SAUERKRAUT FEAST
Ingredients
Serves 8
⅓ cup (75 ml) kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
2 tbsp (30 ml) light brown sugar
3 lbs (1.5 kg) pork back or baby back ribs, cut into 4 sections
8 cups (2 L) of sauerkraut, drained
½ lb (250 g) of ½-in (1.25 cm) thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
8 fully cooked bratwurst sausages
¼ cup (60 ml) duck fat or peanut oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled, coarsely chopped
2 dozen juniper berries
10 whole cloves
8 whole allspice
3 large bay leaves
½ tsp (2 ml) caraway seeds
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground pepper
3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
1½ cups (375 ml) Riesling wine
2 lbs (1 kg) kielbasa sausage, skinned and cut on bias into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
8 skinless European wieners
1 x 2 lbs (1 kg) boiled boneless ham, 3 to 4-in thick (8 to 10 cm), sliced ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick
2 lbs (1 kg) small red-skinned potatoes assorted mustards, horseradish and pickles, for serving
chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy resealable plastic freezer bag, mix salt with sugar. Add ribs and shake to coat. Seal bag and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.
- The next day, preheat oven to 300 F (150 C). Rinse sauerkraut in cold water and squeeze dry. Set aside.
- Set a large roasting pan over two burners on stove over high heat. Add bacon and bratwurst. Sauté until bacon is crisp and bratwurst is brown, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add duck fat and melt. Add onions and garlic and reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, about 7 minutes or until softened. Add and mix in sauerkraut, juniper berries, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, caraway seeds, pepper, stock and white wine. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Rinse ribs under cold water and pat dry. Bury ribs in sauerkraut and return to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover tightly with foil and transfer to oven and bake for 1½ hours.
- Remove ribs from sauerkraut and cut between bones. Return ribs to sauerkraut and bury along with kielbasa sausage, wieners, bratwurst, bacon and ham slices. Cover and bake until meats are hot, about 25 to 30 minutes. While baking, cook potatoes in salted water, bringing to a boil over high heat, until fork-tender. Drain and cover to keep warm.
- To serve, place some ribs and sausage on plate and mound hot sauerkraut in a modest pile on top in middle of a serving plate. Arrange around with wieners, ham and boiled potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with mustard and pickles.
Drink Pairings
SHEPHERD’S PIE
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
FILLING:
1 lb (500 g) extra lean ground beef
1 tsp (5 ml) vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
1 cup (250 ml) stout beer
1 cup (250 ml) beef or vegetable stock
2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 thyme sprig, leaves removed and finely chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
2 celery ribs, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
3 tbsp (45 ml) flour
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
MASHED POTATO TOPPING:
4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
4 tbsp (60 ml) butter
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
1 pinch freshly ground pepper
1 cup (250 ml) grated aged white cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Put potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add enough salt for water to become slightly salty. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil, then adjust heat so that water is at a medium boil. Cook until potatoes are soft and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Drain water and mash potatoes until smooth. Add cream and salt and pepper to taste. Add half the cheddar cheese and mix through.
- To assemble, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Divide Filling between four individual-sized oven safe casseroles, or one large 16 x 19-in (40.5 x 48 cm) casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes and remaining cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes for individual sized, or 30 to 45 minutes for large size, or until cheese is golden brown and melted and filling is bubbling.
Drink Pairings
STRAWBERRY, SPINACH AND GOAT’S CHEESE TART
Ingredients
Serves 6
3 large eggs, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
1 lb (500 g) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
1 tsp (5 ml) grapeseed oil
5 oz (140 g) baby spinach
salt and pepper, to taste
1 large egg yolk
¼ cup (60 ml) crème fraîche or sour cream
4 oz (125 g) goat’s cheese, crumbled
4 to 8 large strawberries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, make an egg wash by whisking together 1 egg and water until well combined. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll puff pastry into a 9 x 9-in (23 x 23 cm) square and place on prepared baking sheet. With a sharp pairing knife, score a ½-in (1.25 cm) border inside from edge of pastry, taking care not to cut completely through. Prick pastry all over inside border with fork. Brush surface of pastry with a light coating of egg wash and bake until puffed and starting to brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Gently push down base inside border and set pastry shell aside while making filling.
- Warm oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add a handful of spinach and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until just wilted. Continue adding handfuls of spinach, until all spinach is wilted. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 eggs, egg yolk, crème fraîche and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in wilted spinach before spooning mixture into pastry, taking care that filling does not flow over pastry boarder. Arrange chunks of goat’s cheese and strawberries over filling. Return tart to oven and cook until filling is set, 15 to 20 minutes. Let tart cool for 10 minutes before slicing and dividing among serving plates. Enjoy warm.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND STRAWBERRY SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6
3 x ½-in (1.25 cm) thick slices of pancetta, diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) orange marmalade
2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
30 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
salt and pepper, to taste
½ lb (250 g) strawberries, trimmed, thinly sliced
4 oz (125 g) crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil and set aside.
