PANZANELLA SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
DRESSING:
4 tbsp (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) capers, finely chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) red onion, finely chopped
SALAD:
½ cup (125 ml) ciabatta bread, cubed ½-inch (1.25 cm)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 lb (500 g) heirloom tomatoes, wedged and sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shaved
1 small handful basil leaves
Instructions
- To make DRESSING: Mix all ingredients and set aside.
- To make SALAD: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Toss ciabatta with garlic and olive oil, place on a parchment paper-lined baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until ciabatta is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.
- Lay tomatoes on a platter, drizzle with dressing and garnish with ciabatta croutons, Parmigiano Reggiano, and basil.
Drink Pairings
MIDDLE EASTERN FLAVOURED LAMB CHOPS
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 x 8 rib rack of lamb, about 3 to 4 lbs (750 g to 1 kg) Frenched
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
2 tsp (10 ml) garam masala
2 tsp (10 ml) garlic paste
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
SUMMER SQUASH SALAD:
DRESSING:
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
½ tsp (2 ml) garlic paste
½ tsp (2 ml) each of ground cumin and coriander
salt and freshly ground black pepper
SALAD:
2 cups (500 ml) butternut squash, diced ½-in (1.25 cm)
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp (2 ml) ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1½ cups (750 ml) green chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 zucchini, shaved lengthwise
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled feta
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro
1 cup (250 ml) lightly packed baby arugula
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted and salted pepitas
Instructions
- To make LAMB CHOPS: Cut rack of lamb in half through the centre chops. Blot rack of lamb dry. Combine lemon juice, garam masala, garlic paste and salt in a small bowl. Stir to blend, then rub into lamb. Generously coat racks with freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 2 hours for seasoning to seal chops.
- Using a heavy-bottomed frying pan such as a cast iron pan, heat oil over medium-high until it begins to shimmer. Place lamb racks, fat side down in hot pan and cook, turning occasionally with tongs until they begin to turn golden, about 4 minutes. Add butter and reduce heat to medium. Continue browning, basting the inner curve of the racks with browned butter juices, turning often, until lamb is a deep golden brown.
- Lamb should read 120 F (49 C) on a meat thermometer for mediumrare when inserted into the thickest part of the rack. For medium, cook 4 or 5 minutes longer or until it registers 130 F (54 C) when tested.
- Transfer lamb to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and let rest for 5 minutes before carving into chops and serving with Summer Squash Salad.
- To make DRESSING: In a bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients and set aside.
- To make SALAD: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Toss squash with olive oil and season with ground cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Spread out in a baking dish large enough to hold cubes in a single layer. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until cubes are tender when pierced but still hold their shape. Remove and set aside to cool.
- When squash is fully cooled, place in a large bowl along with chickpeas and shaved zucchini. Drizzle dressing over squash mixture and gently toss together to coat. Fold in feta and chopped cilantro.
- Top with arugula and pepitas. Serve at room temperature with seared lamb chops.
Drink Pairings
MEXICAN QUINOA
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
1 cup (250 ml) smoked rice
½ cup (125 ml) each red and white quinoa, thoroughly rinsed, drained
½ red onion, finely diced
4 whole green onions, thinly sliced
2 banana peppers, seeded and diced
½ cup (125 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
¼ cup (60 ml) each fresh cilantro and basil, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup (75 ml) avocado oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine vinegar
2 limes, zest and juice
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) agave syrup or liquid honey
½ tsp (2 ml) sea salt, plus extra to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
TOPPINGS:
19 oz (540 ml) can black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup (250 ml) prepared fresh salsa
½ cup (125 ml) grated Cotija cheese, or aged Parmesan
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups (500 ml) lightly salted water to a boil. Add smoked rice, cover and simmer over medium-low heat until rice absorbs liquid and is tender to bite, but not mushy. Turn out onto a baking sheet and spread out to slightly dry.
- Bring 2 cups (500 ml) lightly salted water to a boil and stir in red and white quinoa. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until water has been absorbed and grains have sprouted. Turn out onto a baking sheet and spread out to slightly dry. Stir a few times to separate grains.
- Transfer rice and quinoa to a large bowl. Add red and green onions, banana peppers, parsley, cilantro, basil and garlic. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine avocado oil,vinegar, lime zest and juice, cumin, syrup, salt, paprika and pepper. Whisk to blend. Drizzle over rice and quinoa and gently toss to evenly distribute dressing, then top with black beans, salsa and grated cheese.
