Flank Steak served with Roasted Pepper Pesto
Ingredients
Serves 4
28 oz (794 g) flank steak
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped, divided
4 tbsp (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
2 medium yellow peppers
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pumpkin seeds, plus extra for garnish
1 lime, zest and juice
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper, plus extra to taste
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded (optional), or to taste
1 small handful cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
1 small handful microgreens, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate steak the night before. Combine 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, vinegar, oregano and cumin. Rub all over steak and let marinate in refrigerator, covered, overnight.
- Roast yellow peppers; this can be done over a medium to high gas flame on the stove or barbecue, or in an oven under the broiler. Roast, turning often, until skins are evenly charred and blackened all over, about 7 to 15 minutes, depending on heat source. Place peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to cool completely.
- Peel peppers and remove seeds and stems. Rinse away any remaining charred skin under running water. Dry peppers well.
- In a small food processor or blender, combine peppers, remaining garlic clove and 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, pumpkin seeds, lime zest and juice, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, ¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper, jalapeño and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside; this can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in refrigerator.
- 1 hour before cooking, remove steak from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high. Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill for 4 to 7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 F (51 C) for rare to 135 F (57 C) for medium-rare. Let steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, cilantro and microgreens and serve with roasted pepper pesto.
Drink Pairings
Blueberry, Shiraz & Black Pepper Shortcakes
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 cups (500 ml) Shiraz
¼ cup (60 ml) + 2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar, divided
½ vanilla bean, seeds scraped out, pod and seeds reserved, divided
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (500 ml) fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
½ cup (125 ml) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
¾ cups (175 ml) 10% cream, plus extra for brushing
4 tsp (20 ml) turbinado sugar
8 oz (250 g) mascarpone cheese, softened but still slightly chilled
1¼ cups (310 ml) 35% whipping cream
½ cup (125 ml) icing sugar
Instructions
- Start by making a blueberry, Shiraz and black pepper syrup. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together wine, ¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar and vanilla pod only. Bring to a boil and, stirring often, reduce mixture to ¾ cup (175 ml), about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in black pepper. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Remove and discard vanilla pod and stir in blueberries. This can be made up to 2 days in advance an6d stored in an airtight container in refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- To make shortcakes, in a food processor fitted with steel S-blade attachment, pulse together flour, remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. Add butter and pulse until a sandy texture is achieved. Add 10% cream and pulse until a moist, soft dough just comes together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and divide into 6 roughly equal pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet and gently pat each one into a circle about ¾-in (2 cm) thick. Brush with a little extra 10% cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake until lightly golden, about 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer shortcakes to a wire rack to cool.
- Meanwhile, make mascarpone cream. In a medium mixing bowl, beat mascarpone with a rubber spatula until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine 35% cream, icing sugar and vanilla seeds. With a handheld mixer, whip until soft peaks form. Add cream mixture to mascarpone and fold together with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.
- To serve, divide shortcakes between serving dishes, splitting shortcakes in half crosswise, if desired. Top with blueberry, Shiraz and black pepper syrup and a dollop of mascarpone cream and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Nectarine & Tomato Pizza
Ingredients
Serves 6
¾ cup (175 ml) warm water
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid honey
½ tbsp (7 ml) active dry yeast
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
¼ cup (60 ml) cornmeal
¾ tsp (4 ml) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
grapeseed oil, for greasing
3 medium tomatoes, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
3 medium nectarines, pitted and halved*
4 oz (125 g) fresh mozzarella, roughly torn
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together water, honey and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow yeast to bloom. If mixture does not become frothy, like the head on a beer, yeast may be inactive; if so, repeat step with a new pack. With a wooden spoon, stir in olive oil, then stir in flour, cornmeal and salt. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes. Use as much extra flour as needed to create a smooth, firm and lightly sticky dough.
- Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm spot to rise until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down dough, cover bowl and let rise again, another 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high, on 1 side only. Lightly oil grill with grapeseed oil.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover with a towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place tomatoes on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let stand for 15 minutes. If needed, pat dry with additional paper towel and set aside on a clean plate.
- Brush nectarines lightly with grapeseed oil. Grill over hot side of grill until tender and grill-marked, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning once. Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle. Slice each half into 4 wedges.
- Dust work surface with flour and roll or stretch dough into a 14 x 10-in (35 x 25 cm) rectangle. Brush 1 side lightly with grapeseed oil. Place dough, oiled side down, onto grill directly over heat. Brush top lightly with more grapeseed oil and cook until underside has browned and bubbles appear on top, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until other side has lightly browned, about 1 minute. Move dough to cooler side of grill and top with tomatoes, nectarines, cheese and half the basil. Cover grill and cook pizza until toppings are warm, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove pizza to a cutting board and garnish with remaining basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Let stand for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
- *Can substitute other stone fruit of choice if desired.
Drink Pairings
Lime & Parmesan Corn Ribs
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil or avocado oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
¾ tsp (4 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lime zest
4 corn cobs, husks removed
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) roughly chopped fresh
cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and lime zest until well combined. Set spice mixture aside.
