BRAISED LENTIL-STUFFED YAMS
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 medium-sized jewel yams
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium-sized yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 cups (500 ml) black beluga lentils
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth
1½ cups (375 ml) crisp white wine
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
3 cups (750 ml) baby spinach, baby kale or baby chard
salt and pepper, to taste
⅓ cup (75 ml) crumbled sheep’s milk feta
⅓ cup (75 ml) chopped, salted, roasted pistachios
2 tsp (10 ml) toasted sesame seeds
ground sumac, chopped flat-leaf parsley and finely grated lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Prick each yam a few times with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake until yam skins start to wrinkle and a knife easily pierces through flesh, about 35 to 50 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on size of yams.
- Meanwhile, prepare lentils. In a large saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and continue to cook another minute.
- Stir in lentils, then add broth, white wine and cumin. Stirring occasionally, bring lentil mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Strain and discard any extra cooking liquid. Return lentils to cooking pot, remove from heat, discard thyme stem and stir baby spinach (or kale, or chard) into warm lentil mixture, allowing spinach to wilt slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- When ready to serve, slice each yam along top lengthwise. Open and stuff with warm lentil mixture before topping with a sprinkle of feta, pistachios and sesame seeds. For an extra flourish and seasoning, garnish with a pinch of sumac, chopped parsley and lemon zest, if desired. Serve warm as a light meal or a hearty side dish.
Drink Pairings
APRICOT ALMOND BUTTER BARS
Ingredients
Serves 16 large bars
2 cups (500 ml) large flake, old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup (125 ml) slivered almonds
½ cup (125 ml) coarsely chopped hazelnuts
2 tbsp (30 ml) each flaxseeds, sesame seeds
2 cups (500 ml) unsweetened puffed whole grain cereal
⅔ cup (150 ml) dried currants
⅔ cup (150 ml) chopped dried apricots
½ cup (125 ml) chopped seedless raisins
½ cup (125 ml) creamy almond butter
⅓ cup (75 ml) light brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) honey
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ tsp (2 ml) fine sea salt
Instructions
- Position baking rack in centre of oven. Preheat to 350 F (180 C). Butter a 9 x 13-in (3.5 L) baking pan. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, hazelnuts, flaxseeds and sesame seeds. Spread evenly over a large baking sheet. Bake until oats are lightly golden and nuts are fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring to mix halfway through. Transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool. Add puffed cereal, currants, apricots and raisins. Toss to combine.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine almond butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until mixture is emulsified and bubbling slightly, 5 minutes.
- Immediately pour mixture over dry ingredients and mix well to coat. Transfer to buttered baking pan. Coat hands with canola oil or butter and press mixture down firmly, making an even layer. Refrigerate uncovered until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into bars.
Drink Pairings
CABBAGE AND CARROT SLAW
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
½ head red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and julienned
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped parsley
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 ml) cider vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper
1 pinch granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Gently toss together to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Best served the same day it is made.
Drink Pairings
BABY POTATO SALAD WITH HERB AND GRAINY MUSTARD DRESSING
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 lb (500 g) baby potatoes, unpeeled
1 lemon, zest and juice
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) grainy mustard
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt, plus extra
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped fresh herbs, such as chervil, dill, parsley, and chives
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a medium-sized saucepan with just enough water to cover. Generously season water with salt. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, with lid ajar, until fork-tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain potatoes and cut in half while still warm. Place in a large bowl.
- Whisk remaining ingredients in a small bowl and add to warm potatoes. Gently toss together to evenly coat. Serve at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
BARBECUED DUCK SALAD WITH FRIED WONTON STRIPS
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
DRESSING:
1 stalk lemon grass, white part only, thinly sliced
½ bunch cilantro, roots and stems only (set aside leaves for later)
2 tsp (10 ml) finely grated fresh ginger root
1 Thai red chili, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely grated palm sugar
1½ tbsp (22 ml) fish sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
SALAD:
vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying
12 to 16 wonton wraps
1 Chinese barbecued duck, cooled
1 head butter lettuce, rinsed, dried, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) juliennes
1 English cucumber, seeded, cut into 2-in x ¼-in (5 cm x 0.5 cm) juliennes
1 large carrot, peeled, thinly sliced into ribbons
2 cups (500 ml) bean sprouts, rinsed and dried well
1 container cherry tomatoes, each halved
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 bunch Thai basil, leaves picked and torn
½ cup (125 ml) dry-roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- To make DRESSING: In an immersion blender place lemon grass, cilantro roots, ginger and chili then process until coarsely chopped. Add lime juice, vinegar, sugar, fish sauce and sesame oil and stir until well combined. Season with more lime juice, sugar or fish sauce, to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 1-in (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil over medium-high to 350 F (180 C). Cut wonton wraps into ¼-in (0.5 cm) strips. Carefully add a small handful of wonton strips a few batches at a time to hot oil. When golden and crisp, remove and transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips and set aside.
