Turkey Brie Bites
Wrapped in golden puff pastry these bite-sized Turkey Brie wonders are teeming with flavour favourites! Turkey, cranberry and Brie are a tried, tested and a true trifecta of flavours that are sure to delight every holiday celebration. Better make extra batches as you and your guests won’t stop at one! These can also be frozen and re-heated for any surprise holiday visitors. Try pairing this recipe with Pinot Noir Hahn Monterey 2020.Ingredients
Serves 24 bites
2 cups (500 ml) shredded or finely diced cooked turkey
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
2 × 14 oz (397 g) packages puff pastry, thawed
½ cup (125 ml) cranberry jelly
9 oz (250 g) block brie, chilled, cut into 24 slices about 1¼-in (3 cm) wide and ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Maldon sea salt, for garnish
chopped fresh parsley or fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine turkey, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
- On a clean, lightly floured work surface, cut pastry into 4 portions. Roll each portion to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 2¾-in (7 cm) round cookie cutter, cut 24 pastry circles. Repeat using a 3-in (7.5 cm) cookie cutter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Spread a single layer of 2¾-in (7 cm) pastry circles on prepared baking sheet, 2-in (5 cm) apart. Spoon about 2 tsp (10 ml) turkey mixture in centre of each circle, followed by about 1 tsp (5 ml) cranberry jelly and a slice of brie.
- Lightly brush edge of each pastry circle with water and cover with a 3-in (7.5 cm) pastry circle. Press edges to seal. Using a fork, poke holes in centre of each pastry puff and crimp edges. If desired, use a 2¾-in (7 cm) round cookie cutter with scalloped edges to trim outer edge of each circle. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and water until blended. Brush surface lightly with egg wash and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with sprinkles of Maldon sea salt and fresh herbs.
Drink Pairings
Braised Chicken, Chestnuts and Hua Diao
Experience the fusion of locally sourced, free-range chicken elevated with the buttery sweetness of chestnuts and the rich depth of 8-year-old Hua Diao wine. This dish is crafted by Chef He at Mott 32 in Vancouver, BC. Try pairing this recipe with Quails Gate Chardonnay or Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2022.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 whole chicken (about 3½ lbs/1.6 kg), cut into pieces
4 to 5 slices fresh ginger
2 green onions
1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral-flavoured oil
1½ cups (375 ml) aged Hua Diao cooking wine (preferably 8 or 15 years old)
3 to 4 pieces rock sugar
1½ tsp (7.5 g) salt
1 cup (250 ml) chestnuts
cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and dry chicken, ginger and green onions.
- Cut green onions into 1-in (2.5 cm) sections.
- Heat a clay pot on high until piping hot. Add oil and ginger slices and fry until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add chicken, Hua Diao, green onions, rock sugar and salt. Fill clay pot with water until everything is covered and simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir chicken and flip bottom pieces to top to ensure heat is distributed evenly. Add chestnuts and stew for 8 more minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
Spatchcock Turkey with Sage Brown Butter
Try spatchcocking a turkey this Thanksgiving! Removing the backbone and flattening the turkey out makes for a nice even roast on the bird, and it’s so much quicker! Plus, all of the skin gets nice and crisp. The brown butter adds a nice richness and helps the skin to crisp up. The visual impact adds a fun twist on a classic dinner.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 cup (250 ml) butter
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup (250 ml) sage leaves
1 × 8 lbs (3.5 kg) whole turkey
2 tbsp (30 ml) kosher salt, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 carrots, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 onion, quartered
2 stalks celery, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
4 sprigs thyme, for garnish
GRAVY
3 cups (750 ml) turkey or chicken stock
1 bay leaf
reserved turkey backbone and neck from Spatchcock Turkey
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter with garlic over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter starts to brown. If garlic browns first, remove and set aside. Once butter has browned, remove from heat and add sage leaves. If garlic was removed, add back to saucepan and set aside while preparing turkey.
