Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? Make it so much more irresistible by smothering it with cheese and baking it. We’ve included the most delicious and simple sauce and baking the meatballs instead of frying cuts down on time and mess. Try pairing this recipe with Puglia Primitivo Luccarelli or Chianti Classico Ricasoli Brolio 2018
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
2 × 23 oz (660 ml) jars strained tomatoes
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
1 medium yellow onion, halved
4 tsp (20 ml) salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
1 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
1 egg
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
3 cloves garlic, grated
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
12 oz (340 g) mozzarella, grated, divided
1 handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring strained tomatoes, butter, onions, 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and a pinch of pepper to a boil. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt, ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, garlic and parsley. Mix well. If desired, cook a small amount of meatball mixture in a frying pan to taste seasoning, adjust if necessary.
  4. Using a medium-sized spoon, scoop and roll meat mixture into about 3 tbsp (45 ml) sized balls (makes about 25 meatballs). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer them to tomato sauce and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked all the way through and no longer pink inside.
  6. While meatballs are cooking, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
  7. Toss spaghetti with three-quarters of sauce (no meatballs) and half of the mozzarella. Place in a 10-in (25 cm) cast iron skillet or baking dish. Top with remaining sauce, all meatballs and remaining mozzarella.  
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil.
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Drink Pairings

Braised Lamb Shanks served with Polenta

Impress your guests with this hearty and filling dish that’s also quite easy to make! The shanks are simply braised until tender and can be made a few days in advance and warmed in the sauce when ready to serve. Cheesy polenta is the perfect comforting accompaniment. This recipe uses stone ground polenta for more texture and flavour, but you can use any polenta you can find. Try pairing this recipe with Carinena Reserva Monasterio de Las or Shiraz Pirramimma McLaren Vale 2019
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
6 lamb shanks
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion, sliced
2 medium carrots, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
¼ cup (60 ml) tomato paste
1 cup (250 ml) red wine
3 cups (750 ml) beef stock
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
GREMOLATA
1 bunch fresh parsley, leaves only, roughly chopped
1 lemon, zest and juice
3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 capers, minced
1 chili, finely chopped (optional)
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
POLENTA
4 cups (1 L) water 
1 cup (250 ml) milk
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
1½ cups (375 ml) stone-ground polenta
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter

Instructions

  1. To prepare Lamb, preheat oven to 300 F (150 C). In a large Dutch oven or frying pan over medium-high heat, heat oil until it shimmers.
  2. Season lamb with salt and pepper. In batches, sear lamb until golden brown on all sides. Remove lamb from pan and set aside.
  3. Turn heat to low and add onions and carrots. Sweat until onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue cooking until tomato paste has slightly caramelized, 5 to 8 minutes. Deglaze with wine.
  4. Return lamb shanks to Dutch oven, if using (if you used a frying pan, follow method in next step instead). Add stock and enough water to cover lamb. Add bay leaf, rosemary and thyme and bring to a boil. Cover with lid and place in oven. Cook for 2 hours, or until lamb is tender.
  5. If you used a frying pan, put seared lamb shanks in an ovenproof casserole large enough to fit all shanks. Add stock to frying pan with tomato and vegetable mixture, bring to a boil over high heat, then pour over lamb. Add water to cover. Add bay leaf, rosemary and thyme, cover with foil and cook in oven for 2 hours, or until lamb is tender.
  6. While lamb is cooking, make Gremolata. In a small bowl, mix parsley, lemon zest and juice, anchovies, garlic, capers, chili (if desired), red wine vinegar and olive oil. Check seasoning and adjust. Cover and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  7. Once lamb is cooked, remove it from cooking liquid and keep warm in oven covered with foil. Remove and discard carrots and herbs. Let liquid sit for 10 minutes, then remove excess fat that floats to top. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and reduce, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a sauce consistency, about 10 minutes.
  8. To make Polenta, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water, milk and salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, stirring constantly. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is like a soft porridge. If it is too thick, add more water until it reaches desired consistency. Add Parmesan and butter and stir to combine. Check and adjust seasoning.
  9. To serve, divide polenta evenly between 6 bowls. Top each bowl with a lamb shank and sauce and garnish with gremolata.
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Drink Pairings

