Plimpton Cocktail
Ingredients
Serves 1
2 oz (60 ml) Bacardí 10-Year-Old Rum
¾ oz (22 ml) Averna Amaro
2 tsp (10 ml) Montenegro Amaro
2 dashes Scrappy’s Orleans Bitters
Instructions
- In a mixing glass over ice, combine all ingredients. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled and diluted. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and enjoy.
Featuring
Whisky Flip
Ingredients
Serves 1
1 whole egg
2 oz (60 ml) Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
1 oz (30 ml) coconut cream
½ oz (15 ml) coconut milk
½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) strawberry jam
ground cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker over ice, add egg yolk and white and remaining ingredients. Shake until chilled and well combined. Fine strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with ground cinnamon.
Featuring
Burnt Gibson Martini
Ingredients
Serves 1
2 oz (60 ml) Bombay Sapphire East London Dry Gin
½ oz (15 ml) Martini Extra Dry Vermouth
1 tsp (5 ml) Sombra Mezcal
pickled onion, for ganish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass over ice, combine all ingredients. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled and diluted. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with a pickled onion.
Featuring
Red Berry & Meringue Cheesecake
Ingredients
Serves Serves 8 to 10
2 large egg whites, room temperature
⅛ tsp (0.5 ml) cream of tartar
½ cup (125 ml) berry sugar
red gel food colouring (optional)
1¾ cups (425 ml) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
4 oz (125 g) white chocolate, melted
2 x 8 oz (250 g) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 x 14 oz (398 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
¼ cup + 1 tbsp (60 + 15 ml) fresh lemon juice, divided
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries, plus extra for garnish
½ cup (125 ml) seedless raspberry jam
1½ cups (375 ml) whipping cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) skim milk powder (optional)
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
fresh raspberries and strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by making meringues. Preheat oven to 225 F (110 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. With mixer running, add sugar 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue mixing until egg whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks, about 4 minutes.
- If making red striped meringues, fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Using a small paint brush or wooden skewer, paint vertical stripes the length of the pastry bag with a few drops of food colouring. Transfer meringue to piping bag and pipe meringues onto prepared baking sheet, about 1-in (2.5 cm) in base diameter. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Meringues should easily be able to lift off parchment. Turn off oven. Prop oven door open with a wooden spoon and let meringues cool completely, about 2 hours. Meringues should feel crisp and dry. Use right away or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
- To make cheesecake crust, in a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, butter, salt and white chocolate until well combined. Press mixture evenly into an 8 or 9-in (20 or 23 cm) tart pan with removable bottom. Transfer to freezer while making filling.
- Place cream cheese in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat cream cheese until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in condensed milk, scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add vanilla seeds and ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice and mix until thoroughly incorporated. With a rubber spatula, fold in freeze-dried fruit. Pour filling into chilled crust and smooth top with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours or up to overnight.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together jam with remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice. Set aside.
- When ready to serve, make whipped cream. In a large bowl, whisk together whipping cream, skim milk powder, if using, and vanilla extract until medium peaks form, about 4 minutes.
- Remove cheesecake from tart pan and place on a cake stand or serving plate. Drizzle raspberry jam mixture over cheesecake, then dollop with whipped cream. Garnish with meringues, fresh raspberries and strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried fruit. Slice and serve.
Drink Pairings
Cajun Butter-Glazed Steak served with Swiss Chard & Lentil Salad
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
2 tsp (10 ml) cayenne pepper powder
2 tsp (10 ml) chili powder
2 tsp (10 ml) ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
2 tsp (10 ml) ground white pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
2 tsp (10 ml) onion powder
2 tsp (10 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme leaves
½ cup (125 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp (75 + 30 ml) grapeseed oil, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
3 tbsp (45 ml) Dijon mustard, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
2 lb (1 kg) thick-cut porterhouse steak
⅓ cup (75 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cups (500 ml) no-salt-added vegetable stock
1 cup (250 ml) Puy green lentils
1 bunch red Swiss chard, leaves removed from stems, both chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, cubed
2 cups (500 ml) mixed greens, such as arugula, spinach, kale or spring greens
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped roasted cashews
2 to 3 radishes, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by making Cajun seasoning. In a small bowl, whisk together cayenne, chili, black and white peppers, garlic and onion powders, paprika, cumin and thyme. Set aside. This can be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up 6 months.