Drink Pairings
PROSCIUTTO AND SOUR CHERRY BITES
Ingredients
Serves 24
2 cups (500 ml) fresh or frozen, thawed pitted tart cherries
1 tsp (5 ml) orange zest
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) minced fresh ginger root
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cardamom
½ tsp (2 ml) dried mint
1 pinch ground allspice
½ tsp (2 ml) salt, plus extra
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil, plus extra for greasing
24 round wonton wrappers
3 oz (90 g) prosciutto, thinly sliced
5 oz (140 g) goat’s cheese
3 tbsp (45 ml) whipping cream, plus extra
½ cup (125 ml) chopped baby arugula
freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan stir together first 10 ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture, stirring occasionally until thickened and syrupy, about 10 to 20 minutes. Transfer mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate until cool. Sour cherry sauce can be made a week in advance and kept covered and refrigerated until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with grapeseed oil.
- Brush wonton wrappers with oil and gently press each one into muffin cups. Wrapper will overlap itself as it conforms to shape of muffin cup. Sprinkle wonton wrappers with salt and bake until browned and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from tin and allow wrappers to cool on a wire rack.
- While wonton cups are cooling, place prosciutto in single layer on parchmentlined baking tray. Bake in 375 F (190 C) oven until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool to room temperature before breaking into small shards.
- When ready to assemble, in a small bowl mix together goat’s cheese and whipping cream with a fork. If desired, add additional cream for a creamier consistency. Place about 1 tsp (5 ml) chopped arugula into each wonton cup before topping with 1 tsp (5 ml) goat’s cheese. Top with a prepared sour cherry and a dollop of accompanying sour cherry sauce, a shard of prosciutto and a grind of black pepper before transferring to a serving platter. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
PEPPERED RACK OF LAMB WITH PARSLEY MINT SALSA VERDE
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
LAMB RACK:
2 x 8 to 10-rib rack of lamb, about 4 lbs (2 kg) Frenched
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2 ml) each ground cumin and coriander
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
PARSLEY MINT SALSA VERDE:
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) sherry vinegar
½ tsp (2 ml) each, salt and freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup (175 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
½ cup (125 ml) chopped fresh mint
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 small shallot, peeled and finely minced
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
Instructions
- Blot racks of lamb dry. In a small bowl, combine salt, cumin and coriander. Stir to blend, then rub into lamb. Generously coat racks with freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 2 hours, for seasoning to seal chops.
- While lamb is resting, prepare PARSLEY MINT SALSA VERDE: In a food processor, combine olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pulse to emulsify and dissolve salt. Add remaining ingredients and briefly pulse to blend. Set aside at room temperature and let rest for 20 minutes for flavours to blend. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Using a very heavy-bottomed frying pan, such as cast iron about 12-in (30 cm) in diameter, heat oil over medium-high until it begins to shimmer. Place lamb racks, fat-side down, in hot pan and cook, turning occasionally with tongs until they begin to turn golden, about 4 minutes. Add butter and reduce heat to medium. Continue browning, basting the inner curve of racks with browned butter juices, turning often, until lamb is a deep golden brown.
- Lamb should read 120 F (49 C) on a meat thermometer for medium-rare when inserted into the thickest part of the rack. For medium, cook 4 or 5 minutes longer or until it registers 130 F (54 C) when tested.
- For dramatic presentation, transfer lamb to a serving platter, interlocking chops. Spread a little salsa verde over chops and serve remaining salsa in a small bowl on the side.
Drink Pairings
MAPLE AND TAMARI- ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES
Ingredients
Serves 8
4 turnips, trimmed, cut into 8 wedges
1 rutabaga, trimmed, cut into rectangles
6 carrots, trimmed, halved lengthwise
3 parsnips, trimmed, quartered lengthwise
5 each golden and red beets, trimmed, quartered lengthwise
2 tbsp (30 ml) tamari
2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh rosemary
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Arrange oven racks in top and bottom third of oven before preheating to 425 F (220 C).
- Fill a large saucepan with water, season with a couple generous pinches of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Blanch turnips until barely tender, 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer turnips to a baking sheet. Repeat blanching with rutabaga before reducing heat to medium-high. Add carrots and parsnips to saucepan and simmer until barely tender, 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to baking sheets with turnips and rutabaga. Add yellow beets to saucepan and simmer until just tender, 5 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet and repeat with red beets. Allow all vegetables to cool for 10 minutes. Discard cooking water.
- Whisk together tamari, maple syrup and vinegar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss vegetables with oil, thyme and rosemary before seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread vegetables in an even layer on 2 large baking sheets. Roast for 15 minutes. Drizzle vegetables with tamari mixture and continue to roast until vegetables are browned, another 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a platter and serve warm.
Drink Pairings
PANZANELLA AND TUNA SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
5 thick slices rye bread or pumpernickel bread, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes
3 tbsp + ¼ cup (105 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra
6 green onions, roots trimmed
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 bunch fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
1 lb (500 g) Albacore tuna loin
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
2 tbsp (30 ml) white balsamic vinegar
1½ tbsp (22 ml) grainy mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) maple syrup
1 cup (250 ml) cooked and shelled edamame or fava beans
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1 cup (250 ml) baby arugula
½ medium head radicchio, cut into thick ribbons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Place a baking sheet in oven to warm while preheating.
