TURMERIC-SPICED CHICKEN SMÖRGÅSTÅRTA
Ingredients
Serves 16
6 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 tsp (5 ml) each, salt and pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) oil
2 cups (500 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) turmeric powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) curry powder
½ cup (125 ml) mango chutney
¼ cup (60 ml) dill relish
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
2 cups (500 ml) finely chopped celery
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped green onions
32 slices of white bread, approximately
4 x 4-in (10 x 10 cm) after crusts removed
¾ cup (175 ml) butter, at room temperature, divided
6 tbsp (90 ml) mustard, divided (preferably sweet Bavarian mustard)
4 cups (1 L) spreadable cream cheese
2 cups (500 ml) ricotta cheese
optional garnish suggestions: tomatoes, arugula, figs, grapes, radishes, beets and thyme
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large saucepan, heat oil and fry chicken until cooked, about 5 minutes per side. Insert knife in centre of fillets to ensure it is fully cooked. Remove from pan along with any juices and set aside in a bowl. When cool, cut into ¾ x ¾-in (2 x 2 cm) chunks and return to bowl with accumulated juices.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, turmeric, curry powder, mango chutney, dill relish and paprika together. Mix in celery, green onions and cubed chicken. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble. Should yield about 6 cups (1.5 L) of chicken salad.
- On a large serving plate, place 8 slices of bread face down in 2 rows of 4 slices, touching each other to form a rectangle roughly 8 x 16-in (20 x 40 cm). Spread surface of bread with ¼ cup (60 ml) butter and lightly follow with 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard. Spread ⅓ of chicken salad evenly over and cover with another 8 slices of bread. Repeat this process 2 more times, for a total of 3 rows of chicken salad sandwiched between 4 layers of bread. Snuggly wrap sides and top of sandwich cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Using a whisk or hand mixer, blend together cream cheese and ricotta until smooth. Remove plastic wrap from sandwich cake. Using an offset spatula, frost sides and top of sandwich cake with cheese mixture. Decorate with vegetables, fruit and herbs, as desired, and serve.
Drink Pairings
GRILLED CHICKEN SERVED WITH TAPENADE AND TZATZIKI
Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
2 whole chickens, about 3 lbs (1.5 kg) each (ask butcher to Spatchcock, or see step 1)
¼ cup (60 ml) salt, plus extra to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) pepper, plus extra to taste
2 garlic cloves, smashed
2 cups (500 ml) boiling water
4 cups (1 L) cold water
1 cup (250 ml) Castelvetrano olives, pitted
2 tbsp (30 ml) capers
1 lemon, zest only
1 cup (250 ml) parsley, packed
1 shallot, diced
¼ cup + 3 tbsp (60 ml + 45 ml) olive oil, divided, plus extra
1 cup (250 ml) Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cucumber, grated
½ lemon, juice only
Instructions
- To Spatchcock whole chicken, place chicken breast-side down with legs towards you. Using sturdy scissors or poultry shears, cut up along each side of the parson’s nose and backbone to remove it, cutting through rib bones as you go. Once backbone is removed, flip chicken and press down until it lays flat on cutting board.
- In a large pot, mix salt, sugar, pepper and smashed garlic. Cover with boiling water and stir. Add cold water and add chickens. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, up to 6. Before ready to grill, remove chickens from water and pat dry. Let chickens rest at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- To make Tapenade, in a food processor, add olives, capers, lemon zest, parsley, shallot and ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil. Pulse on medium-high until tapenade texture is achieved. Let rest at room temperature until ready to serve, about 4 to 6 hours.
- To make Tzatziki, in a small bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic and grated cucumber. Add 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil and lemon juice. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated, add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high with lid closed, about 10 minutes. Lightly oil outside of each chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill chickens, breast side down, for about 10 minutes with lid open. Flip and grill other side of chicken with lid closed, on medium heat for 20 minutes. Using a meat thermometer, check that chicken has reached 165 F (74 C) before removing from grill (a small chicken should be fully cooked after 30 minutes). Once fully cooked, remove from grill and rest for 10 minutes. Serve with Tapenade and Tzatziki.
Drink Pairings
AVOCADO-STUFFED TURKEY BURGER WITH CAULIFLOWER FLATBREAD BUN
Ingredients
Serves 4
Grapeseed oil, for greasing and frying
6 cups (1.5 L) shredded cauliflower
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup (250 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp (10 ml) salt, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
2 cups (500 ml) corn kernels
2 cups (500 ml) cherry tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped chives
2 tbsp + 1 tsp (30 ml + 5 ml) lime juice, divided
1 lb (500 g) ground turkey
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped parsley leaves
1 large avocado
4 slices pepper jack cheese
4 curly lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and liberally grease with grapeseed oil. Set aside.
