SPOT PRAWN CAESAR SHOTS
Ingredients
Serves 10
½ lb (250 g) spot prawn tails
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) each, chopped parsley and chopped chives
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground pepper
10 oz (300 ml) Caesar or clamato juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco sauce, to taste
¼ cup (60 ml) Caesar rim salt
Instructions
- Bring a medium-sized saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add prawns and cook for 30 seconds, remove and immediately place in an ice bath, once cooled, peel.
- Mix prawns with lemon juice, parsley, chives, salt and pepper. Skewer with a 2-in (5 cm) skewer and set aside.
- Mix the Caesar juice mix, Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce. Divide evenly between 10 x 3 oz (90 g) shot glasses, garnish with prawns.
Drink Pairings
SLOW-BAKED SALMON WITH SPINACH FLORENTINE AND TOMATO SALSA
Ingredients
Serves 4
TOMATO, LEMON AND CAPER SALSA:
3 large, firm, ripe tomatoes
¼ cup (60 ml) finely minced cilantro
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced red onion
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lemon, juice only
2 tsp (10 ml) capers, rinsed and drained
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
SALMON:
4 x 6 oz (140 g) salmon fillets, skin on, about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick
1 tbsp (15 ml) Shiro Miso
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ tsp (2 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) cannellini beans, drained and warmed
green onion, for garnish
LIGHT SPINACH FLORENTINE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ lbs (750 g) baby spinach, rinsed and drained
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) whipping cream
1 lemon, zest only
Instructions
- To make SALSA: Finely chop tomatoes and drain briefly in a colander. Should measure about 1½ cups (375 ml). Place in bowl and add remaining ingredients. Gently fold together until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To bake SALMON: Preheat oven to 275 F (140 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine Shiro Miso, olive oil, lemon juice and thyme to blend. Brush over salmon fillets. Place salmon on prepared baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until almost opaque in centre.
- Five minutes before salmon is baked, heat cannellini beans and keep warm.
- Prepare LIGHT SPINACH FLORENTINE: Heat olive oil in large, heavy saucepan. Add garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute. Do not brown.
- Add spinach, salt and pepper then toss with garlic and oil. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Remove lid and turn heat to high. Cook for 1 more minute to fully wilt spinach. Drain and stir in cream and lemon zest.
- To serve, divide Florentine among serving plates and scatter each with cannellini beans.
- Top with a portion of salmon fillet and spoon Tomato, Lemon and Caper Salsa over top. Garnish with green onion.
Drink Pairings
Roasted Garlic Eggplant Lasagna
Ingredients
Serves 8
4 medium eggplants, each cut in half
5 tbsp (75 ml) olive oil, divided, plus extra
salt and pepper, to taste
1 head garlic
4 oz (125 g) medium-width egg noodles
1 lb (500 ml) spicy chicken sausage, removed from casing
½ yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup (250 ml) sliced crimini mushrooms
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh thyme
28 oz (796 ml) can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh oregano
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh basil, plus extra
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
⅓ cup (75 ml) finely grated Parmesan
8 oz (250 g) fresh mozzarella balls, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Rub cut sides of eggplant with 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil before seasoning with salt and pepper. Place halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Chop off top ¼-in (0.5 cm) of garlic head. Pour 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over top and cover with foil and wrap bulb in foil. Place on baking sheet with eggplant. Roast both for 20 to 25 minutes, or until garlic is golden brown and eggplant is soft. Keep oven on.
- In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water to cool, toss with drizzle of oil and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes, breaking apart into small pieces. Transfer cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside. Do not wipe out pan.
- Return pan to medium heat and add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized, 5 minutes. Stir in red pepper, mushrooms and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, including juice, oregano, basil, reserved sausage and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Squeeze roasted garlic out of papery skin into small bowl and mash well with a fork. Stir in red pepper flakes and Parmesan.
- Carefully cut out flesh of eggplant, leaving a shell with a ½-in (1 cm) border throughout. Roughly cut up flesh and mix with roasted garlic mixture and reserved noodles.
- Place eggplant shells in a large roasting pan. Divide noodle mixture among shells before covering with a layer of sauce. Top with slices of mozzarella and roast filled shells until cheese has melted and sauce is bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm, garnish with basil leaves.
Drink Pairings
SMOKED PAPRIKA SHELLFISH WITH CILANTRO-LIME DIP
Ingredients
Serves 8
CILANTRO-LIME DIP
½ cup (125 ml) each, mayonnaise and sour cream
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced red onion
2 tbsp (30 ml) rinsed and drained capers, chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh dill
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
1 small Thai red chili pepper, seeded and finely minced
SMOKY SCALLOPS AND PRAWNS
8 medium scallops
8 medium prawns
2 tsp (10 ml) each, ground cumin and smoked paprika
1 generous pinch sea salt
1 lime, juice only
fresh dill, for garnish
fresh chives, for garnish
1 lime, cut into 8 thin wedges, for garnish
bamboo cones, to serve
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine Cilantro- Lime Dip ingredients. Stir briskly together until blended. Cover and refrigerate.
