Hard Cider Gravy

Gravy is a starring staple at Thanksgiving and, for many, crowns everything from slices of turkey to mashed potatoes to vegetables. This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to use. For best results, use Strongbow Original Dry Cider in this gravy.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) unsalted butter, divided
¾ cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 large Gala apple, cored and chopped
2 cups (500 ml) Strongbow Original Dry Cider
7 cups (1.75 L) homemade turkey stock or low-sodium chicken stock
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small frying pan over medium-high heat, melt ½ cup (125 ml) butter. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is golden and smells nutty, 2 to 4 minutes. This is called a roux. Transfer roux to a heatproof bowl and set aside. Roux will darken as it sits.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter. Add onions, garlic and apples, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, 18 to 20 minutes. Stir in cider, bring to a simmer and let cook until liquid volume has reduced by about half, about 4 minutes. Stir in stock, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain infused stock through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible before discarding solids.
  3. Return strained stock to saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add roux in 4 additions, whisking constantly after each addition and making sure roux is incorporated before adding next amount. Whisk gravy constantly until thick and smooth, about 5 minutes. Gravy should be consistency of heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer to a gravy boat or bowl and serve while warm. Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm gently over low heat before serving, whisking in a bit more cider or stock to thin if needed.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Beet Brownie & Cointreau Cheesecake Swirl Bars

Roasted beets add richness and a slight garnet colour to these over-the-top brownie bars. Once cooled and cut, these bars travel well and make ideal host gifts. These Beet Brownie and Cointreau Cheesecake Bars can be gifted alongside Five Farms Single Batch Irish Cream Liqueur or a bottle of Cointreau.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 16 bars
2 large beets (about 10 oz/280 g total)
4 oz (110 g) cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp + ½ cup (155 ml) granulated sugar, divided
5 large eggs, room temperature, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) Cointreau
1 orange, finely grated zest only
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter
8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ cup (125 ml) light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. Trim beets, then peel and pierce each with a fork several times. Wrap each in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast until fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  3. Meanwhile, make Cointreau cheesecake mixture. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar, 1 egg, Cointreau and orange zest. Stir with a fork until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  4. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F (175 C). Line a 9-in (23 cm) square baking pan with parchment and set aside.
  5. Roughly chop beets and weigh out 8 oz (225 g). Add to bowl of a food processor or blender and purée until smooth, scraping down sides of processor bowl or blender pitcher as needed. Transfer beet purée to a medium bowl.
  6. Place butter and chocolate in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula, cook mixture until melted and smooth, about 4 minutes. Stir chocolate mixture into beet purée until well combined.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
  8. In a large bowl, combine remaining 4 eggs, vanilla, brown sugar and remaining ½ cup (125 ml) sugar and whisk with a hand mixer until lighter in colour and aerated, about 2 minutes. With a rubber spatula, fold beet mixture into egg mixture until just combined. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan, reserving about ⅓ cup (80 ml), and smooth into an even layer. Top brownie batter with dollops of Cointreau cheesecake mixture and dollops of reserved brownie batter. Using tip of a knife, lightly mix and marble 2 batters together.
  9. Bake until a knife inserted into centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pan to a rack to cool to room temperature. Cut and serve. Bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Sweet Potato Cookies with RumChata Frosting

A twist on the pumpkin spice craze, here sweet potato adds an earthy sweetness to these lightly spiced, soft and cakey cookies. Topping them with decadent RumChata Frosting makes sure that no one will be able to resist a second cookie. Enjoy this cookie with Rumchata Cream Liqueur.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 30 cookies
SWEET POTATO COOKIES
1 large sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
⅛ tsp (a pinch) ground cloves
10 tbsp (150 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
RUMCHATA FROSTING
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (1 L) icing sugar, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt
⅓ cup (80 ml) RumChata Cream Liqueur