- Place cauliflower in a bowl and microwave on high until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place microwaved cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and, over the sink, squeeze out as much moisture as possible before placing cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 lightly beaten eggs, mozzarella, 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper and oregano. Mix until well incorporated and shape into eight 3-in (8 cm) rounds and a ½-in (1 cm) thick on prepared baking tray. Bake until patties are golden brown, about 16 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes on baking tray before carefully peeling off of parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together corn, tomatoes, cilantro, chives, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice and 1 tsp (5 ml) salt. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Thoroughly mix together ground turkey, 1 large egg, garlic, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper, mustard, cumin, chili powder and parsley. Divide mixture in half and form 4 small patties with 1 half of turkey mixture. Make a shallow well in center of each patty with thumb.
- In a small bowl, roughly mash avocado with 1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice, leave some large chunks of avocado. Divide avocado mash among wells in turkey patties. With remaining turkey mixture form another 4 small patties and lay each over avocado, pressing edges together to seal.
- Grease grill or a grill pan with oil and preheat to medium-high heat. Grill patties, flipping once or twice, until cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese for last minute or so of cooking.
- To serve, place a piece of lettuce on top of 4 cauliflower flatbreads. Top with a turkey patty and a generous scoop of salsa. Top each burger with another cauliflower bun and serve.
Drink Pairings
CRISPY CHICKEN BURGER WITH STICKY RICE BUN
Ingredients
Serves 4
½ tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil
¼ cup (60 ml) mirin (Available at specialty Asian markets)
¼ cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 cups (500 ml) sushi rice, well rinsed under cold water
3 cups (750 ml) cold water
2 tbsp (30 ml) black sesame seeds
1 tsp (5 ml) grapeseed oil, plus extra
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
¼ cup + ½ cup (60 ml + 125 ml) all-purpose flour, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) Japanese curry powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cayenne pepper
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
2 large eggs
1½ cups (375 ml) panko bread crumbs vegetable oil, for frying
2 cups (500 ml) microgreens
1 small red onion, cut into thin rings
Furikake seasoning1 (optional)
1 green onion, sliced into thin rounds
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Once at a simmer, cook for 30 seconds before removing from heat. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add rice and cold water, cook according to package instructions. Transfer cooked rice to a large bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add roughly ½ cup (125 ml) seasoning mixture. Using a rubber spatula, chop and fold rice, gently mixing in seasoning mixture. Divide rice mixture into 8 equal portions, about ½ cup (125 ml) each. With water-dampened hands, firmly press 1 portion of rice into a greased, round 3½-in (9 cm) cookie cutter. Repeat with remaining rice. Refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm grapeseed oil. Add yellow onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add butter and let melt. Once melted, stir in ¼ cup (60 ml) flour and let cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring often, for another 8 to 10 minutes. Paste should become dry and crumbly, careful not to burn. Add chicken stock, increase heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes. Season to taste. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Set curry sauce aside.
- Pound chicken breasts until ½-in (1.25 cm) thick. Cut each breast in half to make 4 pieces and season.
- In a medium bowl, add ½ cup (125 ml) flour and season generously with salt and pepper. In another medium bowl, whisk together milk and eggs. In a third bowl, add panko bread crumbs. Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, first dredge chicken in seasoned flour. Shake off excess. Dip chicken into egg mixture, allow extra to drip off before pressing into panko. Repeat coating process with remaining pieces of chicken.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, heat ¼-in (0.5 cm) of vegetable oil. Oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles on contact with hot oil. Working in batches, fry chicken until cooked through and coating is golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Warm a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Working in batches, lightly brush rice buns with grapeseed oil, then sear until rice has started to caramelize, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
- To assemble, place 4 rice buns on a platter. Top each with microgreens, red onion slices, a crispy chicken patty and a dollop of curry sauce. Sandwich with remaining rice buns before garnishing with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
RED CURRY TURKEY MEATBALL LETTUCE WRAPS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lb (500 g) ground turkey thigh meat
2 x 13.6 oz (403 ml) cans coconut milk, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) panko bread crumbs
2 eggs
½ cup (125 ml) chopped onion
8 tsp (40 ml) chopped garlic, divided
8 tsp (40 ml) chopped ginger, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce, divided
1½ tsp + 2 tbsp (7.5 ml + 30 ml) sugar, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil
6 tbsp (90 ml) red curry paste
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 stalk lemongrass, crushed
3 slices galangal
3 lime leaves
3 Thai red chilies (optional)
½ cup (125 ml) green beans, blanched
1 green onion, julienned and placed in cold water, to curl
3 tbsp (45 ml) fried garlic
1 head green lettuce, leaves separated
½ bunch fresh cilantro
½ bunch fresh mint
½ bunch fresh Thai basil
Pickled Carrots and Radishes, make ahead, recipe follows
4 baby cucumbers, cut in half lengthwise
2 limes, cut into wedges
3 tbsp (45 ml) sambal oelek chili paste, to taste
PICKLED CARROTS AND RADISHES:
1 bunch heirloom carrots, washed and cut in half lengthwise
1 bunch radishes, cut into slices
½ cup (125 ml) rice vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) white sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) salt
2 slices ginger
¼ cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey, ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut milk, panko, eggs, chopped onion, 2 tsp (10 ml) chopped garlic, 2 tsp (10 ml) chopped ginger, 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) sugar, 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce and pepper. Roll turkey mixture into 16 balls, about 1 oz (30 g) each and place on a parchment lined sheet pan. Bake meatballs in preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear when pierced. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, heat coconut oil. Add curry paste, chopped shallots, remaining garlic and ginger, cook for 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce, 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar, remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, Thai chilies, if using, and remaining coconut milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves and chilies, discard.