- To prepare duck, remove skin and cut skin into ½-in (1.25 cm) julienne. Place onto baking dish and heat in oven until crisp. Remove from oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess fat. Transfer to plate and set aside.
- Using hands, remove meat from bone, tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients, reserved duck skin and fried wonton strips. Drizzle with Dressing, tossing lightly until well mixed. Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
BEET-CURED STEELHEAD TROUT ON DARK RYE
Ingredients
Serves 6 open faced sandwiches
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
½ tsp (2 ml) lemon zest
1½ lbs (750 g) steelhead trout fillet, scaled, pin-bones removed, skin left on
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka
1 large red beet, peeled and grated
¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) mayonnaise
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped capers
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped red onion
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 pieces dark rye or Pumpernickel bread, toasted
2 tbsp (30 ml) salted butter
½ English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
½ yellow zucchini or yellow beet, thinly sliced into rounds
3 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Line dish large enough to hold trout fillet with a double layer of aluminum foil and a layer of plastic wrap. In a bowl, stir together sugar, salt, pepper, dill and lemon zest. Scatter half the sugar mixture in a fat line down centre of prepared dish. Place trout fillet on top, skin-side down and sprinkle with vodka before covering with remaining sugar mixture. Place grated beet on top of sugared flesh side of fish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap trout is sitting on and allow to cure in refrigerator for 2 days, flipping fish over after 24 hours. Unwrap fish, rinse off beet and sugar mixture under cold water and pat dry with paper towel. Slice fillet very thinly across fish on the bias, taking care to leave behind skin. Fan out on plate, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, capers and red onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Just before ready to serve, spread bread with butter and then some lemondill sauce. Divide cucumber, zucchini and radishes equally among bread slices. Top with trout and garnish with dill sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
BERRY FENNEL PIZZA
Ingredients
Serves 4
¾ cup (175 ml) warm water
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid honey, plus extra for garnish, optional
½ tbsp (7 ml) active dry yeast
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) cornmeal
¾ tsp (3 ml) salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz (250 g) fresh goat’s cheese
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh thyme
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 small fennel bulb, sliced paper thin
1 cup (250 ml) fresh blackberries
½ cup (125 ml) fresh raspberries
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped, toasted hazelnuts
fresh mint leaves, for garnish
fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together warm water, honey and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes allowing yeast to bloom. If mixture does not become frothy, yeast may be inactive, repeat step with a new pack. With a wooden spoon, stir in oil before stirring in flour, cornmeal and salt. Turn out dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and firm, about 2 minutes.
- Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm corner to rise until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down dough, cover bowl and let rise again, 30 minutes.
- Set up a heat source to medium-high on only 1 side of a barbecue. Lightly oil grill.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cover with a towel and let rest, 20 minutes.
- While dough is resting, combine garlic, goat’s cheese and thyme in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper before setting aside.
- Dust work surface with flour and roll or stretch dough out into a 10-in (25 cm) round. Brush 1 side lightly with olive oil. Place dough, oiled sided down, onto grill directly over heat. Brush top of dough lightly with oil, and cook until underside has browned and bubbles appear on top, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip dough and cook until other side has lightly browned, about 1 minute. Move dough to cooler side of barbeque and top with some fennel, goat’s cheese mixture, blackberries, raspberries and hazelnuts. Cover grill and cook pizza until toppings are warm and cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove pizza to a cutting board, garnish with a drizzle of honey (if using), mint and tarragon. Let stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving while still warm.
