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Culinary entrepreneur Devin Connell suggests the trick to effortless entertaining is a well-stocked pantry

Devin Connell.

Spontaneity is a familiar concept for Devin Connell, founder of the wholesome Toronto eatery Delica Kitchen, whose latest venture is designed to bring some ease back to your kitchen. Launching next month, Crumb ( thisiscrumb.com) is Connell's new online hub for spontaneous cooking and entertaining, centred on recipes that require no more than six ingredients to make.

"It is the anti-Martha Stewart, anti-meal-planning resource for people who love to cook well and live well, but are short on time," says Connell. "My approach to entertaining is a mix of high-low: think Cheetos in a crystal bowl with a glass of Champagne or beer with oysters."

With the influx of Pinterest-like decor trends, it seems like the days of having a last-minute fête with friends are gone. And as Connell suggests, entertaining can often feel arduous. "People put too much emphasis on overly ambitious food preparation and not enough on the experience. Lighting, music, conversation and cocktails … that's what really sticks with people," she says.

To mitigate any culinary stress, Connell suggests resisting the temptation to make everything from scratch. "Whether that's dressing up a store-bought chili with homemade condiments, using canned beans instead of dried or prepackaged meringues for dessert, a little help can go a long way."

Fittingly, Connell shares six pantry staples essential to creating her favourite dishes.

1. Coconut milk

"I use it in smoothies with avocado and matcha, overnight oats with mango, in my coffee, curries or whipped into a vegan whipped cream. Is there anything coconut milk can't do?"

Thai Kitchen organic coconut milk, $4.49 at Loblaws.

2. Maple syrup

"I drizzle it over pulled pork and put under the broiler, make a syrup for cocktails by infusing it with blueberries or drizzle over vanilla ice cream with salty bacon.

Decacer pure maple syrup, $13.99 at Whole Foods.

3. Apple cider vinegar

"I take a shot of this every morning for immunity and gut health, but I also use a dash when roasting carrots, doing a quick pickle or even a teaspoon in my pie dough recipe."

Braggs apple cider vinegar, $5.49 at Loblaws.

4. Fish sauce

"Fish sauce is a must for any stir-fry, curry recipe or even some salad dressings. The funky smell turns off some people, but that deep salty, earthy taste really makes flavours pop. I use it in place of salt."

Cock Brand fish sauce, $3.99 at T&T Supermarket.

5. Harissa paste

"El Tounsi's harissa paste is delicious rubbed on a pork loin, tossed with chunks of butternut squash and parsnips before roasting or a dash in the pan with some olive oil for fried eggs."

El Tounsi harissa paste, $7.99 at Foodie Pages.

6. Italian tuna

Italian tuna is delicious in spaghetti with chili and lemon or on pizza topped with arugula. I will also toss it with chickpeas, celery and cherry tomatoes for a light and yummy salad.

Callipo solid light tuna, $6.99 for three cans at Pusateri's Fine Foods.


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