If January is for setting new goals, and February is for creating daily habits, then March is for getting in the kitchen and changing things up. Don’t worry – we’ve got some “cheesy” suggestions for you.
Here’s 5 ways to bring your dishes from great to legen (wait for it) dairy.
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#1 - Chickle Mania
Haven’t you heard? The #Chickle is all the rage across social – and we aren’t mad about it.
It all started when TikTok user @clurmurr shared her “guilty pleasure snack” – a pickle wrapped in slice of melted cheese. With over 13M views, we completely understand the craze.
If you are a fan of Parmesan (especially of the fried variety), then we highly recommend using this Ontario-made Parmesan-style cheese by Bright Brand Cheese and Butter – which also happens to be the oldest Cheddar maker in Ontario.
#chickleforlife
Loving the cheese on the outside for a change? “Dress up” these biscuits and cups in the tastiest skirt you’ll ever eat! Our Cheddar and Scallion Cheese Skirt Biscuits are the perfect “sweater weather” recipe to compliment to the cheese skirt made with Ontario-made Sharp Cheddar.
Is comfort more your style? How about a little gourmet meets a little fancy? These Mini Mac n’ Cheese Cups made with pre-shredded Ontario Old Cheddar have you covered!
#2 Nostalgia Food – but make it better
Your favourite childhood treats are back. But as adults, we think there are even better ways to enjoy your favourite nostalgic treats.
What do you get when you mix Ontario Mountainoak Chili Pepper Smoked Gouda with macaroni pasta, but in fun waffle shapes? Our Spicy Mac & Ontario Cheese Waffles are the perfect combo of a crispy cheddar outside and a decadent, cheesy macaroni core.
More of a grilled cheese lover? But wait – there’s more. Do you love grilled cheese AND sweet? This local Brie, Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Grilled Cheese is a bonkers combo that’ll melt your mind.
Need more for that sweet tooth? Our Wild Rice Custard Pudding offers the best of the Kawarthas in one decadent bowl.
#3 - Make it "Swicy"
A collision between sweet and spicy (or what we like to call “Swicy”) elements in a single entrée, dessert, or side, “Swicy” food includes hot honey and chilli chocolate bars. You’ll find that mixing earthy, savoury ingredients with sweet ones adds a unique depth of flavour.
What goes with campfires, cold nights and apres-ski? Did you guess hot cocoa? Our Savoury Campfire Hot Cocoa features Ontario-made butter and milk mixed with cloves and cardamom for a completely new take.
Did somebody say dip?! When it comes to finding the perfect crowd-pleasing dish (no matter the occasion) this Whipped Ontario Feta & Honey Dip is your new go-to. We promise! Made beautifully rich with local Ontario-made cream cheese and feta, the sweet addition of honey creates a wildly tasty mix of creamy and sweet. Serve with fresh bread (lightly toasted or not) and let these incredible local ingredients shine right through.
With the cold weather still here (sigh), there’s something comforting and filling about homemade soup – and we aren’t talking chicken noodle. Our Hot Yogurt Squash Barley Soup is everything you need to stay warm till spring, with the soft sweetness of butternut squash in the lead role made creamy with Ontario-made milk.
#4 - Boarding School
Butter boards and more led the way in 2022 leaving 2023 wanting more. At least in our opinion.
There is something special when it comes to deconstructed meals that allow each element created to shine both on its own, or together with personalized combos in every bite. If you reconsider how you serve every meal, you’ll find a new way to impress your guests – and yourself. Apart from the soup boards. Just forget about that one.
Break apart brunch with our Deconstructed Brunch Board and create an interactive foodie experience that lets guests dive into their very own self-guided tasting experience. And we highly recommend using the Ontario-made Wildwood Cheese by Stonetown Artisan Cheese.
Don’t worry sweet-tooth folks. We’ve got you covered with our Paired Dessert Board. This board features Maître Fromager Afrim Pristine’s unique dessert pairings with some of Ontario’s most impressive cheese and other Ontario-made products that will make this board the star of your next party.
Are nachos a board? Yes! Our Summer Nachos with Smoked Sour Cream are easy to assemble but also feature Ontario-made Brie and sour cream. Bring your nacho creation to a whole new level of creamy goodness.
#5 - Hello Curry
Curry is having a moment, and that’s likely because it’s a tremendously easy way to add flavour to simple (and sometimes otherwise bland) ingredients like lentils and potatoes.
Here are some of our favourite ways to create curry-based dishes that really change up the weekday dinner routine.
Self-care can include creating your favourite comfort foods. Trust us when we say this dish will nourish your body and warm your soul. This Roasted Curried Lentil and Pumpkin Soup. Made with Ontario-made milk and butter, this combo is the perfect complement to the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
East meets West with Vikram Vij's favourite snack – Naan pizza made with leftovers from the fridge! This dish is easy to make with whatever you may have leftover in the fridge. The secret? The sauce was created with Ontario-made whipping cream.
Our tables are as full as our bellies in 2023!
Bring your favourite dishes from ordinary to legendairy by adding quality Ontario-made dairy products. In 2023, feature ingredients have shifted, and simplicity reigns. Large gatherings with family and friends are going nowhere, so surprise them (and yourself) with dishes they’ll be requesting for years to come.
Enjoy the feast.