OSSO BUCO WITH MILLET “RISOTTO”
Ingredients
Serves 4
5 tbsp (75 ml) grapeseed oil, divided
4 veal osso buco, each about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick, tied around middle
kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ tbsp (22 ml) all-purpose flour
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried thyme leaves
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried rosemary leaves
2½ garlic cloves, minced, divided
2 cups (500 ml) dry white wine, divided
2 cups (500 ml) canned plum tomatoes
6 cups (1.5 L) low sodium chicken stock, divided
1 bay leaf
1 large pinch saffron threads
1 cup (250 ml) millet
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
6 tbsp (90 ml) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
Instructions
- To make Osso Buco, in a large sauté pan or small Dutch oven, warm 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil over medium heat. Generously season veal with salt and pepper, then sprinkle flour all over and pat into meat. Place veal in pan and brown well on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Add carrot, celery and half the onion to pan over medium heat, and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened and is transparent, about 4 minutes. Stir in thyme, rosemary and 1 clove minced garlic, then add 1 cup (250 ml) white wine and cook until wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and crush with a fork or potato masher, then add 2 cups (500 ml) stock and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then nestle veal into sauce. Cover, reduce heat to low and gently simmer until veal is tender, about 75 to 90 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure veal is at least ¾ covered with liquid; if not, simply top up with water. Once done, remove and discard bay leaf and gently transfer veal to a plate with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Pour remaining sauce into a large bowl. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then spoon as much fat off top as possible. Wipe out sauté pan or Dutch oven and pour sauce back in. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cut string off veal and return meat to sauce. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm.
- To make “Risotto”, in a small saucepan, bring remaining 4 cups (1 L) stock to a simmer over medium heat. Add saffron, remove from heat and set aside to steep.
- In a medium saucepan, warm remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over medium heat. Add remaining onion and one minced garlic clove. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add millet and let cook, stirring often, until starting to toast, about 2 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 cup (250 ml) wine and let cook for 1 minute. Add warm stock, about ½ cup (125 ml) at a time, stirring often, adding more stock once it has been absorbed; this will take about 30 minutes total. Once millet is al dente, remove from heat and stir in butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine parsley, lemon zest and remaining half minced garlic clove to make gremolata. Set aside.
- To serve, spoon “Risotto” into four shallow bowls. Top each serving with a piece of osso buco and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle with gremolata and serve.
Drink Pairings
SEARED SCALLOPS WITH GREEN GAZPACHO AND APRICOT CAPER SALSA
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 dried apricots, diced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) roughly chopped and drained capers
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) lemon zest
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
½ English cucumber
3 fresh or canned medium tomatillos, finely diced
2 green onions, light green and white part only, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
12 large scallops, cleaned and patted dry with paper towel
Instructions
- To make Apricot Caper Salsa, in a medium bowl, stir together apricots, shallot, capers, 1 tbsp (15 ml) parsley, lemon zest and juice and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Set aside.
- To make Green Gazpacho, cut cucumber lengthwise into long matchstick strips, leaving skin on, then finely dice. Transfer to a bowl along with tomatillos, green onion, garlic, remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) parsley, olive oil and lime juice. Stir together to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Season scallops all over with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then add to pan. Sear on both sides until a golden crust forms and they just lose their translucent colour, about 30 seconds per side.
- To plate, divide gazpacho between serving bowls, topping each with 3 warm scallops and a spoonful of Apricot Caper Salsa. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
TRUFFLE MUSHROOM PÂTÉ
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 oz (30 g) dried porcini mushrooms
1 cup (250 ml) boiling water
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
3 medium shallots, finely chopped
10 oz (280 g) cremini mushrooms, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (250 ml) mascarpone cheese
½ tbsp (7 ml) red wine vinegar
⅓ cup (75 ml) Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 tbsp (30 ml) truffle oil
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped toasted walnut halves
toasted baguette slices, cornichons and/or raw vegetables, to serve
Instructions
- Place porcini mushrooms in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over. Set aside to soak for 10 minutes.
- In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat until foaming. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add cremini mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, drain porcini mushrooms and reserve liquid for another use, if desired. Finely chop mushrooms, then add to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute then remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
- Transfer mushroom mixture to a food processor fitted with steel blade attachment. Add mascarpone, vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano and truffle oil. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a small gratin dish or mould lined with plastic wrap so that it hangs over edges. Cover with plastic wrap and press down gently so it touches top of pâté, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. (Any extra pâté can be frozen, well covered, in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.)
- When ready to serve, in a small bowl, stir together parsley, thyme and walnuts. Remove plastic wrap and sprinkle mixture over pâté in a thin layer. Serve with toasted baguette slices, cornichons and/or a selection of raw vegetables, if desired.