- Dry turkey well with paper towels and lay it breast-side down on a large cutting board. Remove neck and giblets and set aside. Using kitchen shears, cut along each side of the backbone to remove it, holding onto the turkey with a clean tea towel or more paper towel so it doesn’t slip while cutting. Once the backbone has been removed, flip turkey over so breast is facing up. Press down hard on breast bone to flatten turkey. Tie legs together with butcher’s twine and tuck wing tips behind breast. Season underside of turkey with 1 tbsp (15 ml) salt and 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pepper.
- Place carrots, onion and celery on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Lay turkey on top of vegetables skin-side up. Place turkey neck and backbone on baking sheet. Brush turkey with browned butter and season with the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) salt and 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pepper. Set aside while oven heats.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Roast turkey for about 2 hours, basting with butter every 20 minutes, until thigh meat reaches 165 F (74 C). After 1 hour, rotate turkey and remove neck and backbone to make Gravy. Rest turkey for 20 minutes before carving. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve with Gravy.
- GRAVY: In a medium saucepan, simmer stock with bay leaf, backbone and neck for 30 minutes. Fine strain and discard bones and bay leaf. In another medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and mix until no lumps remain and flour turns a very light golden brown. Slowly whisk in stock. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add strained drippings from turkey once it has cooked and rested. Check and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with turkey. Makes about 3 cups (750 ml)
Drink Pairings
Thai Coconut Noodle Soup with Chicken
Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and complex flavours, and this simple soup is no exception. The star ingredient, red curry paste, brings a fiery kick that is beautifully balanced by the creaminess of the coconut milk. The result is a velvety broth that is both spicy and soothing, a true comfort food that can be whipped up in under 15 minutes.Ingredients
Serves 2
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
1 × 14 oz (400 ml) can coconut milk
2 to 4 tbsp (30 ml to 60 ml) Thai red curry paste, or to taste
½ × 14 oz (400 g) package vermicelli or other rice noodle
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, roasted and sliced
3 green onions, sliced
1 cup (250 ml) bean sprouts
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, bring chicken stock, coconut milk and curry paste to a boil.
- In a separate stock pot, bring 4 cups (1 L) water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions. Remove from water and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Divide noodles evenly between 2 serving bowls.
- Place sliced chicken over noodles and garnish with green onions, bean sprouts and cilantro. Ladle hot curry broth into each bowl over noodles. Serve hot with limes on side.
Drink Pairings
Maple Mustard-Glazed Chicken Wings
Chicken wings, as we know them today, are believed to have originated in Buffalo, New York, hence the name “Buffalo wings.” Today, many different varieties exist. Here is a Canadian take on a classic with a sweet and savoury flavour combination to bust out the next time friends are over!Ingredients
Serves 5 to 8
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
15 to 20 chicken wings
1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup and vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a large zip-lock bag, add chicken wings. Add flour and cornstarch, then season with salt and pepper. Close bag and shake to coat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place chicken wings evenly. Spray with a light layer of cooking oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and lightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and place in a large mixing bowl. Pour glaze over wings and toss to coat. Return wings to baking sheet and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Roast Chicken with Wine, Walnut & Goat’s Cheese Stuffing
Celebrate the BC wine harvest with this vineyard-inspired dinner. Prepare a classic roast chicken filled with traditional bread stuffing flavoured with herbs, goat cheese and toasted walnuts. Heighten the sauce by using a full-bodied BC white wine to seamlessly compliment the stuffing. Try pairing with Wine Glazed Carrots recipe.Ingredients
Serves 6
4 slices white bread, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes
¾ cup (180 ml) walnut halves
8 oz (225 g) goat’s cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid clover honey
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2½ cups (625 ml) white wine, divided
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 × 3 lbs (1.4 kg) whole chicken
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter, melted1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp (15 ml) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) no-salt-added chicken stock
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a roasting pan with foil and set a rack in pan.
- To make stuffing, place bread and walnuts on a baking sheet in one layer and toast in oven, stirring occasionally, until bread is lightly browned and walnuts are fragrant, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together goat’s cheese, honey, rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, ½ cup (125 ml) white wine, toasted bread and walnuts. Taste and season mixture with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Set stuffing aside.
