We’ve decked the halls with boughs of greens, brought out the holiday goodies and we are BUSY both in and out of the kitchen. Welcome Foodies! It’s the last month of the year packed with all manner of celebrations, activities and traditions. As you may guess, I’m a sucker for tradition. Even though from a culinary point of view I am always open to try new things, it wouldn’t be the holidays without those foods that signify comfort to me – tourtiere, my mom’s old Christmas cake recipe, Prime Rib for Christmas dinner and holiday baking throughout the season. Yum. We foodies love our food all year round but this is the time of year we tend to pull out all the stops. We splurge on something we’ve never had or something that evokes a past memory. A special cheese, a pricey ingredient, crab or lobster or an expensive cut of beef. Or perhaps it’s a sweet treasure – shortbread baked like you remember, caramels covered in chocolate, Italian Panettone or a tiny perfect chocolate truffle. We know from the annual calls asking whether the Lucques olives have arrived that savoury items are also highly prized. (FYI they are coming soon but often one of the last pre-ordered items we receive). We can't forget to shine the spotlight on our beautiful cheeses that often take centre stage during our celebrations. Cheeseboards are a big deal here and it's never too early to get in the queue and ensure you don't miss out. We have olives and oils of every description, condiments, jams and spreads, spices and salts and lots of interesting products beautifully packaged and ready for entertaining or gifting. We also have some exceptional items for those that made it to the top of the NICE list. VERY special olive oils and balsamic vinegars, a forged carving fork that would not be out of place if you were on the set of the Game of Thrones, a truffle slicer for the ultimate foodie (if you know you know) and so much more. We are ready and excited to help you get just the right thing for everyone on your list, even if that's just some of our delicious house made meals or a Gift Certificate so they can choose what they wish. We want to be your people - part of your neighbourhood, the ones you go to for that special gift, advice, food and sometimes just a good food chat (and of course your crostini). You will always get personal service, food made with love and an honest opinion. There may not be free shipping or black Friday deals but we will help you to your car with your packages and talk you through how many cheeses to buy for your gatherings. Personalized shopping tips from our expert elves will get you out the door with a few more things struck off your list. Our Custom Gift Baskets are thoughtfully curated specifically for the intended recipient and never fail to deliver.

The showstopper of this Newsletter is always the new class release. So many to choose from and often the most popular since many of you purchase them as gifts. Check them out below, check your dates and be ready for registration which opens at 10am sharp on Wednesday, December 3rd!

From our PCE family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season whether that means sparkling parties, quiet winter evenings of contemplation and all that’s between. See you on the other side!

2026 Winter Cooking Classes!

Warm & Cozy: Wednesday, January 7th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Potato Gruyere Tart on Puff Pastry
  • Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken with Tomato and Mascarpone, Cannellini Beans and Garlic Butter Sizzle
  • Pecan Pie Cake

Vegetarian: Tuesday, January 13th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Grilled Halloumi 
  • Chili Crisp cheesy white beans
  • Crispy glazed Miso Eggplant
  • Mushroom Juk-Korean warm and cozy rice deliciousness

Brunch: Thursday, January 15th (12:00pm – 2:30pm)

  • Smoothie fruit shots
  • Croque Monsieur Breakfast
  • Frisee Salad with Dijon dressing and Walnuts
  • Cinnamon Date cake

Indian: Tuesday, January 20th (7:00pm - 9:30pm)

  • Cucumber Raita
  • Sautéed Paneer with cumin, ginger & garlic
  • Shrimp in Masala sauce with Naan
  • Chicken Biriyani

Weeknight dinner: Tuesday, January 27th (7:00pm–9:30pm)

  • Snappy Apple Cider Salad 
  • Ground Chicken Kiev patties with Boursin cheese
  • Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
  • Lemon Pudding Cake

Valentines: Tuesday, February 10th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Coquilles St Jacques (new and improved)
  • Beef Filet Bourguignon
  • Make ahead Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Chocolate Pot de Creme

Warm and Cozy: Thursday, February 19th (12:00pm – 2:30pm)

  • Potato Gruyere Tart on Puff Pastry      
  • Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken with Tomato and Mascarpone, Cannellini Beans and Garlic Butter Sizzle
  • Pecan Pie Cake

Asian Inspiration: Tuesday, February 24th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Mussels in a Black Bean sauce
  • Spicy Pork and Eggplant
  • Sticky Miso Chicken Roasted on Broccolini
  • Mushroom Rice Pilaf 

Fish & Seafood: Tuesday, March 3rd (7:00pm –9:30pm)

  • Pan fried Trout Meunier
  • Greek Rice Pilaf with Lemon and Dill
  • Whole head of Garlic Mussels with Crispy Crostini
  • Shrimp and Scallop Linguini in a Tomato Cream sauce

Brunch: Tuesday, March 10th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Smoothie Fruit Shots
  • Croque Monsieur Breakfast
  • Frisee Salad with Dijon Dressing and Walnuts
  • Cinnamon Date Cake

Wine & Cheese: Tuesday, March 17th (7:00pm –9:30pm)

Join us for a night of wine and cheese pairing including delicious apps that pair well too!