- Place oven rack 6-in (15 cm) from broiler and preheat broiler to 500 F (260 C). Lightly oil baking sheet and set aside. Remove muscle from scallops and pat scallops dry. Place in a large bowl. Peel and devein prawns, leaving tails intact. Blot dry and add to scallops.
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika and salt. Stir to blend. Then, using a small sieve, sprinkle evenly over top of shellfish and gently work in with fingertips. Spread in a single layer on baking sheet. Place on top rack in oven and broil for 1 minute. Using tongs, flip scallops and prawns. Return to broiler for 1 more minute or until opaque. Drizzle with lime juice.
- Place 2 tsp (10 ml) Cilantro-Lime Dip in bottom of each bamboo cone. Top with a scallop and prawn. Garnish with a sprig of dill, fresh chives and a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
SPICED CARROT SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
1 large white onion
1¼ lbs (625 g) carrots, peeled and chopped
3¾ cups (925 ml) low sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 cup (250 ml) peeled and diced Spartan apples, plus an extra half apple, finely diced, for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) freshly grated ginger
½ cup (125 ml) apple cider or apple juice
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground allspice
1 cup (250 ml) Almond Milk, to garnish
fresh mint, to garnish
ALMOND MILK:
1 cup (250 ml) raw almonds
2½ cups (625 ml) water, plus extra for soaking
Instructions
- In large saucepan, heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in carrots, broth, apples and ginger and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer until carrots are tender. Purée in batches in a blender before returning to saucepan. Whisk in apple cider and allspice. Season with salt to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
- In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup (250 ml) Almond Milk until steaming and remove from heat. Using a milk frother, froth until foamy and doubled in volume. To serve, garnish with a dollop of almond foam. Top with diced apples and freshly torn mint and serve immediately.
- To make ALMOND MILK: Place almonds in a lidded container and cover with water, refrigerate overnight. Drain and rinse almonds well before placing in a blender. Add water and blend until almonds have been finely broken down and liquid appears milky. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth, and place over a large bowl. Gather up cheesecloth to squeeze out excess liquid. Refrigerate until ready to use. Can keep up to 2 days.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 8
½ cup (125 ml) wild rice
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable stock or water
2 lbs (1 kg) Brussels sprouts, trimmed
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive or grapeseed oil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) hazelnut or almond butter
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate seeds
½ cup (125 ml) hazelnuts, toasted, chopped
Instructions
- Arrange oven racks in top and bottom third of oven before preheating to 350 F (180 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In large saucepan, combine rice and stock over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until some grains start to split, 40 minutes. Drain well and transfer to large bowl.
- Trim Brussels sprouts and separate leaves. Place on prepared baking sheets, drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive or grapeseed oil and toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets and season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bake until crispy and starting to turn golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Whisk together lime juice, vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup and hazelnut butter until well incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To serve, stir dressing into wild rice before folding in Brussels sprouts leaves. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with pomegranate seeds and hazelnuts. Best served warm or at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
SPRING PEA CARBONARA
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
8 oz (250 g) fresh morel mushrooms, halved or quartered
2 cups (500 ml) packed dandelion greens
salt and pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1 lb (500 g) dried or fresh Orecchiette Pasta
2 cup (500 ml) fresh shelled peas
1½ cup (375 ml) sugar snap peas
½ cup (375 ml) snow pea pods
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan, divided
1 lemon, zest only, finely grated, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) pea shoots, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh mint leaves, for garnish
1 ball burrata cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 4 liters (16 cups) of water and 2 tbsp (30 ml) salt to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, sauté onion in oil on medium-high until tender. Add garlic and mushrooms, turn down heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 8 minutes. Add greens and cook, stirring often, until just wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper before removing from heat and setting aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together eggs. Set aside.
- When water comes to a boil, add pasta. Turn down heat to medium-low and maintaining a slow boil until pasta is just al dente, about 7 minutes. Ladle out and set aside 1 cup (250 ml) of cooking water. Add peas to water with pasta. Increase heat to high and cook for 1 minute. Drain pasta and vegetables, do not rinse. Return to pot and place on warm stovetop burner that has been turned off. Gradually whisk 3 tbsp (45 ml) reserved hot pasta water into eggs, then pour over pasta, gently stirring with a wooden spoon to coat pasta. Stir in ⅔ of Parmesan, mushroom mixture and enough reserved pasta water to loosen pasta and create a creamy sauce. Season to taste with pepper.
