As fall gatherings approach, no one knows how to turn stress-free hosting into a delicious art quite like Chef Ricardo Larrivée. Beloved across Canada for his approachable recipes, bestselling cookbooks, and award-winning TV shows, Chef Ricardo is now sharing his ultimate Friendsgiving and family dinner tips—like prepping one dish ahead to save time without sacrificing flavour. We caught up with him to talk simple hosting hacks, comfort food classics, and his newest line of ready-to-serve meals available nationwide. —Noa Nichol
Friendsgiving is all about good food without the stress. What’s your number one hosting hack to keep things simple but still wow your guests?
Don’t feel like you have to start every meal from scratch. That’s the biggest thing. You can do this by incorporating high-quality, ready-to-serve dishes (like something from my RICARDO line) as an easy way to save time in the kitchen while still WOW-ing your guests with delicious food. With my product line, you’re basically getting a helping hand from my kitchen to yours.
Then, you can focus on adding your own finishing touches when serving your meals, along with fresh sides like a salad, complemented with intentional dinner decor to elevate the mood even further. This way, you’re spending less time meal prepping and more time with your guests, creating the best stress-free experience.
You often say the secret is prepping just one dish ahead of time—what’s your personal go-to dish that you always make in advance?
My secret is to prepare the things that stress me out the most in advance. That way, on the day I have guests over, even though I still have dishes to
prepare, I’m completely in control. And of course, I think it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself. I achieve this by creating a menu with dishes that I prepare myself and others that I buy ready-made.
Your new line of ready-to-serve comfort meals sounds like a game-changer. Which dish from the collection do you personally reach for when you’re short on time but still craving flavour?
Packing all my ready-to-serve meals with lots of flavour is top priority, so it’s hard to pick only one, but I always reach for the Peanut Chicken! The rich and creamy peanut sauce strikes the perfect balance of savoury and nutty flavours. It’s a great option for a convenient and satisfying dinner solution.
Hosting can sometimes feel overwhelming. What’s one step home cooks can take to shift from “frazzled” to “joyful” in the kitchen during a big meal?
It all comes down to meal prep! The more you can do ahead of time, the more relaxed you’ll feel when people arrive. That could mean chopping your veggies the night before, setting the table in the morning, or choosing a few RICARDO dishes that come ready to heat and serve. The goal is to make your time in the kitchen as efficient as possible and spend more time around the table with the people you care about.
Canadians love their comfort food, especially in the fall. Which classic recipe do you think every cook should have in their back pocket this season?
When it comes to comfort food, especially in the fall, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, classic chicken pot pie.
The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce all enveloped in a golden, flaky crust is undeniably satisfying. Not only is it rich in flavor, but it also allows for creativity—whether you’re adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or experimenting with herbs and spices.
You’ve been inspiring Canadians for over 20 years. How has your own approach to family meals changed since you first started sharing recipes?
I’ve always had the same outlook on things. Eating and cooking together is really what we promote at RICARDO Media. But in the age of social media, where everyone is constantly connected, I believe it’s more important than ever to spend real time together at the table with family and friends.
Every Friendsgiving table needs a showstopper—can you share a favourite recipe of yours that our readers can try at home this season?
I always say the real showstopper is the full experience—when everything comes together on the table and feels thoughtful, without being complicated. If I were planning the perfect Friendsgiving spread, I’d start with our RICARDO Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Asparagus and Feta Risotto. It’s elegant, flavourful, and ready to pop in the oven, so you can focus on setting the mood instead of stressing over meal prep.
I’d add a fresh Caesar salad on the side, topped with our classic Caesar Dressing. And to finish, our Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake is rich, smooth, and always gets people asking for seconds. You don’t need to make everything from scratch to have a table that feels warm and impressive. Just choose a few standout dishes and enjoy the moment!
Dessert is often the grand finale. Aside from your Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake, what’s your secret for ending a meal on a sweet (but stress-free) note?
One thing I always remind people is that you don’t need to overdo it: make just enough for the group you’re hosting. That way, you avoid waste and still send everyone home happy. My RICARDO Carrot Cake is a great option for that! It’s moist, spiced just right, and comes in a size that’s perfect for a small gathering (serves 4-6 people). No need to bake or frost anything yourself. Just slice, serve, and enjoy those moments at the end of the night when everyone leans back and says, “That hit the spot.” Especially my daughters, who love this cake!
share:
Be the first to comment