Green Olive & Smoked Almond Biscotti

This savoury take on a biscotti is just as at home on a cheese plate as it is next to a glass of wine. With their satisfying crunch, biscotti is an excellent canvas for spices, nuts and strong flavours. Feel free to customize the add in to create your own savoury biscotti creation. Try pairing this recipe with Friuli Pinot Grigio Ruffino Aqua Di.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 30 biscotti
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
1 cup (250 ml) pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano), sliced in half
½ cup (125 ml) smoked almonds
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 large eggs
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) whole milk, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Line an 8-in (20 cm) square cake pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, olives, almonds, salt, thyme and Parmesan and mix with a wooden spoon. Make a well in centre of mixture, add eggs and milk into well and mix well to combine. If there is lots of flour left in bottom of bowl, add an extra 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk and combine to make a stiff dough.
  3. Press mixture evenly into base of prepared pan. Bake until puffed and just starting to brown around edges, about 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside until cool enough to handle, about another 10 minutes.
  4. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment.
  5. Using a sharp knife, slice cooled cake into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake again until crisp and lightly golden, about another 20 minutes. Transfer biscotti to racks to cool completely before serving. Can be stored, fully cooled, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Drink Pairings

Ornamental Cheese

For this cheery and delicious Ornamental Cheese appetizer, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. It's a great recipe for those who want to prepare a bunch ahead of time and freeze them for your next festive function. Simply unwrap and thaw before serving with crackers. A festive crowd favourite for your next holiday soirée. Try pairing this recipe with Veuve Du Vernay Brut.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 cheese ornaments
1 cup (250 ml) goat’s cheese
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) sun-dried tomato pesto
⅓ cup (80 ml) diced pitted Castelvetrano olives
sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme, to decorate
crackers, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, blend goat’s cheese and cream cheese. Spoon into a large piping bag with about a 1-in (2.5 cm) hole at tip. Set aside.
  2. Lightly grease six 2½-in (6.25 cm) silicone domes. Place a 12-in (30 cm) length of plastic wrap over each dome and press into its sides, leaving remaining hanging over.
  3. Pipe cheese mixture about a third of the way up each dome and smooth surface with the back of a spoon.
  4. Spread 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) pesto on top of cheese in each dome and smooth with the back of a spoon.
  5. Pipe cheese over pesto to fill each dome, leaving ¼-in (0.6 cm) space on top.
  6. Top 3 domes with diced olives, using a third of the olives for each, and gently press surface. Fold overhanging plastic wrap to cover each dome and freeze for 2 hours.
  7. Unwrap surface of all cheese domes. Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture on top of domes without olives. Remove these domes from silicone moulds and discard plastic wrap. Place these domes face down on top of olive surface on other cheese domes, to form 3 globes. Gather plastic wrap lining each bottom dome to cover entire globe. Gently remove from silicone moulds and press domes together. Twist and secure plastic on top and place each globe back into a silicone mould.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  9. Unwrap each globe and decorate with herbs, as desired. Serve with crackers.
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Drink Pairings

