Whether you’ve had your decorations up since November 1 or have been avoiding the festive tunes playing across radio stations and stores nationwide, the holiday hosting season is officially upon us.
Food is a huge part of this season’s festivities, from the office party at the beginning of the month before cubicles grow quiet as colleagues’ take vacation to the kids’ holiday potluck at school or a dinner party with friends and family. If you’re looking for extravagant options to wow guests or easy tricks for maximizing time without compromising on flavour, we’ve got you covered!
For those who aim to impress
If you’re the type to never do anything half-way with an all-or-nothing attitude, there’s no better time of year to flex your baking muscles than the winter holiday season! No matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, BakeGood.ca has tons of tips, tricks and recipes to get you through the holiday season.
For a simple but cute appy, try their Christmas Tree Bread recipe! Got a sweet tooth? This recipe for a winter-themed Vanilla Bean Butter Cake turns out almost too beautiful to eat. Any artists in the house? Put a stable hand to good use with a delicious Sugar ‘N Spice Cookie recipe – we promise you’ll never paint a more delicious canvas!
For those on-the-go
Listen, we get it! Baking can be time-consuming and for those who are constantly on the go, time is money. What if we told you that you don’t have to compromise on quality to save time? Cuisine Adventures’ collection of ready-to-heat appetizers are perfect for your next dinner party or potluck.
Looking to elevate your next dinner party? Try the French Onion Soup for an upscale starter – the fact they come individually frozen can be our little secret. If the usual go-to quick-prep options have been claimed for an upcoming potluck, we recommend the Cheese Puff Pastry Bites because, come on, who doesn’t love cheesy, flaky pastries?
Don’t forget the drinks
While food is important, it’s not the only star this time of year. Beverage pairings can enhance any dish and sometimes even help set the holiday mood! Some of our top picks are from Jackson Family Wines and Pluck Teas.
For adult gatherings, wine can add a touch of sophistication when properly paired with the dishes being served. For a turkey dinner, consider a balanced wine like Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay to complement the sweeter notes from the wine and savoury finishes from your celebratory gathering. On the other hand, the 2021 La Crema Sonoma Monterey Rosé has a juicy acidity and flinty mineral notes that drive a long finish, pairing well with thyme roasted chicken, wild salmon, ham, gouda cheese, and salads.
If you’re keeping things more low-key, consider escaping the cold with Pluck Teas. This female-founded company started in Toronto puts sustainability first while spotlighting delicious blends including some creative seasonal offerings. We’re obsessed with the Gingerbread Spice tea which features the festive notes of cinnamon and ginger.
Now that you’ve got these tips in your arsenal, what are you waiting for? Go forth and conquer holiday hosting!
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