- In a large glass or non-reactive baking dish, whisk together soy sauce, ⅓ cup (75 ml) grapeseed oil, brown sugar, bourbon, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp (15 ml) Cajun seasoning mix. Pour about ⅓ of mixture into a small bowl and set aside for use in step 7. Add steak to remaining ⅔ of mixture and let marinate, turning occasionally, for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. If marinating for longer than 30 minutes, cover baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before cooking steak, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make Swiss Chard & Lentil Salad. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard and salt. Whisking constantly, slowly add olive oil until dressing is homogenous. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil over medium heat. Add shallot and remaining minced garlic clove, stirring, until fragrant and shallot is beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in stock and lentils and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until lentils are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 12 minutes. Strain lentils through a fine mesh sieve and add to bowl with dressing. Gently toss warm lentils together with dressing. Wipe out saucepan and return to medium heat.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil, Swiss chard stems and a pinch of salt to saucepan. Sauté until stems are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add Swiss chard greens and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about another 2 minutes. Transfer to bowl with lentils and set aside.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, discarding marinade, pat steak dry with paper towel and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Add to hot skillet and cook until underside is well browned, about 6 to 10 minutes. Flip steak, lower heat to medium and cook until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat reads 130 F to 135 F (54 C to 57 C) for medium rare, about another 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook until mixture has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until melted and fully incorporated
- Slice steak and transfer to a platter. Brush with warm glaze. Add mixed greens to lentil mixture and toss gently to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cashews and radishes.
Drink Pairings
Savoury Coeur a la creme served with Red Pepper Relish
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
⅓ cup (75 ml) minced shallots
1 large garlic clove, minced
6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine or lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt, divided
⅛ tsp (0.5 ml) ground black pepper
2 red bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 small white onion, finely chopped
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) crushed pink peppercorns
assorted crackers and fruit, to serve
Instructions
- Line 4 small coeur à la crème moulds each with a double layer of cheesecloth large enough to leave a 2-in (5 cm) overhang once cheesecloth has been placed in mould. Place moulds on plate or small rimmed baking sheet and set aside. Alternatively, line a 6-in (15 cm) fine mesh sieve with at least a double layer of cheesecloth large enough to extend beyond rim of sieve by at least 2-in (5 cm). Set sieve in a bowl and set aside.
- In a small frying pan, warm oil over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Transfer mixture to a bowl and set aside to cool.
- Place cream cheese in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Whip on medium speed until thick and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly pour in whipping cream, mixing until cream is fully incorporated. Add wine or lemon juice, cooled shallot mixture, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt and pepper. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and whip until mixture is thick, creamy and fully incorporated, about 1 minute
- Spoon cream cheese mixture into prepared moulds or sieve and smooth top(s) with a spatula. Fold cheesecloth overhang over top of cream cheese mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.
- Meanwhile, make Red Pepper Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together red pepper, onion, sugar, vinegar and remaining ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and consistency resembles a sticky jam, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in pink peppercorns and let cool to room temperature. If making ahead, transfer to an airtight container; it will keep, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.
- When ready to serve, generously spread relish in a circle a little bigger than your Coeur à la crème onto serving plates or a platter. Peel back cheesecloth and invert Coeur à la crème onto relish. Garnish with additional relish, if desired, and serve with a selection of crackers and fruit.
Drink Pairings
Dark-Chocolate Dipped Baklava Rolls
Ingredients
Serves 15 baklava rolls
½ cup + 1 tbsp (125 + 15 ml) sugar, divided
1 orange, zest and juice, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) water
2½ cups (625 ml) raw walnut pieces
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt
½ cup (125 ml) salted butter, plus extra if needed
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
10 phyllo sheets, thawed if frozen
½ cup (125 ml) dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp (15 ml) whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To make syrup, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together ½ cup (125 ml) sugar, orange juice and water. Once sugar has dissolved completely, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In bowl of a food processor, combine walnuts, cinnamon, remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar, salt and orange zest. Pulse on high until texture resembles fine sand. Reserve ½ cup (125 ml) walnut mixture and set aside.
- In a small heatproof bowl, microwave butter and honey on high for 30 seconds, or until melted.
- Lay a sheet of phyllo on a clean, dry surface. Using a pastry brush, brush entire sheet with butter mixture. Lay a second sheet on top and repeat. Roughly divide the walnut mixture into fifths. With the long edge of the phyllo sheet parallel to you, spoon ¹/₅ of the walnut mixture along the entire edge of the pastry to form a 1-in (2.5 cm) line. Gently roll pastry up completely to form a log. Repeat with remaining phyllo; you should have 5 rolls.
