Green Olive & Smoked Almond Biscotti

This savoury take on a biscotti is just as at home on a cheese plate as it is next to a glass of wine. With their satisfying crunch, biscotti is an excellent canvas for spices, nuts and strong flavours. Feel free to customize the add in to create your own savoury biscotti creation. Try pairing this recipe with Friuli Pinot Grigio Ruffino Aqua Di.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 30 biscotti
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
1 cup (250 ml) pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano), sliced in half
½ cup (125 ml) smoked almonds
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 large eggs
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) whole milk, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Line an 8-in (20 cm) square cake pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, olives, almonds, salt, thyme and Parmesan and mix with a wooden spoon. Make a well in centre of mixture, add eggs and milk into well and mix well to combine. If there is lots of flour left in bottom of bowl, add an extra 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk and combine to make a stiff dough.
  3. Press mixture evenly into base of prepared pan. Bake until puffed and just starting to brown around edges, about 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside until cool enough to handle, about another 10 minutes.
  4. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment.
  5. Using a sharp knife, slice cooled cake into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake again until crisp and lightly golden, about another 20 minutes. Transfer biscotti to racks to cool completely before serving. Can be stored, fully cooled, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Ornamental Cheese

For this cheery and delicious Ornamental Cheese appetizer, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. It's a great recipe for those who want to prepare a bunch ahead of time and freeze them for your next festive function. Simply unwrap and thaw before serving with crackers. A festive crowd favourite for your next holiday soirée. Try pairing this recipe with Veuve Du Vernay Brut.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 cheese ornaments
1 cup (250 ml) goat’s cheese
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) sun-dried tomato pesto
⅓ cup (80 ml) diced pitted Castelvetrano olives
sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme, to decorate
crackers, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, blend goat’s cheese and cream cheese. Spoon into a large piping bag with about a 1-in (2.5 cm) hole at tip. Set aside.
  2. Lightly grease six 2½-in (6.25 cm) silicone domes. Place a 12-in (30 cm) length of plastic wrap over each dome and press into its sides, leaving remaining hanging over.
  3. Pipe cheese mixture about a third of the way up each dome and smooth surface with the back of a spoon.
  4. Spread 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) pesto on top of cheese in each dome and smooth with the back of a spoon.
  5. Pipe cheese over pesto to fill each dome, leaving ¼-in (0.6 cm) space on top.
  6. Top 3 domes with diced olives, using a third of the olives for each, and gently press surface. Fold overhanging plastic wrap to cover each dome and freeze for 2 hours.
  7. Unwrap surface of all cheese domes. Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture on top of domes without olives. Remove these domes from silicone moulds and discard plastic wrap. Place these domes face down on top of olive surface on other cheese domes, to form 3 globes. Gather plastic wrap lining each bottom dome to cover entire globe. Gently remove from silicone moulds and press domes together. Twist and secure plastic on top and place each globe back into a silicone mould.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  9. Unwrap each globe and decorate with herbs, as desired. Serve with crackers.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Madame Boulevardier

A Boulevardier is one of the many variations of a classic Negroni, using bourbon instead of gin. The Madame Boulevardier takes on a delightful wintery twist by adding Nutty Olorosso sherry instead of red vermouth, resulting in an expression of walnut and almond flavours along with a warming dried fruit character. The sweetness is balanced by the complex bitterness of Campari for a memorable cocktail experience. Featuring Bulleit Bourbon, Campari and Oloroso Nutty Sherry.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves
1½ oz (45 ml) Bulleit Bourbon
1 oz (30 ml) Campari
1 oz (30 ml) González Byass Oloroso Nutty Sherry
lemon peel, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill an old-fashioned glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine bourbon, Campari and sherry. Stir well to chill and dilute, then strain over cubed ice in chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Featuring