Instructions

  1. To make the cookies, bring a saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add sweet potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Use a fork to mash warm sweet potatoes until smooth, with few to no lumps. Set aside 1 cup (250 ml) mashed sweet potatoes and reserve rest for another use.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
  4. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until well combined. Stir in egg, then add reserved sweet potatoes and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
  5. Using a 1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2-in (5 cm) apart.
  6. Bake 1 tray at a time until cookies are puffed and set, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. 
  7. To make the RumChata Frosting, in a large bowl, combine butter, 2 cups (500 ml) icing sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and RumChata. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth. Add remaining 2 cups (500 ml) icing sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.
  8. Once cool, spread a dollop of RumChata Frosting on cookies. Serve right away or store in an airtight container in a single layer in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Halloweenies

Bring a bit of whimsy and fun to the party with these quick and easy sausage roll canapés. In a pinch, use store-bought grainy mustard and spike it with a splash of Dark Matter. Enjoy these Halloweenies with Hoyne Brewing Dark Matter beer.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8-10 people. Makes about 20 canapés.
HALLOWEENIES
1 lb (450 g) frozen puff pastry sheets
1 lb (450 g) sausages (maple breakfast or a thinner type such as merguez or sujuk)
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
edible eyes or sour cream and green peppercorns, for garnish
DARK MATTER HONEY MUSTARD
½ cup (125 ml) yellow mustard seeds
¼ cup (60 ml) black mustard seeds
¾ cup (180 ml) Hoyne Brewing Dark Matter, plus more as needed
2⅛ tsp (10 ml + a pinch) salt, divided
½ cup (125 ml) malt vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) granulated garlic
¼ cup (60 ml) liquid honey, plus more to taste

Instructions

  1. To make the Halloweenies, thaw puff pastry in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
  2. If using merguez or other longer sausage, cut into 3½-in (9 cm) long pieces.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, use a pizza cutter to cut puff pastry sheets into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) strips. Wrap each sausage with 2 or 3 strips of puff pastry, as needed, leaving a small gap near 1 end to place eyes in step 6. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C) and set rack to centre position.
  5. To make the honey mustard, In a small pan over medium heat, toast mustard seeds until warm and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and pour in Dark Matter to cover. Add a pinch of salt, stir well and add more beer to cover again. Seal jar and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
  6. The following day, in a food processor, combine soaked mustard seeds, vinegar, sugar, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and garlic and pulse to preferred consistency.
  7. To finish, combine mustard with honey, adding more honey to taste. Mustard can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 month.
  8. In a small mixing bowl, whisk egg yolk and milk. Remove wrapped sausages from refrigerator and brush tops with egg mixture. Transfer to oven. Bake until sausage reaches internal temperature of 165 F (74 F) and pastry is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
  9. Garnish each canapé with 2 edible eyes or 2 small dots of sour cream with green peppercorns set in centre of each. Serve with Dark Matter Honey Mustard.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Carrot Hazelnut Crumb Cake with Red Wine Poached Pears

This showstopping carrot cake is moreish and comforting, no icing required. While great on their own, the Red Wine Poached Pears add extra texture to this cake. Also, baking them right into the cake keeps the cake moist and fresh for up to 5 days, making this a great make-ahead dessert. Serve this cake with Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur or Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Noir.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 poached pears
⅔ cup + ¼ cup (220 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided 
1¼ cups (310 ml) granulated sugar, divided
1⅔ cups (410 ml) all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup (250 ml) shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cardamom
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) hazelnut flour
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
6 Red Wine Poached Pears, room temperature, make ahead, recipe follows
⅓ cup (80 ml) roughly chopped hazelnuts
RED WINE POACHED PEARS
2 cups (500 ml) water
2 cups (500 ml) Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Pinot Noir
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split in half and seeds scraped out
6 small firm Bosc pears or Forelle pears, peeled but not cored

