Chicken & Asparagus Bake

Life can be hard, making dinner shouldn’t be! These are very simple spring meals.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 to 4
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) chicken bouillon paste
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 sprigs thyme, leaves only
2 sprigs oregano, leaves only
2 lemons
3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, melted
salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup dry white wine
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed
1½ oz (45 g) Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin, room temperature

Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix garlic, bouillon paste, 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, thyme, oregano and zest and juice of 1 lemon. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Coat an oven-safe baking dish with remaining olive oil and add chicken breasts. Drizzle with melted butter, season with salt and pepper. Pour wine into bottom of dish. Bake chicken for 15 minutes.
  3. Cut remaining lemon in half. Set half aside for later and slice other half into thin slices. After 15 minutes, add asparagus to dish and toss to coat in cooking juice. Season asparagus with salt and pepper. Spread Boursin over chicken breasts. Add sliced lemon throughout dish and bake for another 10 minutes or until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 F (73 C).
  4. Squeeze remaining lemon juice over chicken before serving.
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Drink Pairings

Chicken Kebabs with Tabbouleh & Garlic Toum

Light Middle Eastern Fair
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 to 4
1 cup (250 ml) peeled garlic cloves
¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
3 cups (750 ml) sunflower oil
salt, to taste
6 chicken thighs, cut in half lengthwise
1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
2 cups (500 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup (250 ml) fine bulgur wheat
2 cups (500 ml) diced cucumber
2 cups (500 ml) diced cherry tomatoes*
1 large bunch curly parsley, chopped
1 bunch of mint, leaves only, chopped
5 green onions, finely chopped
½ cup (125 ml) pitted, chopped Kalamata olives
1 lemon, juice only
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
6 wooden barbecue skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. To make garlic toum sauce, blend garlic in a food processor on high until finely minced. Using a spatula, scrape down sides of bowl and add 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice. With food processor on medium speed, slowly stream in about 1 cup (250 ml) oil. Continue to alternate between lemon juice and oil until all is incorporated and mixture has a fluffy, mayonnaise-like consistency. Season to taste with salt and refrigerate**.
  2. In a small bowl, marinate chicken thighs with 1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic toum and cumin. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to cook. Once ready, thread 2 halves of chicken thigh onto a skewer. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  3. Preheat a barbecue grill to medium-high. Grill chicken skewers for 10 minutes or until internal temperature of 165 F (75 C) is reached.
  4. In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring stock to a boil. Add bulgur and gently stir. Cover with a lid and allow to cook for about 5 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, but keep lid on for 10 more minutes. Using a fork, fluff bulgur mixture and set aside to cool.
  5. To make tabbouleh, in a large salad bowl, place cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, mint, green onions and olives. Add cooled bulgur and dress with lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Serve tabbouleh alongside chicken skewers with a dollop of garlic toum sauce.
  7. * Salt to remove liquid, rinse and allow to dry
  8. ** It will keep for up to 1 week refrigerated.
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Drink Pairings

THIT KHO VIETNAMESE BRAISED PORK & EGGS

A multicultural potluck to celebrate Lunar New Year.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 oz (60 g) palm sugar
2 lbs (1 kg) pork belly, cut into 2-in (5 cm) cubes
2 shallots, sliced
4 garlic cloves, crushed
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground pepper
1 x 17½ oz (520 ml) can coconut water
4 eggs, medium boiled, peeled and halved
2 bird’s eye chilis, sliced
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat palm sugar over medium heat until melted. Stir and continue heating until golden brown and caramelized, about 5 to 8 minutes.
  2. Carefully add pork and toss until sugar has dissolved. Add shallots, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper and coconut water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and continue cooking for about 1 hour or until pork is just tender.
  3. Remove lid and continue cooking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until sauce has reduced and thickened. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with eggs, chilis and green onions. Serve with jasmine rice.
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Drink Pairings