Crowned Vegetables

A melange of vegetables encased in delicate phyllo pastry makes for a majestic vegetarian showstopper at any festive table! Leftovers, if any, make delicious companions to a piping chowder or serve under a fried egg for a hearty brunch. Who knew vegetables could taste and look so good! Try pairing this recipe with Pouilly Fuisse Chartron Et Trebuchet Chapelle.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8-10
3 cups (750 ml) golden beets cut into 1- to 1½-in (2.5 to 4 cm) chunks
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tsp + 2 tbsp (35 ml) salt, divided, plus more to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper, divided
2 cups (500 ml) carrots cut into 1- to 1½-in (2.5 to 4 cm) chunks
2 cups (500 ml) red beets cut into 1- to 1½-in (2.5 to 4 cm) chunks
2 to 3 potatoes (about 1½ lbs/680 g), peeled and cut into 3-in (7.5 cm) chunks
1 yam (about ½ lb/225 g), peeled and cut into 3-in (7.5 cm) chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) Tabasco
½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
1 cup (250 ml) chopped green onions
10 to 12 sheets phyllo pastry (about 12 × 16‑in/30 × 40 cm each), thawed if frozen
½ cup (125 ml) clarified butter or ghee, melted
2 cups (500 ml) button mushrooms
1 cup (250 ml) frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup (250 ml) shredded Tex-Mex cheese or preferred cheese
fresh herbs, for garnish, as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line 3 baking sheets with foil.
  2. In a large bowl, toss golden beets with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper. Spread on 1 baking sheet.
  3. In same bowl, toss carrots with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt and ¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper. Spread on second baking sheet.
  4. In same bowl, toss red beets with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt and ¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper. Spread on third baking sheet.
  5. Roast each baking sheet of vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes, until tender enough for a fork to pierce through but with some resistance. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  6. In a large saucepan or stockpot, cover potatoes and yams with water up to 2-in (5 cm) higher than vegetables. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) salt and bring to a boil. Continue cooking for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender enough for fork to pierce into a chunk of potato or yam easily. Drain vegetables into a colander and return to saucepan or stockpot.
  7. Add butter, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Tabasco and white pepper. Using a potato masher, mix until smooth and fluffy. Add green onions and mix well. Season with salt, as desired. Cool completely. Can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  8. When ready to assemble, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position. Lightly spray or brush the inside of a Bundt cake pan that’s about 4-in (10 cm) high and 10-in (25 cm) in diameter.
  9. Place phyllo sheets stacked up on a clean work surface. Cut phyllo stack along shorter edge into 4-in (10 cm) wide strips and cover with a slightly damp tea towel to avoid drying. Using 1 phyllo strip at a time, line bottom and sides of Bundt pan, allowing for about a 5-in (12.5 cm) overhang on outer edge of pan. Brush each strip generously with melted clarified butter or ghee after each placement. This should build up to 3 to 4 layers of phyllo pastry.
  10. Spread one-third of mashed potato mixture on phyllo pastry along the inside of Bundt pan. In a large mixing bowl, mix remaining mashed potato mixture with roasted golden beets, roasted carrots, mushrooms, peas and shredded cheese. Spread half of mixture evenly into prepared Bundt pan. Scatter half of roasted red beets evenly on top. Spread remaining potato mixture and layer with remaining red beets. Gently press to compress filling. Fold overhanging phyllo over filling and tuck into inside edge of pan. Do not worry about how the surface looks, as it will become the bottom of the crown. Bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for at least 5 minutes. Carefully invert Bundt pan onto a large baking sheet and return crown to oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until surface turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to serving platter and garnish with herbs as desired.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Crustless Quiche with Smoked Salmon

We all love quiche, but it is a commitment to make, this recipe doesn’t have a crust and so it’s so easy! You still get the decadent custard but with a lot less effort. Baking it at a lower temperature ensures the custard stays soft and delicate. This style makes it easy to whip up on a holiday morning. Try pairing this recipe with Chardonnay Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve or Villa Teresa Prosecco Frizzante.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, room temperature, for dish
8 eggs
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped fresh chives, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, divided
vegetable oil, for frying
3 tbsp (45 ml) capers, drained and dried on paper towel
¼ cup (60 ml) crème fraîche
1 lemon, zest only
3 oz (85 g) cold-smoked salmon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Butter a 10‑in (25 cm) pie plate or quiche dish and set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix eggs, whipping cream, milk, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp (30 ml) chives and 1 tbsp (15 ml) parsley. Check seasoning and adjust.
  3. Pour into pie plate and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until custard is set. Remove from oven and set aside. If making ahead, store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  4. While quiche is baking, fill a small saucepan with 1-in (2.5 cm) vegetable oil and heat over medium-high. Once oil is hot, carefully fry capers until they have popped open and are crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  5. Mix crème fraîche with lemon zest and remaining chives and parsley.
  6. Before serving, arrange salmon on quiche and garnish with crème fraîche and capers. If made ahead, quiche can be served cold, at room temperature, or reheated in oven at 350 F (160 C) for 15 minutes before arranging with salmon and garnishing.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Raspberry Cheesecake Semifreddo

A Semi-Freddo is a delicious frozen dessert that hails from Italy. The term "Semi-Freddo" translates to "semi-frozen" in Italian, perfectly describing its texture. Far easier to make than churning ice cream but just as satisfying, it is mixed with the delicious flavours of a classic cheesecake, ensuring that this dessert will please any guest. Try pairing this recipe with Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Riesling.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
2 cups (500 ml) frozen raspberries
1 lemon, juice only
¼ cup + ⅔ cup (220 ml) granulated sugar, divided
9 egg yolks
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (125 ml) fresh raspberries
½ cup (125 ml) roasted, unsalted, shelled pistachios, chopped

