WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING WITH CARAMELIZED BANANAS
Ingredients
Serves 20
4 cups (1 L) whole milk
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly grated nutmeg
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
8 cups (2 L) sourdough bread, cut into ½ -in (1 cm) cubes
6 oz (180 g) white chocolate, roughly chopped
½ cup (125 ml) toasted almond slivers
6 large eggs
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark rum
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark brown sugar
1½ cups (375 ml) whipping cream, chilled
2 tbsp (30 ml) skim milk powder
½ cup (125 ml) turbinado sugar
2 large bananas, halved lengthwise and each half cut into 5 pieces
white chocolate curls, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 F (150 C). Grease a 9 x 13-in (23 cm x 33 cm) baking pan with butter and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, bring milk, butter, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and salt to a simmer over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, stir together bread, chocolate, and almonds, set aside.
- Add eggs to milk mixture, and whisk until smooth. Pour custard over bread mixture and stir until evenly combined. Let sit, allowing bread to soften for 20 minutes. Pour evenly into prepared baking pan. Cover with foil, and bake until set, about 1 hour. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack before slicing into 20 squares. Bread pudding may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- In a small saucepan, stir together rum and brown sugar over medium heat. Once sugar has melted, remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cold.
- In a chilled bowl, whip cream with skim milk powder to soft peaks. Pour in cooled sugar mixture and whip to stiff peaks. Refrigerate cream until ready to use.
- Place turbinado sugar on a plate and dip the flat, cut side of each banana piece in sugar to cover completely. Place sugar-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for about 6 minutes until sugar is melted and caramelized. Set aside for 2 minutes to harden. Place slices of bread pudding into serving containers and garnish 2 bruléed bananas, a dollop of rum cream and a sprinkle of chocolate curls.
Drink Pairings
YUCATÁN-STYLE CHICKEN WITH PICKLED RED ONION SALSA AND JICAMA SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
YUCATÁN-STYLE CHICKEN:
1 cup (250 ml) fresh orange juice
⅓ cup (75 ml) fresh lime juice
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh grapefruit juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 chipotle canned chilies, including sauce
4 oz (125 g) Achiote Paste
¼ cup (60 ml) coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 large chicken thighs, skin on, bone in
PICKLED RED ONION SALSA:
1 red onion, finely sliced
½ cup (125 ml) fresh orange juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) dried oregano
salt, to taste
JICAMA SALAD:
1 small jicama, peeled and cut into 3 x ¼-in (8 x 0.5 cm) julienne pieces
2 naval oranges, peeled and segmented
2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
1 to 2 limes, juice only
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
½ tsp to 1 tsp (2 to 5 ml) chili powder, or to taste
chopped cilantro, to taste
Instructions
- To prepare CHICKEN: In a blender combine citrus juices, garlic, chipotle chilies and Achiote Paste and process until smooth, about 2 minutes. Mix in chopped cilantro and add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a baking dish. Add chicken and mix until well covered. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, turning over occasionally to marinate, up to 2 hours or overnight.
- Make SALSA at least an hour before cooking chicken. In a nonreactive mixing bowl, mix salsa ingredients together. Toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until onions soften.
- Heat barbecue to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade and place on lightly greased grill. Alternatively, place chicken on a lightly oiled, foil-lined baking sheet. Grill until cooked, about 20 minutes and internal temperature registers 165 F (75 C) on a meat thermometer. Using tongs, turn chicken a couple of times while grilling.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare JICAMA SALAD: In a mixing bowl, toss together jicama, oranges, lime juice, salt and chili powder. Adjust seasonings to taste. Fold in cilantro and garnish with a few extra cilantro sprigs.
- To serve, remove chicken from grill. Serve with Pickled Red Onion Salsa and Jicama Salad.
Drink Pairings
WATERMELON AND AGAVE MARGARITAS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lime wedge
2 tbsp (30 ml) sea salt
½ cup (125 ml) fresh lime juice
1 cup (250 ml) white or silver tequila
2 tbsp (30 ml) orange liqueur
2 tbsp (30 ml) agave syrup
Instructions
- Place salt in a shallow dish. Rub rims of 4 cocktail glasses with lime wedge and dip each rim into salt to coat. Place glasses in freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
- Place remaining ingredients in a blender and process on high until watermelon is smooth. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in margarita.
