ASIAN-INSPIRED CHICKEN BURGER WITH SRIRACHA MAYO AND SESAME SLAW
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lb (500 g) ground chicken (50/50 white and dark meat)
½ cup (125 ml) Japanese panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
1 lg egg, lightly beaten
3 green onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped cilantro
salt and freshly ground black pepper
hamburger buns
SRIRACHA GARLIC AIOLI:
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 cup (250 ml) mayonnaise
3 tbsp (45 ml) sriracha
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper
ASIAN SESAME SLAW:
1 to 3-inch (7.5 cm) piece ginger, grated fine
½ cup (125 ml) rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 lime, juiced
2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha or garlic chili paste
½ head Napa cabbage, cut into fine 2-inch (5 cm) long shreds
1 red bell pepper, fine julienne into 2-inch (5 cm) lengths
1 lg carrot, finely shredded
1 serrano chili, seeded and finely minced
3 green onions, finely chopped on the bias
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped mint leaves
½ tsp (2 ml) ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine all the ingredients until mixed well, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes. Divide and form the mixture into 8 X 3-inch (7.5 cm) diameter patties.
- Heat a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Lightly grease grill and add patties, cooking 4 minutes per side. Meanwhile toast hamburger buns. Slice horizontally and spread a dollop of Sriracha Garlic Aioli to the bottom and top of each bun. Add a patty and top with some of the Asian slaw. Cover with top bun and toothpick to hold.
- To make SRIRACHA GARLIC AIOLI: Combine all ingredients until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made 1 day ahead.
- To make ASIAN SESAME SLAW: In a mixing bowl, combine ginger, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, honey and sriracha. Whisk until well blended. Toss together remaining ingredients and combine with dressing until well coated. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
Drink Pairings
CABBAGE AND CARROT SLAW
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
½ head red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and julienned
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped parsley
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 ml) cider vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper
1 pinch granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Gently toss together to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Best served the same day it is made.
Drink Pairings
APRICOT ALMOND BUTTER BARS
Ingredients
Serves 16 large bars
2 cups (500 ml) large flake, old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup (125 ml) slivered almonds
½ cup (125 ml) coarsely chopped hazelnuts
2 tbsp (30 ml) each flaxseeds, sesame seeds
2 cups (500 ml) unsweetened puffed whole grain cereal
⅔ cup (150 ml) dried currants
⅔ cup (150 ml) chopped dried apricots
½ cup (125 ml) chopped seedless raisins
½ cup (125 ml) creamy almond butter
⅓ cup (75 ml) light brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) honey
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ tsp (2 ml) fine sea salt
Instructions
- Position baking rack in centre of oven. Preheat to 350 F (180 C). Butter a 9 x 13-in (3.5 L) baking pan. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, hazelnuts, flaxseeds and sesame seeds. Spread evenly over a large baking sheet. Bake until oats are lightly golden and nuts are fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring to mix halfway through. Transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool. Add puffed cereal, currants, apricots and raisins. Toss to combine.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine almond butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until mixture is emulsified and bubbling slightly, 5 minutes.
- Immediately pour mixture over dry ingredients and mix well to coat. Transfer to buttered baking pan. Coat hands with canola oil or butter and press mixture down firmly, making an even layer. Refrigerate uncovered until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into bars.
Drink Pairings
CAPPUCCINO SHORTBREAD WITH CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
Serves 36 cookies
4 tsp (20 ml) instant coffee
1 cup (250 ml) butter, softened
½ cup (125 ml) sugar
½ tsp (2 ml) vanilla
1¾ cups (425 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) cornstarch
¼ lb (125 g) semi-sweet chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Grind instant coffee finely in a mortar and pestle. With an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and coffee together until fluffy. Add vanilla. Slowly beat in dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
- Using about 1 tbsp (15 ml) sized dollop, form between palms of both hands into bean shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and score lightly down the back of each cookie with a thick knife edge. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until edges just start to brown. Remove and allow to cool on a rack.
- Melt chocolate and dip end of cookie. Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and set in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set the chocolate.
