The Merry Berry: Holiday Entertaining is Easy with Blueberries!

Whether you’re expecting family over for a formal dinner, or a group of friends hanging out to casually celebrate the season, many of us end up spending more time in the kitchen over the holidays, pulling together dishes to please a crowd. Why not try some of these creative ideas using British Columbia-grown blueberries, which will both make you the toast of your get-together, and support Western Canadian farmers.

It’s the height of hospitality to offer your guests a welcome drink as soon as you’ve taken their coats, so make it easy on yourself and whip up a signature cocktail that can be made in a batch. That way you’re not scrambling to make individual cocktails all night. A couple of great options are this Blueberry Punch, which can be topped with sparkling wine or with soda water for an all-ages version, or this Blueberry White Wine Sangria – a light, bright alternative to mulled wine.

Once your guests are in the door and refreshed, it’s time to tempt them with a table full of appetizers! For a low-maintenance take on the classic baked Brie, try this Layered Blueberry Hazelnut Cheese Wheel. Instead of using the oven, just slice the round of cheese horizontally, and sandwich a savoury, hot blueberry compote between the pieces of cheese, and then spoon some over the top. For a healthier version of the ever-present spring rolls, try this recipe for Baked Pork Spring Rolls with a Blueberry Dipping Sauce. And everyone will love snacking on this flatbread topped with blueberries, prosciutto and goat cheese!

To end things with a sweet treat, a tray of these Blueberry No-Bake Cocoa Seed Bites will keep everyone happy: they’re gluten-free, nut-free and so easy that the kids can help you make them. Another crowd favourite: this Blueberry Chocolate Fondue! Just supply a tray of fruit and pound cake for everyone to dip in the warm, rich sauce. Skip the liqueur for a family-friendly version and add a little orange juice instead. For a take-home treat your guests won’t soon forget, make extra fondue and put it in pretty jars as a gift.

For more great ideas on how to use BC blueberries, visit the Recipes section of our website.