Blackberry Tart with Grilled Grand Marnier Oranges
This brilliantly coloured blackberry tart with Grand Marnier oranges makes the perfect finale to any summertime meal. You can swap out the blackberries for raspberries for an equally delicious result. Try pairing this recipe with Saintly The Good Sparkling Rosé.Ingredients
Serves 10
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, divided
2 cups (500 ml) gingersnap cookie crumbs
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine salt
¼ cup (60 ml) water, room temperature
2½ tsp (12.5 ml) powdered gelatin
3 cups (750 ml) blackberries, plus more for garnish
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) light brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
2 navel oranges, ends trimmed off and each cut into 8 rounds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (125 ml) butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter stops foaming and solids start to turn golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer butter to a medium bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, stir gingersnap cookie crumbs, salt and ⅓ cup (80 ml) browned, melted butter until well combined and mixture sticks together in a clump when pressed between fingers. Press crust mixture into a 9-in (23 cm) fluted tart pan, pressing mixture evenly into bottom and up sides. Refrigerate tart shell for 10 minutes. Save any remaining browned butter for another use; it will keep in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Place chilled tart shell on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until firm, 12 to 14 minutes. Set aside on a rack to cool completely at room temperature.
- To make blackberry filling, start by placing water in a small bowl and sprinkling gelatin evenly overtop. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place blackberries in bowl of a food processor fitted with an S blade. Blend until blackberries are well puréed. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and discard seeds. You should have about 1 cup (250 ml) purée.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and sugar to a simmer, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until it melts. Transfer warm milk mixture to a blender along with blackberry purée, whipping cream and vanilla. Blend on low until well combined. Transfer mixture to a container with a pour spout. Carefully pour blackberry mixture into crust, filling it to top. Transfer tart to refrigerator until custard is set, at least 1 hour.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium, taking care to clean and oil grills.
- In a small saucepan, combine remaining ½ cup (125 ml) butter, brown sugar and Grand Marnier. Warm gently over medium heat, whisking constantly, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Place orange slices on grill and baste with butter mixture. Grill until grill marks form on underside, about 1 minute, then flip and baste again. Continue to grill until warm but not falling apart. Transfer to a platter and baste one last time. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- To serve, remove tart from tart pan and place on a serving platter. Artfully arrange grilled orange slices over tart and garnish with additional blackberries. Slice and serve.
Drink Pairings
Mexican Street Corn Dip
From Chilliwack to Chiapas, nothing says summer like fresh corn. Take this Mexican vacay inspired dip to your next backyard BBQ and it’ll be a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Offer Ole Cocktail Tequila Variety Pack or Modelo Especial beer for a great drink pairing.Ingredients
Serves a fiesta-sized bowl
BASE LAYER
12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) pickled jalapeño juice, from jar
2½ tsp (12.5 ml) garlic powder
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) onion powder
1 lime, zest only
½ cup (125 ml) sliced green onions, green parts only
⅓ cup (80 ml) pickled jalapeño peppers, chopped
MEXICAN STREET CORN
2 cobs corn (peaches and cream or any variety of sweet corn)
1 lime, juice only
2 tsp (10 ml) nutritional yeast
½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
sliced jalapeño pepper, for garnish (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup (125 ml) crumbled queso fresco, feta or cotija cheese
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Tajín seasoning (or to taste)
Instructions
- To make Base Layer, in a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, pickled jalapeño juice, garlic powder, onion powder and lime zest and beat until smooth. Stir in green onions and pickled jalapeños, then transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until cooled.
- To make Mexican Street Corn, preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
- Grill corn until lightly charred on all sides. Let cool, then remove kernels from cobs and toss in a bowl with lime juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder and salt.
- Arrange seasoned corn mixture onto chilled base layer and top with jalapeño slices (if desired), cilantro, queso fresco and Tajín seasoning.
Drink Pairings
Harissa-Roasted Carrot & Cashew Dip
Hailing from Tunisia, peppery and smoky harissa paste gives this roasted carrot dip an intriguing and complex flavour perfect for a summer party. A splash of Disaronno Originale Amaretto imparts a touch of nutty sweetness, and a hit of fresh herbs brightens it all up. Pair this dip with Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer or Haywire Pinot Gris.Ingredients
Serves enough for everyone at the party to circle back for more
1½ cups (375 ml) raw cashews
3 tbsp (45 ml) harissa paste
3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) ground ginger
2 tsp (10 ml) cumin seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) onion powder
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) ground turmeric
1 tsp (5 ml) Spanish hot paprika, plus more for garnish
1 lb (450 g) carrots, cut into about ½ × 1½-in (1.25 × 4 cm) pieces
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) water, plus more if needed
2 tbsp (30 ml) Disaronno Originale Amaretto
1 lemon, juice only
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) roasted shelled sunflower seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Place cashews in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Cover bowl and set in refrigerator to soak overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine harissa paste, cider vinegar, ginger, cumin seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric and paprika. Set aside.
- Toss carrots with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and the salt and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and toss with harissa mixture. Spread back on same baking sheet, return to oven and roast for another 20 to 30 minutes, until carrots are softened and well caramelized. Cool slightly.
