BARBECUED PINEAPPLE & CHICKEN NACHOS
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1-in (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 cups (500 ml) pineapple juice
½ cup (125 ml) low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
½ medium pineapple, skin removed, cored and cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) rings
2 fresh jalapeños, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
1 x 12 oz (340 g) bag tortilla chips
2 cups (500 ml) shredded jack cheese
1 large tomato, diced
½ medium red onion, diced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
2 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- To make marinade, in a large bowl, whisk together ginger, pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and sesame oil. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and marinade is well incorporated. Set aside.
- Using paper towels, thoroughly pat chicken dry. Place chicken in a single layer on a cutting board and pound to an even thickness of about ½-in (1.25 cm). With a fork, pierce chicken throughout before lightly sprinkling with salt. Add chicken to marinade, ensuring all pieces are completely immersed (turn halfway through marinating time if unable to immerse completely). Cover and chill for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Brush pineapple and 1 jalapeño with oil. Place on grill and cook until slightly charred, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on grill. Discard remaining marinade. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Set aside.
- To assemble nachos, dice grilled pineapple and jalapeño. Dice or shred chicken and thinly slice remaining fresh jalapeño. On a foil-lined baking tray that will fit onto grill, layer chips, cheese, diced grilled pineapple, fresh and grilled jalapeño, chicken, tomato and onion. Cook on grill until warmed and cheese has melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- To serve, arrange nachos on a platter. Garnish with diced avocado, radish slices, fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve while warm.
Drink Pairings
Hot Honey Spring Carbonara
Ingredients
Serves Serves 4
1 cup (250 ml) clover honey
1 tsp (5 ml) crushed red chili flakes
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
½ lb (250 g) dried spaghetti
6 large egg yolks
1 cup (250 ml) finely grated Parmesan, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
½ cup (125 ml) diced pancetta
1 cup (250 ml) frozen green peas, thawed
10 to 12 spears asparagus, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
1 cup (250 ml) packed baby spinach
Instructions
- To make hot honey, in a small saucepan over low heat, stir together honey, chili flakes and vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Honey should be warm but should never come to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container; honey will keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months and will get spicier the longer it sits.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1 cup (250 ml) pasta cooking water. Drain and set pasta aside
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks with ¾ cup (175 ml) Parmesan, pepper and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 2 tbsp (30 ml) fat from skillet. Return half the pancetta to skillet along with peas and asparagus and cook over medium heat, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Add spinach and let wilt. Remove skillet from heat. Add pasta and ½ cup (125 ml) reserved cooking water. Toss everything together. If pasta has cooled, return to heat, tossing for another 1 to 2 minutes, until hot.
- Working quickly, scrape egg yolk mixture into hot pasta. Toss until sauce is thickened, adding additional reserved pasta cooking water if needed to reach desired consistency. Divide between warm plates and garnish with a drizzle of reserved hot honey, as desired. Alternatively, mix 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) of hot honey into pasta before plating. To finish, sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) Parmesan and pancetta, and serve.
Drink Pairings
Peach Tea Cocktail
Ingredients
Serves Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Hennessy VS Cognac
2 oz (60 ml) Earl Grey Tea*
½ oz (15 ml) Dr. McGillicuddy’s Peach Liqueur
¼ oz (7 ml) lemon juice
fresh or dehydrated orange wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine cognac, cooled tea, peach liqueur and lemon juice. Stir to chill, then strain into a teacup. Garnish with an orange wheel.
- * Steep 1 earl grey tea bag in 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove tea bag and let tea cool to room temperature.
Featuring
Genmaicha Tea Punch
Ingredients
Serves Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) The Sexton Irish Whiskey*
2 oz (60 ml) Genmaicha Green Tea**
1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
¼ oz (7 ml) lemon juice
¼ oz (7 ml) Simple Syrup
dried pineapple, for garnish***
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine whiskey, cooled tea, pineapple juice, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to chill, then strain into a teacup. Garnish with dried pineapple.
- * If you can’t find The Sexton Irish Whiskey, substitute 1 oz (30 ml) Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey and 1 tsp (5 ml) González Byass Nutty Solera Oloroso Sherry.
- ** Steep 2 tsp (10 ml) loose leaf Genmaicha in 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water for 30 seconds, then strain out tea and let tea cool to room temperature. (Over-steeping will result in bitter tea.)
