Tips for Holiday Entertaining – keeping it simple locally

Click to listen – Foodie Fridays December 2

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, there’s bound to be some parties on your calendar. If you are entertaining at home, or contributing to the items at friends, there are some great local products that will be sure to impress your guests.

Oysters

Smoked Oysters – The Oysterman

http://www.theoysterman.com/cms/?e=6

Once you’ve had these you’ll never go back to the mass produced version.

Effinghams

I mentioned a few weeks ago that these are my new favourites

http://www.northwestaqua.ca/

http://lobsterman.com/

Premium fresh quality oysters nurtured and grown in the deep waters of Effingham Inlet in Barkley Sound on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. This remote pristine environment produces oysters perfect for serving on the half shell. Effingham Inlet oysters have plump cream coloured meat with a vibrant briny flavour and smooth lettuce like finish. On-site conditioning with tumbler guarantees uniform size, deeper cup and clean hard shells. Available year round

Caviar – Nothern Divine

Spoil your guests with some Sunshine Coast Caviar. Put atop baked potato slices with some crème fraiche or sour cream.

http://www.northerndivine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=91

Seasonal Items, Croissants, etc.

La Baguette L’Echalote has frozen croissants to go, that will be sure to impress for brunches. Just think how your house will smell! While there why not pick up a Buche de Noel, some country pate and gingerbread cookies.

If you really want to make things simple they’ve got whole meals you could create at home. Treat such as stuffed quail, lamb shank, duck confit and seafood in lobster sauce. Mix up a salad, steam or roast some veggies and a pot of rice or potatoes you’ve got a meal.

http://www.labaguette.ca/newsletter/xmas_news_2011.pdf