- In a large bowl, to make croutons, toss bread cubes with 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil. Scatter in a single layer on warmed baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes, tossing croutons halfway through cooking time. Allow to cool on baking sheet while preparing rest of salad.
- Heat grill or grill pan over mediumhigh heat. Drizzle some oil over green onions and season with salt before grilling until lightly charred, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces. Repeat grilling process with asparagus and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces. Brush tuna loin with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, searing outside but keeping tuna raw in middle. Transfer to a plate and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a small bowl, make dressing whisking together ¼ cup (60 ml) oil with dill, vinegar, mustard and maple syrup until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- When ready to serve, toss croutons with 2 tbsp (30 ml) dressing. Add grilled green onions, asparagus, edamame (or fava) beans, radishes, arugula and radicchio and a drizzle of 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) more dressing. Toss gently to combine. Divide salad among serving plates. Slice chilled tuna into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices. Lay a couple of slices on each salad and garnish with an extra drizzle of dressing, if desired. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
OPEN-FACED BRAISED BEEF SLIDERS
Ingredients
Serves 15
BARBECUE SAUCE:
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2 ml) ground pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) mustard powder
¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar
½ cup (125 ml) ketchup
BRAISED BEEF:
1 lb (500 g) beef brisket
½ tsp (2 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
Barbecue Sauce
CABBAGE SLAW:
¼ cup (60 ml) cabbage, thinly sliced
⅛ cup (25 ml) carrots, julienned
1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) grainy mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) parsley, chopped
15 mini buns, cut in half
Instructions
- To make BARBECUE SAUCE: Simmer all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 30 minutes until the onions and garlic are cooked and the flavours have come together. Cool and purée the sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- To make BRAISED BEEF: Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef in a medium-sized skillet oil over medium-high heat until all sides are golden brown. Turn the heat down to low and add the Barbecue Sauce. Add enough water to cover the beef halfway.
- Braise the beef over low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until tender.
- Remove the beef from the sauce and cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, simmer the sauce and reduce it until it is thick and sauce consistency.
- Shred the beef and mix it with the sauce.
- To make CABBAGE SLAW: Mix cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grainy mustard, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Stuff the mini buns with braised beef and top with Cabbage Slaw.
Drink Pairings
LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE WITH BACON CROUTON CRUST
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
3 slices bacon
1½ cups plain croutons
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted
1 lb (500 g) cavatappi (double elbow or scoobi doo) pasta
4 cups (1 L) whole milk
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
3 cups (750 ml) grated Gruyère cheese
1 cup (250 ml) grated Romano or Parmesan
2 cups (500 ml) grated extra-sharp cheddar
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt
½ tsp (2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp (2 ml) ground nutmeg
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
1 ½ lbs (750 g) cooked lobster meat, ½ -in (.5 cm) diced
Instructions
- Fry bacon over medium-high heat until semi-crisp. Drain and coarsely chop. Add croutons to a food processor and pulse until coarse but not fine. Transfer to bowl, add chopped bacon and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat, until scalding. Do not allow to boil. Set aside. In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. While whisking, slowly add milk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in cheese and spices. Stir until cheese melts. Stir in cooked pasta and lobster.
- Divide and pile the mixture into 6 to 8 2-cup (500 ml) casserole or ramekin dishes. Place dishes on baking sheet. Sprinkle bacon crumb mixture on top of pasta. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
Drink Pairings
PISTACHIOS AND ORANGE BLOSSOM NO-BAKE CAKE
Make 1 day ahead of serving.Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) raw pistachios, divided, plus extra for garnish
7 Medjool dates, pitted
¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut
½ tsp (2 ml) salt, divided
¾ cup + 1 tbsp (190 ml) maple syrup, divided
4 avocados, pitted and peeled
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
1 tsp (5 ml) orange blossom water
edible flowers, for garnish
Instructions
- Line bottom of a 6-in (15 cm) spring-form pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse ½ cup (125 ml) pistachios, dates, coconut and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt until crumbly. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup and process until mixture is sticky and holds together when a bit is formed into a ball. Transfer to prepared spring-form pan and press over base of pan in an even layer. Place in freezer while making next layer.
- In a blender or food processor, combine remaining ¾ cup (175 ml) maple syrup, ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, avocados, lime juice and orange blossom water until smooth. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) pistachios and pulse so they are not fully blended and small pieces are still visible. Pour mixture over prepared crust. Smooth out top and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios before freezing until firm, about 5 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, garnish with edible flowers and extra pistachios, if desired. Slice with a warm knife and keep any leftovers frozen.