- Pour curry into a serving bowl. Arrange meatballs on sauce and garnish with green beans, green onion and fried garlic. Place bowl on a large serving platter and arrange lettuce, cilantro, mint, Thai basil, Pickled Carrots and Radishes, cucumbers and limes. Assemble lettuce wraps as desired, and serve with sambal oelek.
- To make PICKLED CARROTS AND RADISHES: Place carrots and radishes into a resealable container and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over high heat, bring remaining ingredients to a boil. Let pickling liquid cool and pour over vegetables. Refrigerate overnight before using, up to 2 weeks.
Drink Pairings
THAI GREEN CURRY WITH CHICKEN
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 chicken breasts, cut in half
4 tsp (20 ml) chopped garlic, divided
4 tsp (20 ml) chopped ginger, divided
2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch
3½ tsp (17.5 ml) sugar, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) green curry paste, or to taste based on preferred spice level
2 x 13.6 oz (403 ml) cans coconut milk
2 slices galangal
3 lime leaves
1 stalk lemongrass, crushed
2 Thai red chilies, whole, to taste (optional)
⅓ cup (75 ml) chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
2 green onions, halved
2 limes, 1 juiced and 1 cut into 4 wedges
2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted macadamia or cashew nuts, crushed, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) fried shallots
cooked jasmine rice, to serve
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix chicken breast with 2 tsp (10 ml) each chopped garlic and ginger, cornstarch, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) sugar, and 2 tsp (10 ml) fish sauce. Cover and let marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, up to 2 days.
- Heat a medium to large heavybottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add coconut oil, then add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Place saucepan back on burner and turn down heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) chopped garlic and ginger and curry paste. Fry until curry paste becomes fragrant. Add coconut milk, 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce, 2 tsp (10 ml) sugar, galangal, lime leaves, lemongrass and 1 chili (if using, and to taste). Bring curry to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove lime leaves, galangal and lemongrass and discard. Add chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes, or just until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- In a blender, blend chopped cilantro, green onions, lime juice, remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) each of fish sauce and sugar and remaining 1 Thai chili, if using, until it is a smooth purée. This cannot be made ahead of time, or it will lose its bright green colour. Stir this into curry immediately before serving. Garnish with remaining cilantro, nuts, fried shallots and lime wedges. Serve with jasmine rice.
Drink Pairings
HONEY RUM-GLAZED CORNISH HENS SERVED WITH WILD RICE STUFFING
Ingredients
Serves 8
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter, divided
½ medium yellow onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup (175 ml) uncooked wild rice
2¾ cup (675 ml) unsalted chicken stock, divided
½ cup (125 ml) jasmine rice
½ cup (125 ml) chopped dried apricots
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh flat leaf parsley leaves
1 cup (250 ml) dark rum
3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
1 sprig thyme
4 Cornish hens (about 1¼ lbs (567 g) each)
4 Meyer lemons or regular lemons, halved
3 tbsp (45 ml) grapeseed oil
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Place an oiled wire rack in a large, rimmed baking sheet, set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter. Add onions and celery, cook, stirring often, until onions have softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and wild rice, cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has absorbed, about 1 hour.
- While wild rice is cooking, in a small saucepan combine remaining ¾ cup (175 ml) stock with jasmine rice and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until all stock has been absorbed, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in chopped apricots, thyme and parsley. Fold into wild rice mixture.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring rum, honey and thyme sprig to a boil. Reduce liquid to about ¼ cup (60 ml), about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and swirl in remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter and discard thyme sprig. Set aside.
- Stuff each Cornish hen with 2 lemon halves before tying ends of legs together with kitchen twine and tucking wing tips under back. Place each hen, breast side up, on prepared wire rack. Rub each with grapeseed oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast until a thermometer inserted in thigh registers 160 F (71 C), about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Brush hens with rum mixture and continue to bake until hens are golden brown and a thermometer inserted in thigh registers 165 F (74 C), about another 10 minutes. If hens are browning too quickly, tent with tinfoil. Transfer rice to a baking dish, drizzle with a little chicken stock, cover with tinfoil and warm alongside hens in oven for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Once removed from oven, let hens rest at least 10 minutes.
- To serve, place rice on a platter and arrange roasted hens over top. Enjoy while warm.
Drink Pairings
INDIAN SPICED CHICKEN WITH ROOT VEGETABLES
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 large yellow potatoes, washed, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
3 cups (750 ml) trimmed, halved Brussels sprouts
1 large red onion, peeled, cut into 8 wedges
2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
2 tsp (10 ml) cumin seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) fennel seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) yellow mustard seeds
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground turmeric
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp (10 ml) freshly grated ginger
1 lemon, juice and finely grated zest
2 tsp (10 ml) salt, plus extra
¼ cup (60 ml) white wine
4 chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
Pickled Red Onions, for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows
1 tbsp (15 ml) roughly chopped cilantro, for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) roughly chopped mint, for garnish
Turmeric Raita, to serve, make ahead, recipe follows
PICKLED RED ONIONS:
½ cup (125 ml) red wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ small red onion, sliced into ⅛-in (0.25 cm) thick rings
TURMERIC RAITA:
1 tsp (5 ml) grapeseed oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) brown mustard seeds
6 curry leaves (optional)
1 shallot, thinly sliced
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground turmeric
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt
1 tbsp (15 ml) cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
- In a large roasting pan or 9 x 13‑in (3.5 L) baking dish, place potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion and carrots before gently tossing together with cumin seed, fennel seed, mustard seed, turmeric, garlic, ginger, lemon zest and juice, salt and wine. Add chicken to pan and toss together. Place chicken skin side up on top of vegetables, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with additional salt, if desired. Roast in oven, uncovered, until potatoes and carrots are tender and chicken is cooked through, about 1 hour. Serve warm, garnished with Pickled Red Onions, cilantro and mint. Serve Turmeric Raita alongside.
- TO MAKE PICKLED RED ONIONS: In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar and salt to a boil. Put red onion rings into a small heatproof bowl or container. Pour hot vinegar mixture over onions in bowl and let cool to room temperature stirring occasionally. Enjoy once cooled or cover and store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Makes about ½ cup (125 ml)
- TO MAKE TURMERIC RAITA: In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add mustard seed and cook, stirring until starting to pop, about 30 seconds. Add curry leaves, if using, and cook a few seconds before stirring in shallots, turmeric and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened, about 3 minutes. Whisk in yogurt and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, if using. Serve immediately. Makes about 1 cup (250 ml)
Drink Pairings
FAMILY-STYLE CHICKEN PIE
Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
5 eggs
7 tbsp (105 ml) vinegar, divided
5 tbsp (75 ml) water
6 cups + ⅔ cup (1.5 L + 150 ml) flour, divided
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) salt
¾ lb (340 g) cold butter
¾ lb (340 g) cold margarine
12 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) oil, divided
4 cups (1 L) button mushrooms
1 cup (250 ml) onion, finely chopped
2 cups (500 ml) diced carrots, cut into 1½-in (3.75 cm) pieces
2 cups (500 ml) diced celery, cut into 1½-in (3.75 cm) pieces
2 cups (500 ml) peas
4 cups (1 L) chicken stock
2 sprigs each, thyme and oregano
4 sage leaves
2 stems parsley
2 bay leaves
⅔ cup (150 ml) room temperature butter
1 tsp (5 ml) each, celery salt, garlic powder and white pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
3 tbsp (45 ml) prepared mustard, divided
2 cups (500 ml) milk
16 oz (500 g) bacon, finely chopped, fried and patted dry
1 egg wash (1 egg whisked with 2 tbsp (30 ml) water)
Instructions
- To make pastry, in a small bowl, lightly whisk 5 eggs, 5 tbsp (75 ml) vinegar and 5 tbsp (75 ml) water. Cover and place in freezer to chill.
- Place 6 cups (1.5 L) flour and 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) salt on clean counter. Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut in chilled butter and margarine to flour until it resembles coarse oatmeal. Make a well in centre of flour, and slowly pour in chilled egg mixture. Incorporate surrounding flour mixture until combined. Roll into a ball and divide into 6 portions. Cover each with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to cool for at least 30 minutes. When ready to use, let rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. Can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 1 week. Makes 6 pastry dough discs.
- To make filling, season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a frying pan, add 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and fry chicken for about 7 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and place chicken and any juices in a bowl to cool. When cooled, cut into 1½-in (3.75 cm) chunks and set aside in bowl with juices. In same pan, fry mushrooms. Remove from pan and add to chicken.
- In a saucepan, sauté onions in 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil until lightly golden. Add carrots, celery and peas and continue cooking for about 2 minutes. Add chicken stock.
- Prepare a bouquet garni (bundle herbs and tie together) with thyme, oregano, sage, parsley and bay leaves. Add to stock. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove bouquet garni and discard.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ⅔ cup (150 ml) butter. Add ⅔ cup (150 ml) flour and cook in butter until a smooth roux is formed. Whisk in celery salt, garlic powder, white pepper, paprika and 1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared mustard. Whisking constantly, gradually add milk until smooth and thick.
- Add 2 cups (500 ml) of stock to roux and mix until smooth. Add remaining stock and vegetables. Add cooked mushrooms, bacon and chicken. Mix until evenly distributed then add 2 tbsp (30 ml) vinegar. Turn off heat, cover and set aside to cool. At this point, filling can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before using.
- Combine 3 discs of room temperature pastry together and roll out to ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness. Place over a rectangular baking dish about 12 x 10 x 2 ½-in (30 x 25 x 6.25 cm) to cover bottom and sides with a 1-in (2.5 cm) overhang. Brush 2 tbsp (30 ml) prepared mustard over pastry. Using a fork, prick holes in pastry along bottom and sides of pan. Pour in chicken filling and spread evenly. Moisten edges of pie with a little bit of water.
- Combine 2 pastry discs together and roll to about ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness to cover pie. Using a fork, prick holes on surface to let steam escape during baking. Alternatively, create lattice; cut pastry into strips and weave into lattice top. Pinch edges of pastry to seal. Trim extra pastry. Pie is ready to be baked or can be frozen up to 1 week. Defrost in refrigerator before baking.
- When ready to bake, adjust rack in oven to centre position and preheat to 400 F (200 C).
- Roll last pastry disc to ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness and cut into shapes to decorate top. Assemble as desired. Brush surface of pie with egg wash. Bake 50 to 60 minutes in oven until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Drink Pairings
CHICKEN RAMEN
Ingredients
Serves 4
½ tsp (2.5 ml) five-spice powder
¼ cup (60 ml) hoisin sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) tamari
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 cups (2 L) Ramen Broth, make ahead
16 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
1 bunch spinach, washed
4 portions fresh or frozen ramen noodles, cooked according to package directions
4 Soy Eggs, halved, make ahead
1 cup (250 ml) canned corn
1 leek, white part only, julienned and put into ice water
SIMPLE RAMEN BROTH:
9 cups (2.1 L) chicken stock
2 packages Dashi granules
10 dried shiitake mushrooms, rinsed
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) mirin
1 tbsp (15 ml) sea salt, to taste
SOY EGG:
½ cup (125 ml) soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) cooking sake
¼ cup (60 ml) mirin
¼ cup (60 ml) sugar
4 eggs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix five-spice powder, hoisin sauce and tamari. Add chicken and marinate in fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C), place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is done and juices run clear when cut. Let sit for 5 minutes, then cut into slices.
- Bring prepared Ramen Broth to a boil and add mushrooms. Turn heat down and simmer until mushrooms are cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside. Bring broth back to a boil, add spinach and simmer until cooked through, about 1 minute.
- Divide noodles into 4 bowls. Garnish each bowl with shiitake mushrooms, Soy Eggs, canned corn, leek and chicken. Ladle broth over each and serve.
- To make SIMPLE RAMEN BROTH: In a large pot, simmer all ingredients for 30 minutes. Remove mushrooms before serving. Adjust salt to taste. Makes 8 cups (2 L)
- To make SOY EGG: In a saucepan over high heat, bring all ingredients, except eggs, to a boil. Set aside and cool to room temperature.
- In a small saucepan, place eggs and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as water comes to a boil, remove from heat. Leave eggs to sit for 4 minutes. Drain and run cold water over eggs until chilled, or add ice to water and let sit until chilled. Gently crack eggs and peel them. Place eggs in a jar and cover with soy mixture. Let marinate in refrigerator overnight before using. Eggs can be kept in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Makes 4 soy eggs