- ***To make dehydrated pineapple, slice fruit evenly, approximately ⅛-in (0.25 cm) thick. Place slices in a dehydrator at 135 F (57 C) for 8 hours, or place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at lowest oven temperature (convection if possible) until completely dry, about 4 to 5 hours. Without convection, rotate sheets every 1 to 2 hours. Store in an airtight container; will keep indefinitely in a cool, dark place.
Featuring
Jasmine Tea Salon Cocktail
Ingredients
Serves Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Hendrick’s Gin
2 oz (60 ml) Jasmine Green Tea*
½ oz (15 ml) lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup**
fresh or dehydrated lemon wheel**, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine gin, cooled tea, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to chill, then strain into a teacup. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- * Steep 1 jasmine green tea bag in 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water for 1 minute. Remove tea bag and let tea cool to room temperature.
- **To make Dehydrated Lemon Wheels, slice 2 lemons evenly into wheels, approximately ⅛-in (0.25 cm) thick. Place slices in a dehydrator at 135 F (57 C) for 8 hours, or place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at lowest oven temperature (convection if possible) until completely dry, about 4 to 5 hours. Without convection, rotate sheets every 1 to 2 hours. Store in an airtight container; will keep indefinitely in a cool, dark place.
Featuring
Pink 75
Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
3 oz (90 ml) Villa Teresa Prosecco Rosé
Long strip lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine gin, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to combine, then strain into a flute glass and top with Prosecco Rosé. Garnish with lemon zest. * 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Sesawi
Ingredients
Serves Serves 1
¼ oz (7 ml) Green Tree Absinthe
1 lime wedge
Sesame-Kiwi Rim*, for garnish
4 fresh basil leaves
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup**
1 oz (30 ml) Sesame-Kiwi Purée***
1½ oz (45 ml) Long Table Texada Vodka
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
½ oz (15 ml) Cointreau
fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice, add absinthe and stir for 20 seconds, then discard ice and absinthe. Wipe edge of glass with lime wedge. Scatter Sesame-Kiwi Rim on a plate and dip edge of glass into mixture to coat. Set aside. In a steel cocktail shaker, muddle basil leaves until leaves are crushed. Add remaining ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Cover and shake until outside of shaker becomes frosty, about 15 seconds. Fill prepared glass with ice and strain contents of shaker into glass. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- * To make Sesame-Kiwi Rim, dehydrate reserved kiwi skins from Sesame-Kiwi Purée in a dehydrator on medium, or in an oven at 165 F (74 C), for 2 to 3 hours, until no moisture remains. In a blender, combine dried kiwi skins with ¼ cup (60 ml) sea salt and blend until it becomes a coarse dust. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. In a small, dry frying pan over low heat, toast 1/8 cup (25 ml) black sesame seeds until seeds start to pop, about 5 minutes. Add to bowl and stir to combine. Makes enough for 8 cocktails. Will keep for up to 1 month in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- *** To make Sesame-Kiwi Purée, peel 6 kiwis (reserve skins for Sesame-Kiwi Rim) and transfer to a blender. In a small, dry frying pan over low heat, toast ¼ cup (60 ml) black sesame seeds until seeds start to pop, about 5 minutes. Add to blender along with 3½ oz (100 ml) Simple Syrup. Blend for approximately 30 seconds, until smooth. Makes about 2 cups (500 ml). Will keep for up to 4 days in refrigerator in an airtight container.
Featuring
To the Beet
Ingredients
Serves Serves 1
1 large egg white or 2 dashes Ms. Better’s Bitters Miraculous Foamer
1½ oz (45 ml) White Owl Whisky
1 oz (30 ml) Beet Marmalade*, plus extra for garnish
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Odd Society Bittersweet Vermouth**
drops of cassis, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a steel cocktail shaker, dry shake (without ice) egg white or foamer until foamy. Add remaining ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Cover and shake until outside of shaker becomes frosty, about 15 seconds. Fine strain into a coupe glass and garnish with Beet Marmalade and cassis, if using.