- Remove chicken giblets, if any, and save for another use. Rinse chicken inside and out. Pat outside dry with paper towel. Using your fingers or a brush, rub skin of chicken with melted butter. Tuck pieces of cold butter under skin. Sprinkle chicken generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Loosely spoon stuffing into cavity of chicken before securing loose skin together with toothpicks or twine. Alternatively, cover cavity with a piece of foil or a slice of bread. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body.
- Place chicken, breast-side up, on rack in prepared roasting pan. Roast, basting several times with pan juices, for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. Chicken is done when internal temperature in thickest part of thigh reads 165 F (74 C). Stuffing should be at the same temperature reading. Once cooked thoroughly, remove from oven and let rest for about 15 minutes on rack.
- To make a gravy, skim off fat from pan drippings and reserve fat. Add 3 tbsp (45 ml) reserved fat to a large skillet or frying pan and warm over medium heat, reserving remaining drippings. Whisk flour into fat, making a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in reserved drippings, remaining 2 cups (500 ml) of wine and chicken stock. Continue cooking gravy, stirring constantly, until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To serve, scoop stuffing out of chicken and then carve chicken. Divide chicken and stuffing between serving plates and serve with gravy and Wine-Glazed Carrots.
Drink Pairings
Fried Chicken Biscuits with Hot Honey
Let’s go to the south with this Fried Chicken Biscuit drizzled with hot honey. Use biscuit shortcuts to make this recipe easy and approachable while you fry that chicken! This recipe offers a sweet heat flavor to a classic.Ingredients
Serves 6 sandwiches
½ cup (125 ml) honey
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) red pepper chili flakes (or to taste)
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) white vinegar
⅛ tsp (a pinch) + ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, divided
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
2½ cups (625 ml) Bisquick mix
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic powder, divided
1 cup (250 ml) grated sharp cheddar
1 large jalapeño pepper, diced (or to taste)
⅔ cup (160 ml) 2% milk (do not sub), plus more if needed
2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper
3 cups (750 ml) neutral-flavoured oil, for frying
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha or hot sauce of choice
¼ cup (60 ml) sliced pickles
12 leaves butter lettuce
Instructions
- To make hot honey, in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat honey and chili flakes. Add vinegar and ⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt. Let cool and set aside.
- Place chicken on a parchment-lined cutting board and lay another sheet of parchment on top of chicken. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently bang the chicken to flatten and tenderize. Place in a bowl, add buttermilk and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
- In a separate bowl, mix Bisquick, baking powder, ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) garlic powder, cheddar and jalapeños. Add milk and stir for 30 seconds, until a dough forms. If dough is too dry, add 1 tbsp (30 ml) more milk. Do not over-mix the dough. Once dough has come together, place it on a clean, dry, floured surface. Form into a rectangle about 1½-in (4 cm) thick. Cut into 6 portions. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator and allow to come slightly to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) garlic powder, paprika and pepper.
- In a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, heat frying oil to 350 F (175 C).
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour mixture and place in frying oil. Do in 2 batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fry on each side for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through or until an internal temperature of 170 F (80 C). Season with salt and pepper and allow to rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha.
- To assemble, cut each biscuit in half lengthwise. Spread on some sriracha mayonnaise. Add pickles and lettuce. Place a piece of chicken on bottom halves and drizzle with hot honey. Close each sandwich with top biscuit half and enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Agave Lime Barbecue Chicken Wings
These wings have the perfect zesty balance of all the Mexican flavors you love! These swicy wings are sure to be devoured as an appetizer or side dish. Have a wing night and surprise your friends with this flavor! Paired with your favourite tequila.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
3 lbs (1.4 kg) split chicken wings
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) kosher salt, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground cumin
1 tbsp (15 ml) chili powder
2 tsp (10 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp (10 ml) ground coriander
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
2 tsp (10 ml) vegetable oil, plus more for oiling grill
½ cup (125 ml) agave syrup
3 limes, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) Tajín seasoning
½ bunch fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Dry chicken wings with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with 1 tbsp (15 ml) salt and the cumin, chili powder, black pepper, coriander, cayenne and vegetable oil. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or place in refrigerator, covered, to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). If wings have been in refrigerator, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer wings to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix agave syrup, zest of 2 limes, juice of 1 lime, Tajín and remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) salt. Set aside.
