The holidays are fast approaching: it’s the perfect time to gather around a feast featuring products from Quebec. Here are some stress-free suggestions to drink and eat local without spending hours in the kitchen.

Choose local sparkling wines and ciders

Quebec has a continually growing range of refreshing sparkling wines. We have more than a dozen local producers, and their bubblies are increasingly praised. The Domaine Labranche estate even makes a maple sparkling wine: brilliant!

Wondering how to choose a good vintage? For the aperitif, it’s best to opt for a sparkling wine with little residual sugar, whereas heavier wines pair better with the main course. There is always a good variety of sparkling ciders lining the shelves. These, like this rosé from Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, are perfect with cheese—local, of course!—or to end the evening on a lighter, sweeter note. As for the kids (and any other guests who don’t drink alcohol), consider serving apple must—there are even some rosé versions, flavoured with cranberries! You can also add a bottle of sparkling water from Quebec, like Eska’s, which also comes in lemon, lime, and orange flavours.

Think Nordic shrimp and smoked salmon for appetizers

No time to prepare fancy appetizers? No worries! There are plenty of local frozen or fresh, ready-to-cook or ready-to eat options to choose from, for impressive appetizers in no time. Think cooked Nordic shrimp and seasoned tartare, as well as smoked plain or maple salmon—excellent products made right here in Quebec.

Prepare a Quebec cheese platter

Quebec cheese shops produce fine cheeses for all tastes. For a restaurant-worthy cheese platter, use different varieties (blue, firm, fresh, soft, and semi-soft cheese) and bases (from cow’s, goat’s, and/or sheep’s milk). Serve them with a fresh baguette, crackers, and dried cranberries, a local holiday staple.

Christmas classics: tourtiere and turkey

Are you more the traditional type? If the popular tourtiere du Lac is too daunting for you, head to the ready-to-eat or frozen food aisle, which has plenty of versions you can heat up in the oven, like the Plaisirs Gastronomiques or Pork Shop tourtiere, whose old-fashioned recipe will fool even the most avid lovers of homemade dishes. As for the turkey, try the lamb-stuffed turkey by La Bêlerie; they also have a delicious lamb leg stew for you to try.

Prepare quick dishes for impromptu visits

For quick dinners in a snap, make sure to have a few packs of fondue meat (have you tried this deer meat variety?) or local duck legs in the freezer. Otherwise, this precooked, vacuum-packaged version keeps long in the fridge and is sure to save you loads of time. Simply serve these meats with seasonal root vegetables.

Add maple sugar or syrup... to everything!

Replacing cane sugar with maple sugar or syrup is oh-so worth it, especially for your classic holiday desserts like the yule log or old-fashioned donuts! And take the yumminess over the top by adding a scoop of Quebec-made maple sugar, syrup, or taffy ice cream, like those from the Coaticook brand.

Say yes to simple sweets

You worked so hard on your appetizers and main course. Why not keep things simple for dessert? Laiterie Chagnon has a wide variety of ready-to-eat sweet treats you can serve to your guests during your Christmas and New Year’s festivities. At the grown-up table, opt for the white chocolate, coconut, and cranberry ice cream log, and serve up some gingerbread cookie ice cream for the little ones! And of course, make sure you have some delicious egg nog on hand to sip on while watching some classic holiday movies!