- Serve with a sprinkle of lemon zest, remaining Parmesan, torn mint leaves and dollops of burrata cheese. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
SPARKLING MOROCCAN TEA
Ingredients
Serves
1 oz (30 ml) Bombay Sapphire gin
1½ oz (45 ml) Moroccan Mint Green Tea*
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice, strained
2 oz (60 ml) Cupcake Prosecco, to top
1 mint leaf, for garnish
Instructions
- *For Moroccan Mint Green Tea: In a saucepan, add 2 tbsp (30 ml) Green Tea and 8 tbsp (120 ml) sugar to 3 cups (750 ml) boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Add 1 cup (250 ml) mint leaves. Steep another 5 minutes. Strain through a coffee filter into a glass bottle. Chill before using.
- In a mixing glass, stir gin, Moroccan Mint Green Tea and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a flute and top with Prosecco. Garnish with a mint leaf.
Featuring
RAGOUT DE BOULETTES ET DE PATTES DE COCHON (MEATBALL STEW WITH PORK HOCKS)
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
PORK HOCKS:
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
4 medium onions, peeled and halved
1 head garlic, peeled
4 fresh pork hocks halved with the skin on, 7½ lbs (3.5 kg)
1 tsp (5 ml) juniper berries
4 to 5 sprigs thyme
1 large sprig rosemary
4 whole cloves
4 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
MEATBALLS:
2 shallots, finely minced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 large egg, beaten
2 lbs (1 kg) lean ground pork
¼ cup (60 ml) fine breadcrumbs
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
GRAVY AND STEW:
¾ cup (175 ml) all-purpose flour
3 tbsp (45 ml) reserved pork fat or olive oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
4 cups (1 L) reserved pork hock broth
4 cups (1 L) beef broth
Instructions
- To make PORK HOCKS: Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add olive oil and brown cut sides of the onions for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, pork hocks, spices and herbs.
- Add enough water just to cover and bring to a boil. Skim and allow to simmer 2½ to 3 hours or until the meat is fork tender. During cooking add more water to keep the hocks covered. Use a slotted spoon to remove the hocks. Place in a large dish and cool. Degrease the broth, reserving 3 tbsp (45 ml) of fat, discard remaining fat. Strain broth through a sieve, discarding aromatics. There should be at least 4 to 6 cups (1 to 1.5 L) broth set aside for the gravy.
- When hocks are cool enough to handle, debone and separate the meat (keeping as many large chunks as possible) from the skin, discarding the skin.
- To make MEATBALLS: Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, add all ingredients. Mix thoroughly with hands until well combined. Form meatballs with lightly oiled hands and spread on baking sheets, about 7 dozen meatballs. Bake until cooked about 15 minutes, turning over halfway through. Remove and cool.
- To make GRAVY AND STEW: Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir continuously until toasted and golden brown. Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a bowl to cool.
- In a large saucepan, heat pork fat over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot and celery and sauté until soft. Add broths, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in toasted flour and stir constantly until smooth. Lower heat to simmer 5 minutes. Strain gravy through a sieve to make a refined sauce or keep as is with the vegetables. Add meatballs and reserved pork meat. Continue to cook 10 minutes to heat through. Serve with mashed or steamed potatoes.
Drink Pairings
STEAK AND SCALLOPS WITH CHAMPAGNE VANILLA SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 4
STEAK AND SCALLOPS:
4 beef tenderloin steaks, each about 6 oz (180 g)
salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil, divided
12 large sea scallops
CHAMPAGNE VANILLA SAUCE:
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely diced shallot
1 cup (250 ml) champagne
½ vanilla bean, split in half
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
2 tsp (10 ml) potato starch
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh tarragon
crushed pink peppercorns, for garnish
Instructions
- Let steaks sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat 1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil in large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook turning once until medium rare, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Transfer to plate, cover lightly with foil and set aside while cooking scallops.
- Wipe out frying pan, add ½ tbsp (7 ml) grapeseed oil and return to mediumhigh heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Add half the scallops to pan and cook turning once until opaque and cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add remaining ½ tbsp (7 ml) grapeseed oil to pan and repeat cooking process with remaining scallops.
- To make CHAMPAGNE VANILLA SAUCE: Wipe out frying pan again before warming olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shallots along with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add champagne and vanilla bean, bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together lemon juice and potato starch. Add to champagne mixture in frying pan and whisk constantly until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove sauce from heat, remove vanilla bean and stir in parsley and tarragon.
- To finish, slice each steak thinly before dividing among serving plates. Arrange 3 scallops around or over top of steak and drizzle with warm Champagne Vanilla Sauce. Garnish with crushed pink peppercorns and serve with your favourite seasonal vegetables alongside.