- Place pancetta in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Don’t clean out frying pan.
- Add marmalade to frying pan and place back over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until marmalade is melted. Add balsamic vinegar and stir to release any brown bits from bottom of pan. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and tarragon until dressing is emulsified. Thin with a teaspoon of water, if desired. Set aside.
- Spread asparagus in a single layer on prepared baking sheet before drizzling with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast asparagus until crisp-tender, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Toss strawberries in dressing to coat. Set aside.
- Transfer asparagus to a serving platter. Spoon strawberries over asparagus and drizzle with any remaining dressing. Garnish with pancetta, feta cheese and a good pinch of pepper. Serve while warm.
Drink Pairings
SALMON WITH GRILLED VEGETABLES AND GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 4
1½ lb (750 g) sockeye salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, zest and juice
dill sprigs for garnish
GRILLED VEGETABLES:
1 green zucchini, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE:
½ garlic clove, minced
¾ cup (175 ml) full-fat yogurt
1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped dill
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat barbecue or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Dry salmon fillets thoroughly, coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill salmon on one side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it comes away from grill. Flip salmon once and grill on other side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it comes away from grill. Do not move salmon around while cooking.
- Serve salmon on top of Grilled Vegetables, with a squeeze lemon juice and drizzle of Garlic Yogurt Sauce over top. Garnish with dill. Serve with additional Garlic Yogurt Sauce.
- To make GRILLED VEGETABLES: Preheat barbecue or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Toss zucchini and asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill zucchini for about 3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Grill asparagus for 3 minutes, then turn over and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
- To make GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE: In a bowl, mix all ingredients together. Can refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Drink Pairings
LEMONGRASS BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 lb (500 g) extra-lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
2 limes, juiced
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar
1 small bunch mint, roughly chopped
4 stalks green onions, chopped
½ bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust amount according to taste)
3 heads baby gem lettuce, leaves separated and washed
2 limes, quartered
Instructions
- Heat a large sauté pan over mediumhigh heat. Add beef and spread it evenly over pan, brown it on one side. Stir beef and break it up into small pieces. Add garlic, shallot and lemongrass. Cook until all liquid has evaporated from pan. Drain off excess fat and put the pan back on the heat.
- Add lime juice, fish sauce and sugar, cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Add mint, green onions, cilantro and chilis. Make sure to wash hands thoroughly after handling chilis. Serve with lettuce leaves to make lettuce wraps. The lime wedges can be squeezed over each beef wrap to taste.
Drink Pairings
GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH SALSA VERDE AND CREAMY FETA SAUCE SERVED WITH CHOPPED SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 tbsp (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 sprig rosemary, leaves removed from stem and crushed
12 lamb loin chops
salt and pepper, to taste
8 pieces pita bread
SALSA VERDE:
1 bunch parsley, washed, picked from stems and finely chopped
¾ cup (175 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) capers
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
1 small fresh chili, chopped finely (optional, adjust to taste)
CREAMY FETA SAUCE:
½ cup (125 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup (125 ml) full-fat Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 pinch dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp (5 ml) chives, finely chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
CHOPPED SALAD:
1 large tomato, cut into medium sized pieces
½ long English cucumber, cut into medium sized pieces
¼ red onion, chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat barbecue or grill pan to medium heat.
- Mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, garlic and rosemary together. Toss with lamb chops and let sit for 10 minutes. While lamb sits, prepare Chopped Salad, recipe follows.
- Season lamb chops with salt and pepper then grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and grill pita bread for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, just until light golden brown and soft. Drizzle bread with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil.
- Divide lamb chops on serving plates, drizzle with Salsa Verde on top. Serve with extra Salsa Verde, Creamy Feta Sauce, pita bread and Chopped Salad.
- To make SALSA VERDE: In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together. This sauce can be kept up to 1 week refrigerated and tastes better after sitting overnight. Prepare it in advance for a quick and easy meal.
- To make CREAMY FETA SAUCE: In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together. This sauce can be kept up to 3 days refrigerated. Prepare it in advance for a quick and easy meal.
- To make CHOPPED SALAD: In a salad bowl, mix all ingredients together, adjust seasoning and serve.
Drink Pairings
KOREAN SHRIMP BARBECUE BOWL
Ingredients
Serves 4
vegetable oil, for frying
1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic
1 tbsp (15 ml) grated ginger
3 tbsp (45 ml) tamari
3 tbsp (45 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1½ tbsp (22 ml) unseasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) clover honey
⅔ cups (150 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
¾ cup (175 ml) cold water, plus extra
1½ lbs (750 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (500 g) shiitake mushrooms, trimmed and thickly sliced
10 oz (310 g) fresh spinach
salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups (1 L) cooked brown jasmine rice
1½ cups (375 ml) fried chow mein noodles
1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
¾ cup (175 ml) shredded purple cabbage
2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cup (250 ml) mung bean sprouts
1 cup (250 ml) prepared kimchi
4 sunny side up fried eggs (optional)
toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat several inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed, large saucepan to 350 F (180 C) on a deep fat-frying thermometer.