- With a sharp knife, carefully cut each corn cob into quarters lengthwise. The best way to do this is to stand the cob up vertically, with the wider end against the work surface. Cut lengthwise through the cob, then lay each half on its flat side and cut lengthwise once again. If this is too difficult, chop cobs in half so that you end up with 8 pieces per cob instead of 4; if cobs are shorter, they are easier and safer to cut.
- Lay corn on prepared baking sheet and brush each piece all over with spice mixture. Bake for 15 minutes, flip pieces over and return to oven until they start to curl slightly and begin to crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes more. While warm, transfer to serving plate and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Drink Pairings
Blackened Salmon Burgers
One of the main charms of cooking over an open flame is the infusion of smoke and char, which adds another flavour dimension to this blackened salmon burger. When pairing beer, a good strategy is to lean into these flavours by serving up a dark beer featuring roasted and toasted malts. Porters and stouts come to mind, as does Hoyne Brewing Co.’s enigmatic Dark Matter, which is neither of the above yet brings fantastic toasty notes alongside a lip-smacking hop profile.Ingredients
Serves 6
Pickled Red Onions:
½ cup (125 ml) red wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
1 small red onion, sliced into ⅛-in (0.25 cm) rings
Herbed Cheese Spread:
8 oz (250 g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh dill
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh basil leaves
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salmon Burgers:
3 tbsp (45 ml) dark brown sugar
1½ tbsp (22 ml) sweet paprika
¾ tsp (4 ml) cayenne pepper
¾ tsp (4 ml) garlic powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried thyme
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried oregano
kosher salt and freshly ground black papper, to taste
1½ lbs (750 g) wild salmon, skin removed, cut into large chunks
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) panko bread crumbs
1½ tbsp (22 ml) grapeseed oil, plus extra for cooking
6 brioche burger buns, toasted
2 avocados, peeled and sliced, for garnish
1½ cups (375 ml) microgreens, for garnish
Instructions
- To make Pickled Red Onions, in a small saucepan, combine vinegar, granulated sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir in onion rings. Return to a simmer and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature. Rings will turn translucent and shiny as they cool. Cover and store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Meanwhile, to make Herbed Cheese Spread, in a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, lemon juice, dill, chives, parsley, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. This can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.
- To make Salmon Burgers, start by making seasoning mix. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, oregano and a good pinch of both salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- In bowl of a food processor fitted with steel S-blade attachment, pulse salmon until finely chopped. Alternatively, chop salmon very finely with a knife. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in panko crumbs and oil until just combined. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into burgers about 5-in (12 cm) in diameter. Season burgers generously all over on both sides with seasoning mix and set aside.
- Add a couple tablespoons of grapeseed oil to a large cast iron skillet or frying pan and warm over medium heat. Working in batches, cook burgers, flipping once, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Be careful when flipping burgers as they are delicate.
- To assemble, spread bottom half of toasted bun with Herbed Cheese Spread. Top with a burger, Pickled Red Onions, avocado slices and microgreens. Top with other half of bun and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
Crust:
1½ cups (375 ml) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) salted butter, melted
Filling:
4 egg yolks
14 oz (414 ml) sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp (10 ml) lime zest
¾ cup (175 ml) freshly squeezed key lime (or regular lime) juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) white rum
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
pinch salt
Topping:
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream, chilled
½ cup (125 ml) full-fat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) icing sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
1 tbsp (15 ml) white rum
lime zest, for garnish
Instructions
- To make Crust, preheat oven to 325 F (170 C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter. Stir with a fork until mixture is well combined. Press crumbs firmly into bottom and up sides of a 9-in (23 cm) pie pan. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Leave oven on for next step.
- To make Filling, in a bowl, whisk egg yolks and condensed milk until pale and well combined, about 5 minutes. Mix in lime zest, lime juice, rum, vanilla and salt. Pour mixture into cooled crust and bake until filling is just set and starting to puff around edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- To make Topping, in bowl of an electric mixer, combine cream, yogurt, icing sugar, vanilla and rum and beat until soft peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Dollop pie with topping and garnish with lime zest.
Drink Pairings
Fall-off-the-Bone Pork Ribs
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
2 x 2 lb (907 g) pork back rib racks, membrane removed from underside
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark brown sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) sweet paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) chipotle chili powder
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated garlic
2 tsp (10 ml) coarsely ground black pepper
2 tsp (10 ml) sea salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
½ cup (125 ml) Dijon mustard
½ cup (125 ml) favourite barbecue sauce, homemade or store bought, plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Pat rib racks dry with paper towel and place on a rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine sugar, smoked and sweet paprikas, chili powder, granulated garlic, pepper, salt and cayenne. Brush ribs on both sides with mustard and pat half the spice mixture over bottom sides of racks. Massage spice mixture into ribs, flip and repeat with top meaty side of racks. Wrap racks individually in double layered sheets of heavy aluminum foil, making sure foil is well sealed on all sides. Place foil packs topside up onto baking sheet and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 275 F (140 C). Transfer tray of ribs from refrigerator to oven. Roast for 2 to 2½ hours, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F (68 C).
