Black Tahini, Miso & Kimchi Hummus
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
2 cups (500 ml) cooked chickpeas, plus extra for garnish
1 garlic clove, chopped
¼ cup (60 ml) black tahini
1 tbsp (15 ml) white miso
3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice, plus extra as needed
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
⅛ tsp (0.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) roughly chopped kimchi, for garnish
1 tsp (5 ml) white sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In bowl of a food processor or blender, combine chickpeas and garlic. Blend until roughly chopped, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
- Add tahini, miso, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed. If too thick, adjust consistency of hummus as needed with additional lemon juice, or water. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a generous drizzle of olive oil, kimchi, chickpeas and white sesame seeds. Serve with desired accompaniments.
Drink Pairings
Brown Butter Crepes with Caviar
Ingredients
Serves 8
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
2 large eggs
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) rye flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk, plus extra as needed
½ cup (125 ml) crème fraîche, for garnish
1 to 2 oz (30 to 60 g) caviar, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter starts to turn golden brown, about 4 to 8 minutes. Transfer browned butter to a heatproof bowl and set aside so it cools but still remains liquid, about 20 minutes.
- In a blender, combine eggs, flours, salt, whole milk and 2 tbsp (30 ml) browned butter and blend until thoroughly combined. Reserve extra browned butter for another use. Transfer crêpe batter to a bowl, cover and let rest in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Batter should be the consistency of heavy cream; if not, stir in more milk, 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) at a time until correct consistency is achieved.
- Heat a 7-in (18 cm) non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, ladle in enough batter to coat pan, tilt until even, then cook for about 1 minute. Crêpe is ready to flip when bubbles appear on surface and edges look dry. Flip with a spatula and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate and cover with a tea towel. Repeat with remaining batter. You should end up with about 16 crêpes. At this point, crêpes may be wrapped in parchment paper and then plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Let crêpes come to room temperature before serving.
- When ready to serve, fold crêpes as desired and top with a dollop of crème fraîche and caviar. Transfer to a platter and serve.
Drink Pairings
Albacore Tuna Tartare on Nori Chips
Ingredients
Serves 8
canola oil, for frying
6 sheets nori
1 cup (250 ml) water
6 tbsp (90 ml) cornstarch
kosher salt, to taste
½ lb (8 oz) sushi-grade albacore tuna, diced
½ cup (125 ml) finely diced cucumber
1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
½ tsp (2.5 ml) lemon zest
½ tsp (2.5 ml) sriracha (optional)
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped chives
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
microgreens, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour 1-in (2.5 cm) oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or enameled cast iron casserole. Using a frying thermometer, heat oil to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with paper towel and set aside.
- Using scissors, cut each nori sheet into roughly 3-in (8 cm) squares. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch. One at a time, dip nori pieces into cornstarch mixture (whisk occasionally if cornstarch starts to settle on bottom of bowl) and immediately transfer nori to hot oil, frying about 3 to 4 pieces at a time for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful, as oil may splatter. Take care not to fry too many sheets of nori at a time or they may stick together. Using tongs, flip nori and continue to fry until oil is still and no longer bubbling, about 10 more seconds. With tongs, carefully transfer nori chips to lined baking sheet. Season with salt immediately. Repeat with remaining nori, then set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together tuna, cucumber, mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, sriracha and chives until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- When ready to serve, top each nori chip with a spoonful of tuna tartare. Garnish with microgreens and place on a serving platter. Enjoy immediately.
Drink Pairings
Savoury Cheese Truffles
Ingredients
Serves 25
1 x 8 oz package (227 g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) crumbled feta cheese
2 green onions, trimmed and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1½ tsp (7 ml) finely chopped fresh dill
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
¼ tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika
⅛ tsp (0.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup (175 ml) black sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, with a handheld beater fitted with whisk attachments, beat together cream cheese and olive oil. Add feta, green onion, garlic, dill, oregano, smoked paprika and black pepper and stir together with a wooden spoon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Pour black sesame seeds onto a plate and shake until seeds are in an even layer. Scoop about 1-in (2.5 cm) rounds of cheese mixture into your hands and roll into a ball before placing onto seeds and rolling to coat. Place cheese truffles on a serving plate and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Scallops with Lemon Salsa Verde
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
½ lemon, rind removed, pulp cut into segments
3 capers, finely chopped
1 small anchovy fillet, mashed
1 tsp (5 ml) finely chopped shallot
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
12 medium scallops
kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- To make lemon salsa verde, in a bowl, mix together parsley, garlic, 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil, lemon segments, capers, anchovy, shallot and pepper, and set aside.
- Preheat barbecue to high. Toss scallops in salt and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Grill for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until cooked all the way through.