Special Saturday Night dinner: Tuesday, March 24th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Delicious Duck Breast in a mustard sauce
  • Roasted Butternut Squash with pecan, cranberry, goat cheese
    & hot honey
  • Sautéed Citrus Sugar Snap Peas
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake

French Bistro fare: Tuesday, March 31st (7:00pm –9:30pm)

  • Tarragon Chicken
  • Garlic Roast Potatoes
  • Celeriac Remoulade
  • Apple Tart Tatin

Family Dinner: Tuesday, April 14th (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

  • Spring Pea Soup with Mint
  • Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata, lemon & garlic
  • Kale Caesar salad
  • Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Wine & Cheese: Tuesday, April 21st (7:00pm –9:30pm) 

Join us for a night of wine and cheese pairing including delicious apps that pair well too!

Spring has Sprung: Tuesday, April 28th (7:00pm –9:30pm)

  •  Raspberry and Brie puff pastry pinwheels
  • Chicken Gloria (cream, cheese, garlic, sherry, yum!)
  • Lemony Orzo
  • Labneh Tart 

IN THE STORE

Stocking Stuffers, Hostess and Teacher gifts

So many unique choices! We’ve tried to corral what we’d like to find in our stockings in one spot so you don’t need to do too much thinking! To me the perfect stocking content includes something practical (pocket thermometer, wood board cream, mini spatula, wooden spoon), something sweet or indulgent (candy or a specialty ingredient) and something expected (chocolate and a clementine or two). We also know they are personal so take a look and see what inspires you! Our expert elves can help you with hostess and teacher gifts too.

Entertaining Essentials

From Wine glasses, Cocktail accoutrements, Napkins (linen or posh paper), small nut/olive/chutney bowls, special sweets and biscuits, cooking utensils, Emile Henry bakeware, cookware, Specialty foodstuffs, Prepared meals, dips & most importantly CHEESE! We have everything to make your Holiday sparkle

Gift Baskets and so much more!

Sometimes the most indulgent thing to receive is something you wouldn’t buy for yourself. Our custom baskets are thoughtfully curated with high quality, handpicked items to suit every taste and preference and are perfect for friends, family, clients, employees or hosts. Isn’t it great when you don’t need to know someone’s size or colour preference? Handpick the items yourself in store or tell us what you know and we’ll look after the rest! 

CHEESE NEWS

You choose what you want or we are happy to make the choices for you. Prices are based on the weight of the products chosen and we can work within whatever your budget is. Are you looking for crowd pleasing favourites for 12 or a higher end curated board for a small gathering with foodie friends? Either way we will make it look fabulous with the addition of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, olives, chutney and garnish. All you need to do is remove the lid and it is ready to roll! Let the nibbling begin!

GLUTEN FREE CORNER

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Mint and Pistachio Chocolate Fridge Cake
INGREDIENTS
3 1⁄2 ounces (100 g) Mint-Flavoured Dark Chocolate; roughly chopped into 11⁄4 inches (3 cm) pieces
7 ounces (200 g) Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa solids); roughly chopped into 11⁄4 inches (3 cm) pieces
4 1⁄4 ounces (120 g) Unsalted Butter, cut into 3⁄4 inch (2 cm) cubes
3 1⁄2 ounces (100 g) Lyle's Golden Syrup
1⁄8 teaspoon (1 ml) Salt
3 1⁄2 ounces (100 g) Dried Cranberries; soaked in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of rum for 30 minutes
6 ounces (170 g) Digestive Biscuits (I use Schar) roughly broken into 3⁄4 inch (2 cm) pieces
3 1⁄2 ounces (100 g) Pistachios; chopped
Instructions:
Line a 11" x 7" baking tray or glass dish with parchment paper and set aside
Put both chocolates, butter, golden syrup and salt into a large pot. Heat stirring constantly until all is melted.
Add cranberries, rum, ;biscuits and 3/4 of the pistachios to the chocolate. Using a spatula to combine everything togther, transfer to a prepared tray , smoothing the top and sprinkling with remaining pistachios.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely set. Slice into bars. Keep in the fridge and serve fridge cold












































Yotam Ottolenghi