SHRIMP-STUFFED FILLET OF SOLE
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lb (500 g) unpeeled raw shrimp, size 21/25
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) minced yellow onion
¼ cup (60 ml) minced celery
¼ cup (60 ml) minced red bell pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped flat leaf parsley, plus extra for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) fine dry bread crumbs
4 x ¼ lb (125 g) sole fillets
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 lemon slices, divided
SAUCE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
reserved shrimp shells
3 tbsp (45 ml) minced shallots
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
¼ cup (60 ml) cold, unsalted butter
1 tsp (5 ml) chili sauce
Instructions
- Position rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line shallow baking dish with parchment paper, just large enough to hold 4 rolled sole fillets. Set aside.
- Peel shrimp and reserve shells for sauce. Roughly chop shrimp and set aside.
- In a medium-sized frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, when hot add onion, celery and bell pepper. Cook, stirring until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add shrimp, garlic, cayenne pepper and salt and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add parsley. Set aside until cooled, then add bread crumbs and stir to combine.
- Season fish with salt and black pepper. Divide shrimp stuffing evenly among centre of fillets and roll over stuffing so it is enclosed. Top with half the lemon slices. Place side by side in baking dish and bake until fish is just cooked through and lightly golden on top, 25 to 30 minutes.
- While fish is cooking, prepare SAUCE: Melt butter in medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add reserved shrimp shells and cook, stirring frequently, until shells are lightly golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add white wine and cook until almost evaporated, 1 minute. Add stock, cream, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally until liquid is reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes. Strain sauce through a finemeshed sieve, pressing on shells to release as much liquid as possible. Return sauce to saucepan, taste and adjust seasonings as preferred and keep warm until serving.
- When fish is ready, remove from oven and transfer to serving plates. Remove sauce from heat, whisk in cold, unsalted butter and chili sauce and spoon sauce over fish. Garnish with fresh parsley and remaining lemon slices and serve.
Drink Pairings
SPANISH MUSSELS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 tsp (5 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 link dry, cured chorizo sausage, sliced
½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
½ tsp (2 ml) smoked Spanish paprika
½ stick cinnamon
1 piece orange zest
4 lbs (2 kg) mussels, scrubbed and debearded discarding any that remain open when tapped
1 bottle (355 ml) Alhambra beer
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked off and roughly chopped
Patatas Bravas, to serve (optional)
PATATAS BRAVAS:
SPICY TOMATO SAUCE:
2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil
¼ red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp (15 ml) sweet Spanish paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
1 x 398 ml can whole plum tomatoes, chopped
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
POTATOES:
2 lbs (1 kg) baby Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and halved
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- If serving, prepare Patatas Bravas (recipe follows) and set aside to keep warm.
- To make SPANISH MUSSELS: In a large heavy saucepan combine olive oil and chorizo and cook on medium heat until chorizo is crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Sweat onion and garlic in chorizo oil until onions are translucent. Add smoked paprika, cinnamon stick and orange zest. Add mussels and beer and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, or until all mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Taste broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve in a large serving bowl with Patatas Bravas.
- To make PATATAS BRAVAS: Make SPICY TOMATO SAUCE: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sweat onion and garlic in oil until onion is translucent.
- Add paprika and cayenne pepper and cook lightly until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, bay leaf, salt and sugar. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add some water if sauce reduces too much and starts to stick.
- Remove bay leaf and purée sauce with an immersion blender, or in a regular blender until smooth. Cover and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Place olive oil in a large roasting pan and heat in oven. When oil is hot, add potatoes and toss quickly to coat with oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s fine if potatoes break apart around edges, as this will make them extra crispy.
- Return pan to oven and roast potatoes until crisp and golden all over. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. To serve, cover potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce and dollops of mayonnaise.
Drink Pairings
ROAST CHICKEN WITH ROOT VEGETABLES
Ingredients
Serves 4
CELERIAC PURÉE
1 small celeriac, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
ROAST CHICKEN WITH ROOT VEGETABLES
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
2 carrots, washed and cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
1 yam, washed and cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
1 fennel bulb, washed and cut into 4 even- sized wedges
4 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt, divided, plus extra if needed
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper, divided, plus extra if needed
3 to 4 lb (1.5 to 2 kg) free range chicken, rinsed and patted dry
1 sprig fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 lemon, zest and juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a medium pot, place celeriac in cream with salt and cover. Cook over medium heat until celeriac is very tender. Purée with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss parsnips, carrots, yam, fennel and garlic with half of the olive oil and salt and pepper. Transfer to a 9 x 13-in (3.5 L) roasting pan and spread out to an even thickness.
- Rub remaining olive oil, salt and pepper over chicken. Tuck rosemary, thyme and sage into the cavity of the chicken and place it on top of vegetables in roasting pan. Roast uncovered until the juices of the chicken run clear or internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) on a meat thermometer.