Nduja Puffs

Fluffy, flaky, tangy, and spicy best describe these Nduja Puffs as taste buds are smothered with pillowy puff pastry, zesty tomato and an unmistakeably Calabrian heat that is tempered with creamy cheese sweetness. These pastries can be made in advance and frozen. Simply bake and garnish before serving. Try pairing this recipe with Strange Fellows Brewing Talisman.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 15 puffs
21 oz (600 g) puff pastry, thawed
8 oz (225 g) 'nduja sausage, casing removed
1 cup (250 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll out puff pastry. Using a 3-in (7.5 cm) flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut 15 pastry flowers. Using a smaller 2½-in (6.25 cm) flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut 15 pastry flowers. Using a 1¼-in (3 cm) round cookie cutter, cut centre of smaller flowers to leave a hole in centre. Chill cut pastry flowers in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
  3. In a food processor, blend 'nduja, cream cheese, mayonnaise and sugar for 30 seconds. Spoon into a large piping bag and cut a hole, ½-in (1.25 cm) in diameter, at the tip. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and water until blended.
  5. Spread large pastry flowers 2-in (5 cm) apart on prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with egg wash. Place a small pastry flower over centre of each large one and brush lightly with egg wash. Pipe 'nduja mixture in cavity up to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) above level of small flower. Bake for 15 minutes, until pastry is golden brown. Cool slightly before serving, as filling will be very hot.
  6. Add a cherry tomato half in centre over 'nduja filling and garnish with basil leaves.
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Drink Pairings

Cheesy Cauli-Gratin

Creamy and savoury, this gratin will have even the pickiest eater begging for more! Serve it as a side, or as a main alongside your favourite salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up that rich delicious sauce. This recipe can be made in advance and re-heated before serving. Try pairing this recipe with a full-bodied chardonnay, such as the Freemark Abbey Chardonnay from the Napa Valley.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 as a side
1 large head cauliflower, cut into 2-in (5 cm) florets, washed and drained
½ cup (125 ml) butter, divided
⅓ cup (80 ml) all-purpose flour
2½ cups (625 ml) warm milk, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp (a pinch) cayenne pepper
2 cups (500 ml) Gruyère, divided
salt, to taste
⅓ cup (80 ml) bread crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Place cauliflower in a large heatproof, microwave‑safe bowl. Cover with a heatproof plate and cook in microwave on high for 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup (60 ml) butter over medium heat. Using a whisk, add flour and mix to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
  3. Carefully add 1 cup (250 ml) milk and stir vigorously to blend well. Add remaining 1½ cups (375 ml) milk and continue whisking until sauce is smooth.
  4. Stir in white pepper, nutmeg, cayenne and 1 cup (250 ml) Gruyère. Stir until smooth and cheese has melted. Remove from heat. Season with salt.
  5. Pour one-third of cheese sauce in a heatproof casserole dish. Spread cauliflower evenly over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over cauliflower. This can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before baking.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  7. In a small skillet, melt remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter over medium heat and add bread crumbs. Toast for 1 minute and remove from heat. Transfer to plate to cool.
  8. Spread remaining 1 cup (250 ml) Gruyère evenly over cauliflower. Top with toasted bread crumbs and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese on surface has melted and bread crumbs look golden brown. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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Drink Pairings

Fish Pie

Fish pie is a British pub classic! You won’t regret trying this dish, it’s creamy, rich, and oh so satisfying. We used salmon, halibut, and smoked salmon, but any combination of your favourite fish and seafood will work. Including something smoked adds another layer of flavour. Try it with prawns or scallops! Pair this recipe with Calliope Figure 8 White 2022 or Gray Monk Chardonnay Unwooded 2022
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
3 lbs (1.4 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut in half
6 oz (170 g) aged cheddar, grated, divided
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
3 tsp (15 ml) salt, divided, plus more for cooking potatoes
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tbsp (60 ml) butter, divided, plus more for greasing dish
½ medium onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) milk
1 lb (450 g) cod or halibut, bones removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
½ lb (225 g) salmon, bones removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
½ lb (225 g) hot-smoked salmon, broken into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (250 ml) frozen peas
1 tsp (5 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
2 tsp (10 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain, then mash with half of the cheddar, whipping cream, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) salt, pepper and 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, sweat onions and garlic in remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter. Add flour and mix well. Slowly whisk in milk and continue whisking until smooth. Add remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, turn heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce has thickened. Check and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
  3. Butter a 9 × 13-in (3.5 L) casserole dish. Cover bottom of casserole with a quarter of the béchamel. Place fish and peas in casserole and cover with remaining béchamel. Smooth it out and top with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar.
  4. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly and fish flakes easily. Garnish with chives and parsley.
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Drink Pairings

Spiced Rum Bundt Cake

A soft snacking cake full of autumn spices and a touch of rum that will remind you of gingerbread. Perfect with some whipped cream and dusting of icing sugar. Great for at home, on the counter, for all to enjoy
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cinnamon
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground ginger
¾ tsp (4 ml) ground cardamom
⅛ tsp (pinch) ground allspice
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
¾ cup (180 ml) water
¼ cup (60 ml) The Kraken Black Spiced Rum
½ cup (125 ml) light molasses
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¾ cup (180 ml) butter, room temperature
1 cup (250 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
whipped cream, to serve (optional)
icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Butter and flour a 12 cup (3 L) Bundt pan (10-in/25 cm), and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 360 F (180 C).
  3. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice and nutmeg. Set aside. In another small bowl, mix water, rum, molasses and vanilla extract.
  4. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter on high until smooth and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and mix until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed.
  5. With mixer on medium, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down bowl as needed. Mix another 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.
  6. Turn mixer to low and mix in dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with liquid ingredients and mixing after each addition just until incorporated. You will start and end with dry ingredients. Do not overmix. Scrape down bowl as needed.
  7. Transfer batter to prepared Bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, rotating pan halfway through. Test if cake is done by inserting a wooden skewer. It will come out clean or with only a few crumbs once cake is cooked. If cake requires more time, bake in 10-minute increments.
  8. Once cake is done, cool at room temperature on a wire rack. Turn out onto a platter to serve. Dust with icing sugar, if using, and serve on its own or with whipped cream.
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Drink Pairings

