TWO BITE LASAGNA
Ingredients
Serves 20 Lasagna Bites
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing muffin tins
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 oz (125 g) lean ground pork
4 oz (125 g) extra-lean ground beef
14 oz (398 g) can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
2 anchovy fillets, chopped
½ tbsp (7 ml) balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh basil, plus extra leaves for garnish
salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) ricotta cheese
½ tsp (2 ml) dried oregano
¼ cup (60 ml) finely grated Parmesan
½ cup (125 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
40 square wonton wrappers
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, warm oil over medium heat. Add onion, cook, stirring often, until it caramelizes, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic, cook another minute. Add beef and pork, breaking up meat and stirring often until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes along with juice, tomato paste, anchovy fillets and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer, cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chopped basil, season to taste, remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, oregano and Parmesan. Season with pepper.
- Grease cups of a mini muffin tin before pressing 2 wonton wrappers into each cup. Fill with a small spoonful of ricotta mixture, then a spoonful of sauce and a bit of grated mozzarella. Bake until cheese is melted and wontons are golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly before removing to a serving tray. Garnish with basil and enjoy
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
SWEET AND SPICY LOBSTER NOODLE SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
DRESSING:
¼ cup (60 ml) grape seed oil
4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 large shallots, thinly sliced
salt, to taste
1 fresh long Thai chili
3 tbsp (45 ml) Asian fish sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) lime juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) clover honey, plus extra
1 tsp (5 ml) sambal oelek
¼ tsp (1 ml) toasted sesame oil
LOBSTER SALAD:
8 small cooked lobster tails
4 oz (125 g) vermicelli rice noodles
1 unpeeled English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
3 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds
2 naval oranges, peeled and sliced into segments
3 cups (750 ml) mixture of Asian baby greens
1 large Hass avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped, roasted, salted peanuts
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh mint leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- To make DRESSING: In a small frying pan heat grape seed oil over medium-low heat, add garlic, shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic and shallots are golden, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl. Stir in chili, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, sambal oelek and sesame oil. Season dressing to taste with additional salt and honey. Set aside.
- To make LOBSTER SALAD: Using scissors, cut along underside of lobster tail shells and remove meat. Remove and discard dark vein from each piece of tail meat. Reserve shells for another use. Slice 4 lobster tails into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces and leave remaining 4 whole.
- In a medium-sized heat-proof bowl, cover rice noodles with boiling water and let stand until pliable and tender, about 10 minutes. Drain noodles thoroughly and place in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat, allowing noodles to marinate in dressing for 10 minutes. Add cut lobster, cucumber slices, radishes, orange segments and baby greens. Gently toss together until well combined. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with remaining whole lobster tails, avocado, peanuts, mint and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
STUFFED TURKEY THIGHS
Ingredients
Serves 12
TURKEY STUFFING:
1 lb (500 g) package chopped frozen spinach, thawed
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, peeled and minced
1 large garlic clove, smashed and minced
½ lb (250 g) quark cheese
1 lemon, zest only
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground coriander
TURKEY AND GRAVY:
3 boneless turkey thighs, skin on, about 3 lbs (750 g)
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra if needed
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 mL) turkey or chicken stock
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) light miso paste
apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- To make TURKEY STUFFING: Place thawed spinach in cheesecloth and wring out as much liquid as possible. Place in a food processor and set aside. Melt butter in a frying pan, add onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat, until soft and clear. Do not brown. Transfer to food processor with spinach. Add quark, lime and seasonings. Pulse together until finely minced. Set aside. Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- To make TURKEY AND GRAVY: Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Place thighs, skin-side down, on a cutting board. Cut each thigh open parallel to board. Pound thighs with a mallet to partially flatten.
- Spread equal amounts of Turkey Stuffing evenly over each thigh, leaving at least a 1½-in (4 cm) border around each edge. Roll up thighs, pulling skin as tightly as possible to seal. Tie with butcher twine and place, seam-side down, in a large, oiled baking pan. Brush with butter. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 F (165 C) and roast until internal temperature on a meat thermometer inserted into meat portion reads 165 F (75 C). Remove from pan, cover with foil to rest while preparing sauce.
- Place baking pan on stove top. Scrape turkey drippings to loosen. Sprinkle with flour and whisk over medium-low heat until crumbly and turns golden. Gradually whisk in stock and Dijon. Continue whisking over medium heat until thickened. Whisk in light miso paste, add salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Stir in a splash of cider vinegar and strain gravy through a fine-meshed sieve into a serving container.
- Slice rolled thighs crosswise, drizzle with gravy.
Drink Pairings
SUMMER ANTIPASTO BOARD
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
1 small green zucchini, thickly sliced on the bias
1 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 small wheel brie cheese
1 small log goat’s cheese
10 slices prosciutto
2 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
½ cup (125 ml) mixed olives
¼ cup (60 ml) liquid honey
¼ cup (60 ml) grainy mustard
¼ cup (60 ml) cornichons or small dill pickles
1 baguette, sliced
Instructions
- Grease grill and preheat barbecue to 350 F (180 C). Toss zucchini with olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on barbecue grill or place in a grill basket. Grill zucchini over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and cool.
- Arrange all ingredients on a large platter or wooden board, placing olives, honey, mustard and pickles in small individual bowls.
Drink Pairings
SUPERIOR AMARETTO SOUR SLUSH
Ingredients
Serves 1
½ oz (15 ml) Luxardo Amaretto
1 oz (30 ml) Makers Mark Kentucky Bourbon
1 oz (30 ml) lemon juice
¾ oz (22 ml) Simple Syrup (1:1)
1 cup (250 ml) small ice cubes
orange zest, for garnish
cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a blender with ice. Blend well and pour into a glass. Garnish with orange zest and cherry.
Featuring
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.
Drink Pairings
TOM YUM SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 cups (1 L) chicken broth
2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed, crushed with a side of a cleaver and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
3 fresh or frozen kaffir lime leaves
2 to 3 Thai red chilies, seeded and finely sliced
1 x 10 oz (284 ml) can straw mushrooms, drained and halved
¼ lb (50 g) oyster mushrooms, cleaned and coarsely chopped
½ lb (250 g) medium or small shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce, or to taste
cilantro sprigs and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring broth and lemongrass to a boil over high heat. Add lime leaves and chilies and bring back to a boil. Lower to medium-high heat and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and shrimp and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute or until shrimp are opaque and cooked.
- Remove from heat and add lime juice and fish sauce, to taste. Serve in warm serving bowls and garnish with cilantro and green onions.
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
TANQUERAY COASTAL CAESAR
Enjoy this savoury, ocean-inspired Coastal Caesar. Merging the crisp botanicals of Tanqueray London Dry Gin with briny seafood flavours, this cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 lime
celery salt seasoning, to rim
1½ oz (45 ml) Tanqueray London Dry Gin
5 oz (150 ml) Clamato juice
3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) seafood sauce
1 cup (250 ml) ice
1 celery stick
1 piece cooked shrimp, for garnish
1 slice lemon, for garnish
Instructions
- Moisten rim of highball glass with a lime wedge and roll in celery salt to coat. Combine Tanqueray gin, Clamato, Worcestershire and seafood sauce in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into rimmed glass. Garnish with celery, shrimp and lemon wedge.