WHITE CHILI WITH CHICKEN

Relax this winter with this delicious chili recipe.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
2 medium onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) oregano
1 tbsp (15 ml) cumin
1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic powder
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
3 lbs (1.5 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1x 14 oz (398 ml) can white beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
2 x 6-in (15 cm) flour tortillas, cut into ⅛ in (0.25 cm) strips, for garnish
handful cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 jalapeño, finely chopped, for garnish
1 avocado, cut into 8 wedges, for garnish
2 limes, cut into wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, sweat onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, garlic powder and salt in oil and butter until soft. Sprinkle in flour and stir until coated. Add chicken, beans and chicken stock. Stir well to mix, until there are no lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat 2-in (5 cm) oil over medium heat. Fry tortilla strips until crisp and light golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  3. Remove chicken from saucepan and cool slightly. Shred chicken, then return to saucepan and stir in sour cream.
  4. Serve chili in bowls, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, jalapeño, avocado and lime wedges.
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Drink Pairings

PORK BELLY WITH QUAIL EGGS & HASHBROWN HEARTS

Spoil your valentine by making this unforgettable brunch item.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
4 tsp (20 ml) kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
2 tsp (10 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1 lb (500 g) pork belly, skin on
½ cup (125 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
½ cup (125 ml) chopped basil leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped chives
1 small shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp (1 ml) crushed red pepper chili flakes
⅓ cup (75 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
12 quail eggs
1 cup (250 ml) watercress greens or baby arugula
Hashbrown Hearts, make ahead, ingredients start below
4 large yellow potatoes, about 2 lbs (1 kg)
3 tbsp (45 ml) grapeseed oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare pork belly 2 days (or at least 1 day) ahead. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, sugar and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Pat skin of pork belly dry with a paper towel. With a sharp knife, score through skin every ½-in (1.25 cm) at a diagonal, cutting through skin and into fat, but not so deep that you hit meat. Repeat cutting in opposite diagonal to create a diamond pattern. Season pork belly with salt, sugar and a few grinds of black pepper. Place in an airtight container, cover and refrigerate overnight.
  3. The next day, place an oven rack in the middle position, then preheat oven to 450 F (230 C).
  4. Place pork on a rimmed baking tray or a large oven-safe frying pan and roast for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 275 F (140 C) and continue to roast pork until tender but not mushy, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let pork cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, for at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.
  5. While pork belly chills, make herb sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together parsley, basil, chives, shallot, garlic and chili flakes until combined. Whisk in olive oil and vinegar then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
  6. When ready to serve, cook eggs. Heat a small non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush with some oil and break 6 eggs into pan. Cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer eggs to a serving plate and repeat to cook remaining 6 eggs.
  7. Thickly slice pork belly and brown slices in a frying pan set over medium heat until warmed through and lightly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Arrange alongside eggs and top with some watercress greens, then drizzle some herb sauce over greens and pork belly. Serve while pork belly is warm alongside Hashbrown Hearts (recipe follows).
  8. Instructions for hashbrowns start below: Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). While oven is preheating, place a large rimmed baking tray in oven to warm.
  9. Fill a large saucepan with cold water and place on stovetop, but do not turn on stove yet.
  10. Peel and slice potatoes into ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness. Using a small metal, heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can. Reserve potato scraps in water for another use. Add potato hearts to saucepan filled with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once at a boil, reduce heat to medium-high and continue to cook potatoes for 3 minutes. Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl.
  11. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, paprika, ground cumin and a good pinch of both salt and pepper. Drizzle over potatoes and gently toss to coat. Let sit for 3 minutes.
  12. Carefully remove hot tray from oven and tip potatoes onto tray in a single layer. Roast for 10 minutes, then stir, flip potatoes and roast again until golden brown and crisped, about another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a serving bowl. Enjoy while warm. Reheat before serving, if needed.
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Drink Pairings

Chicken Chickpea Curry with Herby Yogurt and Naan

This is a perfect mid-week meal, easy to make and easy to clean up.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) grated ginger
6 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1½ lbs (750 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes
2 tbsp (30 ml) curry powder
1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 x 28 oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes
1 x 14 oz (398 ml) can coconut milk
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) plain Greek yogurt
1 lime, juice only
½ cup (125 ml) chopped mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
4 naan bread, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan with a lid, heat oil over medium-high. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves and chicken. Cook for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken has started to brown. Add spices, sugar, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk and chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper and reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 30 minutes.
  2. To make herby yogurt, in a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lime juice, mint and remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. To serve, top with a dollop of yogurt sauce, chopped cilantro and warmed naan bread.
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Drink Pairings