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This twist on a classic uses Luxardo Maraschino instead of the classic maraschino cherries. The cake itself is nice and soft from the addition of sour cream, full fat Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8
½ cup + 6 tbsp (215 ml) butter, divided, plus more for buttering pan
1 cup (250 ml) golden sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) Luxardo Maraschino Originale, divided
½ × 1 medium sized pineapple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1½ cup (375 ml) cake and pastry flour
1¼ tsp (6 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream, room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) milk, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¾ cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 360 F (180 C). Butter sides of a 9-in (23 cm) round cake pan.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (125 ml) butter with golden sugar and 2 tbsp (30 ml) Luxardo Maraschino, and cook until sugar has dissolved. Pour butter and sugar mixture into bottom of cake pan and spread evenly. Arrange pineapple slices on bottom of pan and put in refrigerator to set.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt, and set aside. In a separate medium bowl, mix remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) Luxardo Maraschino, sour cream, milk and vanilla extract, and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, with a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat remaining 6 tbsp (90 ml) butter on high until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. With mixer on medium, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down bowl periodically. Mix until fully combined.
  6. Turn mixer to low and mix in dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with liquid ingredients and mixing after each addition just until incorporated. You will start and end with dry ingredients. Do not overmix. Scrape down bowl as needed.
  7. Remove cake pan from refrigerator and pour cake batter into it. Smooth out with a spatula.
  8. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in centre comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. Cool cake at room temperature until no longer warm. Run a knife around edge of cake. Place a flat serving platter or plate on top of cake pan and, in one quick motion, flip it upside down and remove pan.
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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 Instructions

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. While cake is baking, in a large bowl, mix remaining 2 eggs, pumpkin pie filling and whipping cream until combined.
  5. 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.
  6. Let cool completely, then remove from pan. Slice and serve with whipped cream and candied pecans.
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Drink Pairings

Chocolate Rye Cake

This double rye cake has rye flour and rye whiskey. It’s rich and dense, the rye flour and whiskey add a depth of flavour you won’t find in a regular chocolate cake
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
4 large eggs, room temperature
3½ cups (860 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter, plus extra for buttering pan
1½ cups (375 ml) Dutch process cocoa powder, plus extra, for dusting (optional)
2½ cups (625 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) rye flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
2 tbsp (30 ml) rye whiskey
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
whipped cream, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Butter and flour a 13 × 4 × 4-in (33 × 10 × 10 cm) Pullman loaf pan, set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix eggs, sugar, vegetable oil and butter on high. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, rye flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another medium bowl, whisk whipping cream, milk, rye whiskey and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  4. Add half dry ingredients to egg and oil ingredients and mix on low just until combined. Add half wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Repeat with remaining dry and wet ingredients.
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool to room temperature before removing from pan. Dust with cocoa powder, if using. Serve with whipped cream.
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Drink Pairings

Savoury Pull-Apart Bread

The exact origins on monkey bread are unclear. It is believed to be named as such based on the way it is eaten, people using their hands to pull apart pieces like the way a monkey would eat. It’s more commonly created using brown sugar and cinnamon. Here is a fun take on a savoury version! Great for an entertaining appy!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8
5 tbsp (75 ml) butter, divided
3 × 12 oz (340 g) tubes biscuit dough
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh or dried curly parsley
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cooked bacon
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh jalapeño
¼ cup (60 ml) shredded cheddar
½ cup (125 ml) ranch dip, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
  2. Grease a 9 or 10-in (23 or 25 cm) Bundt pan with 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter.
  3. Remove biscuit dough from packaging. Place on a cutting board and cut each tube into 1-in (2.5 cm) rounds. There should be 5 rounds per tube. Form each round into a ball using your hands.
  4. In a heatproof bowl, place remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter, garlic and parsley. Microwave on high for 30 seconds or until butter has melted. In another bowl, place bacon, jalapeño and cheddar.
  5. Roll half the dough balls in bacon mixture. Roll other half in butter mixture to coat. Place dough balls in Bundt pan, alternating flavours until they are all in pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove from oven and allow to rest 10 minutes. Serve with ranch dip.
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Drink Pairings

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