Drink Pairings
BEEF CHEEKS
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 beef cheeks, about 1 lb (500 g)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
1 medium carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 medium stalk celery, chopped
1 leek (white only), chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
6 each, black peppercorns, whole cloves and whole allspice
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato purée
¾ cup (175 ml) full-bodied red wine
2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
½ cup (125 ml) sultana raisins
½ cup (125 ml) Celery Root Purée
CELERY ROOT PURÉE:
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 lbs (700 g) peeled celery root cut into 1-in (2-cm) pieces
4 cups (1 L) milk
Instructions
- To make BEEF CHEEKS: Pre-heat oven to 325 F (160 C). Pat beef cheeks dry and season with salt and pepper. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) of oil, add beef cheeks and cook, in batches, turning halfway, for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to pan and add vegetables and garlic. Cook until golden. Add thyme, peppercorns, cloves and allspice, stirring to combine with vegetables. Stir in tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour red wine into pan and stir, scraping bottom. Add beef cheeks and pour enough chicken stock to cover. Bring to a boil, cover and place in oven. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and almost falling apart. Remove, let cool slightly and shred meat. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Pour sauce into a fine mesh strainer set over a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to simmer, add raisins and cook until sauce has reduced by half.
- Place a pastry ring in middle of a plate and add Celery Root Purée. Add shredded cheeks and top with sauce. Serve with seasonal vegetables.
- To make CELERY ROOT PURÉE: Place garlic and thyme in a piece of cheesecloth, tie with kitchen twine to enclose. Place in a medium saucepan along with celery root and enough milk to cover. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until celery root is very tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl, reserving ½ cup (125 ml) of milk and discarding cheesecloth bundle. Process celery root and milk in a blender in batches. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Drink Pairings
ASPARAGUS AND SPRING PEA SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
3 shallots, peeled and chopped
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1¾ lbs (825 g) fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
2 cups (500 ml) lightly packed baby spinach leaves, washed and rinsed
1 cup (250 ml) fresh or frozen thawed green peas
2½ cups (625 ml) hot chicken or vegetable stock, plus extra if desired
¼ cup (60 ml) coarsely chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh tarragon, chopped
½ lemon, zest and juice only
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) white pepper
½ cup (125 ml) plain Greek yogurt
assorted red and green microgreens, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium heat until foamy. Add shallots and garlic and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Do not brown.
- Cut asparagus into pieces. Should be about 4 cups (1 L). Add to shallots and sauté for 3 or 4 minutes. Stir in spinach, peas and stock. Return to simmer and remove from heat. Vegetables should be tender, but still bright green in colour.
- Transfer to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add herbs, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. Purée until smooth and velvety. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired. Strain through a fine-meshed sieve, if desired.
- To serve, ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a smear of yogurt and top with creatively arranged microgreens.
Drink Pairings
ACORN SQUASH WITH KALE PESTO
Ingredients
Serves 8
¼ cup (60 ml) pistachios
¼ cup (60 ml) natural almonds
¾ cup (175 ml) firmly packed arugula
½ cup (125 ml) lightly packed fresh parsley
1 cup (250 ml) firmly packed, chopped kale
1 tbsp (15 ml) each fresh thyme and oregano
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
¾ cup (175 ml) grated Parmesan, divided
¾ cup+1 tbsp (190 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
2 medium acorn squash
⅓ cup (75 ml) panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Place pistachios and almonds on a baking sheet and toast in oven until fragrant, 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Increase oven heat to 400F (200C). Add cooled nuts to a food processor and process until broken into small pieces. Add arugula, parsley, kale, thyme and oregano and continue to process, pulsing until it begins to break down. Add lemon juice and zest, 1 minced garlic clove and 1⁄2 cup (125 ml) Parmesan. Process until well combined and a chunky paste forms. With food processor running, add 3⁄4 cup (175 ml) oil in a thin stream until incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set half the pesto aside and store remaining for another use.
- Halve the squash, scoop seeds out and discard. Cut squash halves crosswise into 3⁄4-in (2 cm) slices.
- In a large bowl, toss together squash with remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) Parmesan, 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil and panko bread crumbs. Lay squash in a single layer on 2 parchment-lined baking trays and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and tender, 30 minutes. Once cooked, generously brush squash with half the reserved pesto before transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm.