever (made from items you likely already have in your pantry) paired with light drinks and cocktails that are a breeze to pull together—or make them ahead and just pour and serve. You’ll find those ideas starting on page 39. Are you part of a group that gets together regularly for dinner parties? Our “Hot Summer Bites” menu on page 82 is just the thing for the dog days of summer, when it’s way too hot to cook. It’s a lighter menu full of flavour that can be mostly made ahead and served at room temperature. In that same vein, no-fuss drinks are the order of the day and fruit-flavoured wines come in particularly handy at this time of year. Take a look at the broad assortment on offer at the LCBO (page 55) and give them a try: their convenience and fresh flavours are perfectly suited to the season. Seasonal treats are abundant at this time of year and can easily be transformed into showstoppers for when ever the mood or occasion arises. We all love the simple

who arrives every summer bearing armfuls of zucchini, “Garden Variety” on page 47 transforms it into four delectable summer dishes—including a breakfast loaf that tops the humble loafs of my youth (sorry mom!). Whether it be food or drink—or both— we hope you find something in this issue that will make your outdoor relaxing and entertaining that much more enjoyable. Have a great summer!

pleasure of an ice pop, but what about a gin pop? You’ll find three adults-only recipes starting on page 33 that make for a cool welcome for your guests. If beer is more your thing, beer meets ice in several slushy cocktails that (with a little prep) can be whipped up in minutes (page 107). And if you’ve got a friend or neighbour

COMING SOON Watch for the next issue of Food & Drink . Our Autumn issue will be in stores and online Wednesday, September 4.

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

12 FOOD & DRINK SUMMER 2024