- Remove pan from the oven. Using tongs, lift chicken from vegetables and place on a large, deep plate to rest for 10 minutes. Remove any excess fat from the vegetables using a spoon. Add lemon zest and juice to vegetables and toss to mix evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Lay a sheet of foil loosely over top and keep warm in a 300 F (150 C) oven.
- To serve, carve chicken and serve with roasted vegetables and celeriac purée.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED GRAPE AND OLIVE TARTS
Ingredients
Serves about 30 rectangles
2 cups (500 ml) ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 tsp (10 ml) lemon zest
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh rosemary, divided
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
all-purpose flour, for dusting
2 x 14 oz (397 g) boxes puff pastry, thawed per package directions
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 cups (500 ml) each red grapes and mixed pitted olives
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, lemon zest, 1 tsp (5 ml) rosemary, salt and a good pinch of red pepper flakes. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a 1⁄4-in (0.5 cm) round pastry tip. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Lightly dust work surface with flour .Roll out 1 pastry into a slightly larger 10 x 12-in (25 x 30 cm) rectangle and trim sides to meet dimensions. Cut into fifteen 2 x 4-in (5 x 10 cm) rectangles. Transfer to 1 prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1⁄2-in (1 cm) between each. Freeze for 20 minutes. Repeat rolling, cutting and freezing with remaining pastry.
- Working with 1 baking sheet at a time, score a 1⁄4-in (0.5 cm) border around each rectangle. Prick inside border with fork several times. Pipe half ricotta mixture among puff pastry rectangles, keeping inside border. Bake in preheated oven until pastry is golden brown and puffed, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove rectangles to a wire rack to cool. Repeat step with remaining tray of chilled puff pastry.
- In an 8x8-in (20x20cm) baking dish or cake pan, stir together olive oil, grapes, olives, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) rosemary, 1⁄4 tsp (1 ml) salt and a good pinch of pepper. Roast in oven, stirring a few times during cooking, until grapes have burst and are wrinkly, 35 to 45 minutes.
- To assemble, divide warm grape and olive mixture over top of ricotta rectangles. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with any juices remaining in roasted grape and olive baking dish. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
SMOKED SALMON SANDWICHES
Ingredients
Serves 20
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
½ cup (125 ml) olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) grapeseed oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) packed fresh dill, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
10 thin slices pumpernickel bread
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 oz (180 g) hot smoked salmon, sliced or chunked
microgreens, for garnish
edible flowers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a blender, mix together egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard and oils until well combined and a thick mayonnaise forms. Transfer to a bowl and stir in dill. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Mayonnaise should be used within 3 days of making.
- Cut pumpernickel into 3 x 2-in (8 x 5 cm) rectangles (or bite-sized, if preferred). Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice and place on a baking tray. Toast in oven until they just start to get crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.
- To serve, spread each slice of bread with a little mayonnaise. Top with smoked salmon and garnish with microgreens and edible flowers.
Drink Pairings
SMOKED HAM AND RICOTTA TART WITH ZUCCHINI SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6
PASTRY:
1¼ cup (300 ml) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, plus extra to taste
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter
½ cup (125 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
1 large egg yolk
FILLING:
1¼ cup (300 ml) ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 oz (140 g) thinly sliced smoked ham
ZUCCHINI SALAD:
1 yellow zucchini
1 green zucchini
½ cup (125 ml) fresh chervil
⅓ cup (75 ml) fresh parsley
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh chives
½ cup (125 ml) shaved ricotta salata
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Instructions
- Start recipe by making Pastry for tart. Place flour, salt, butter and Parmesan in a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add sour cream and egg yolk before processing until a smooth dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface, form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Lightly grease a 9-in (23 cm) pie plate with olive oil and set aside.
- Once chilled, roll pastry out on a lightly floured work surface into a 12-in (30 cm) round. Line prepared pie plate with pastry, leaving excess overhanging edges of plate.
- To make FILIING: In another bowl, with a wooden spoon, stir together ricotta, 1 egg, garlic and a good pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Lay ham in pastry shell and top with ricotta mixture. Fold in overhanging pastry over filling. Pastry will overlap itself at intervals.
- In a small bowl, whisk remaining whole egg and brush over pastry crust. Bake tart until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- While tart is baking, prepare ZUCCHINI SALAD to be served alongside tart. Thinly slice yellow and green zucchini lengthwise with a vegetable peeler to create long ribbons. Add to a large bowl and gently toss along with parsley, chervil, chives, ricotta salata, olive oil and juice from 4 or 5 lemon wedges. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve slices of ricotta tart warm with Zucchini Salad on top.
Drink Pairings
SEARED HALLOUMI AND GRAPE SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 2
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
6 x ½-in (1.25 cm) slices halloumi cheese
½ red onion, sliced and separated into rings
2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ cup (125 ml) walnut pieces
½ cup (125 ml) seedless red and green grapes
½ tsp (2 ml) minced fresh rosemary
2 tsp (10 ml) aged balsamic vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Add half the olive oil. Gently sear slices of halloumi, 3 at a time, until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to 2 heated plates as they are done and cover to keep warm.
