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Holiday Entertaining with Chef Mark McEwan

Chef Mark McEwan
Chef Mark McEwan

Celebrity chef Mark McEwan discusses what meals he likes to share with his family over the holidays that Canadians can try at home this year.


The holidays for me are all about family and celebrating with good food. I do really enjoy cooking for my friends and family, and I also value our time together so I always make sure I prep ahead of time or order what I need. At McEwan Catering, we are offering turkey, ham, lamb, Canadian prime rib, seafood, and surf and turf holiday dinners with all the fixings for delivery or pick-up for guests who prefer not to be in the kitchen.

When I entertain family, I like to build a festive atmosphere by starting with cocktails like a classic Manhattan with an orange peel, and a fun playlist. I’ll also set up little bites to nibble on like smoked trout with horseradish, mustard aioli, and warm toast rounds. Family-style eating is always easiest with a stand-out dish like of crispy roast pork shoulder with pan jus or a classic roasted turkey with sides like mashed potatoes with all the cream and butter that it can hold, French beans with leek and dill, and apple sauce made from honey crisp apples from Goldsmith’s Orchard Market. This is the time of year when everyone loves their comfort dishes. This year, I will be with my immediate family and think virtual meal-sharing is a great way to connect with friends outside of your bubble.

To finish the meal, I like to serve something like an apple crostata with sour cream ice cream which is sweet and rich, but also tart and tangy. It’s also important to remember that everyone getting together around the table is the best part of the holidays.

A holiday meal from McEwan's

McEwan’s Catering makes a festive feast easy by offering three ways to order. Visit McEwan Catering, call 416-444 6262 ext. 228, or email [email protected].

Prefer to cook? Order your groceries at McEwan Catering. Delivery’s available across the GTA. Pick-up is also available at McEwan Don Mills and McEwan Yonge & Bloor locations.

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