HALF-TURKEY ROAST WITH POMEGRANATE SAUCE, WILD GRAINS AND FENNEL
Ingredients
Serves 6
½ x 14 lb (7 kg) turkey, about 7 lb (3.5 kg)
¼ cup (50 ml) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (1 L) pomegranate juice
½ cup (125 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh rosemary
1 large garlic clove, smashed and minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch, optional
WILD GRAINS:
1 cup (250 ml) wild rice
1 cup (250 ml) short grain brown rice
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, plus extra for oiling dish
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2 ml) cinnamon
generous pinches of allspice, cardamom, cumin and black pepper
2 cups (500 ml) turkey or chicken stock, warmed
½ cup (125 ml) millet
19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
½ cup (125 ml) chopped celery leaves
½ cup (125 ml) each of chopped parsley and cilantro
¼ cup (50 ml) chopped fresh mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate seeds
SAUTÉED FENNEL:
3 small fennel bulbs, thickly sliced
1 tbsp (15 ml) each unsalted butter and olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Skewer turkey skin along cut edges to prevent skin from rolling up during roasting. Pin or tie wing to breast to hold firmly in place. Generously season inside cavity with salt and place turkey, cut-side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Spread softened butter over skin and generously season with salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, balsamic, brown sugar, Dijon, rosemary and garlic. Whisk together and bring to a boil. Remove ½ cup (125 ml) juice mixture and use for basting turkey. Boil remainder vigorously over medium-high heat until reduced to 2 cups (500 ml). Strain into a small saucepan. Stir into reduced pomegranate sauce and boil until thickened. Remove and set aside.
- Once turkey has roasted at 400 F (200 C) for 20 minutes, reduce temperature to 300 F (150 C), begin basting turkey with reserved pomegranate sauce every 15 minutes. Turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the breast reads 170 F (65 C), about 2 more hours. Serve turkey tucked into Wild Grains with Sautéed Fennel and Pomegranate Sauce.
- To make WILD GRAINS: Cook wild rice as per package directions. Fluff with a fork and place in a large bowl.
- Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and sauté just until soft and clear. Rinse brown rice in a strainer under cold running water for 1 minute. Shake well and add to onion along with seasonings. Sauté just until rice begins to warm and smell fragrant. Stir in stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes. Rice should be tender, but still a bit chewy. Remove from heat and covered for 10 minutes to steam. Then fluff with a fork and add to cooked wild rice. Set aside.
- Rinse and drain millet. Place in a dry saucepan and toast grains, just until pale golden. Stir often. Add 1½ cups (375 ml) water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until grains are tender and water has been absorbed. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread out to dry. Stir often, to keep grains separated.
- When millet is partially cooled, add to rice along with chickpeas and celery. Fold together and set aside while turkey is baking. About 45 minutes before turkey is done, add parsley, cilantro and mint to rice mixture and fold together. Transfer to a well-oiled baking dish. Cover with foil and place in oven alongside turkey during final baking. To serve, scatter pomegranate seeds over top.
- To make SAUTÉED FENNEL: Heat butter and oil in a large frying pan. Add sliced fennel and sauté just until slightly golden on both sides but still slightly firm. Season with salt and pepper.
Drink Pairings
GOLDEN WILD MUSHROOM SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4
14 g (0.5 oz) package dried porcini mushrooms
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
6 cups (1.5 L) cleaned, sliced assorted wild mushrooms
½ red onion, peeled and finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh thyme
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt, plus extra to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) cognac
4 cups (1 L) beef stock
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
2 tbsp (30 ml) crème fraîche
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
freshly ground black pepper to taste
truffle oil (optional)
Instructions
- Add porcini mushrooms to a small bowl,
- Heat oil in medium-sized heavybottomed saucepan. Add freshly sliced mushrooms and stir over high heat. Add onion, garlic, thyme and salt. Chop porcini and add, reserving liquid. Stir over high heat for a minute, then add cognac to deglaze pan. Add porcini liquid, straining out grit. Reduce heat to medium, continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until moisture evaporates.
