Celebrate the holidays differently with simplified, adapted cuisine
In these uncertain times, it may seem difficult to plan for the holidays. However, it is possible to have a more intimate celebration with your immediate family. All you need is a little creativity to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here are some of our best tricks for a different, simple, intimate holiday celebration at home.
1 – Avoid the line-ups and the crowds: shop deals and stock up early!
As the holidays get closer, planning your purchases can help you avoid the crowded stores. Stock up on non-perishable items and products on sale, and start planning your menu now, based on the weekly specials.
For frequently used ingredients that come up in several recipes, opt for large formats. It’s much more economical!
Thinking cookies, meat pies, and pot pies?
Buy what you need for your festive concoctions—flour, sugar, and butter—when they’re on sale or available in bulk. Not only will you save money, you’ll also have everything you need to make all your festive sweet and savoury pies and cookies, without having to run back to the grocery store! To help you make every type of crust successfully every time, check out our article, here!
If you like a good meat pie or pot pie, make sure you have the condiments to serve with them, like ketchup and mayo! You can also try making a spicy tomato sauce by blending together ½ cup sriracha and ½ cup of ketchup, or make your own creamy HP sauce with ¾ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tbsp. of HP and relish.
Turkey: a holiday classic
If you see turkey on sale in your flyer, it’s best to pick it up now and freeze it until Christmas. Quebec’s own Flamingo turkey can go straight from the freezer to the oven, no thawing necessary! That’s practical! You can use any leftovers to make this delicious turkey pot pie. Enjoy the best of both worlds this holiday season!
Drinks matter, even with a limited number of guests!
Sparkling water bottles are a holiday must-have. You can sip it during cocktail hour, as a digestif after supper, or to quench your thirst all evening long. In fact, you should always have a supply of sparkling water on hand in the pantry!
If you like sweet cocktails and cranberry juice, you simply must try this delicious cranberry celebration cocktail, adding a festive touch to your evening. Serve it in a long drink glass and garnish with a lime twist.
If you’re more the salty type, try making a classic Bloody Mary. In a measuring cup, mix 1.5 oz. of vodka, 4 oz. of tomato and clam juice, a dash of lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and 3 drops of red Tabasco sauce. Slide a lime or lemon wedge along the edge of the glass, and dip it in celery salt or steak spice. Fill ¾ of the glass with ice cubes and pour your mixture into the glass. Cheers!
2- Take the time to prepare your favourite recipes and treat your loved ones
Despite these uncertain times, making your favourite holiday recipes is fun and comforting. This year, prepare larger batches and divide them into individual portions to give to family and friends.
Take advantage of your time at home to make giftable treats
Time to get to work! There’s nothing better than a homemade gift. Think pastries, savoury pies, homemade drinks… anything goes!
For sweets, chocolate is a holiday staple. Get into the spirit with these chocolate truffles, bite-sized pleasure guaranteed!
In terms of wrapping and presentation, why not reuse your food containers? For example, you can make this mouth-watering chocolate mousse recipe and place it into individual Laiterie Chagnon mason jars.
If you’re thinking of a relaxing drink instead, make this comforting Thai and chai latte blend. It’s sure to warm the hearts of those on the receiving end.
Create a cooking calendar
Donuts, soups, meat pies, and fruit cakes take time to make. With a carefully planned calendar with a specific recipe for each weekend of November and early December, you can be sure to have the ingredients you need on hand, making holiday cooking a relaxing activity.
3 – Simplify your life with ready-made products
If you’re short on time, consider using ready-made products. Not only are they convenient, they also don’t compromise on quality.
For your appetizers and main course, think easy-to-eat bite-sized dishes
Seafood lovers, make your appetizers all about the ocean with ready-to-eat bites. Opt for a shrimp wreath or hot smoked salmon, served in individual portions (you know, COVID and all). You can add to each plate some stuffed olives, or crudités with a fresh goat cheese and yogurt dip. And for drinks, how about a Kir Royal: pour 2 tsp. of blackcurrant cream into flutes and add champagne or sparkling wine all the way to the top. It pairs perfectly with seafood!
Feeling cheesy? Give in to temptation with a cheese fondue main course. For a relaxing, stress-free evening, opt for ready-to-serve fondues by S.O.S. Fondue. They’re smooth and oh-so-yummy, without all the prep work. Serve with pieces of nut bread, roasted asparagus, and sautéed rapini.
If you’re thinking tartare, you can save precious time with succulent tartare tubes by Sushi à la maison. Easily make your tartare using an assortment of prepared kits, or turn it into finger food, served on fried dill pickles: a delicious blend of textures that you can enjoy with sushi.
For dessert, keep it simple!
Consider an angel food cake: you can buy it already made and top it with whipped cream and your favourite berries when serving. You can also cut this cake into smaller pieces and serve it with a selection of fruit and a decadent chocolate fondue for dipping!
For an even easier option, try the brand-new yogurt cheesecake by Trois fois par jour. You’ll save lots of time with this delicious dessert.