Spicy Grilled Chicken (Dak Bulgogi)

Korean Barbecue is a communal meal. All the items are laid out on the table with a portable grill in the middle. The meal consists of lots of small side dishes. Eat the meats as described in the recipes as little lettuce packages, on their own, or with rice and kimchi—it's up to you!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
1 ripe pear, peeled and cored
1 small onion, peeled
5 garlic cloves, peeled
1-in (2.5 cm) piece ginger, peeled
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
2 tbsp (30 ml) gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
2 tbsp (30 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) mirin
2 tsp (10 ml) honey
2 tsp (10 ml) pineapple juice
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ head green lettuce, washed, to serve
1 bunch perilla leaves, to serve (optional)
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, to serve
2 Korean chili peppers or serrano peppers, thinly sliced, to serve
white short grain rice, cooked, to serve
Fermented Bean Sauce, make ahead (recipe in Fall issue) to serve

Instructions

  1. With a blender, blend pear, onion, 5 garlic cloves, ginger and water until smooth. Add the gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, honey, pineapple juice and sesame oil. Blend to combine. Once combined, transfer to a container large enough to marinate chicken. Add chicken and mix well. Marinate, covered, in refrigerator, for 1 hour.
  2. Cook chicken pieces on Korean grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Cut into bite-sized pieces to serve.
  3. To eat, if desired, rip a piece of lettuce into a bite-sized piece, put a perilla leaf, a piece of chicken, sliced garlic, rice and some Fermented Bean Sauce.
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Drink Pairings

Chicken Tagine

Chicken tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish of chicken braised with preserved lemons, spices, garlic, onion and olives. This recipe is both savoury and a little bit sweet, thanks to the addition of Turkish apricots.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
1 tsp (5 ml) saffron threads
1¼ cups (310 ml) warm water, divided
1 large (or 2 small) preserved lemons, quartered
½ cup (125 ml) chopped parsley leaves
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground coriander
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground ginger
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) olive oil, divided
1 kg (2 lbs) boneless chicken thighs, skin on
2 cups (500 ml) chopped onions
salt, to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground turmeric
2 tbsp (30 ml) mild honey
1 x 3-in (8 cm) cinnamon stick
½ cup (125 ml) unsulphured Turkish apricots, halved
1½ tbsp (22 ml) lemon juice
⅓ cup (75 ml) pitted green olives
flat bread, rice or couscous, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak saffron in ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water for 15 minutes.
  2. Separate pulp from peel of preserved lemons. Coarsely chop lemon pulp. Reserve peels for later.
  3. To make chermoula (herb marinade), in a large bowl, combine saffron water, lemon pulp, parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, pepper and ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil.
  4. Add chicken to bowl with chermoula and rub marinade onto chicken. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
  5. Drizzle remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil into tagine* base. Add onions to cover base. Sprinkle salt and turmeric over onions.
  6. Add marinated chicken and remaining marinade over onions.
  7. If using ceramic tagine, place heat diffuser on burner. Place covered tagine or Dutch oven on burner over medium heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Released juices from onions and chicken will start to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  8. In small saucepan, bring 1 cup (250 ml) water, honey, cinnamon stick and apricots to a boil. Remove cover and continue cooking over medium heat until apricots are plump and liquid is reduced and syrupy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  9. Add lemon juice and olives to tagine. Arrange reserved lemon peel, prepared apricots and syrup over chicken. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until sauce is reduced. Serve with warm flat bread, rice or couscous, if desired.
  10. *A tagine is a North African cooking dish with a conical shape. A Dutch oven or Crock-Pot can also be used for this dish.
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Drink Pairings