- 6 Place baklava on lined baking sheet, snugly side by side like sardines. Don’t worry if there is open space left on baking sheet. Brush tops of baklava with remaining butter mixture. Transfer to oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and immediately pour syrup over baklava. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and whipping cream. Microwave on high for 20-second intervals until melted, stirring each time.
- Cut between each log to separate the baklava, then cut each log into 3 pieces. Dip each into melted chocolate, then into reserved walnut mixture. Transfer to a lined baking sheet to set before serving, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Drink Pairings
Chicken Briouats served with Apricot Chutney
Ingredients
Serves 12 briouats
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
16 oz (500 g) ground chicken
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2.5) ground turmeric
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground coriander
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
2 tsp (10 ml) honey, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) butter, plus extra if needed
8 phyllo sheets, thawed if frozen
APRICOT CHUTNEY
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ onion, diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh ginger
¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
1 orange, zest and juice
½ cup (125 ml) water
1 cup (250 ml) dried apricots
1 cinnamon stick
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, or until soft. Add chicken and ground spices, and use a wooden spoon to break apart chicken and mix in spices as it cooks. Once chicken is fully cooked, about 10 minutes, add 1 tsp (5 ml) honey and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small heatproof bowl, combine butter and remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) honey. Microwave on high for 15 to 30 seconds, until fully melted. Lay a sheet of phyllo on a clean, dry surface. Using a pastry brush, brush entire sheet with butter mixture. Lay a second sheet on top and repeat. With the long edge of the sheet parallel to you, cut sheet into three 5-in (12 cm) vertical strips. Place a heaping spoonful of chicken on the bottom right corner of each strip. Fold the bottom right corner up and over to the left edge of the strip to form a triangle. Now take the bottom left corner and fold it up and over to the right edge of the strip. Repeat folding steps until the whole strip is used up, trimming excess pastry and sealing with melted butter if necessary. Repeat with remaining pastry and chicken.
- To make the chutney, Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, or until soft. Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until apricots are rehydrated and soft. Remove from heat, remove cinnamon stick and let cool slightly. Transfer to a small blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve. Will keep in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place briouats on lined baking sheet. Brush each with remaining butter mixture until lightly coated all over. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm, with Apricot Chutney.
Drink Pairings
Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 English cucumber, diced
½ red onion, finely diced
1 carrot, peeled into ribbons
½ cup (125 ml) crumbled feta
1 cup (250 ml) chopped parsley leaves
½ cup (125 ml) chopped mint leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
1 lemon, juice only
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, carrot, feta, parsley and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, mustard, honey, cumin, lemon juice and olive oil. Pour dressing over chickpea salad and season with salt and pepper. Mix and refrigerate until ready to serve. Will keep in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Drink Pairings
Lamb Tagine served with Herbed Couscous
Ingredients
Serves 4
5 tbsp (75 ml) grapeseed oil, divided
2 lbs (1 kg) lamb shoulder, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes
salt and pepper, to taste
3 celery stalks, trimmed and roughly chopped
1 onion, roughly chopped
1 large carrot, trimmed, peeled and roughly chopped
5 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh ginger
1 x 5.5 oz (156 ml) can tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) ground turmeric
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
¾ cup (175 ml) golden raisins
4 cups (1 L) beef stock, divided
1 pinch saffron
2 cups (500 ml) couscous
½ cup (125 ml) diced preserved lemon (about 1 to 2 whole)
½ cup (125 ml) chopped fresh parsley leaves
½ cup (125 ml) chopped mint leaves
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil. Season lamb with salt and pepper. In 2 or 3 batches, cook lamb for about 3 minutes per side, until browned but not fully cooked. Once browned, remove each batch to a bowl.
- Place celery, onion, carrot, garlic and ginger into bowl of a food processor. Pulse on high until very finely diced. In same Dutch oven, heat remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Add diced vegetable mixture and sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add tomato paste, bay leaves, ground spices, cinnamon stick and cloves. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add raisins, 2 cups (500 ml) beef stock and lamb. Cover with lid, decrease heat to low and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, or until lamb is tender.
- Meanwhile, in a medium pot over high heat, bring remaining 2 cups (500 ml) beef stock to a rapid boil. Add saffron and couscous and turn off heat. Cover with a lid and let sit for 5 minutes. Then use a fork to fluff the couscous. Add preserved lemon, parsley, mint and butter. Season with salt and pepper and fluff again to combine. Serve couscous with a ladle of tagine over top.