- * To make Beet Marmalade, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Peel ¾ lb (340 g) beets (about 3 to 4 medium beets) and cut into wedges. Place on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with ½ tbsp (7 ml) organic Canadian canola oil and toss to coat. Roast for 50 mins, until fork-tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. In a food processor, pulse beets until finely chopped. Transfer to a large saucepan and add 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, ½ cup (125 ml) brown sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup, ½ tbsp (7 ml) finely chopped ginger, a pinch of sea salt, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, ½ a cinnamon stick and 2 whole cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. Makes about 2/3 cup (150 ml); will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container in refrigerator.
- ** Can substitute same quantity of Montenegro Amaro if unable to find the vermouth
Drink Pairings
Violet Dream
Ingredients
Serves Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Empress 1908 Gin
½ oz (15 ml) Rhubarb Juice*
½ oz (15 ml) Rosemary Syrup**
¼ oz (7 ml) St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
4 oz (120 ml) Fitzpatrick Fitz Brut
rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a steel cocktail shaker, combine gin, Rhubarb Juice, Rosemary Syrup and St-Germain. Add ice, cover and shake until outside of shaker becomes frosty, about 15 seconds. Double strain into a flute or Champagne glass. Slowly top with sparkling wine. Using a lighter or culinary torch, carefully burn edges of rosemary leaves and add sprig to glass.
- * If possible, Thiago recommends buying fresh rhubarb and juicing it at home. Or, chop up a 6-in (15 cm) stalk of rhubarb and place in a blender. Add water to cover and blend until smooth, then fine strain the liquid and discard the pulp.
- ** To make Rosemary Syrup, chop 2 sprigs rosemary and add to a small saucepan with 2 cups (500 ml) water. Bring to a boil and keep boiling for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat, then add 12 oz (340 g) sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool, then strain out and discard rosemary. Makes about 2 cups (500 ml). Will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in refrigerator.
Featuring
Chèvre Chaud with Avocado-Lime Cream
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 rashers bacon, sliced into ½-in (1.25 cm) strips (optional)
1 head butter lettuce, roughly torn
1 small head radicchio, roughly chopped
4 radishes, thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 ml) pine nuts, toasted (optional)
1 cup (250 ml) parsley leaves
Honey-Mustard Dressing, make ahead, recipe follows
½ cup (125 ml) olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) white wine vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
pinch table salt
pinch ground pepper
Chèvre Medallions, make ahead, recipe follows
½ cup (125 ml) panko crumbs
¼ tsp (1 ml) table salt
pinch ground pepper
¼ tsp (1 ml) dried parsley
6 oz (180 g) chèvre, sliced or shaped into eight 2-in x ½-in (5 x 1.25 cm) medallions
¼ cup (60 ml) flour
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) oil, for frying
Avocado-Lime Cream, make ahead, recipe follows
1 large avocado, cut into rough cubes (about 1 cup/250 ml)
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
1 pinch table salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) fresh lime juice, to taste
Instructions
- If using bacon, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, fry bacon bits to desired crispness. Remove from heat and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large salad bowl, toss together butter lettuce and radicchio. Add radish and desired amount of Honey-Mustard Dressing.
- To serve, brush Avocado-Lime Cream generously onto 4 plates with a pastry brush, or drizzle as desired for presentation. Divide salad between plates and add 2 to 3 Chèvre Medallions to each plate. Garnish with bacon bits and pine nuts, if using, and parsley.
- To prepare Honey-Mustard Dressing, Place all ingredients in a small jar. Cover and shake vigorously, until fully blended and emulsified, about 20 to 30 seconds. Use as needed. Can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks; shake well before using. Makes about ¾ cup (175 ml)
- To prepare Chèvre Medallions, In a small bowl, mix together panko crumbs, salt, pepper and parsley. Set aside.
- Place flour in another small bowl, and in a separate bowl, lightly beat egg.
- Evenly coat each chèvre medallion on all sides, first with flour, then egg, and finally with panko mixture.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, fry chèvre in hot oil for about 2 to 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown on each side. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid crowding pan.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, or cool and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving. Makes 8 Chèvre Medallions
- To prepare Avocado-Lime Cream, Using a food processor or hand blender, blend avocado, sour cream, salt and cumin together until smooth. Add fresh lime juice to taste and continue blending until fully incorporated and mixture is smooth, about 10 seconds.
- Use immediately or transfer to a non-reactive storage container, covering entire surface with plastic wrap and pressing lightly with back of a spoon to remove air bubbles. Will keep in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Makes about 1¼ cups (310 ml)