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease base and sides of a 9-in (23 cm) springform pan and line with parchment. Set aside.
  2. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat ⅔ cup (160 ml) butter and 1 cup (250 ml) sugar at medium-high speed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until mixture is very pale and creamy, about 3 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk 1⅓ cups (330 ml) flour, shredded carrots, baking powder, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and salt until well combined.
  4. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) flour mixture to butter mixture and beat until combined. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each. Add remaining flour mixture, hazelnut flour, sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined. Spoon batter into prepared springform pan and smooth out into 1 even layer. Press pears into batter so they are arranged evenly and are standing upright.
  5. Make a quick hazelnut crumb by placing chopped hazelnuts and remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter, ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and ⅓ cup (80 ml) flour in a medium bowl. Using your hands, rub ingredients together until a coarse crumb forms. Sprinkle crumble over cake, in and around pears.
  6. Bake until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, 60 to 75 minutes. If crumble is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue to bake until cake is done. Cool cake in pan on a rack for 20 minutes, then remove springform collar and parchment (leave base on) and let cool to room temperature on rack.
  7. To serve, transfer cake to a cake plate or cutting board. Cut and serve. Serve reduced pear poaching liquid alongside to drizzle over cake, if desired.
  8. RED WINE POACHED PEARS
  9. In a small saucepan, stir water, wine, sugar and vanilla bean. Warm mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Bring mixture just to a simmer.
  10. Place pears in simmering sugar syrup. To keep pears submerged, place a piece of parchment over them so that it touches poaching liquid. Poaching time for pears will depend on their ripeness. To check pears for doneness, after 8 to 10 minutes, lift them gently from syrup with a slotted spoon and, using a small knife, poke flesh. Pears are done when knife meets little resistance. If not yet done, return pears to sugar syrup and check every 3 to 5 minutes. When cooked to desired doneness, transfer pears to a bowl or plate, trying to keep them standing upright (slicing off a bit of each pear’s bottom helps with this). Let cool completely to room temperature before using.
  11. If desired, to make a syrup, return poaching liquid to stovetop over high heat and boil until reduced by half and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Set aside until needed.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Beer Pretzel Stuffing

If you are looking to give your Thanksgiving stuffing a fun and simple twist (Get it? A twist!!), look no further than this pretzel stuffing. If you have the time, let the torn pretzel pieces sit out overnight to begin drying out. This will cut down on your oven drying time, or you may not need to oven-dry at all. If no fresh herbs are available, feel free to substitute dried; just use half the amount of fresh. If serving a large crowd, this recipe easily doubles to make a 9 × 13-in (23 × 33 cm) pan. Enjoy the Beer Pretzel Stuffing with Slackwater Brewing Idleback Amber Ale.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
8 soft pretzels or soft pretzel buns (about 12 cups/3 L once torn)
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
2 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
1 large stalk celery, finely diced
1 large carrot, finely diced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley leaves and tender stems
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
½ cup (125 ml) fresh cranberries
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 cup (250 ml) Slackwater Idleback Amber Ale
½ cup (125 ml) low-sodium chicken stock, plus more as needed
1 large egg
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated pecorino

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250 F (120 C).
  2. Slice or tear pretzels into bite-sized pieces. Arrange in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until dry like croutons, 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on pretzels. Remove pretzels from oven and place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  3. Increase oven temperature to 375 F (190 C).
  4. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Crumble in sausages and cook, stirring and breaking up chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in onions, celery and carrots and sauté until onions are translucent but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add sausage mixture to pretzel pieces along with parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, pepper and cranberries. Stir until mixture is well combined.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk mustard, beer, stock and egg. Pour over pretzel mixture and stir well to combine. Set pretzel mixture aside for 20 minutes to allow pretzels to absorb liquid. If pretzel pieces are still quite firm after sitting, add another ¼ cup (60 ml) stock and stir to mix in. Pretzel pieces should be hydrated but not falling apart.
  6. Butter an 8-in (20 cm) square casserole dish. Add pretzel mixture in an even layer. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, rotate casserole dish 180 degrees in oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 F (175 C). Bake until deep golden brown and crisp on top, about another 20 minutes. If stuffing seems dry, pour another ¼ cup (60 ml) stock overtop and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes. Let rest on a rack for 10 minutes, sprinkle with pecorino and serve.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Thai Pork Laab

Laab is a spicy, sweet, and tangy dish packed full of umami and bright herbs. It comes together so quickly. Think of it as a meat salad or a quick stir-fry. Try it in rolls with the cabbage and rice, or take bites of it between bites of rice and vegetables. Pair this dish with Our Story Sauvignon Blanc or Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc beer.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) raw jasmine rice
2 tsp (10 ml) red pepper chili flakes (or to taste)
1 lb (450 g) ground pork
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce, plus more if needed
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
1 to 2 Thai (bird’s eye) chilies, thinly sliced (or to taste)
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lime juice
1 small cucumber, sliced, to serve
1 small cabbage, cut into 4 to 6 wedges, to serve
cooked jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a small frying pan over medium-high heat, toast raw rice until golden brown. Transfer to a spice grinder or small food processor and grind into a powder. Set aside.
  2. In same frying pan over medium-high heat, toast chili flakes until golden brown. Set aside.
  3. In a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat, cook pork with water, stirring constantly to break it up. Cook until no pink remains, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off heat.
  4. Add green onions, shallots, lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, Thai chilies and toasted chili flakes. Stir to combine, then let cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Add mint, cilantro, lime juice and toasted rice powder. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve with cucumbers, cabbage and jasmine rice.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Firecracker Salmon Bowl

This salmon bowl packs a punch of flavour. We are all familiar with poke, but cooking salmon until just opaque offers a beautiful, rich, and comforting dish. Served over rice with a creamy dressing, avocados, and vegetables, it is sure to keep you satiated and satisfied. This bowl pairs wonderfully with Lago Vinho Verde Rosé and Twin Sails Dat Juice Citra Pale Ale.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
SPICY MAYO
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
1 tbsp (15 ml) Thai sweet chili sauce
GOMA-AE EDAMAME
¼ cup (60 ml) white sesame seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) maple syrup
1 cup (250 ml) frozen shelled edamame, thawed
FOR BOWL
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
2 fillets salmon or steelhead trout (about 1 lb/450 g in total), skin removed, cubed
2 cups (500 ml) cooked black rice or sushi rice (or both)
1 large carrot, spiralized
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make Spicy Mayo, in a small mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha and sweet chili sauce. Set aside.
  2. To make Goma-ae Edamame, in a small non-stick pan on medium-high heat, toast sesame seeds for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from heat, place into a small blender or clean coffee grinder and blend into a powder. Pour contents into a medium mixing bowl. Add soy sauce and maple syrup and mix to combine. If mixture is too thick, add water, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time, until desired consistency. Add edamame and stir to coat. Set aside.
  3. To make Bowl, in a small mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil. Add cubes of salmon and place in refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  5. Place marinated salmon cubes on lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.
  6. In 2 serving dishes, evenly divide rice, carrots and avocados. Add seasoned edamame and salmon and drizzle with spicy mayo. Garnish with cilantro, green onions and sesame seeds.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Beet Medley Bowl

Beets are delicious, but they also offer a long list of health benefits that are great to add to your diet. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and even help with blood sugar control. This dish combines a few preparations of red and yellow beets to really show off their versatility. Be sure to make some extra as they store well in the refrigerator and are a great addition to salads all week long. Pair this dish with Road 13 Honest John's Bright Rosé or Terranoble Pinot Noir.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
BEET HUMMUS
1 roasted red beet, chopped
1 cup (250 ml) canned chickpeas
(½ × 19 oz/540 ml can), drained and rinsed
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
½ lemon, juice only
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
salt and pepper, to taste
ROASTED CHICKPEAS
1 cup (250 ml) canned chickpeas
(½ × 19 oz/540 ml can), drained and rinsed
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
VINAIGRETTE
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) tahini
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika 1 clove garlic, minced
½ lemon, juice only
2 tbsp (30 ml) water, plus more if needed
salt and pepper, to taste
FOR BOWL
1 cup (250 ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
½ cup (125 ml) bread crumbs
1 × 5 oz (140 g) package goat’s cheese (about 1 cup/250 ml)
salt, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup (250 ml) sliced English or Persian cucumbers
2 green onions, sliced
1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
2 medium roasted yellow beets, sliced
2 cups (500 ml) cooked pearl couscous
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped roasted pistachios
warm pita bread, to serve