Instructions

  1. Line a 5 × 12-in (12.5 × 30 cm) loaf pan with plastic wrap. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat raspberries, lemon juice and ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 2-in (5 cm) water to a boil. In a large metal bowl that fits onto saucepan, whisk egg yolks, remaining ⅔ cup (160 ml) sugar and vanilla until light and frothy. Place bowl over saucepan and whisk vigorously for 5 to 10 minutes, until egg yolks have thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Allow to cool.
  4. In a separate large metal bowl and using a handheld mixer, whisk whipping cream to form stiff peaks. Add cream cheese and whisk again to combine. Pour egg yolk mixture into whipped cream. Using a spatula, fold until combined.
  5. To assemble, pour half of the raspberry mixture into prepared loaf pan to create an even layer. Place in freezer for 15 minutes to freeze. Remove from freezer, pour half of the cream mixture into pan, sprinkle evenly with graham cracker crumbs and return to freezer to harden slightly, about 30 minutes. Remove from freezer, top with remaining raspberry mixture and then remaining cream mixture and freeze overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, remove from pan and flip upside down onto a serving dish. Slice into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices and serve with fresh raspberries and chopped pistachios. Can keep frozen for 2 weeks.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

BC Celebration

BC cranberry farmers account for approximately 75,000,000 lbs or 12% of the total cranberry production in North America, a considerable contribution worth celebrating. This cocktail offers cheers to all those who grow and nurture the agricultural bounty of British Columbia. Join in raising a glass to these hard-working people and celebrate the holidays with a local cranberry cocktail. Featuring G and W NUTRL and Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1
¼ oz (7.5 ml) orange flower water
¾ oz (22 ml) NÜTRL Vodka
½ oz (15 ml) organic 100% pure cranberry juice (not from concentrate)*
¼ oz (7.5 ml) Simple Syrup**
2 oz (60 ml) Saintly The Good Sparkling Rosé
cranberries/orange twist, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pour orange flower water into flute, swirl and discard excess. In mixing glass with cubed ice, combine vodka, juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to chill and dilute, then strain into flute, top with sparkling wine. Garnish as desired.
  2. * This cranberry juice is not blended with other juices or added sugar. It is more intensely flavoured and tart than cranberry blend options.
  3. ** 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Featuring

Hot Toddy of The North

It is a common belief that the Hot Toddy originated in India around the early 1600s, derived from the Hindi word “taddy”, a drink made with fermented palm sap. By the 1780s, the “Toddy” was redefined as “an alcoholic drink made with hot water, spices, and sugar”. This vague definition gave way for the creation of countless variations and the following recipe is another perfect Toddy, ready to a fight off a cold Canadian winter. Featuring Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves
1½ oz (45 ml) Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye
¾ oz (22 ml) maple syrup
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) chai tea*
lemon peel studded with whole cloves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine whisky, maple syrup, lemon juice and chai tea. Once hot, pour into a heatproof mug or glass and garnish with clove-studded lemon peel.
  2. * To make chai tea, pour 5 oz (150 ml) boiling water over 1 chai tea bag and steep for 4 minutes.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Featuring

Spiced Rum Sour

The Spiced Rum Sour does a great job of delivering complex, layered spice flavours in an easy to make, sour style cocktail. The Bacardi Spice Rum will add a flattering, caramel-like vanilla character, along with cinnamon, nutmeg, almond and dried fruit flavours. Also, try this recipe with lime juice instead of lemon for another variation that will be sure to please your palate. Featuring Bacardi Spiced Rum.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves
1 egg white
1½ oz (45 ml) Bacardí Spiced Rum
¾ oz (22 ml) Simple Syrup*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 pod star anise, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill a cocktail coupe in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine egg white, spiced rum, Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with star anise.
  2. * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Featuring

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a delightful and comforting cocktail that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Laden with winter spices, it is buttery and aromatic, drawing you in for another sip. This recipe includes an easy to make “hot buttered rum batter” that can be stored in the freezer, ready to be spontaneously used to make a delicious hot buttered rum cocktail. Featuring Flor De Cana Anejo Clasico 5 Year Old
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves Makes 24 x 1 oz (2 tbsp) pellets.
1 × 1 oz (2 tbsp) Hot Buttered Rum Batter Pellet*
2 oz (60 ml) Flor de Caña 5-Year-Old Añejo Rum
6 oz (180 ml) boiling water
cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large heatproof mug combine batter pellet and rum, top with boiling water and stir to dissolve. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and stir between sips, as butter will float.
  2. * To make Hot Buttered Rum Batter Pellets, combine 1 cup (250 ml) butter (room temperature), 1 cup (250 ml) demerara sugar (packed), 1 cup (250 ml) berry sugar, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pure vanilla extract, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly grated nutmeg, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cloves and ¼ tsp (1 ml) citric acid in a stand mixer and mix until smooth. Place 1 oz (2 tbsp) portions of batter on a parchment-lined baking sheet or use a silicone butter mould, then freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or sealed container and return to freezer until ready to use. Pellets will keep in freezer for up to 6 months.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Subscribe to test