- Stir in stock and tomato paste. Bring to boil. Cover, with lid ajar, simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladel into bowls and dollop with crème fraîche. Dot with truffle oil, if desired. For a creamier soup, strain out ½ cup (125 ml) mushrooms, set aside. Purée soup in blender. Serve with reserved mushrooms as garnish.
Drink Pairings
HEIRLOOM LETTUCE SALAD WITH WALNUTS AND BUTTERMILK DRESSING
Ingredients
Serves 4
BUTTERMILK DRESSING:
¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) plain yogurt
1 lime, juice only
pinch of salt
sprigs of fresh mint or tarragon, chopped, for garnish
LETTUCE SALAD:
2 heads lettuce, such a butter or Boston, or a mixture or heirloom greens
2 tbsp (30 g) walnut halves, soaked overnight in water to remove bitterness, and drained
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine DRESSING ingredients, except for mint or tarragon. Whisk together until blended. Set aside.
- To make SALAD: Wash and spin-dry lettuce greens and tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Gently toss and divide among serving plates. Sprinkle with walnuts and garnish with chopped herbs.
Drink Pairings
HERBED TURKEY BREAST WITH APPLE CALVADOS SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 12
HERBED TURKEY BREAST:
2 boneless turkey breast halves, about 2 lbs (1 kg each)
¼ cup (50 ml) unsalted butter, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh or 2 tsp (10 ml) dry sage
1 tsp (5 ml) finely minced fresh rosemary
1 lemon, zest only
½ cup (125 ml) turkey or chicken stock
fresh sage leaves, for garnish
APPLE CALVADOS SAUCE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
2 shallots, peeled and finely minced
1 garlic clove, smashed and finely minced
2 unpeeled Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into thin wedges
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
3 tbsp (45 ml) Calvados or brandy
1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened apple cider
1 cup (250 ml) turkey or chicken stock
3 tbsp (45 ml) whipping cream, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Rub each breast with 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter. Evenly sprinkle breasts with sage, rosemary and lemon zest. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place side by side on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour stock in bottom of pan. Roast turkey, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 F (180 C) and continue to roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until turkey registers 170 F (75 C) on a meat thermometer inserted into the centre. Baste occasionally with remaining butter while roasting. Remove and transfer to a cutting board. Loosely cover with a tent of foil while preparing sauce.
- To make APPLE CALVADOS SAUCE: In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and sauté just until soft. Add apple slices and sauté until almost soft. Set pan aside.
- Place roasting pan with turkey drippings on burner over medium heat. Scrape pan drippings and whisk in flour, stirring until slightly golden. Mixture will be very crumbly. Deglaze pan with Calvados. Whisk in apple cider and stock, stir over medium heat until thickened. Strain through a finemeshed sieve into frying pan with apples and shallots. Gently heat before serving.
- Slice turkey breast on the diagonal and place on a warm platter. Spoon Apple Calvados Sauce over top, and transfer remaining sauce to a gravy boat. Garnish platter with fresh sage leaves.
Drink Pairings
GOOSE WITH ORANGE WHISKY SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 4
SALT-ROASTED BEETS:
2 cups (500 ml) kosher salt
½ cup (125 ml) prepared horseradish
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh rosemary
2 large unpeeled red beets, trimmed and scrubbed
GOOSE AND SAUCE:
2 lbs (1 kg) goose breast, about 2 breasts
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil or grape seed oil
1 shallot, minced
½ cup (125 ml) Scotch whisky
1 cup (250 ml) chicken or duck stock
½ tsp (2 ml) orange zest
½ cup (125 ml) orange juice
⅓ cup (75 ml) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
2 oranges, peeled and cut into segments
Instructions
- To make SALT-ROASTED BEETS: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a bowl, stir together salt, horseradish, thyme and rosemary. Place 3 mounds salt mixture, 1 tbsp (15 ml) each, onto a rimmed baking sheet. Top each mound with 1 beet before covering beets with remaining salt mixture. Press salt firmly around each beet to create a crust that completely encloses beets.