Drink Pairings
CLEMENTINE BUBBLE
Ingredients
Serves 1
¾ oz (22 ml) Absolut Vanilia Vodka
2½ oz (75 ml) freshly squeezed clementine juice (Can substitute mandarin juice.)
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) C Sharp Sparkling Brut
whipped cream, for garnish
orange zest, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with ice, combine vodka and juices and stir to chill. Strain into a Collins glass, add sparkling wine and top with ice, leaving room for a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with orange zest.
Featuring
WARM BRAISED RED CABBAGE SALAD WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ medium white onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 small head red cabbage, halved, core removed, sliced vertically
¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 medium orange, juice only
2 tbsp (30 ml) golden raisins
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) pumpkin seeds, toasted
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped parsley leaves
TAHINI SAUCE
2 tbsp (30 ml) tahini
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) grainy mustard
2 to 4 tbsp (30 to 60 ml) water, to taste, plus extra as needed
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven with a lid, cook bacon over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Reserve 1 tbsp (15 ml) bacon fat in pan and discard the rest.
- In same pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes, until soft, then reduce heat to medium-low and add garlic, butter and cabbage. Sauté for 5 minutes, until cabbage is glossy.
- Add vinegar, orange juice and raisins. Season with salt and pepper and cover with lid. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is soft and liquid has fully reduced. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To make Tahini Sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic and mustard. Add water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, until creamy but not too runny.
- Transfer cabbage to a serving dish and drizzle with Tahini Sauce. Garnish with bacon, pumpkin seeds and parsley.
Drink Pairings
MISO BUTTERED BEANS
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tbsp (15 ml) miso paste
½ tbsp (7 ml) sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
1 large shallot, sliced
1 lb (454 g) green beans, trimmed
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can butter beans, rinsed
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
¼ cup (60 ml) whole cilantro leaves
2 green onions, white part only, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, miso, chili sauce, ginger and garlic. Set aside.
- In a large wok or cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shallot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Add green beans and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are medium-soft and slightly browned. Add butter mixture and cook for 1 minute, then add butter beans. Stir to coat in butter and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat, top with sesame seeds, and drizzle with sesame oil. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with cilantro and green onion.
Drink Pairings
Winter Vegetables au Gratin
Ingredients
Serves 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small fennel bulb, cored and sliced
6 thyme sprigs, leaves only
2 large russet potatoes, peeled, cut into ¼-in (0.5 cm) rounds
2 cups (500 ml) chopped chard
1¼ cups (310 ml) whipping cream
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable stock
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) + ½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, divided
salt and white pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add butter, garlic and fennel. Sauté for another 5 minutes, then add thyme. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, chard, cream, stock, nutmeg and 1 cup (250 ml) Parmesan. Add fennel mixture and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer vegetables in an 8 x 11-in (20 x 28 cm) casserole dish, ensuring potatoes are lying flat. Pour remaining liquid over and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup (125 ml) Parmesan and bread crumbs.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until potatoes are soft. Remove foil and broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bread crumbs are golden brown.
Drink Pairings
MAPLE MADNESS SOUR
Ingredients
Serves 1
1 egg white
2 oz (60 ml) Sortilège Canadian Whisky & Maple Syrup Liqueur
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 pinch sea salt
lemon zest and/or slice of cooked bacon, for garnish
Instructions
- Separate egg white into cocktail shaker, inspecting for and removing any shell or broken yolk. Add Sortilège, lemon juice and salt. Add ice, shake vigorously, then fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with lemon zest and/or a slice of bacon.
Featuring
LIVORNO SPEZIATA
Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Galliano Liqueur
4 oz (120 ml) non-alcoholic ginger beer
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
orange zest, for garnish
Instructions
- In a Collins glass, combine Galliano, ginger beer, lemon juice and bitters. Stir gently to combine. Add ice and garnish with orange zest.
Featuring
BAKED YAMS WITH BROWN SUGAR MERINGUE
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
3 yams, scrubbed
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, melted
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
2 tsp (10 ml) salt, divided
3 egg whites
½ cup (125 ml) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cream of tartar
1 tsp (5 ml) coarse-flaked sea salt
1 handful arugula
1 tsp (5 ml) crushed multicoloured (or black) peppercorns
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Poke holes all over yams with a fork so they do not explode while baking. Toss yams in butter, garlic powder and 1 tsp (5 ml) salt. Bake on lined baking sheet until soft, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make meringue. Fill a medium pot with about 2-in (5 cm) water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a medium heatproof mixing bowl that will fit over pot, combine egg whites, sugars, remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) salt and cream of tartar. Place bowl over simmering water and stir egg whites constantly with a heatproof spatula until they reach 175 F (80 C), about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove bowl from pot and whisk with an electric mixer until meringue is stiff and shiny, about 5 minutes.
- Spread meringue on a serving platter, cut yams in half and arrange them over meringue. Garnish with flaked sea salt, arugula and peppercorns.