SQUASH AND RICOTTA MILLE FEUILLE
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 x 1.1 lb (490 g) package all-butter puff pastry sheets, defrosted according to package instructions
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
vegetable oil, for deep frying
10 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced
16 sage leaves
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 x 1 lb (454 g) tub ricotta cheese
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts
celery leaves from 1 bunch celery, picked and kept in ice water
2 radishes, thinly sliced and kept in ice water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to temperature indicated on puff pastry package. Place puff pastry in 1 layer on 1 or 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Poke holes all over pastry with a fork. Cover each baking sheet with another piece of parchment and another baking sheet over top. Put a heavy ovensafe weight item (e.g. cast iron frying pan) on top of layered baking sheets. Bake according to suggested time on package, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and remove weight and top sheet pan. Allow to cool.
- Once cool, cut sheets into twelve 2½ x 5-in (6.25 x 12 cm) rectangles. Set aside.
- Set oven to 375 F (190 C). Toss squash in 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add cinnamon and nutmeg. Transfer squash to a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast until cooked through and light golden on edges, about 20 minutes.
- Fill a small saucepan with enough vegetable oil to fry mushrooms. Heat oil over medium-high heat to about 375 F (190 C). Fry mushrooms until golden brown and crisp (in batches, if necessary). Remove to paper towel to drain, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In the same oil, fry sage leaves, a few at a time. Be careful, as they bubble up and may spit a bit. Remove to paper towel to drain, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium frying pan, fry onion in butter and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over medium heat until caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Season ricotta with 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and transfer to a piping bag with a large round tip (or use a plastic freezer bag with the corner cut off).
- To assemble, lay 1 piece puff pastry on a dinner plate. Top with 1/12 of the squash, mushrooms, caramelized onions and hazelnuts, and repeat. Place third and final layer of pastry on top and garnish with ¼ of the sage leaves, celery leaves and radish.
Drink Pairings
SLOW-ROASTED SALMON WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 x 1¾ to 2 lb (840 g to 1 kg) fillet wild sockeye salmon, skin removed
salt and pepper, to taste
10 Brussels sprouts, leaves picked
2 tbsp (30 ml) grainy mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
½ lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) Champagne or white wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) + 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) crème fraîche
1 handful pea shoots, for garnish
Instructions
- Remove any pin bones from salmon. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 300 F (150 C).
- Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- Blanch Brussels sprouts leaves in salted boiling water just until they turn bright green, about 30 to 45 seconds, then drain and transfer to prepared ice water. Once cool, drain in a colander and allow to dry on paper towels.
- Whisk together mustard, honey, lemon juice, vinegar and ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over salmon, then roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until it flakes with a fork and is just opaque at thickest point, or until cooked to desired doneness.
- Spread crème fraîche on a platter long enough to fit salmon. Place salmon on crème fraîche. Toss Brussels sprouts with half the dressing. Garnish salmon with Brussels sprouts, pea shoots and lemon zest. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve.
Drink Pairings
PRIME RIB WITH PEPPERCORN CRUST
Ingredients
Serves 6
3-rib prime rib roast, about 7 lbs (3.1 kg)
½ cup (125 ml) Dijon mustard
3 tbsp (45 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) crushed mixed-colour or black peppercorns
2 cups (500 ml) beef demi-glace or jus, warmed *
½ cup (125 ml) prepared horseradish cream
roasted heads of garlic, roasted shallots, figs and/or bay leaves, for garnish (optional)
* This recipe does not produce any drippings, so use purchased or previously prepared demi-glace or jus.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 F (130 C). Coat rib roast with Dijon, then coat with salt and pepper.
- Place roast in a heavy roasting pan, bone side down. Roast until internal temperature reaches between 125 F (52 C) and 130 F (54 C) for a perfect medium-rare roast, or 130 F (54 C) to 135 F (57 C) for medium, about 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 500 F (260 C). Put roast in oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Remove from oven and slice (no need to rest again, as browning time is short). Serve with demi-glace or jus and horseradish cream, and garnish as desired with roasted garlic, roasted shallot, figs and/or bay leaves.