- Remove wings from oven after 30 minutes and set aside. Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high. Oil grill with vegetable oil. Grill wings for 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Place wings in a large mixing bowl, pour agave mixture on wings and toss to coat.
- Transfer wings to a serving platter and garnish with cilantro leaves and remaining lime, cut into 6 wedges.
Drink Pairings
Buffalo Wing Chicken Sausages
Buffalo chicken wings but in a hot dog! This delicious, ultimate hotdog is sure to disappear quickly if busted out for a summertime backyard gathering! Try it on the barbecue or roasted on a fire this summer. Pair with your favourite BC beer.Ingredients
Serves 4
⅔ cup (160 ml) prepared hot pepper sauce
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) white vinegar
¼ tsp (1 ml) Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
1 pinch garlic powder
1 pinch kosher salt
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) cornstarch
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
1 large stalk celery
1 medium carrot, trimmed and peeled
4 chicken sausages of choice
4 pretzel sausage buns
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled blue cheese
½ cup (125 ml) packed celery leaves
Instructions
- Start by making thickened buffalo wing sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, garlic powder and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until just at a simmer. Don’t worry if it separates; it will come together in next step.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Add to sauce and whisk continuously until sauce is visibly thickened and emulsified, 30 to 60 seconds. Let cook for 30 seconds more, then remove from heat and set aside. Buffalo sauce can be prepared to this point, cooled to room temperature, transferred to an airtight container and stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
- While grill preheats, cut celery and carrot into thin matchsticks. Toss together in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Grill sausages according to package directions, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Split open pretzel buns and grill until warmed through and grill‑marked, about 1 minute.
- When ready to serve, thin buffalo wing sauce with some water if needed and place in a squeeze bottle. Place some carrot and celery matchsticks into each grilled bun. Top with a sausage and some blue cheese. Drizzle with buffalo wing sauce and garnish with celery leaves. Enjoy immediately.
Drink Pairings
Chicken Pan Bagnat
This menu is perfect for backyard entertaining or packing up to take on the go!Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
4 demi baguettes, halved lengthwise
½ cup (125 ml) basil pesto
16 large basil leaves (4 per sandwich)
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup (180 ml) jarred coarsely chopped, pitted niçoise or other oil-cured olives
1 whole roasted red pepper, cut into thin strips
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced, rinsed, patted dry
⅓ cup (75 ml) finely chopped Italian parsley, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) capers, rinsed, patted dry, chopped
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, poached*, cooled, thinly sliced
1 x ½ lb (250 g) Fior di Latte** ball, sliced into 16 pieces
Instructions
- Hollow out a trough in bottom half of each baguette to create a bed for filling. Brush each with pesto and line with 4 basil leaves.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add olives, roasted red pepper, onion, half the parsley and capers. Toss well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon filling onto bread, heaping it and packing it into trough.
- Layer chicken over mixture, then finish with Fior di Latte slices. Season again, sprinkle with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Top with remaining bread halves and wrap sandwiches well in foil. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours before packing into picnic basket.
- To serve, cut sandwiches into halves or thirds.
- * To poach chicken: Place chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and cover with 4 cups (1 L) cold water. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) fine sea salt and place pan over medium-high heat. Bring water just to a boil. Flip chicken over and immediately remove from heat. Cover pan with a tight fitting lid and allow chicken to poach for 8 to 10 minutes. To test for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into chicken; it should read 160 F (70 C). Remove chicken from poaching liquid and let it cool completely before slicing.
- ** Italian soft cheese