Instructions

  1. To make Beet Hummus, in a food processor, combine roasted beets, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin and cold water. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. To make Roasted Chickpeas, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  3. In a small bowl, mix chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, paprika and salt. Spread out on lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
  4. To make Vinaigrette, in a small mixing bowl, mix honey, Dijon, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and water. If it’s too thick, add more water, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time, until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  5. To make Bowl, in a medium pan on medium-high heat, heat oil.
  6. Place flour, beaten egg and bread crumbs in 3 separate dishes.
  7. Using your hands, gently roll about
  8. 2 tbsp (30 ml) goat’s cheese into a disc. Place into bowl of flour to coat, then into egg mixture and finally into bread crumbs, then place on a clean, dry cutting board. Repeat with each piece of goat’s cheese.
  9. Gently place coated cheese into hot oil, making sure not to crowd pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on a piece of paper towel. Season with salt and set aside while assembling bowl.
  10. In a large mixing bowl, place cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, romaine and roasted yellow beets. Dress with desired amount of vinaigrette and toss to coat.
  11. In 2 serving dishes, place even amounts of cooked couscous, salad mixture and fried goat’s cheese. Add a dollop of beet hummus and garnish with roasted chickpeas, parsley, dill and chopped pistachios. Serve alongside some warm pita bread.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Coconut Chicken Bowl with Cilantro Dressing

A coconut-crusted chicken bowl is a great way to spice up a classic dish. The coconut gives great texture while adding some natural sweetness to the dish. In combination with the crunch, tangy pickled vegetables this is sure to be a staple on your summer menu. Pair this bowl with 33 Acres of Sunshine Blanche or Petrichor Sauvignon Blanc.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
CILANTRO DRESSING
1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves and stems
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
1 lime, juice only
salt and pepper, to taste
PICKLED VEGETABLES
1 cup (250 ml) water
1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
2 cups (500 ml) shredded purple cabbage (about ¼ cabbage)
½ red onion, sliced
FOR BOWL
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups (500 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups (500 ml) cooked brown rice
4 cups (1 L) mixed greens
2 carrots, julienned
fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
lime wedges, for garnish
1 red chili, sliced, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. To make Cilantro Dressing, in a small blender, combine cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise and lime juice. Blend on high speed until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  2. To make Pickled Vegetables, in a small saucepan on medium-high heat, bring water, vinegar, sugar and salt to a boil.
  3. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine cabbage and red onions. Pour vinegar mixture over vegetables and mix to coat. Place in refrigerator and allow to pickle for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Pickled vegetables will keep in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  4. To make Bowl, preheat oven to 425 F (220 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  5. Place flour, beaten eggs and coconut in 3 separate shallow dishes.
  6. Place a sheet of parchment on a clean cutting board, and place chicken breasts on parchment. Place another sheet of parchment on top and, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently beat chicken until half as thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  7. Place a chicken breast into flour mixture and coat all sides. Then dip into egg mixture and finally into coconut. Place on lined baking sheet. Repeat until all chicken is coated and placed on baking sheet. Spray chicken with cooking spray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If chicken is cooked but hasn’t browned, place under oven broiler for 1 minute.
  8. Remove chicken from oven and allow to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces while preparing rest of bowl.
  9. In 2 serving dishes, place equal amounts of rice, greens and carrots. Place coconut chicken on top and add some pickled vegetables. Drizzle with cilantro dressing and garnish each with fresh cilantro leaves, a lime wedge and chilies, if desired.
Email Recipe
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Subscribe to Grain