Drink Pairings
BOURBON CARAMEL PUMPKIN TART
Ingredients
Serves 10
CRUST:
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) fine cornmeal
½ cup (125 ml) icing sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine salt
½ cup (125 ml) cold unsalted butter, diced, plus extra for greasing
1 large egg
BOURBON CARAMEL:
½ cup (125 ml) light brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
PUMPKIN CUSTARD FILLING:
4 oz (125 g) plain cream cheese
⅓ cup (75 ml) light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
¾ cup (175 ml) pumpkin purée
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cardamom
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
½ tsp (2 ml) ground ginger
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine salt
½ cup (125 ml) half and half cream
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted, salted pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted pine nuts
sweetened whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- To make CRUST: In a food processor pulse together flour, cornmeal, icing sugar and salt. Scatter 1⁄2 cup (125 ml) cubed butter over dry ingredients and pulse until butter is coarsely incorporated, 3 or 4 pulses. Add egg and continue to pulse until dough clumps together. Turn dough out onto a work surface and lightly knead just to incorporating ingredients. Gather into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap or place in a tightly sealed plastic bag and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Lightly grease a high-sided 9-in (23cm) tart pan with removable bottom and set aside. Roll out chilled dough on lightly floured piece of parchment paper into a 13-in (33 cm) round, lifting and turning dough occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick. Turn dough into prepared tart pan and press into pan. Trim overhang, seal any cracks with extra trimmed dough and pierce crust all over with fork. Freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Press a piece of tin foil tightly against tart shell and bake in middle of oven for 20 minutes. Carefully remove foil. If shell puffs, press down gently with back of a spoon. Bake another 10 minutes until shell is firm and edges are tinged golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool, 30 minutes. Keep oven on.
- Make BOURBON CARAMEL: In a medium- sized saucepan, stir together brown sugar, water, butter and salt over medium heat. Stir continuously until sugar melts and mixture begins to darken, 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in whipping cream, taking care as mixture will bubble up. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until smooth and very thick, 10 to 15 minutes. Whisk in bourbon and bring back to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until very thick again, another 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Pour 1⁄3 cup (75 ml) caramel over bottom of cooled crust, setting remaining caramel aside at room temperature. Spread into an even layer over crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, allowing caramel to set.
- To make FILLING: In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and 1⁄3 cup (75 ml) brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 minutes. Add egg and egg yolk, beating until well combined. Add pumpkin purée, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, salt and cream. Mix until thoroughly combined. Place tart pan containing cooled crust on a baking sheet and slowly pour filling over caramel layer. Bake until filling has puffed slightly, 30 to 35 minutes. Place tart pan on a wire rack and allow tart to cool completely.
- In a small bowl stir together pumpkin seeds and pine nuts.
- Pour remaining caramel over pumpkin custard and spread evenly with a spatula. If caramel is too stiff, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low or microwave in 10 seconds bursts, stirring between each, until pourable. Sprinkle pumpkin seed mix around edge of tart and refrigerate until caramel is firm, a minimum of 4 hours, up to 24 hours.
- When ready to serve, unmould tart from pan and transfer to a serving platter. Cut and serve chilled.
Drink Pairings
CAJETA ICE CREAM WITH TORTILLA CONE
Ingredients
Serves 8 tortilla cones
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
1 cinnamon stick, about 4-in (10 cm) long
4 cups (1 L) goat’s milk
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp + ⅛ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
pinch kosher salt
2 cups (500 ml) chilled whipping cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) dark rum or vanilla extract
salted popcorn, optional, for garnish
CINNAMON SUGAR TORTILLA CONES:
½ cup (125 ml) sanding sugar or turbinado sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
8 Homemade Corn Tortillas, 6-in (15 cm) each
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) clover honey
Instructions
- Scrape seeds out of vanilla pod and reserve for another use. In a medium saucepan stir together vanilla pod, cinnamon stick, goat’s milk, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally with a heat-resistant spatula, until sugar dissolves and milk gets foamy, about 15 minutes.
- Continue to cook at a gentle simmer, stirring and scraping down sides of saucepan very frequently until milk is thick, golden, and reduced to no more than a thin, very thick layer, about 45 minutes. Stir mixture more frequently as it thickens to prevent scorching. Cook mixture until a trail remains for 1 to 2 seconds when spatula is dragged across bottom of saucepan. Remove from heat and discard vanilla pod and cinnamon stick. If total amount of cajeta is less than 1 cup (250 ml) thin with a bit of extra goat’s milk or else it will be too thick once cooled. Transfer cajeta to a large heat resistant bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large bowl, whisk whipping cream and rum together until stiff peaks form. Stir a third whipped cream into chilled cajeta until just combined. Gently fold remaining whipped cream into cajeta mixture before pouring into a 9x5-in (2 L) loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 6 hours. Serve ice cream scooped into Tortilla Cones and garnish with a sprinkle of salted popcorn, if desired. Enjoy immediately.
- To make CINNAMON SUGAR TORTILLA CONES: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Brush both sides of each tortilla with oil before rolling each into a cone shape. Secure seam with a couple of toothpicks. To ensure cone keeps it shape while baking, crinkle up some tin foil and place it inside cone. Place tortillas seam side down on baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Rotate cone so seam side faces up and continues baking until lightly browned and starting to crisp up, another 5 to 10 minutes. Allow cones to cool for 1 minute before removing and discarding toothpicks and foil. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Tortilla cones should crisp up as they cool. If still a little soft, return to oven for another 2 to 3 minutes. When cool, paint a 1-inch (2.5 cm) line around top of cone with honey. Dip honey pained portion of cone in sugar cinnamon mixture to coat. Tortilla cones are best served eaten within a couple of hours of being made.