Drink Pairings
CLASSIC PUMPKIN TART WITH PECAN PRALINE TOPPING
Ingredients
Serves 8
PASTRY:
½ cup (125 ml) + 2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) + 1 tbsp (15 ml) cold salted butter, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) pieces
1½ tbsp (22 ml) very cold water
FILLING:
2 cups (500 ml) pumpkin purée (from a roasted sugar pumpkin, or canned)
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75 ml) dark brown sugar
1 large pinch fine sea salt
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground cinnamon
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground ginger
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cloves
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cardamom
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground allspice
1½ cups (375 ml) whipping cream, chilled
3 large eggs, beaten
TOPPING:
½ cup (125 ml) packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup (75 ml) cold salted butter, cut into large pieces
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
¾ cup (175 ml) coarsely chopped toasted pecans
lightly sweetened whipped cream, to serve
Instructions
- To make pastry, in bowl of small food processor, combine flour and butter and pulse until mixture has sandy texture, with largest pieces of butter the size of tiny peas. Add cold water and pulse until large clumps form and pastry just starts to form a ball around blade. Transfer dough to a work surface and knead a few times to bring together into a ball. Flatten into a disc, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out into a 12-in (30 cm) circle. Carefully transfer to a 10-in (25 cm) tart pan with a removable base. Gently ease dough into pan. Fold excess pastry over itself to double up edges of tart and pinch off any extra from top edge. Use any excess to patch areas if necessary, or discard. Freeze while preparing filling.
- To make filling, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin, sugars, salt and spices. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Add cold cream and whisk until smooth. Slowly add beaten eggs, whisking until mixture is well combined and smooth. Remove tart shell from freezer and place on a heavy baking sheet. Pour filling into crust. Carefully place tart in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 F (170 C) and continue baking for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until centre is just set. A toothpick inserted into centre of tart should come out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- To make topping, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar, butter and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thick and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla and pecans. Keep warm over lowest heat or reheat when ready to serve tart.
- To serve, remove tart from pan, leaving it on metal base. Place tart back on baking sheet and reheat in a 325 F (170 C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and pastry is crisp. Garnish edges of tart with pecan topping and top with whipped cream. Drizzle whipped cream with some of the warm pecan topping. Serve tart immediately with remaining pecan topping.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED DELICATA AND ACORN SQUASH SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 medium Delicata squash, ends trimmed, halved and seeds removed
1 medium Acorn squash, stemmed, quartered lengthwise and seeds removed
1½ tsp (7 ml) fine sea salt
black pepper, to taste
1 large shallot, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely minced fresh jalapeño, or to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup (125 ml) coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C) and brush a large baking sheet with a little olive oil. Slice squash into ¾-in (2 cm) half moons. Transfer squash to sheet pan in a single layer. Brush tops with 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 10 minutes, or until just tender and undersides are evenly golden brown. Flip squash and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, while squash is in oven, prepare dressing. In a small bowl, combine shallot, jalapeño, lime juice and a pinch of salt, and allow to macerate while squash roasts.
- To serve, remove squash from oven and transfer to a serving tray. Spoon dressing over squash and season with salt and pepper. Scatter cilantro leaves over and garnish with lime wedges. Serve while warm.
Drink Pairings
RICOTTA AND KABOCHA SQUASH GNOCCHI
Ingredients
Serves 6
4 lbs (2 kg) kabocha squash (about 2 medium squash)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) ricotta cheese, drained of any excess water
½ cup (125 ml) finely grated Parmesan, plus extra to serve
2 egg yolks
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
½ cup (125 ml) salted butter, divided
20 large fresh sage leaves
½ lemon, juice only
1 large pinch dried red chili flakes, plus extra to serve
lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Halve squash and remove seeds and any stringy fibrous flesh. Brush olive oil over each half and season with salt and pepper. Place squash, cut side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 40 minutes, or until very tender and a knife inserted into squash meets no resistance. Remove from oven and allow to rest until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard skin and wrap cooked squash in a clean, dry tea towel. Squeeze to extract any liquid from squash; it needs to be very dry. Weigh out 1 lb (454 g) and reserve leftovers, if any, for another use.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan and egg yolks. Beat with a wooden spoon until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper. Mash squash until smooth and add to ricotta mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Add 1¾ cups (425 ml) flour to mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently until it comes together. If dough is sticky, gradually work in remaining flour, a spoonful at a time. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before rolling.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Remove dough from fridge and divide into 6 pieces, shaping them into rough rounds. On a floured surface, roll each into a 10-in (25 cm) rope, about ½-in (1.25 cm) in diameter. Cut rope into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces, placing each on a well-floured baking sheet before proceeding with next dough round.
- Cook gnocchi in 2 batches in boiling water. Once they float to surface, after about 3 to 4 minutes, cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes, about 6 to 7 minutes total. Test one to make sure gnocchi are fully cooked and not raw tasting. Drain and spread out in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) butter to pan and heat until sizzling. Add sage and fry, stirring continuously, until crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove sage and set aside. Add half the gnocchi to pan and sear each side, flipping them, for 4 to 5 minutes total, until crispy and golden brown on both sides, adjusting heat to medium-high if needed. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter and gnocchi. Add first batch of gnocchi back into pan with second batch. Toss well and squeeze ½ lemon over, add chili flakes and season with salt and pepper. Add a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan and toss well to coat.
- Transfer gnocchi to a large platter and top with fried sage. Serve immediately, family style, with plenty more Parmesan, chili flakes and lemon wedges.
Drink Pairings
STICKY DATE CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND LEMON
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs (drumsticks with thighs attached)
salt and pepper, to taste
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
¾ cup (175 ml) dry white wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) dried oregano
2 tbsp (30 ml) capers
½ cup (125 ml) green olives, pitted if desired
1 cup (250 ml) pitted, chopped dates
2 bay leaves
½ small lemon, sliced into half moons
3 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
3 to 5 sprigs fresh oregano, leaves only
Instructions
- Season chicken all over with salt and pepper.
- In a large plastic freezer bag, combine and mix all remaining ingredients except fresh thyme and oregano. Place chicken in bag and make sure it gets evenly coated with marinade. Remove excess air, seal and place in refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Place chicken, skin side up, in a casserole dish and coat with remaining marinade over chicken. Roast for 25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). For extra crispy skin, broil chicken on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and oregano and serve.
Drink Pairings
SKILLET PORK CHOPS WITH APPLES
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 cups (500 ml) boiling hot water
¼ cup (60 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) sugar
2 cups (500 ml) ice cold water
4 x 8 oz (250 g) pork chops, 1-in thick
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil, plus extra as needed
6 shallots, peeled and halved
3 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
1 sprig rosemary, leaves only, chopped
4 sprigs thyme, leaves only
2 apples, cored, sliced ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large heatproof bowl or container, dissolve salt and sugar in 2 cups (500 ml) boiling hot water, then add 2 cups (500 ml) cold water to make a brining liquid. Once liquid reaches room temperature, add pork chops and store in refrigerator for 1½ to 2 hours. Remove pork from brining liquid and pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- In a cast iron skillet over high heat, heat oil. Sear pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-high, then place shallots, flat side down, in same skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly brown. Remove pork and shallots from skillet and set aside.
- If skillet is dry, add another 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. (This may not be necessary, depending on how much fat was rendered off pork chops.) Sauté garlic over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes then stir in Dijon, chicken stock and vinegar. Reduce for 2 to 3 minutes then add herbs. Return pork and shallots to skillet and nestle apples between pork chops.
- Place skillet in oven and roast until pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C) to 155 F (68 C), about 8 to 10 minutes.
- To serve, top pork chops with apple, shallots and sauce from pan.
Drink Pairings
POMEGRANATE-BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 tbsp (60 ml) grapeseed oil, divided
4 lbs (2 kg) bone-in short ribs (8 to 10 uncut ribs)
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) flour
1 onion, chopped
5 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
1 x 6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
5 sage leaves
5 sprigs thyme
2 cups (500 ml) pomegranate juice
1 cup (250 ml) red wine
2 cups (500 ml) beef stock
½ cup (125 ml) cilantro leaves
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Season ribs generously with salt and pepper and sprinkle with flour on all sides. In a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed saucepan with a lid, over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Sear ribs in 2 batches, flesh side down, until golden brown, for about 3 minutes on each of the 3 meaty sides. Remove ribs and set aside.
- In the same Dutch oven or saucepan, add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil, onion, celery and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté just until softened, about 5 to 10 minutes more. Add tomato paste and stir to coat. Add rosemary, sage, thyme, pomegranate juice, wine and stock. Bring to a boil then turn off heat. Add ribs to liquid, cover Dutch oven or saucepan and place in oven to braise for 2 hours, or until meat is falling off the bone. Check after 1 hour that ribs are submerged in liquid; if not, stir and return to oven.
- Transfer ribs to a serving platter. Strain out solids from sauce and discard, reserving liquid.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce reserved liquid to thicken, about 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce coats the back of a spoon or reaches desired thickness. Pour sauce reduction over ribs, as desired, and garnish with cilantro and pomegranate seeds.
Drink Pairings
PROSCIUTTO, EGG AND MUSHROOM PUFF PASTRY PARCELS
Ingredients
Serves 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) flour
1 sheet puff pastry
6 eggs, scrambled to your liking
6 slices prosciutto, cut into bite-sized squares
1 cup (250 ml) sliced, cooked mushrooms
1 cup (250 ml) shredded Fontina cheese
cracked pepper, to taste
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry into a 10 x 15-in (25 x 38 cm) rectangle; feel free to trim sides if they are not straight. Cut into six 5 x 5-in (12 x 12 cm) squares. On each square, place a heaping spoonful of scrambled egg, arranged in a line, from the bottom left corner to top right corner. Top each with prosciutto and mushrooms and sprinkle over evenly with cheese and pepper. Lift top left and bottom right corners of each puff pastry square and wrap around filling to overlap slightly, like a hug.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and milk. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of each parcel with egg wash. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.