- Bake beets for 1¾ hours. Then cool for 5 minutes before cracking open salt crust and removing beets. Peel beets; cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) wedges and set aside.
- Increase oven temperature to 425 F (220 C).
- Lightly score skin from goose breasts in a crosshatch pattern, making sure not to score into meat. Season breasts with salt and pepper before setting aside at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
- In a cold, large, ovenproof frying pan, place oil and goose, skin-side down, over medium-high heat. When they start to sizzle like bacon, turn heat down to low and cook breasts until skin has nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Turn breasts skin-side up.
- Transfer pan to oven and bake breasts for 5 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into thickest part of breast. It should register 125 F (52 C). Return breasts to oven at 3 minute intervals if not yet at temperature. When done, transfer breasts, skin-side up to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- While goose breasts are resting, make sauce. Pour off all except 2 tbsp (30 ml) fat from pan that breasts were baked in. Add shallot and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add whisky, and using a wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Take care as whisky might flambé. Let whisky reduce by half before adding stock, orange zest and juice. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes before removing frying pan from heat. Whisk butter, 1 cube at a time into sauce completely melting butter cube before adding next cube. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Strain sauce through a fine meshed sieve for a silky smooth texture.
- Slice goose breasts on a slight diagonal. Divide roasted beets and orange segments in middle of warmed serving plates. Top each with slices of goose and garnish with a spoonful of sauce over meat and around plate.
Drink Pairings
CHICKEN AND CASHEWS IN PINEAPPLE
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) red curry paste
½ cup (125 ml) coconut milk
¼ cup (60 ml) chicken stock
1½ tbsp (22 ml) fish sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) palm or brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped ginger
1 small cooking onion, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) dice
2 green onions, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
1 lb (500 g) skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1-in pieces (2.5 cm)
½ cup (125 ml) toasted cashews
1 cup (250 ml) pineapple tidbits
½ cup or small bunch fresh Thai basil (or regular basil)
½ pineapple, hollowed out, optional
Instructions
- Mix together red curry paste, coconut milk, chicken stock, fish sauce and palm or brown sugar.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add the ginger, onion and green onion and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and sauté until cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add curry mixture and stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and stir in cashews, pineapple and basil and cook until just warm and basil is wilted. Serve on a warm platter or a hollowed out pineapple half.
Drink Pairings
CHILLED RHUBARB SABAYON PARFAIT AND WHITE WINE COOKIES
Ingredients
Serves 4
WHITE WINE COOKIES:
½ tsp (2 ml) anise seed or Pernod liqueur
½ cup (125 ml) crisp white wine
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 pinch salt
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar, plus extra for garnish
⅓ cup (75 ml) sunflower or canola oil
RHUBARB SABAYON PARFAIT:
1 cup (250 ml) chopped rhubarb, fresh or frozen, thawed
⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (90 ml) granulated sugar
5 tbsp (75 ml) white wine, divided
5 egg yolks
¾ cup (175 ml) whipping cream
4 cups (1 L) fresh strawberries, trimmed and quartered
Instructions
- To make WHITE WINE COOKIES: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush anise seeds, if using, before adding to a small bowl along with wine and vanilla extract. Let steep for 5 minutes. Alternatively, stir together Pernod with wine and vanilla extract before setting aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and granulated sugar. Make a well in centre of flour mixture and strain in wine mixture, discarding anise seeds, if using, along with oil. Stir together with a wooden spoon until dough comes together. Turn out onto a work surface and knead a couple of times.
- Divide dough into walnut-sized pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll into a 3 to 4-in (8 to 10 cm) rope. Pinch together ends to form a ring and transfer to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Sprinkle cookies with extra sugar and bake until bottoms are lightly golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cookies may be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To make RHUBARB SABAYON PARFAIT: Start by preparing an ice-water bath in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add rhubarb, sugar and 1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine. Stir until sugar dissolves before allowing to simmer, uncovered, until rhubarb is so tender it starts to fall apart, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender and purée until smooth.