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews. Transfer to a food processor with water, amaretto, lemon juice and remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil. Purée on high speed until smooth, scraping sides of processor bowl as needed. Add carrots and continue to purée until smooth, adding more water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, if needed. Stir in chopped mint and parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle generously with olive oil and garnish with roasted sunflower seeds, paprika and more chopped mint and parsley.
Drink Pairings
Pineapple Coconut Spritz
This modern spritz defies tradition, inspired by the tropical essence of the piña colada into a lighter, effervescent cocktail, embracing contemporary flair. Made with Malibu Coconut Rum Liqueur and Ruffino Prosecco.Ingredients
Serves 1
2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
1 oz (30 ml) Malibu Coconut Rum Liqueur
½ oz (15 ml) fresh Iemon juice
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
3 oz (90 ml) Ruffino Prosecco
Pineapple wedge and leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a Collins glass with cubed ice, combine pineapple juice, Malibu and lemon juice. Stir to chill, then top with soda water and Prosecco. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a few leaves.
Featuring
Lambrusco Spritz
Italy’s famous sparkling red wine, Lambrusco, with its berry-forward character, is complemented by dry vermouth and grapefruit in this delightfully dry cocktail.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) fresh grapefruit juice
2 oz (60 ml) Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
3 oz (90 ml) Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano
grapefruit peel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large old-fashioned glass with cubed ice, combine grapefruit juice, vermouth, Simple Syrup and soda water, then stir to chill. Slowly and carefully, layer Lambrusco on top. Garnish with a grapefruit peel.
- * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Sorbet Spritz
Elevating the classic Italian Sgroppino, this effervescent cocktail blends Prosecco, gin and lemon, lifting your favourite sorbet to new heights.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Bombay Citron Pressé Gin
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
3 oz (90 ml) La Marca Prosecco
1 scoop lemon sorbet (or your favourite flavour)
fresh mint tip, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine gin, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to chill, then strain into a tall, footed glass. Top with Prosecco and a scoop of sorbet. Garnish with mint.
- * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Aperol Spritz
Bright and bubbly, the classic 3-2-1 formula combines Prosecco, Aperol and soda water, garnished with a slice of orange for a refreshing sip. Bring a taste of Italy to your patio this summer.Ingredients
Serves 1
3 oz (90 ml) Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Brut
2 oz (60 ml) Aperol Aperitivo
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large wine glass half filled with cubed ice, combine Prosecco, Aperol and soda water. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice.
Featuring
Forest Collins
Bearface Triple-oaked Canadian whisky, cedar and piney rosemary unite in this cocktail, echoing the grandeur of the forest in a harmonious balance of flavours.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Bearface 7-Year-Old Triple Oak Canadian Whisky
1½ oz (45 ml) Rosemary and Cedar Tea*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
¾ oz (22 ml) Simple Syrup**
2 oz (60 ml) soda water
1 sprig fresh rosemary or spruce tip, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine whisky, Rosemary and Cedar Tea, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to chill, then strain into a Collins glass over cubed ice. Top with soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig or spruce tip.
- * To make Rosemary and Cedar Tea, use a sharp knife to whittle 10 to 15 thin strips, 3- to 4-in (7.5 to 10 cm) long, from a food-safe cedar plank. In 2 cups (500 ml) boiling water, steep cedar strips and 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh rosemary leaves for 5 minutes. Fine strain into a bottle to cool for later use. Rosemary may be substituted with pine needle tea, available at specialty tea stores or online (please refrain from foraging for pine needles, as some species may be toxic).
- ** 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Mountain Berry
Crafted from majestic mountain inspiration, this vibrant cocktail harmonizes nature’s beautiful berries with the crisp allure of aromatic juniper in Long Table’s London Dry Gin, capturing the essence of alpine serenity.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Long Table London Dry Gin
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
¾ oz (22 ml) blueberry or blackberry syrup
2 oz (60 ml) berry-flavoured sparkling water
fresh blueberries and blackberries, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice and berry syrup. Add cubed ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain over cubed ice in an old-fashioned glass. Top with berry-flavoured sparkling water and garnish with fresh berries.
Featuring
Kelp Me Sour
The bountiful Pacific Ocean is celebrated through a cocktail that embraces the umami flavours of furikake, a Japanese seasoning highlighting nori and sesame seeds. Featured in this recipe is Sheringham Seaside GinIngredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Sheringham Seaside Gin
¾ oz (22 ml) Vegetarian Furikake Syrup*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
1 egg white
vegetarian furikake seasoning, for garnish
Instructions
- Place a Nick & Nora glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, Vegetarian Furikake Syrup, lime juice and egg white. Shake without ice to emulsify ingredients. Add cubed ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into chilled glass and garnish with furikake seasoning.
- * To make Vegetarian Furikake Syrup, in a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar, ½ cup (125 ml) water and 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetarian furikake seasoning. Simmer to dissolve sugar, then remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Fine strain to remove furikake, then transfer to a clean bottle and allow to cool. Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Makes 1 cup (250 ml).