christmas

The Edible Valley Podcast — Holiday Drinks at Home
The holidays are busy, cozy, and a little chaotic — and somewhere in the middle, a drink gets poured. In this episode, Chef Jonathan Frazier shares simple, thoughtful holiday drinks that actually show up at home, from sparkling aperitifs to warming, spirit-forward options and inclusive low- or no-alcohol choices.
He also shares hosting tips and reflections on slowing down, enjoying your guests, and creating memorable moments around the table.
🍷The best holiday drink isn’t the fanciest — it’s the one that brings people together.
#HolidayDrinks, #EdibleValleyPodcast, #VancouverIslandEats, #HomeHosting, #SimpleCocktails, #FoodPodcast, #HolidayEntertaining, #WinterCocktails, #ChefTips, #DrinkSeasonally
 
The Edible Valley Podcast – Holiday Spirits: Local Cocktails & Festive Pairings
 
1. Comox Valley Holiday Honey Sparkler
Wayward Distillery Unruly Gin (honey-based)
45 ml gin, 
15 ml honey syrup,
15 ml lemon juice,
top with sparkling wine
Garnish: Cinnamon stick & orange twist
Food Pairing: Brie with cranberry compote, spiced nuts, citrus-glazed shrimp
Holiday Touch: Sweet honey and cinnamon evoke festive warmth in a sparkling aperitif.
 
2. Shelter Point Winter Old Fashioned
Shelter Point Whisky
60 ml whisky,
10 ml maple syrup,
2 dashes bitters
Garnish: Orange peel & star anis
Food Pairing: Roast turkey or ham, maple-glazed root vegetables, dark chocolate tart
Holiday Touch: Oak and spice notes make it cozy and rich for winter celebrations.
3. Festive Phrog & Beaufort Vermouth Flip
Phrog Gin/Vodka + Beaufort Vermouth
45 ml gin, 
15 ml Beaufort vermouth, 
15 ml honey syrup, 
15 ml lemon juice,
egg yolk optional
Garnish: Cranberries & rosemary
Food Pairing: Herb roasted vegetables, cheese & fruit boards, spiced desserts
Holiday Touch: Cranberries and rosemary bring seasonal color and flavor to a creamy cocktail.
4. Wayward Spiced Honey Toddy
 
Wayward Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur
60 ml Krupnik,
120 ml hot water,
15 ml lemon juice
Garnish: Cinnamon stick & lemon wheel
Food Pairing: Gingerbread, roasted turkey with cranberry chutney, baked apples
Holiday Touch: A warm toddy with honey, cinnamon, and citrus — perfect for cozy winter nights.
 
5. Sunshine Maple Flip
Shelter Point Sunshine Liqueur (Orange Spice Maple)
45 ml Sunshine Liqueur, 
15 ml bourbon (optional), 
15 ml lemon juice,
15 ml egg yolk
Garnish: Orange twist & nutmeg
Food Pairing: Maple-glazed ham, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin cheesecake
Holiday Touch: Creamy, citrusy, and spiced — a rich festive cocktail for holiday feasts.
 
6. Krupnik Apple Cider Spark
Wayward Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur
45 ml Krupnik,
90 ml warm apple cider,
15 ml lemon juice, 
dash of cinnamon
Garnish: Apple slice & cinnamon stick
Food Pairing: Pork roast with apple sauce, aged cheddar & honey, mini apple pies
Holiday Touch: Mulled apple cider combined with spiced honey liqueur — cozy and aromatic.
 

If you’re looking for inspiration for a meaningful holiday table, this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast is worth a revisit.
Jonathan and Erin dive into what makes a holiday meal truly special, from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to blending family traditions with new ideas. The conversation explores how food helps set the tone for the season, creating connection, comfort, and a sense of place around the table.
They also talk through several holiday-ready dishes and ideas, including comforting vegetable-forward sides, hearty mains that work for mixed dietary tables, and simple recipes that can be prepped ahead to reduce stress on the big day. From thoughtful use of winter produce to flavour-building techniques that make plant-forward dishes shine, there’s plenty of practical takeaways you can use right away.
Along the way, Jonathan and Erin share tips for planning, pacing your prep, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a larger holiday gathering.
And finally, a heartfelt congratulations to William on the arrival of his baby girl. Welcome to the world, little one.
If you missed this episode when it first aired, now is the perfect time to give it a listen as the holidays approach.
 

In Episode 227 of "The Edible Valley Podcast," hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer unwrap the essence of Christmas in a culinary extravaganza. Delving into practical tips for seasonal menu planning, the episode navigates through the art of creating classic Christmas dishes. From traditional roasts to delectable desserts, they unravel the secrets behind crafting these iconic delicacies. Offering insightful advice for both novice and seasoned cooks, the hosts share invaluable expertise to elevate your festive cooking experience. Join them on this flavorful journey as they celebrate the spirit of Christmas through tantalizing flavors, culinary wisdom, and the joy of shared meals.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce:
Ingredients:
12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
1/2 cup (120ml) water
Optional: Orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, or other spices for flavor variation
Instructions:
Prepare the Cranberries:Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or bruised berries.
Cooking the Cranberries:In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water and orange juice.
If desired, add a dash of orange zest,  or spices (like cinnamon or cloves) to enhance the flavor. Stir to combine.
Simmer:Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
 
Cool and Serve:Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container. Refrigerate until chilled before serving.

In this tip-packed episode, Jonathan, Darren and William will guide you though the biggest pitfalls of Christmas meals. From when to begin preparation, to surprisingly simple hacks that can take your turkey to the next level, if you are hosting a big festive meal or just a small gathering, this is a must listen!