Crowned Vegetables

A melange of vegetables encased in delicate phyllo pastry makes for a majestic vegetarian showstopper at any festive table! Leftovers, if any, make delicious companions to a piping chowder or serve under a fried egg for a hearty brunch. Who knew vegetables could taste and look so good! Try pairing this recipe with Pouilly Fuisse Chartron Et Trebuchet Chapelle.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8-10
3 cups (750 ml) golden beets cut into 1- to 1½-in (2.5 to 4 cm) chunks
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tsp + 2 tbsp (35 ml) salt, divided, plus more to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper, divided
2 cups (500 ml) carrots cut into 1- to 1½-in (2.5 to 4 cm) chunks
2 cups (500 ml) red beets cut into 1- to 1½-in (2.5 to 4 cm) chunks
2 to 3 potatoes (about 1½ lbs/680 g), peeled and cut into 3-in (7.5 cm) chunks
1 yam (about ½ lb/225 g), peeled and cut into 3-in (7.5 cm) chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) Tabasco
½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
1 cup (250 ml) chopped green onions
10 to 12 sheets phyllo pastry (about 12 × 16‑in/30 × 40 cm each), thawed if frozen
½ cup (125 ml) clarified butter or ghee, melted
2 cups (500 ml) button mushrooms
1 cup (250 ml) frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup (250 ml) shredded Tex-Mex cheese or preferred cheese
fresh herbs, for garnish, as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line 3 baking sheets with foil.
  2. In a large bowl, toss golden beets with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper. Spread on 1 baking sheet.
  3. In same bowl, toss carrots with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt and ¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper. Spread on second baking sheet.
  4. In same bowl, toss red beets with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt and ¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper. Spread on third baking sheet.
  5. Roast each baking sheet of vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes, until tender enough for a fork to pierce through but with some resistance. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  6. In a large saucepan or stockpot, cover potatoes and yams with water up to 2-in (5 cm) higher than vegetables. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) salt and bring to a boil. Continue cooking for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender enough for fork to pierce into a chunk of potato or yam easily. Drain vegetables into a colander and return to saucepan or stockpot.
  7. Add butter, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Tabasco and white pepper. Using a potato masher, mix until smooth and fluffy. Add green onions and mix well. Season with salt, as desired. Cool completely. Can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  8. When ready to assemble, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position. Lightly spray or brush the inside of a Bundt cake pan that’s about 4-in (10 cm) high and 10-in (25 cm) in diameter.
  9. Place phyllo sheets stacked up on a clean work surface. Cut phyllo stack along shorter edge into 4-in (10 cm) wide strips and cover with a slightly damp tea towel to avoid drying. Using 1 phyllo strip at a time, line bottom and sides of Bundt pan, allowing for about a 5-in (12.5 cm) overhang on outer edge of pan. Brush each strip generously with melted clarified butter or ghee after each placement. This should build up to 3 to 4 layers of phyllo pastry.
  10. Spread one-third of mashed potato mixture on phyllo pastry along the inside of Bundt pan. In a large mixing bowl, mix remaining mashed potato mixture with roasted golden beets, roasted carrots, mushrooms, peas and shredded cheese. Spread half of mixture evenly into prepared Bundt pan. Scatter half of roasted red beets evenly on top. Spread remaining potato mixture and layer with remaining red beets. Gently press to compress filling. Fold overhanging phyllo over filling and tuck into inside edge of pan. Do not worry about how the surface looks, as it will become the bottom of the crown. Bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for at least 5 minutes. Carefully invert Bundt pan onto a large baking sheet and return crown to oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until surface turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to serving platter and garnish with herbs as desired.
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Drink Pairings

Crustless Quiche with Smoked Salmon

We all love quiche, but it is a commitment to make, this recipe doesn’t have a crust and so it’s so easy! You still get the decadent custard but with a lot less effort. Baking it at a lower temperature ensures the custard stays soft and delicate. This style makes it easy to whip up on a holiday morning. Try pairing this recipe with Chardonnay Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve or Villa Teresa Prosecco Frizzante.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, room temperature, for dish
8 eggs
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped fresh chives, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, divided
vegetable oil, for frying
3 tbsp (45 ml) capers, drained and dried on paper towel
¼ cup (60 ml) crème fraîche
1 lemon, zest only
3 oz (85 g) cold-smoked salmon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Butter a 10‑in (25 cm) pie plate or quiche dish and set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix eggs, whipping cream, milk, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp (30 ml) chives and 1 tbsp (15 ml) parsley. Check seasoning and adjust.
  3. Pour into pie plate and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until custard is set. Remove from oven and set aside. If making ahead, store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  4. While quiche is baking, fill a small saucepan with 1-in (2.5 cm) vegetable oil and heat over medium-high. Once oil is hot, carefully fry capers until they have popped open and are crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  5. Mix crème fraîche with lemon zest and remaining chives and parsley.
  6. Before serving, arrange salmon on quiche and garnish with crème fraîche and capers. If made ahead, quiche can be served cold, at room temperature, or reheated in oven at 350 F (160 C) for 15 minutes before arranging with salmon and garnishing.
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Drink Pairings

Raspberry Cheesecake Semifreddo

A Semi-Freddo is a delicious frozen dessert that hails from Italy. The term "Semi-Freddo" translates to "semi-frozen" in Italian, perfectly describing its texture. Far easier to make than churning ice cream but just as satisfying, it is mixed with the delicious flavours of a classic cheesecake, ensuring that this dessert will please any guest. Try pairing this recipe with Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Riesling.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
2 cups (500 ml) frozen raspberries
1 lemon, juice only
¼ cup + ⅔ cup (220 ml) granulated sugar, divided
9 egg yolks
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (125 ml) fresh raspberries
½ cup (125 ml) roasted, unsalted, shelled pistachios, chopped

Instructions

  1. Line a 5 × 12-in (12.5 × 30 cm) loaf pan with plastic wrap. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat raspberries, lemon juice and ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 2-in (5 cm) water to a boil. In a large metal bowl that fits onto saucepan, whisk egg yolks, remaining ⅔ cup (160 ml) sugar and vanilla until light and frothy. Place bowl over saucepan and whisk vigorously for 5 to 10 minutes, until egg yolks have thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Allow to cool.
  4. In a separate large metal bowl and using a handheld mixer, whisk whipping cream to form stiff peaks. Add cream cheese and whisk again to combine. Pour egg yolk mixture into whipped cream. Using a spatula, fold until combined.
  5. To assemble, pour half of the raspberry mixture into prepared loaf pan to create an even layer. Place in freezer for 15 minutes to freeze. Remove from freezer, pour half of the cream mixture into pan, sprinkle evenly with graham cracker crumbs and return to freezer to harden slightly, about 30 minutes. Remove from freezer, top with remaining raspberry mixture and then remaining cream mixture and freeze overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, remove from pan and flip upside down onto a serving dish. Slice into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices and serve with fresh raspberries and chopped pistachios. Can keep frozen for 2 weeks.
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Drink Pairings

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a delightful and comforting cocktail that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Laden with winter spices, it is buttery and aromatic, drawing you in for another sip. This recipe includes an easy to make “hot buttered rum batter” that can be stored in the freezer, ready to be spontaneously used to make a delicious hot buttered rum cocktail. Featuring Flor De Cana Anejo Clasico 5 Year Old
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves Makes 24 x 1 oz (2 tbsp) pellets.
1 × 1 oz (2 tbsp) Hot Buttered Rum Batter Pellet*
2 oz (60 ml) Flor de Caña 5-Year-Old Añejo Rum
6 oz (180 ml) boiling water
cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large heatproof mug combine batter pellet and rum, top with boiling water and stir to dissolve. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and stir between sips, as butter will float.
  2. * To make Hot Buttered Rum Batter Pellets, combine 1 cup (250 ml) butter (room temperature), 1 cup (250 ml) demerara sugar (packed), 1 cup (250 ml) berry sugar, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pure vanilla extract, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly grated nutmeg, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cloves and ¼ tsp (1 ml) citric acid in a stand mixer and mix until smooth. Place 1 oz (2 tbsp) portions of batter on a parchment-lined baking sheet or use a silicone butter mould, then freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or sealed container and return to freezer until ready to use. Pellets will keep in freezer for up to 6 months.
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Drink Pairings

Pomegranate Saffron Couscous

This crowd-pleaser offers both flavour and texture, with pearls of couscous bursting with warm, earthy abundance from saffron, balanced with the tangy sweetness of pomegranates and caramelized onions. Pine nuts bring an added crunch, and the whole experience is a feast in your mouth! Try pairing this recipe with Santa Margarita Rose.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 as a side dish
3 cups (750 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) saffron threads
2½ cups (625 ml) pearl couscous
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
4 cups (1 L) thinly sliced shallots, divided
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) crushed garlic
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate arils
1 cup (250 ml) chopped fresh mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) lightly toasted pine nuts
pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
chopped fresh parsley and mandarin orange segments, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring stock, olive oil and saffron to a boil. Add couscous, stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Set aside.
  2. In a large wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high. Add 3 cups (750 ml) shallots and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and continue frying until well-caramelized and deep brown. Do not burn. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shallots to a plate, leaving excess oil in saucepan.
  3. In same wok over medium-high heat, fry remaining 1 cup (250 ml) shallots until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Mix in prepared couscous, pomegranate arils, mint and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in vinegar and fried shallots. Remove from heat, cover and set aside. Garnish with chopped parsley and mandarin segments, and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Warm Brussels & Kale Slaw