- In a large bowl, mix together garlic, ginger, tamari, gochujang, rice vinegar, 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil and honey. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch and water until combined, a few lumps of flour can remain in batter. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Working in batches, fry shrimp in hot oil until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes. Drain on baking tray covered with paper towels. Once all shrimp are cooked, add to bowl with sauce and toss well.
- Warm remaining sesame oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, spinach and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted and mushrooms start to brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- To serve, divide warm cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with saucy fried shrimp and cooked spinach and mushrooms. Add chow mein noodles, carrots, cabbage, green onions, bean sprouts and kimichi. Top with a fried egg, if using, garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle bowls with any remaining spicy shrimp sauce, if desired.
Drink Pairings
HONEY CHIPOTLE CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
Ingredients
Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) finely chopped, chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
4 tbsp (60 ml) clover honey, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
4 tbsp (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro leaves, divided
1 shallot, finely diced
2 tsp (10 ml) minced garlic
½ tsp (2 ml) pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1 tsp (5 ml) salt, plus extra for seasoning
1 lb (500 ml) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup (125 ml) tri-coloured quinoa
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
½ tsp (2 ml) finely grated lime zest
¾ cup (175 ml) fresh or frozen corn
1 cup (250 ml) cooked black beans
6 cups (1.5 L) mixed baby spring greens
12 multi-coloured cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, chopped
1 orange pepper, julienned
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chipotle chilies, 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey, mustard, 2 tbsp (30 ml) cilantro, shallot, garlic, pepper and salt. Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and add chipotle mixture. Turn chicken to coat evenly with marinade before placing in refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine quinoa and stock, bring to a boil before reducing heat to low, covering and let simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in lime zest and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Heat a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place in hot skillet. Cover and cook, turning once or twice, until each side is a deep golden brown and chicken is cooked through, about 8 to 12 minutes total. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into ½-in (1.25 cm) strips.
- Wipe out skillet and place back over high heat. Add corn and sauté until starting to caramelize, about 4 minutes. Stir in black beans and cook, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat and stir in remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) cilantro.
- When ready to serve, divide salad greens between serving bowls. Top with chicken, quinoa, black bean mixture, tomatoes, avocado, peppers and green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey, lime juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Drizzle over top of each bowl just before serving. Serve with lime wedges to add an extra squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Drink Pairings
SALMON POKE BOWL
Ingredients
Serves 4
3 tbsp (45 ml) low sodium soy sauce
½ tsp (2 ml) finely grated ginger
3 tbsp (45 ml) unseasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) mirin
2 tsp (10 ml) lime juice
1 tsp (5 ml) sriracha or sambal olek
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
2 green onions, white and light green part thinly sliced
2 tsp (10 ml) toasted white and/or black sesame seeds
8 oz (250 g) green tea soba n
1 lb (500 g) raw, sushi grade salmon (sockeye, spring or coho), cut into ¾-in (2 cm) dice
1 cup (250 ml) edamame beans, cooked
sea salt, to taste
1 avocado, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
1 large purple carrot, julienned
1 large yellow beet, finely julienned
4 large radishes, sliced into thin rounds
finely shredded nori seaweed, for garnish
QUICK-PICKLED VEGETABLES:
2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) granulated sugar
1 pinch red pepper chili flakes (optional)
2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced into rounds
sea salt, to taste
2-in (5 cm) piece daikon radish, cut into quarters and very thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, vinegar, mirin, lime juice, sriracha, sesame oil, green onion and sesame seeds. Transfer half the sauce to another medium bowl and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook soba noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse well under cold water until chilled, about 2 minutes. Allow to drain a couple of minutes before placing into one of the bowls containing dressing. Toss to coat noodles in dressing and set aside.
- In remaining bowl containing other half of dressing, add salmon and edamame. Gently toss to coat in dressing. Season to taste with salt.
- Divide noodles among serving bowls. Top with salmon mixture, some avocado, Quick-Pickled Vegetables, carrot, beet and radishes. Garnish salmon with a sprinkling of shredded nori, if desired.
- To make QUICK-PICKLED VEGETABLES: In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar and red pepper chili flakes, if using, until sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
- Toss cucumbers and a good pinch of salt in a sieve over a large bowl. Gently massage cucumbers to expel excess liquid. Stir cucumbers and daikon into sugar mixture. Cover and chill until cold, at least 30 minutes. Taste pickled vegetables and season with more salt, if desired. Makes about 1 cup (250 ml).