Mustard & Brandy Roast Chicken served with Fingerling Potatoes

Bold and rich, with the ability to add a bright and fiery flavour to an impressive array of seasonal dishes, mustard is a must-have pantry staple. Let's take mustard from the sidelines as a simple condiment to the star ingredient. This roast chicken recipe is elevated by the tangy taste of mustard.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) hot English mustard powder
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
2 tbsp (30 ml) brandy
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 lb (1.5 kg) whole chicken
1¾ lbs (840 g) fingerling potatoes
grapeseed oil
4 springs fresh thyme
hot English mustard, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine mustard powder, lemon zest, brandy and butter. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until well combined.
  3. Carefully loosen skin of chicken breast with fingers. Push butter mixture under skin and tie legs together with kitchen string. Place chicken, breast-side up, in a baking dish that just fits it and rub with oil. Place in oven and cook for 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile wash and halve fingerling potatoes, then place in a large bowl and toss with some grapeseed oil, salt and pepper.
  5. Once chicken has cooked for 30 minutes, carefully rotate it with tongs so it sits breast-side down. Return chicken to oven along with a clean rimmed baking tray to preheat before adding potatoes to tray. Warm tray in oven for 10 minutes then add seasoned potatoes in a single layer. Cook chicken and potatoes for another 20 minutes. With tongs, carefully rotate chicken once more to sit breast-side up and stir potatoes. Return chicken and potatoes to oven until both are golden brown and cooked through, about another 20 to 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of cooking add thyme to potatoes to crisp.
  6. To serve, carve chicken and plate with potatoes and crispy thyme. Serve with hot English mustard.
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Drink Pairings

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Roulade with Pesto

A delicious menu idea for your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) chopped shallots or yellow onions
½ cup (125 ml) chopped celery
3 garlic cloves, crushed
¾ cup (175 ml) pesto
½ cup (125 ml) panko bread crumbs
2 boneless, skinless turkey breasts
3 tbsp (45 ml) + 2 tbsp (30 ml) Seasoning Rub, make ahead, recipe follows, divided
½ cup (125 ml) butter, chilled and shredded
1½ lbs (750 g) bacon, thinly sliced
SEASONING RUB
3 tbsp (45 ml) salt
2 tsp (10 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp (10 ml) paprika
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) ground garlic
1 tsp (5 ml) ground ginger

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add shallots (or onions) and celery and cook until translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Add pesto and panko bread crumbs. Mix well and allow to cool. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days if not using right away. Bring to room temperature before using.
  3. Place a clean piece of parchment paper approximately 15-in (38 cm) x 24-in (60 cm) on clean surface, long edge facing you.
  4. Using a sharp knife, butterfly the turkey breast to relatively even thickness, making sure not to cut all the way through. Cover with plastic wrap. Using blunt side of a mallet, pound covered turkey to about 1-in (2.5 cm) to 1½-in (3.75 cm) thickness. Discard plastic wrap. Spread turkey breast in centre of parchment paper, slightly overlapping pieces, to form a rectangle, with its long edge facing parallel to you.
  5. Generously sprinkle 3 tbsp (45 ml) of Seasoning Rub evenly across surface of turkey and gently rub it in. Evenly spread pesto filling in centre of butterflied turkey breast. Sprinkle with chilled shredded butter. Fold 1 edge of turkey breast over filling, then the other, to form a roll. Generously sprinkle remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) Seasoning Rub over surface of roulade. Roll it tightly in parchment paper and twist ends to look like candy wrapper. Refrigerate overnight or at least 1 hour.
  6. Place another clean piece of parchment paper approximately 15-in (38 cm) x 24-in (60 cm) on a clean surface, long edge facing you. Place 1 bacon rasher vertically along shorter side of parchment paper. Place another bacon rasher over edge of the first one. Repeat until all bacon is used and its width is the same as the length of the roulade.
  7. Unwrap roulade and place across bacon layers. Fold each rasher of bacon tightly over to wrap around roulade. Fold parchment paper over to tightly wrap the roulade again. Refrigerate up to 1 day. When ready to use, unwrap roulade and place on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down. Bring to room temperature before baking.
  8. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  9. Bake prepared roulade for about 1 hour or until centre of the turkey registers 155 F (68 C) on a cooking thermometer and bacon is well browned. If bacon looks cooked but turkey has not reached required internal temperature, cover with foil and continue baking until turkey is cooked, checking every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and loosely cover with foil for 30 minutes before serving.
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Drink Pairings

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