- Preheat grill to medium. Brush tops and bottoms of ribs with barbecue sauce and place on grill meaty side up. Grill without flipping for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- To serve, transfer racks to a large cutting board and cut into 1 to 2-rib portions. Serve immediately with a side of slightly warmed barbecue sauce for dipping.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Tequila Chicken served with Tequila Beurre Blanc
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
Tequila Chicken:
¾ cup (175 ml) gold tequila
1 cup (250 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
⅓ cup (75 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus extra for grilling
2 tbsp (30 ml) Mexican chili powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground coriander
2 tbsp (30 ml) ground cumin
3 tbsp (45 ml) seeded, minced jalapeño
¼ cup (60 ml) finely chopped cilantro leaves, plus extra cilantro sprigs, for garnish
6 large garlic cloves, finely minced
1½ tbsp (22 ml) sea salt, plus extra to taste
2 tsp (10 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
4 lbs (1.8 kg) chicken drumsticks and wings
grilled peppers, to serve (optional)
lime wedges, to serve
Tequila Beurre Blanc:
1 tbsp (15 ml) very finely minced shallot
¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
⅓ cup (75 ml) gold tequila
½ tsp (2.5 ml) lime zest
2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) whipping cream
½ cup (125 ml) butter, cut into small pieces, chilled
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To make Tequila Chicken, in a large bowl, combine tequila, juices, honey, olive oil, chili powder, coriander, cumin, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper. Add chicken to marinade, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high and brush grates with oil. Remove chicken from refrigerator and discard marinade. Sear chicken on grill for about 5 minutes, turning, until nicely browned on all sides. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue grilling for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from grill and season with salt and pepper. Transfer chicken to a serving platter to rest until ready to serve.
- To make Tequila Beurre Blanc, in a small saucepan, combine shallot, wine, tequila, lime zest and lime juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until about 2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid remains, about 4 to 6 minutes. Turn heat down to very low, whisk in cream, then add butter, one piece at a time, whisking constantly. Remove saucepan from heat from time to time, making sure sauce stays warm but is never too hot. After about 2 to 3 minutes, when all the butter has been incorporated and emulsified, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Serve chicken with grilled peppers, if desired, garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges and Tequila Beurre Blanc.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Corn Tostadas
Ingredients
Serves 12
6 x 6-in (15 cm) corn tortillas
1 cup (250 ml) canola oil, for frying
⅓ cup (75 ml) raw hulled pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
1 large pinch fine sea salt, plus extra to taste
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked Mexican chili powder, plus extra for garnish
2 large corn cobs, husks removed
3 tbsp (45 ml) best-quality mayonnaise
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced red onion
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped cilantro leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
pepper, to taste
⅓ cup (75 ml) crumbled feta cheese
lime wedges and salsa, to serve
Instructions
- Using a cookie cutter, cut two 3-in (8 cm) rounds from each tortilla and set aside. Keep trimmings for frying and snacking on, if desired. Line a baking sheet with paper towel. In a deep heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil to 370 F (188 C). Working in batches, fry tostadas until crisp and golden brown, turning, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer fried tostadas to lined baking sheet to drain.
- In a medium frying pan over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds until fragrant and just beginning to pop, about 3 minutes, shaking pan frequently. Sprinkle in sugar and cook until it melts and caramelizes, coating pumpkin seeds, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add pinch of salt and chili powder, toss well and immediately transfer seeds to a plate. Set aside to cool, then break into small chunks.
- Preheat grill to medium. Grill corn, turning occasionally, for about 7 minutes or until cooked through and lightly charred. Let cool. Using a sharp knife, cut kernels off cob and transfer to a medium bowl. You should have about 1½ cups (375 ml). Mix in mayonnaise, onion, garlic, cilantro and lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To serve, divide corn mixture between tostadas. Top with pumpkin seeds, feta and a sprinkle of chili powder. Transfer to a serving tray and serve with lime wedges and a bowl of salsa on the side.
Drink Pairings
Salmon Poached in Horseradish Milk
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 cup (250 ml) + 1 tbsp (15 ml) whole milk, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared creamed horseradish
kosher salt, to taste
1½ lbs (680 g) salmon fillets, cut into 4 equal pieces
1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
1 green onion, trimmed and thinly sliced
½ tsp (2.5 ml) toasted sesame seeds
cooked spring vegetables or green salad, to serve
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, whisk together 1 cup (250 ml) milk and horseradish. Set pan over medium-low heat and bring mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Don’t worry if milk mixture splits. Season with a good pinch of salt.
- Add salmon to frying pan in a single layer, skin side down, and simmer very gently, turning once and stirring liquid often with a wooden spoon, until salmon is cooked through, about 6 to 10 minutes total. Remove salmon to a serving platter and set aside. Keep milk mixture in frying pan on heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk. Add to warm milk mixture in frying pan and, whisking constantly, increase heat to medium-high and cook until sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove frying pan from heat and season sauce with additional salt to taste. Spoon over salmon and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve alongside your favourite spring vegetables or a green salad.