Drink Pairings
ASPARAGUS SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
¾ cup (175 ml) fresh orange juice, strained
1 tbsp (15 ml) white balsamic vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) orange zest, cut into long, thin ribbons
1 tsp (5 ml) minced shallot
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
1 medium-sized green zucchini
2 seedless oranges, peeled and segmented
micro greens for garnish
Instructions
- To make dressing, in a small saucepan, bring orange juice to a boil over mediumhigh heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer juice to a medium-sized bowl and cool completely. Add balsamic vinegar, zest and shallots. Drizzle olive oil, whisking continually until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until chilled.
- Fill a large bowl with water and ice cubes and set aside. To blanch asparagus, bring a medium-sized saucepan with water to a boil. Add kosher salt, then asparagus. When water returns to a boil, cook for 1 minute. Remove asparagus from saucepan and place in ice water. Cool completely in water, then pat spears dry. Refrigerate in a large dish until ready to serve.
- Wash and dry zucchini. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, cut very thinly and add to asparagus in refrigerator.
- When ready to serve salad, place 4 asparagus spears (whole or cut up) and some zucchini slices on each plate. Add orange segments and micro greens and drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
BABY POTATO SALAD WITH HERB AND GRAINY MUSTARD DRESSING
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 lb (500 g) baby potatoes, unpeeled
1 lemon, zest and juice
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) grainy mustard
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt, plus extra
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped fresh herbs, such as chervil, dill, parsley, and chives
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a medium-sized saucepan with just enough water to cover. Generously season water with salt. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, with lid ajar, until fork-tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain potatoes and cut in half while still warm. Place in a large bowl.
- Whisk remaining ingredients in a small bowl and add to warm potatoes. Gently toss together to evenly coat. Serve at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
BAKED COCONUT PRAWNS WITH GRAPEFRUIT DIPPING SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
DIPPING SAUCE:
2 tsp (10 ml) curry powder
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid honey
4 tsp (20 ml) rice vinegar
2 Honeygold grapefruit, juice only
COCONUT PRAWNS:
½ cup (125 ml) unsweetened flaked coconut
⅓ cup (90 ml) panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large egg whites
1 lb (500 g) large prawns, tail-on, peeled and deveined
shiso leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 F (220 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon mat and set aside.
- To make DIPPING SAUCE: In a small saucepan, toast curry powder and red pepper flakes over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add honey, vinegar and grapefruit juice. Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- To make COCONUT PRAWNS: In a shallow bowl combine coconut, panko, flour, cornstarch, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to blend.
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat egg whites until slightly frothy. Add prawns to egg whites and toss to coat. Take each prawn from the egg whites, letting excess drip off, then coat in the coconut/ panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Place prawns on baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake prawns in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden on the outside and opaque in the centre.
- Place prawns on serving platter with Dipping Sauce. Garnish with Shiso leaves. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
BEETROOT MOUSSE WITH SPRING VEGETABLE ESCABECHE
Ingredients
Serves
BEETROOT MOUSSE:
1 lb (500 g) + 1 red beets, divided
½ cup (125 ml) cold water
4 tsp (20 ml) unflavoured gelatin
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple jelly
1¼ cup (300 ml) Beaujolais red wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) finely grated Parmesan
3 tbsp (45 ml) prepared horseradish
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
ESCABECHE:
⅔ cup (150 ml) grape seed or vegetable oil
⅓ cup (75 ml) white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 medium golden beet or candy cane beet, thinly sliced
1 large watermelon radish, thinly sliced
1 medium turnip, thinly sliced
watercress or baby arugula, for garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 5-in (2 L) loaf pan with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place red beets in large saucepan and cover with 2-in (5 cm) cold water. Slowly bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer beets until tender and a knife pierces easily. Drain beets and set aside until cool enough to handle. Peel and roughly chop all but one red beet.
- In a small bowl sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup (125 ml) cold water and allow to bloom for 10 minutes.
- In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped beets, red wine vinegar and apple jelly and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add red wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to blender along with gelatin and blend until smooth. Add olive oil, Parmesan and horseradish. Blend again until well incorporated and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into prepared pan and refrigerate until set, about 6 hours.
- To make ESCABECHE: In a saucepan over low heat, warm grape seed oil, white wine vinegar, garlic and thyme. Once warmed, stir in golden beet, radish and turnip slices. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. While waiting to cool, thinly slice remaining 1 red beet and rinse well under cold water. Add red beet slices along with a good pinch of salt and toss to coat all vegetables well in marinade.
- To serve, unmould mousse terrine with help of plastic wrap and slice into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices. Arrange on serving plates and garnish with some of the drained escabeche vegetables and a few pieces of watercress or arugula, if desired. Serve immediately.