Pickled Apple & Fennel Salad with Soppressata & Hazelnuts
This salad promises to captivate your palate, with the introduction of pickled apples to leave you with a remarkable blend of tanginess and sweetness. Introduce these pickled apples to a charcuterie platter or with your favourite stewed dishes.Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) skinned hazelnuts
2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
1 pinch salt
8 slices hot soppressata
1 large fennel bulb with fronds
3 cups (750 ml) baby arugula
Creamy Mustard Vinaigrette, make ahead, recipe follows
Pickled Apples, make ahead, recipe follows
4 oz (110 g) feta, crumbled
CREAMY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid clover honey
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
PICKLED APPLES
1 cup (250 ml) water
½ cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
1-in (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
1 clove
1 star anise pod
2 Pink Lady apples, cored, quartered lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- While oven preheats, place hazelnuts in a small frying pan and toast over medium heat, tossing often until warm, about 3 minutes. Drizzle maple syrup over hazelnuts and stir constantly with a heatproof spatula until syrup has thickened and coated hazelnuts, about 1 minute. Remove frying pan from heat and season hazelnuts with a pinch of salt before transferring to a parchment-lined plate to cool to room temperature.
- Place soppressata in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes. Break into large pieces, set aside and let cool to room temperature.
- When ready to assemble salad, separate stalks and fronds from fennel bulb. Reserve fronds. Chop stalks very thinly and add to a large serving bowl. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, very thinly slice fennel into long strips and add to bowl along with chopped fennel stalks. Add baby arugula, drizzle arugula and fennel with about 3 tbsp (45 ml) dressing and toss to lightly coat. Sprinkle with drained Pickled Apples, hazelnuts, soppressata pieces and feta. Drizzle or serve with more dressing alongside, if desired. Enjoy.
- CREAMY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE
- Whisk minced garlic, Dijon mustard, vinegars, honey, olive oil and a good pinch each salt and pepper in a medium bowl until emulsified. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Makes about ¾ cup (180 ml)
- PICKLED APPLES
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together water, vinegar and sugar until sugar dissolves. Simmer without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add ginger, salt, clove and star anise.
- Quarter apple pieces and arrange in a clean 4 cup (1 L) lidded glass jar or heatproof airtight container. Pour hot pickling liquid over apples. If needed, place a folded piece of parchment paper on top to keep apples submerged in pickling liquid. Let pickling mixture cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
- Makes about 4 cups (1 L)
Drink Pairings
Upside-Down Beet Tart with Oranges & Greens
Taking inspiration from the viral TikTok trend, these tarts only look fancy. Using ready to roll puff pastry and store-bought steamed beets this recipe comes together in a snap and is perfect any time of the day. Once you master the upside-down tart technique, experiment with other seasonal fillings for a whole new taste profile. Great as an appetizer or as a meal itself.Ingredients
Serves 6
1 large egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
1 × 14 oz (398 g) package puff pastry
¼ cup (60 ml) liquid clover honey
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) fresh thyme leaves
1 × 8 oz (225 g) package ready-steamed beets, drained and patted dry with paper towel
2 tsp (10 ml) finely grated orange zest
1 × 10 oz (300 g) wheel brie
2 oranges, zest and fruit
3 to 4 cups (750 ml to 1 L) mixed greens
1 tbsp (15 ml) good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water to create an egg wash. Set aside.
- On a floured work surface, roll out puff pastry to a rectangle roughly 3½ × 5½-in (9 × 14 cm). Cut into 6 rectangles (don’t worry if they’re not perfect).
- Using prepared baking sheet, drizzle honey on parchment paper in 6 dots and spread with the back of a spoon into a rectangle a little smaller than puff pastry. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme leaves.
- Thinly slice beets and shingle over honey, taking care to place beets so they will be covered by the puff pastry rectangles. Sprinkle orange zest over beets. Slice brie and place a couple slices on each beet pile. Place a rectangle of puff pastry on top of each beet pile and let edges of puff pastry rest on parchment paper. Either press edges of puff pastry onto parchment paper or crimp with tines of a fork to gently seal edges.
- Brush tops of puff pastry with egg wash and bake until deep golden brown and puffed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let tarts sit on baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, using a knife, cut away pith from each orange. Segment oranges between white membranes and place segments into a large bowl. Drizzle any additional orange juice into bowl as well. Add mixed greens, a good pinch of salt and 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
- Using a thin spatula, gently lift tarts off baking sheet, turn over and place on serving plates. Serve with orange segments and greens. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Pear & Radicchio Salad with Cranberry Dressing
This aesthetic salad is the perfect addition to any meal this autumn. Featuring a cranberry dressing, that offers a harmonious blend of fruity and zest. It will not only elevate this salad but leave you with surplus to be enjoyed on top your next salad adventure.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
2 medium heads radicchio
2 Bosc pears, cored and sliced into thin wedges
4 or 5 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds
1 cup (250 ml) packed mixed baby greens
Cranberry Dressing, make ahead, recipe follows
Herb-Crusted Cheese Balls, make ahead, recipe follows
¼ cup (60 ml) pine nuts, toasted
CRANBERRY DRESSING
3 tbsp (45 ml) dried cranberries
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly boiled water
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid clover honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and ground white pepper, to taste
HERB-CRUSTED CHEESE BALLS
8 oz (227 g) ricotta cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated Parmesan
4 oz (113 g) blue cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp (45 ml) bread crumbs, plus extra if needed
1 tsp (5 ml) pink peppercorns, roughly crushed
1 cup (250 ml) flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from radicchio before roughly chopping or tearing leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large serving bowl along with pears, radishes and greens. Drizzle with about 3 tbsp (45 ml) dressing and toss to combine. Drizzle with more dressing if desired, then garnish with cheese balls and toasted pine nuts.
- CRANBERRY DRESSING
- In a blender, add cranberries, boiled water, honey, vinegar, mustard and olive oil. Let sit for 5 minutes, allowing cranberries to soften slightly. Blend, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of blender, until dressing is smooth and pink, about 3 minutes. If dressing is too thick, thin with 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water. Season to taste with salt and white pepper, blending again to incorporate. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Makes about ½ cup (125 ml)
- HERB-CRUSTED CHEESE BALLS
- In a medium bowl with a wooden spoon, stir together ricotta and cream cheese until well combined. Add Parmesan, blue cheese and bread crumbs. The mixture should hold its shape, so add more bread crumbs if it seems too soft.
- In a small bowl, stir together pink peppercorns and chopped parsley.
- Roll tablespoons of cheese mixture into balls and then roll each ball in parsley mixture to coat. Transfer cheese balls to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Makes 20 cheese balls
Drink Pairings
Pumpkin Pie Cake
Love pumpkin pie but want to try a spin on a classic? Or always have trouble with making pastry? This dessert has a soft cake as a base instead of crust that becomes dense and rich. Candied nuts give a crunch and nuttiness, this is perfect served with whipped cream. Bring it to your next fall-inspired dinner. Great for Thanksgiving!Ingredients
Serves 8
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
⅛ tsp (pinch) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
6 tbsp (90 ml) granulated sugar
3 eggs, divided
2 × 19 oz (540 ml) cans pumpkin pie filling
⅔ cup (160 ml) whipping cream, plus whipped cream for serving
1 cup (250 ml) candied pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Butter a 9-in (2.5 L) round springform pan, line bottom with a round of parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and set aside. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, vanilla extract and milk, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar and 1 egg with an electric mixer on medium until lighter in colour. Fold in dry ingredients, then wet ingredients. Continue folding until combined and no lumps remain. Pour into prepared springform pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- While cake is baking, in a large bowl, mix remaining 2 eggs, pumpkin pie filling and whipping cream until combined.
- Pour pumpkin pie filling mixture into springform pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until filling has set and a wooden skewer inserted in centre comes out clean.
- Let cool completely, then remove from pan. Slice and serve with whipped cream and candied pecans.
Drink Pairings
Butternut Squash & Kale Gratin
Classic flavours with a healthy twist fit for Thanksgiving. Try this gratin this fall for something new, it’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, but also has some kale for a bit of greens.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
⅓ cup + 3 tbsp (125 ml) butter, divided, plus more for greasing baking dish
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk, warmed
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) grated Asiago, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped curly parsley
¼ cup (60 ml) bread crumbs
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, cut in 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
1 bunch kale, stems removed, thinly sliced and blanched
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Butter a 7 × 11‑in (2 L) baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk until no lumps remain. Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until thick, about 10 minutes. Whisk in ¾ cup (180 ml) Asiago and set bechamel aside.
- Melt remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) butter in a heatproof medium bowl, let cool slightly and add remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) Asiago, parsley and bread crumbs. Mix well.
- Pour one-third of the bechamel into the baking dish and spread evenly. Lay down half the squash slices and top with half the kale.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of bechamel. You will have 3 layers of bechamel and 2 layers of vegetables. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over top of bechamel. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until squash is tender, removing foil halfway through baking. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
Shallot Tarte Tatin
This is an elegant side dish that could also be a main served with a side salad goes well as a Thanksgiving side dish. The combo if caramelized shallot, gruyere and pastry is a classic combo.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package frozen puff pastry, defrosted according to package directions
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
1 lb (450 g) shallots, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
3 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and stems discarded, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar reduction
¼ cup (60 ml) Gruyère
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Unroll puff pastry and cut to fit a 10-in (25 cm) round cast iron pan. Poke holes all over with a fork and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
- Melt butter in pan. Sprinkle sugar all over butter. Lay shallot rounds in a single layer on bottom of pan. Sprinkle with thyme leaves, drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with Gruyère. Lay pastry round on the shallots and press it down.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes, place serving platter on top of pan and invert it. Garnish with more thyme leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Bust out the Brussels this Thanksgiving! Try these cheesy, crispy sprouts once and you won’t make them any other way ever again! The sprouts can be boiled up to two days ahead of time. Make sure to dry them out well to help them crisp up.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 lbs (900 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add sprouts and return to boil, then turn heat down to medium and cook 10 minutes, or until sprouts are tender.
- Drain and cool sprouts. Once cool, crush sprouts with a heavy-bottomed pot until flattened. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip sprouts and sprinkle with Parmesan. Roast another 10 to 15 minutes, or until Parmesan has browned. Transfer to a serving platter.
Drink Pairings
Palak Paneer served with Garlic Naan
Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach (palak) and Paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The spinach is blanched, pureed and cooked with spices, creating a vibrant green gravy. Cubes of Paneer are added for a creamy texture and protein. It’s a nutritious and flavourful vegetarian delight that exudes cozy fall comforts.Ingredients
Serves 2
2 tbsp (30 ml) ghee
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced ginger
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
2 tsp (10 ml) garam masala
½ tsp (2.5 ml) turmeric
red pepper chili flakes, to taste (optional)
1 × 10.5 oz (300 g) bag fresh spinach, chopped and blanched
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
1 × 8 oz (225 g) package paneer, cubed
4 cups (1 L) basmati rice, cooked, to serve
Garlic Naan, recipe follows (optional)
GARLIC NAAN
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, melted
1 clove garlic, minced
4 pieces naan
Instructions
- In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, heat ghee. Add onions and sauté 5 minutes until translucent. Add ginger and garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Add spices, chili flakes, if using, spinach and cream. Cook another minute while stirring. Allow to cool slightly and transfer to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and return to skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- In another skillet on medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Add cubed paneer and fry on each side for about 1 minute or until golden brown. Add paneer into spinach sauce and bring to temperature. Set aside while preparing Garlic Naan, if using. Serve warm with basmati rice and warm naan.
- To make Garlic Naan, mix butter and garlic in a small bowl.
- In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, toast each piece of naan for 1 minute on each side. Brush one side of each piece with butter mixture. Serve warm alongside palak paneer and basmati rice.
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
Gochujang Mushroom Tacos
The Korean gochujang sauce obsession is real, and so is ours with this tasty cremini mushroom gochujang taco that offers the perfect sweet heat. Easy to make for quick lunches or picnics in the park. Check below for our drink pairing ideas!Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8 tacos
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb (450 g) cremini mushrooms
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger root
2 tbsp (30 ml) gochujang paste
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) rice wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
½ lime, juice only
1 tsp (5 ml) wasabi paste (or to taste)
½ small Napa cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, peeled into ribbons
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
6 to 8 (6-in/15 cm) flour tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup (250 ml) fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until soft. Add butter, garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 3 minutes (do not cover; you want the liquid to cook off).
- In a small mixing bowl, mix gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar. Pour mixture onto mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes, until mushrooms are fully cooked and sauce has been slightly absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice and wasabi. Add cabbage, carrots and onions. Toss to coat.
- On a grill or in a cast iron pan, slightly toast the tortillas, about 1 minute on each side.
- To assemble, place mushrooms onto each tortilla and add some cabbage slaw and avocado slices. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.