- Add remaining olive oil to pan. Add onion rings and garlic and sauté over medium-high heat just until it starts to soften and garlic turns pale golden, about 1 minute. Add walnuts, grapes and rosemary and stir-fry for 1 minute or until piping hot. Divide among warmed plates with seared halloumi and serve with a drizzle of balsamic and salt and pepper to taste.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD ON GRILLED ROMAINE HEARTS WITH WALNUT OIL
Ingredients
Serves 6
ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD:
½ large sweet onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small zucchini, diced
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) walnut oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tsp (10 ml) liquid honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh basil
¼ tsp (1 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
GRILLED ROMAINE HEARTS:
3 Romaine hearts
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
⅓ cup (75 ml) crumbled feta
extra-virgin olive oil
good-quality balsamic vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Position oven rack on top level. Lightly oil a large baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine onion, garlic, peppers and zucchini. Drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and sprinkle with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to evenly coat and spread out on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake on top rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally for even roasting. (Careful when opening oven as escaping steam from roasting vegetables can scald.)
- When done as preferred, transfer vegetables to large bowl and stir in walnut oil, lemon juice, honey, basil and pepper flakes. Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.
- Cut Romaine hearts in half, lengthwise. Brush cut sides with olive oil.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high. (Alternatively heat cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil.)
- Place Romaine hearts cut-side down on grill and cook, turning once, until charred and slightly wilted, about 3 minutes depending on heat. Transfer cut-side up to a serving platter. Scatter Roasted Vegetable Salad over top, dividing evenly among Romaine hearts.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and generous grindings of salt and pepper.
Drink Pairings
SLOW-BAKED SALMON WITH SPINACH FLORENTINE AND TOMATO SALSA
Ingredients
Serves 4
TOMATO, LEMON AND CAPER SALSA:
3 large, firm, ripe tomatoes
¼ cup (60 ml) finely minced cilantro
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced red onion
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lemon, juice only
2 tsp (10 ml) capers, rinsed and drained
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
SALMON:
4 x 6 oz (140 g) salmon fillets, skin on, about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick
1 tbsp (15 ml) Shiro Miso
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ tsp (2 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) cannellini beans, drained and warmed
green onion, for garnish
LIGHT SPINACH FLORENTINE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ lbs (750 g) baby spinach, rinsed and drained
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) whipping cream
1 lemon, zest only
Instructions
- To make SALSA: Finely chop tomatoes and drain briefly in a colander. Should measure about 1½ cups (375 ml). Place in bowl and add remaining ingredients. Gently fold together until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To bake SALMON: Preheat oven to 275 F (140 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine Shiro Miso, olive oil, lemon juice and thyme to blend. Brush over salmon fillets. Place salmon on prepared baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until almost opaque in centre.
- Five minutes before salmon is baked, heat cannellini beans and keep warm.
- Prepare LIGHT SPINACH FLORENTINE: Heat olive oil in large, heavy saucepan. Add garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute. Do not brown.
- Add spinach, salt and pepper then toss with garlic and oil. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Remove lid and turn heat to high. Cook for 1 more minute to fully wilt spinach. Drain and stir in cream and lemon zest.
- To serve, divide Florentine among serving plates and scatter each with cannellini beans.
- Top with a portion of salmon fillet and spoon Tomato, Lemon and Caper Salsa over top. Garnish with green onion.
Drink Pairings
SEARED GRAPE AND MASCARPONE CROSTINIS
Ingredients
Serves about 18 crostinis
CROSTINIS:
1 sourdough baguette
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ tsp (2 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary
GRAPE TOPPING
3 cups (750 ml) small seedless grapes, assorted colours
2 tbsp (30 ml) aged balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) finely minced fresh rosemary
salt and freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup (175 ml) mascarpone cheese
½ cup (125 ml) very finely chopped natural almonds, toasted
¼ cup (50 ml) liquid honey
Instructions
- To make CROSTINIS: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Thinly slice baguette into ⅓-in (1 cm) slices and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Combine olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Stir to blend.
- Brush mixture over baguette slices. Place in oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until crostinis are crusty but not too crisp. Remove pan from oven and set aside. Can be made ahead and stored in a tightly covered container at room temperature overnight.
- To make GRAPE TOPPING: Place grapes in a large bowl. Drizzle with balsamic, oil and seasonings. Gently toss to coat. Spread out on baking sheet and bake in 375 F (190 C) oven for 12 minutes or until grapes are almost ready to pop their skins. Remove baking sheet to a rack. Set aside.
- When ready to serve, spread a little mascarpone cheese on each crostini. Spoon roasted grapes onto each slice and sprinkle with toasted almonds. Drizzle with honey and serve.