- In a large metal bowl set over a large saucepan of simmering water, combine yolks, remaining 4 tbsp (60 ml) white wine and rhubarb purée. Whisk constantly until mixture is very thick and warm and has expanded in volume, about 7 minutes. Place bowl in ice-water bath and let mixture cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cooled rhubarb mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.
- To serve, layer strawberries and chilled Rhubarb Sabayon Parfait in serving bowls or martini glasses. Serve each with a couple of White Wine Cookies on the side.
Drink Pairings
DUTCH BABY PANCAKE WITH CINNAMON-GLAZED APPLES
Ingredients
Serves 6
CINNAMON-GLAZED APPLES:
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
3 apples, peeled, cored and cut into eighths
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
½ tsp (2 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
DUTCH BABY PANCAKE:
4 tbsp (60 ml) unsalted butter, divided
4 large eggs
¾ cup (175 ml) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (175 ml) milk
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
icing sugar, for dusting
Chantilly or flavoured whipped cream, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- To make CINNAMON-GLAZED APPLES: In a dry, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until golden brown and caramelized. Add apples and cream to pan, being very careful as it will bubble up. Gently stir to coat apples, dissolving caramel with juices from apples and cream. Add butter, salt and cinnamon. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until apples are tender and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. They should be nicely glazed with sauce. Can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Serve at room temperature or gently reheat and serve warm.
- To make DUTCH BABY PANCAKE: Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Melt 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter. Place in a blender with eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Blend batter until smooth. Heat a 10-in (25 cm) cast iron frying pan over medium heat. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter and swirl to melt. Add all of the batter to hot pan and swirl to coat bottom. Transfer pan to oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Pancake will puff up but start to deflate once removed from oven.
- Pour glazed apples into middle of pancake. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately with Chantilly or whipped cream.
Drink Pairings
CLASSIC SPRING ABUNDANCE
Ingredients
Serves 4
SALAD:
1 corn on the cob, husked
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
6 cups (1.5 L) mixed baby greens, such as spinach, romaine and bok choy
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup (125 ml) shredded red cabbage
2 small, unpeeled cucumbers, shaved lengthwise
1 large carrot, peeled and julienned or grated
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
2 whole green onions, diagonally sliced
⅓ cup (75 ml) crumbled goat’s cheese
Spicy Yogurt Lime Sauce
SPICY YOGURT LIME SAUCE:
½ cup (125 ml) full-fat plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup (60 ml) lightly packed cilantro leaves
1 garlic clove, smashed and minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) tamari soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) hot sauce such as Sriracha
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
dash maple syrup
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To make SALAD: Lightly brush corn on the cob with olive oil. Sear in a grill pan or on a preheated barbecue until tender and charred. Remove and set aside until cooled.
- In a large bowl, toss greens with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Divide greens among 4 serving dishes. Cut corn from husk into chunks and arrange on greens along with remaining vegetables. Sprinkle with goat’s cheese and drizzle with Spicy Yogurt Lime Sauce. Serve immediately.
- To make SPICY YOGURT LIME SAUCE: Combine sauce ingredients in a food processor. Whirl until smooth and creamy. Add more hot sauce, salt and pepper, if desired. Transfer to a squeeze tube. Use immediately or refrigerate for a couple of days. Shake before using.
Drink Pairings
CLASSIC BELGIAN MUSSELS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
2 small shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 sprigs thyme
4 lbs (2 kg) mussels, scrubbed and debearded, discarding any that remain open when tapped
1½ cups (375 ml) Saison Dupont beer
salt and freshly ground pepper
½ cup (125 ml) crème fraîche
3 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 baguette, sliced
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic and thyme and sweat until shallots are translucent.
- Add mussels, beer and a dash of salt and pepper. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove lid and add crème fraîche. Cover with lid and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until all mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Stir in parsley and taste broth before adding additional salt and pepper as mussels naturally release a salty broth.
- Serve in a large serving bowl with sliced baguette on side, for dipping.