Quick, healthy and tasty, this Brussel and Kale Slaw recipe will soon become the trusted go-to when you are short on time but need to impress the discerning palates you’ve invited for dinner! Have any leftovers? Add them into a wrap for extra crunch and nutritional value. Try pairing this recipe with a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, such as the Matua Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 as a side dish
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced shallots
2 cups (500 ml) thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
2 cups (500 ml) kale leaves roughly chopped into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced radicchio
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar
shaved Parmesan, cranberries (optional) and toasted pine nuts (optional), for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or wok over medium, heat vegetable oil. Add shallots and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until edges of shallots start turning brown.
  2. Add Brussels sprouts, kale and radicchio. Toss for about 1 minute. Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add vinegar and quickly toss vegetables together. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with shaved Parmesan along with cranberries and toasted pine nuts, if desired.
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Drink Pairings

Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? Make it so much more irresistible by smothering it with cheese and baking it. We’ve included the most delicious and simple sauce and baking the meatballs instead of frying cuts down on time and mess. Try pairing this recipe with Puglia Primitivo Luccarelli or Chianti Classico Ricasoli Brolio 2018
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
2 × 23 oz (660 ml) jars strained tomatoes
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
1 medium yellow onion, halved
4 tsp (20 ml) salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
1 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
1 egg
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
3 cloves garlic, grated
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
12 oz (340 g) mozzarella, grated, divided
1 handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring strained tomatoes, butter, onions, 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and a pinch of pepper to a boil. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt, ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, garlic and parsley. Mix well. If desired, cook a small amount of meatball mixture in a frying pan to taste seasoning, adjust if necessary.
  4. Using a medium-sized spoon, scoop and roll meat mixture into about 3 tbsp (45 ml) sized balls (makes about 25 meatballs). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer them to tomato sauce and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked all the way through and no longer pink inside.
  6. While meatballs are cooking, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
  7. Toss spaghetti with three-quarters of sauce (no meatballs) and half of the mozzarella. Place in a 10-in (25 cm) cast iron skillet or baking dish. Top with remaining sauce, all meatballs and remaining mozzarella.  
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil.
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Drink Pairings

Lobster Salad

Designed for the entire table to participate and mix together, this Lobster Salad is refreshing, elegant and deeply satisfying with a soy, sesame dressing bringing prosperity for all in the year ahead. Created by Chef He at Mott 32 in Vancouver, BC. Try pairing this recipe with Phanton Creek Estates Pinot Gris or Frind Winery Brut.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 lbs (900 g) whole live lobster
¼ lb (110 g) mixed vegetables (carrots, cucumbers and celtuce recommended)
3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) white vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
7 tbsp + 1 cup (355 ml) neutral‑flavoured oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped peanuts
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame seeds
8 to 10 small wonton wrappers, sliced into ½-in (1.25 cm) strips

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Rinse lobster under cold running water and place in boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, covered, then remove from water and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove lobster meat from shell and cut into thin slices.
  2. Clean and dry vegetables and slice into thin strips.
  3. To make salad dressing, in a large bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and 7 tbsp (105 ml) neutral‑flavoured oil. Set aside.
  4. Heat a wok on high. Add 1 cup (250 ml) neutral-flavoured oil and heat until sizzling hot. Add peanuts, sesame seeds and wonton wrappers and deep-fry until brown and crispy, 6 to 10 minutes.
  5. Place lobster meat in centre of a large, wide bowl. Arrange piles of thinly sliced vegetables around. Sprinkle deep-fried peanuts, sesame seeds and wonton crisps on top of salad. After presenting dish, before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss ingredients together gently, to coat. Serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

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