- These can also be made into frozen margaritas by adding 3 cups (750 ml) ice into blender with ingredients before processing.
Featuring
TURKEY, BRIE AND PEACH SANDWICHES
Ingredients
Serves 4
PEACH MUSTARD CHUTNEY:
2 large, ripe peaches
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium-sized shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) whole grain mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
TURKEY, BRIE AND PEACH SANDWICHES:
1 cup (250 ml) mayonnaise
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
3 tbsp (45 ml) sriracha sauce
2 to 3 large slightly under-ripe peaches or nectarines, cut into thick slices
4 ciabatta rolls
¾ lb (340 g) turkey breast slices
12 slices Brie cheese
2 cups (500 ml) arugula
Instructions
- To make PEACH MUSTARD CHUTNEY: bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Lightly score an X with a paring knife on the bottom of each peach. Blanch in boiling water just until skin begins to peel back at the cut, about 30 seconds. Transfer to an ice bath and cool. Peel and coarsely chop flesh, discarding stone.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and sauté until soft. Add chopped peaches, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until peaches are soft and mixture thickens slightly, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to food processor and pulse until chunky (do not purée). Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
- Mix in mustards, chives, thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight to infuse flavours before using.
- To make TURKEY, BRIE AND PEACH SANDWICHES: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, chili powder and sriracha sauce. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Add peach slices to a preheated medium-heat grill and cook until grill marked, about 1 minute, then turn over and grill another minute.
- Slice ciabatta rolls, spread bottom with a good dollop of peach mustard chutney, top with turkey slices, grilled peaches and Brie cheese. Place sandwiches, openfaced, onto a foil-lined baking sheet and place in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with arugula and dollops of mayonnaise mixture. Close sandwiches and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
STIR-FRIED CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE AND CASHEWS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1½ lbs (750 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1½ tsp (7 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Madras curry powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) canola oil
2 large shallots, finely chopped
1 to 2 Thai red chilies or Serrano chilies, seeded, finely chopped
2 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and finely chopped, about ⅓ cup (75 ml)
1 medium-sized sweet red pepper, seeded and cut into ½-in (1 cm) dice
¾ cup (175 ml) coconut milk
1 cup (250 ml) fresh pineapple, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
½ cup (125 ml) roasted cashews
3 to 4 cilantro sprigs, chopped
Stir-fried Rice Noodles, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add chicken, salt, sugar, curry powder and fish sauce. Mix well to combine. Set aside to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or up to ½ hour.
- In a large wok or frying pan, heat oil over high heat. Add shallots, chilies and lemon grass and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken mixture and red pepper and stir-fry to mix well. Let chicken cook, undisturbed, for about 1 minute, or until browned. Flip chicken over and cook another minute.
- Add coconut milk, lowering heat to simmer, and cook 6 to 7 minutes, stirring, reducing coconut milk until almost evaporated with a hint of sauce. Stir in pineapple chunks and cashews. Mix well to warm through.
- Can be served over Stir-fried Rice Noodles (or serve over steamed rice) garnished with cilantro. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
TURKEY RILLETTES CROSTINI WITH CELERIAC SALAD
Ingredients
Serves about 40 crostini
TURKEY RILLETTES:
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium-sized shallot, peeled, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh thyme
salt and pepper, to taste
2 slices of bacon
2½ cups (625 ml) cooked, shredded, dark turkey meat
½ cup (125 ml) duck fat, divided
1½ cups (375 ml) low-sodium turkey stock
1 tbsp (15 ml) cognac
1 sourdough baguette, ½-in (1 cm) rounds
CELERIAC SALAD:
1½ tsp (7 ml) cumin seeds
1 lemon, halved, divided
½ small celeriac
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp (2 ml) liquid clover honey
salt, to taste
¾ cup (175 ml) chopped fresh parsley
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- To make TURKEY RILLETTES: Warm oil in frying pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallot and cook, stirring often, until starting to caramelize. Stir in garlic, thyme and pinch of salt and pepper. Allow to cook another minute. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add bacon to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, turning once or twice, until crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Chop into small pieces.
- In a food processor, add shredded turkey meat, shallot mixture, bacon and 2 tbsp (30ml) duck fat. Pulse until well combined and turkey is finely chopped. Slowly add 1⁄2 cup (125 ml) stock, pulsing to combine, before adding another 2 tbsp (30 ml) duck fat, pulsing until well combined. Continue alternating remaining stock and duck fat until mixture is spreadable but still slightly chunky. You may not need all the stock. Stir in cognac and season to taste. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Turkey Rillettes may be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). To make crostini, place baguette rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving about 1⁄2-in (1 cm) between each. Lightly brush both sides with a little olive oil before baking until crisp and golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Allow to cool completely on baking tray.
- Before serving, make CELERIAC SALAD: In a dry frying pan, toast cumin seeds over medium heat until fragrant, 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Half fill a medium bowl with cold water and squeeze in juice of half a lemon. Trim celeriac and cut into 1⁄2-in (1 cm) half moons. Using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, slice celeriac into thin strips. Add strips to lemon water as they are cut to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together juice from remaining lemon half, oil, honey and pinch of salt. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss together parsley, pomegranate seeds, cumin and thoroughly drained celeriac strips. Pour dressing over salad and toss well to coat. Season to taste with more salt.
- Spread 1 tbsp (15 ml) turkey rillettes over crostini. Top with celeriac salad and serve.
Drink Pairings
WHITE CHOCOLATE ALMOND MACAROONS
Ingredients
Serves 24 Macaroons
4 oz (125 g) white chocolate, broken into small pieces
2½ cups (625 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup (125 ml) slivered almonds, finely chopped
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt
3 large egg whites
1 oz (30 g) white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place white chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan with simmering water. Stir until chocolate is almost melted. Remove bowl with chocolate from simmering water and stir until creamy. Set aside until cooled, but still loose.
- In a large bowl, combine coconut, almonds, sugar and salt. Stir together to blend.
- Beat egg whites with an electric mixer just until foamy. Stir into coconut mixture until blended. Add cooled chocolate and stir until mixed.
- Using a large spoon, shape mixture into 1½ tbsp (22 ml) loosely shaped stacks about 1-in (2.5 cm) apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until macaroons are firm to touch but still a little soft in centres.
- Remove baking sheet from oven and grate remaining chocolate over top of macaroons. Cool on a rack. Store macaroons for up to 3 days in a tightly covered container at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
VIETNAMESE PORK MEATBALL BANH MI
Ingredients
Serves 6 or makes about 30 meatballs
PICKLED CARROTS AND DAIKON:
2 cups (500 ml) each peeled and coarsely grated carrots and daikon radish
¼ cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) coarse kosher salt
PORK MEATBALLS:
1½ lbs (750 g) lean ground pork
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped yellow onion
⅓ cup (75 ml) finely chopped water chestnuts
3 tbsp (45 ml) each finely chopped cilantro and green onion
½ tsp (2 ml) white pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tsp (10 ml) granulated sugar
1½ tbsp (22 ml) cornstarch
2 tsp (10 ml) toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1½ tbsp (22 ml) Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
1 large egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil, plus extra if needed
HOT CHILI MAYO:
⅔ cup (150 ml) mayonnaise
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) hot chili sauce such as Sriracha
TO ASSEMBLE:
6 Vietnamese buns or substitute Portuguese, torpedo or soft baguettes
jalapeño slices and cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- To make PICKLED CARROTS AND DAIKON: Toss ingredients in a non-reactive bowl. Let sit at least 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheatovento300F(150C). To make PORK MEATBALLS: In a large bowl combine pork, onion, water chestnuts, cilantro and green onion. In a smaller bowl whisk together pepper, salt, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine and egg. Pour over meat mixture and mix well to blend.
- With damp hands, form meatballs into Ping-Pong-sized meatballs, about 2 tbsp (30 ml) each. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and set aside.
- To make HOT CHILI MAYO: Mix together mayonnaise, chopped green onions and hot chili sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Inalargenon-stickfryingpan,heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs, avoiding crowding, and sauté until brown and cooked through, 15 minutes. Turn meatballs often, reducing heat if browning too quickly. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in preheated oven. Repeat with remaining meatballs, adding more oil if necessary.
- To assemble, cut each bun in half. Pull out enough bread from each half to leave 1⁄2-in (0.5 cm) thick shell. Spread Hot Chili Mayo over each bread shell. Arrange jalapeños, then cilantro in bottom halves. Fill each with 4 to 6 meatballs. Drain pickled vegetables; place on top of meatballs. Press on baguette tops.
Drink Pairings
TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN
Ingredients
Serves filling for about 12 tacos
1 lime, zest
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) lime juice
¾ cup (175 ml) orange juice
¼ cup (60 ml) gold tequila
1 tbsp (15 ml) clover honey
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) kosher salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) smoked chili powder
2 tsp (10 ml) ground black pepper
1.5 lbs (750 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
1 red onion, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
Instructions
- In a stainless steel or glass bowl, whisk together all ingredients except chicken and red onion until well combined and salt has dissolved. Add chicken and stir to coat in marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Meanwhile, soak about 12 wooden skewers in water.
- When ready to cook chicken, preheat grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and save marinade. Place marinade in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Boil for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers alternating chicken with a few pieces of red onion. Grill chicken skewers, brushing often with reserved marinade, and turning often until chicken is cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to a platter, garnish with additional cilantro and serve.
Drink Pairings
WHITE LASAGNA WITH CHERRY TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
PARMESAN BÉCHAMEL SAUCE:
½ cup (125 ml) butter
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
4 cups (1 L) whole milk
1 cup (250 ml) grated Parmesan
FILLING:
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary
½ tsp (2 ml) each dried marjoram and thyme
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic, divided
2½ lbs (1.25 kg) ground chicken or turkey
2 tbsp (30 ml) dry white wine
½ lb (250 ml) white button mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 lb (500 g) fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) Tabasco
1 lb (500 g) whole-milk ricotta
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup (60 ml) each, coarsely chopped fresh basil and flat-leaf parsley
2 cups (500 ml) grated mozzarella
12 to 16 7 x 3 ½-in (18 x 9 cm) no-boil lasagna noodles
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan
CHERRY TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA SALAD:
1 basket (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ head radicchio, core removed, thinly sliced
½ small red onion, finely julienned
2 tbsp (30) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
16 baby bocconcini balls or 2 fresh mozzarella balls, sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, torn
½ cup (125 ml) mixed olives
1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) red wine vinegar
Instructions
- PARMESAN BÉCHAMEL SAUCE: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, stirring until well blended. Whisk in milk in a steady stream and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until thickened and smooth. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
- FILLING: Mix together dried herbs, set aside. Heat butter over medium heat. Add onion and half the garlic. Sauté until almost soft, add chicken and half the herb mixture until cooked through. Remove chicken to a large bowl, keeping liquid in the pan.
- Add wine to pan and bring mixture to a boil. Add mushrooms and spinach. Cook covered until spinach is wilted. Stir in remaining garlic, mixed herbs and Tabasco, season with salt and pepper. Continue to sauté, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until all liquid has evaporated. Transfer mixture to chicken and mix well to combine, reserving 1½ cups (375 ml) of the béchamel sauce. Add remaining sauce to chicken-spinach mixture and stir until well combined.
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Butter a 13 x 9-in (3 L) baking dish. In a bowl, mix together ricotta, beaten egg, basil and parsley, season with salt and pepper. Pour half of the reserved béchamel sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish and cover with 3 lasagna noodles, making sure they do not touch each other. Spread half of the chicken-spinach mixture over pasta and sprinkle with half mozzarella. Top with another 3 noodles. Continue layering, ending with pasta. Spread remaining béchamel sauce over top. Lasagna can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, covered tightly.
- Cover with foil and bake in centre of oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle top with Parmesan. Bake another 8 to 10 minutes until bubbling and golden. Garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley.