Winter Greens & Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
Ingredients
Serves 2
2 chicken breasts, boneless, skin-on*
salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar
1 small shallot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped chives
5 oz (140 g) baby kale
1 small head radicchio, thinly sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) thinly sliced red onion
¼ cup (60 ml) dried cranberries
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chicken skin side up on lined baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Drizzle with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and bake for 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken reads 165 F (74 C). Remove from oven and set aside to rest.
- In a small bowl, mix together buttermilk, mayonnaise, vinegar, shallot, garlic and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, toss together kale and radicchio. Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and gently massage into leaves to break down the fibers. Add buttermilk dressing to taste and toss to coat. Any leftover dressing will keep in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Add red onion, cranberries and bread crumbs. Slice chicken and serve alongside salad.
Drink Pairings
Pernod Butter Lobster Tails served with Baked Saffron Rice & Butter Lettuce Hearts with Lemon Cream
Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter
2 large garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp (45 ml) white wine or champagne vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup (60 ml) Pernod
1 tbsp (15 ml) fennel seeds, coarsely crushed
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 whole Atlantic lobster tails, about 6 oz (170 g) each
lemon wedges, to serve
FOR SAFFRON RICE:
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, minced
2 bay leaves
4 to 5 large pinches saffron filaments, or to taste
2 cups (500 ml) white basmati rice
½ cup (125 ml) dry white wine
3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
FOR BUTTER LETTUCE HEARTS WITH LEMON CREAM:
1 medium garlic clove, finely grated
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) light olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
tender hearts of 2 heads hot house butter lettuce, washed, dried and chilled
small handful fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
Instructions
- To prepare the lobster, in a small pot over medium heat, combine butter and garlic. Cook until butter is melted and garlic has softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add vinegar, lemon juice, Pernod, fennel and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another few minutes. Divide mixture into 2 bowls: ⅓ for basting and remaining ⅔ for serving. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, butterfly lobster tails. Using kitchen shears, cut down center of each shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fin, continuing down until you reach the tail, but do not cut through the tail. Use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell on top, being careful of sharp edges. Gently pull lobster meat upward, separating it away from bottom shell, leaving the end attached to the tail fin. Re-form empty shell underneath and arrange the row of meat on top. Generously brush lobster meat with reserved basting butter and season with salt and pepper. Transfer lobster tails to a small heavy baking sheet or heavy‑duty heatproof baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
- Preheat broiler to high and remove baking sheet or dish from refrigerator. Place lobster tails under broiler and cook until meat is opaque and lightly browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- To serve, warm reserved Pernod Butter. Transfer lobster tails to a serving platter and serve with Pernod Butter, lemon wedges and Baked Saffron Rice. There will be enough butter to serve with the rice as well.
- To prepare the saffron rice, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). In a large ovenproof saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and bay leaves and sauté, stirring, until onion is softened but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add saffron and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add wine and simmer over moderate heat until nearly absorbed, about 2 minutes. Stir in stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Cover with a tight‑fitting lid and transfer to oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from oven and let stand, covered, until ready to serve. Remove and discard bay leaves before serving.
- To prepare the Butter Lettuce Hearts with Lemon Cream, in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine garlic, lemon zest, cream, olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to thicken cream slightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Place lettuce in a large bowl. Toss lettuce and mint with remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Add a few spoonfuls of Lemon Cream and gently toss to coat. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle a little more Lemon Cream over to taste, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Any leftover dressing will keep for up to 3 to 4 days in refrigerator.
Drink Pairings
Burrata with Warm Tomato & Garlic Confit
Ingredients
Serves 4 - 6
3 generous cups (750 ml) cherry tomatoes, assorted colours
10 to 12 fresh thyme sprigs
6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
⅓ cup (75 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 x ½ lb (250 g) Italian burrata, preferably from Puglia, drained
2 tsp (10 ml) balsamic vinegar
fresh basil leaves, for garnish
crusty French bread or crostini, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). In a medium roasting pan, combine tomatoes, thyme, garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread tomatoes in a single layer and roast until bursting and lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Transfer burrata to a serving platter. Spoon hot tomatoes, thyme, garlic and all of the liquid from pan over and around burrata. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with bread or crostini alongside, if desired.
Drink Pairings
Roasted Artichokes served with Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
Serves 4 - 6
FOR THE GARLIC AIOLI:
¾ cup (180 ml) best-quality mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium garlic clove, finely grated
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
FOR THE ARTICHOKES:
4 large artichokes, rinsed and trimmed
½ lemon
8 whole garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 tbsp (30 ml) salted butter, cut into 8 cubes
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) dry white wine
Instructions
- To make Garlic Aioli, in a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Mix well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To make artichokes, bring a large, deep saucepan of well-salted water to a boil. Add artichokes and lemon half and bring back to a moderate boil. Cover saucepan partially and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until bases of artichokes can be pierced with point of a knife. Remove artichokes, lemon and garlic from water and set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, remove and discard hairy chokes from centres and peel off and discard any loose leaves. Arrange artichokes cut side up in an ovenproof ceramic or glass baking dish; they should fit snugly. Slice lemon into 8 pieces. Peel garlic and place 1 clove and 1 lemon piece into centre of each artichoke half. Top each with a cube of butter, drizzle olive oil over everything and season well with salt and pepper. Pour wine into bottom of baking dish, cover tightly with foil and transfer to oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove foil and continue roasting for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until there is no liquid left in bottom of dish.
- To serve, place artichokes cut side up on a platter. Dollop about 1 tbsp (15 ml) Garlic Aioli into centre of artichoke alongside garlic and lemon and serve remaining aioli on the side.
Drink Pairings
Salt-Crusted Potatoes served with Soft Herb Salsa
Ingredients
Serves 4 - 6
2 lbs (1 kg) small, equal-sized unpeeled potatoes (such as creamers), scrubbed
1½ tbsp (22 ml) fine sea salt
FOR THE SOFT HERB SALSA:
1 medium green jalapeño pepper, seeded, coarsely chopped, or to taste
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup (250 ml) tightly packed cilantro leaves
1 cup (250 ml) tightly packed tarragon leaves
1 cup (250 ml) tightly packed flat leaf parsley leaves
1 white anchovy fillet (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus extra to taste
⅔ cup (150 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar, plus extra to taste
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin, toasted
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large, shallow pan that will accommodate them in a single, even layer. Add salt and 4 generous cups (just over 1 L) cold water. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat and boil until water has evaporated and potatoes are fully cooked, about 12 to 15 minutes. Decrease heat to low and continue to cook for a few minutes, shaking pan until potatoes are dry and skins are covered with a thin crust of salt.
- Meanwhile, make Soft Herb Salsa. In bowl of a food processor, combine jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, tarragon, parsley and anchovy, if using. Pulse until chopped, then add lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, cumin and salt and pepper to taste, being aware that potatoes are already salted. Process until smooth and taste for seasoning, adding a little extra lemon juice or vinegar if needed. Transfer to a serving dish.
- To serve, pile potatoes onto a serving platter and serve salsa on the side.
Drink Pairings
Cheesy Spinach Wheel
Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
4 oz (125 ml) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise
2 tbsp (30 ml) grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) grated Romano cheese
1 garlic clove, crushed
¼ tsp (1 ml) dried basil
¼ tsp (1 ml) hot sauce, such as Tabasco, (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
¾ cup (175 ml) drained, roughly chopped canned artichoke hearts
1 cup (250 ml) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well squeezed
14 oz (400 g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
3 tbsp (45 ml) pesto
1 cup (250 ml) shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar or mozzarella
1 tbsp (15 ml) water, plus extra for brushing
1 egg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, Tabasco (if using) and salt and pepper until well combined. Add artichoke and spinach and mix to incorporate.
- Divide puff pastry in half. Roll half of pastry into a roughly 12.5-in (31.25 cm) circle. Transfer to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread pesto in centre of pastry circle, leaving a 1-in (2.5 cm) border around edge.
- Spread spinach mixture evenly on top of pesto. Scatter shredded cheese evenly over spinach. Lightly brush edge of pastry with water.
- Roll remaining pastry into a roughly 12.5-in (31.25 cm) circle and place over circle with spinach mixture. Lightly press pastry circles together from centre outwards and pinch to seal edges. Using a fork, poke holes all over pastry surface to allow trapped air to escape while baking. Invert a 12-in (30 cm) plate over centre of chilled pastry and trim off any excess pastry that is hanging over from edges. Shape excess pastry into flowers or leaves for decoration, if desired. Refrigerate pastry and decorations for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
- Invert a small bowl over centre of chilled pastry and lightly press to secure position. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut pastry wheel into four quarters from inverted bowl to edges. Then cut each quarter into 6 even wedges, totalling 24 wedges. Twist each wedge 2 to 3 times. Remove bowl and set aside.
- Lightly whisk together 1 tbsp (15 ml) water and egg to make egg wash. Brush over top of pastry. Discard remaining egg wash. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Drink Pairings
Pasta with Chickpeas
Ingredients
Serves 2-3
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
½ small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 x 5.5 oz (156 ml) can tomato paste
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable stock, plus 1 cup (250 ml) or more, if needed
1 sprig rosemary
1 bay leaf
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili flakes
1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups (500 ml) dry ditalini pasta
1 cup (250 ml) grated Pecorino cheese, plus extra for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes, until soft. Add tomato paste and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chickpeas, 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable stock, rosemary, bay leaf, chili flakes and sugar. Stir and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, until chickpeas are tender.
- Remove from heat. Remove and discard rosemary sprig and bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, gently pulse mixture until thickened but some texture remains (or, transfer half the mixture to a blender and pulse for 1 minute, then transfer back to pot). This is to thicken stock; don’t blend fully, as you still want some whole chickpeas.
- Return pot to medium-low heat, add pasta and cover with a lid. Stirring occasionally, gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until pasta is cooked through. If all liquid has been absorbed and pasta is not fully cooked, add another 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable stock at a time, as needed, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- To serve, stir in 1 cup (250 ml) Pecorino, then remove from heat and garnish with extra Pecorino, parsley and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil.
Drink Pairings
Parsnip Risotto with Caramelized Shallots
Ingredients
Serves 2-3
½ cup (125 ml) butter
6 sage leaves
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
3 large shallots, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium parsnip, peeled and diced (about 1½ cups/375 ml)
1¼ cups (310 ml) Arborio rice
1 cup (250 ml) dry white wine
4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock, plus 1 cup (250 ml) extra if needed
salt and pepper, to taste
1¼ cups (310 ml) grated Pecorino cheese, divided
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Once butter is foaming, add sage and gently fry until crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove sage leaves to a paper towel-lined plate and continue to cook butter until golden brown and nutty in fragrance, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil. Add shallot and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes, or until soft. Add parsnip and sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Add Arborio rice and stir to coat in oil. Add wine and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until completely absorbed.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, heat vegetable stock until warm. Remove stock from heat and ladle 2 cups (500 ml) stock over rice, stirring every few minutes, until stock is almost fully absorbed. Add another 1 cup (250 ml) stock and stir into rice until almost fully absorbed. Repeat with remaining 1 cup (250 ml) stock and taste rice: if too al dente, add another 1 cup (250 ml) stock and stir until fully absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add 1 cup (250 ml) Pecorino and stir to incorporate.
- To serve, reheat browned butter gently over low heat, if needed. Divide risotto between bowls and top with caramelized shallots, a drizzle of browned butter and fried sage leaves. Garnish with remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) Pecorino cheese.
Drink Pairings
Cauliflower Curry with Pearl Couscous
Ingredients
Serves 2-3
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh ginger
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 medium celery stalks, chopped
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground turmeric
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
2 tsp (10 ml) curry powder
1 x 13.5 oz (400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
1 cup (250 ml) vegetable stock
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 head cauliflower, trimmed, broken into florets
salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro leaves, divided
3 cups (750 ml) cooked pearl couscous
½ cup (125 ml) dried currants or raisins
1 cup (250 ml) chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
½ lemon, juice only
1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt
¼ cup (60 ml) minced mint leaves
1 lime, juice and zest, plus lime wedges for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted slivered almonds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and fresh ginger and sauté for 5 minutes, or until soft. Add carrot, celery, ground ginger, turmeric, cumin and curry powder. Stir to coat and sauté for another 5 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in coconut milk and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer to reduce slightly, about 10 minutes. Add vegetable stock, soy sauce and cauliflower and simmer for another 8 minutes, until cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Remove from heat, taste and season as needed with salt and pepper, then add ¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine couscous, currants and parsley. Dress with lemon juice and stir to combine.
- To make yogurt sauce, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, mint and lime juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- To serve, top couscous with cauliflower curry and a dollop of yogurt sauce. Garnish with remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro, almonds and lime wedges.
Drink Pairings
Croissant & Mushroom Stuffing
Ingredients
Serves 8-10
¼ cup (60 ml) butter, divided
2 cups (500 ml) sliced mushrooms
20 croissants, left uncovered for 3 days to become stale
1 cup (250 ml) half-and-half cream
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
4 eggs
1 tbsp (15 ml) grainy mustard
3 sprigs thyme, leaves picked and roughly chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
10 oz (283 g) Gruyère cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 11-in (23 x 28 cm) casserole dish with 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter.
- In a large frying pan, sauté mushrooms in remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter over medium heat until cooked through and slightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Slice each croissant into 3 chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream, chicken stock, eggs, mustard and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place croissants in casserole dish. Tuck a slice of cheese and some mushrooms in between each croissant piece. Pour egg mixture over and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Transfer casserole to oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until liquid has set and a knife comes out clean. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.