Editorial TeamWe know how it is. All of a sudden it hits you. The festive season. Now you’re blaring WHAM! and Mariah Carey and you’re yearning for a kitchen party like no other. We betcha others are in the spirit of the season too! So, we say, don’t overthink things! Just text your besties and find your favourite SiriusXM holiday channel and let’s go! Some of the best parties are last minute and so welcomed these days! But what about food? No stress! Here are a few quick and tasty foods to “sleigh” your impromptu gatherings!
OUR FAVOURITE FESTIVE FOODS FOR ANY HOLIDAY PARTY
PC Jerk Chicken Wings: Heat up the festivities with wings- everyone’s party favourite. The cooked and flash-frozen wings are tossed with the jerk marinade (included in the kit) just before baking in the oven. All you need is a dancehall playlist and a rum punch. Reminds us of jerk huts in Jamaica which are greatly missed at this moment. *insert tears*
PC Dealcoholized Mulled Wine (non-alcoholic): Is it even winter without a few glasses of this warmed-up libation? Only this one is non-alcoholic but don’t worry, it’s delicious and a medium-bodied beverage. Toss in orange rinds, and a cinnamon stick to make it even more festive as you discuss Harry and Meghan’s latest documentary series.
19 Crimes Shiraz makes for a lovely dance partner
You can’t call it a Christmas spread if you don’t have a cheeseboard. It’s true, we checked. Castello (lead photo) offers some unique and tasty cheeses to help spread holiday cheer. Cheese is the ultimate nibble snack board, set it and literally watch it disappear. We paired Crunchy Aged Havarti, Nutty Aged Gouda and Tickler, Matured White Cheddar with some local hits like Chandler Honey, raw and unpasteurized from Alberta. Add some Red Pepper Jelly from Yawdi’s Red Pepper Jelly for the adventurous.
WRAP IT UP- SHARE A SLICE OF THE SEASON
Pizza Pizza: Okay, here us out. You can’t do it all. Opt-in for an easy dinner. Wrap up a deal from Pizza Pizza (fixed rate anyone?!) and get a handle on all that wrapping and baking. The menu options are inclusive for pretty much everyone, pasta, salads, sides and of course pizzas. Take one thing off your plate. And don’t forget the dip sauce!
Gift tags and wrapping courtesy Staples.ca
SHOW OFF! SHARE YOUR SWEET SIDE
PC Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake Donut Baking Mix: Whip up a batch of donuts hot and fresh out of the oven is a cinch. These healthier-for-you mixes only require an egg and some oil to bake and of course frosting and sprinkles for decorating. In both fudgy chocolate and classic vanilla cake flavours. We say go nuts!
Sweetie Board: move over charcuterie in comes our sweetie board. Great for in a pinch last minute. Just fill it with what you have on hand. We always have a batch of homemade cookies in the freezer for impromptu gatherings. We also have chocolates (ours are from Galerie au Chocolat), dried fruit, candies, artisanal PC Madagascar Vanilla Marshmallows and PC Chai Tea Chocolate Covered Almonds.
Whatever goes! If you want to do something special we highly recommend a Caramel Swirl board – simply schmeer caramel sauce (or dulce de leche or a good chocolate spread) down the centre of your wooden board and sprinkle on festive sprinkles and add in fresh apple slices, berries, pretzels, chocolate drizzle, nuts and dried fruit. Ta-Da! Just be prepared for your friends to be sharing this showstopper on their social media #HostessWithTheMostest!
Vodkow Limited-Edition Holiday Egg Nog (lactose-free liqueur): for those who love a cream-based drink (but it doesn’t love them back, hello!) this is a great option! This sustainable Canadian distillery based out of Almonte, Ontario (also known as a great UFO sighting destination) creates an assortment of delicious flavours that make entertaining easy. Enjoy it “on the rocks” or if you’re a fan of Espresso Martinis (who isn’t?) they have a great coffee cream liqueur. But also check out this recipe made with Vodkow’s Maple Cream and Vodkow Coffee Cream.