- Serve in a bowl or scallop shells, topped with lemon salsa verde.
Drink Pairings
Tuna Nduja
Ingredients
Serves 1⅔ cups (400 ml)
6 oz (170 g) fresh ahi tuna, roughly chopped
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp (15 ml) Calabrian Bomba chili paste, or 1 serrano chili, finely chopped, or to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
2 tsp (10 ml) smoked Spanish paprika
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or blender, and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Serve with bread or crackers. Best enjoyed within 1 day.
Drink Pairings
Prawn Escabeche
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
¾ cup (175 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 whole garlic cloves
1 small carrot, peeled, sliced
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
2 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
6 whole black peppercorns
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, plus extra for boiling
½ cup (125 ml) white wine vinegar
1 lb (454 g) raw medium-sized prawns, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine oil, garlic, carrot, shallot, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns and salt. Warm over medium-low heat until shallots are soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add vinegar. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
- Prepare an ice bath. Blanch prawns in a pot of salted boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fully cooked through and opaque. Remove prawns and shock in ice bath, then remove and drain on a paper towel.
- Place prawns in a non-reactive container and pour oil mixture over. Cover and marinate in refrigerator overnight. To serve, remove thyme, bay leaf and peppercorns from marinade and transfer prawns to a bowl. Top with marinating oil, garlic, carrot and shallot and serve with bread. Will keep for up to 3 days in refrigerator in a sealed container.
Drink Pairings
Gin-Cured Salmon
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 cup (250 ml) kosher salt
1 cup (250 ml) sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) crushed black peppercorns
6 dried juniper berries, crushed
1 lemon, zest only
1 lb (454 g) sashimi-grade sockeye salmon, thicker belly portion, skin on, scales off, bones removed
3 tbsp (45 ml) gin
6 sprigs fresh dill, chopped, to serve
Instructions
- To make curing mix, in a medium bowl, combine salt, sugar, peppercorns, juniper berries and lemon zest. Spread half of curing mix in centre of a plastic wrap-lined baking sheet; curing mix should be about the same size as fish.
- Rub fish with gin. Place fish, skin-side down, on curing mix and cover with remaining curing mix. Bring edges of plastic wrap up and over salmon and wrap tightly. Place another baking sheet on top of salmon and weigh it down with several large cans or a heavy saucepan. Refrigerate for 24 hours, flipping fish halfway through.
- Remove salmon from plastic wrap and rinse off all curing mix. Fish should have a firm texture and a darker colour throughout. Pat dry well with paper towel. Slice flesh from skin, to serve, and top with dill. Any extra salmon can be wrapped tightly and kept in refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.
Drink Pairings
Zucchini Fritters with Lemon & Herb Raita
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
Zucchini Fritters:
2 lbs (907 g) small, firm zucchinis, cut into ¼-in (0.5 cm) rounds
1 cup (250 ml) rice flour
1 cup (250 ml) chickpea flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) coarsely ground black pepper
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground turmeric
1½ tsp (7 ml) amchoor (optional)*
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
2 cups (500 ml) beer, preferably 33 Acres of Sunshine Blanche
⅓ cup (75 ml) very finely chopped cilantro leaves
1½ to 2 cups (375 to 500 ml) canola oil, for frying
Lemon & Herb Raita:
1½ cups (375 ml) full-fat yogurt
¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large garlic clove, finely grated
¼ cup (60 ml) very finely chopped cilantro leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) very finely chopped mint leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) very finely minced dill
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 pinch ground turmeric
fresh curry leaves, for garnish (optional)
Italian parsley, leaves and tender stems, for garnish
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with paper towel and lay out zucchini rounds in a single layer. Cover with more paper towel and press down gently to blot away excess moisture. Leave zucchini on paper towel while preparing batter and Lemon & Herb Raita.
- To make fritter batter, in a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, chickpea flour, baking soda, salt, pepper, turmeric, amchoor (if using) and cayenne. Slowly add beer and cilantro, whisking gently until smooth. Set aside.
- To make Lemon & Herb Raita, in a medium bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, mint and dill. Season to taste with salt, pepper and turmeric, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Line another baking sheet with paper towel. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add enough oil to reach a depth of ½-in (1.25 cm). Heat oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 370 F (188 C), or until a dollop of batter dropped into oil floats and sizzles immediately. Working in batches so as not to crowd pan, dip zucchini in batter to coat both sides. Fry zucchini in hot oil, turning, until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Remove to lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with remaining zucchini, adding more oil to pan as needed. Dip fresh curry leaves (if using) and parsley in batter to coat and fry until golden, about 20 seconds. Remove to lined baking sheet to drain.
- To serve, place Raita on a serving dish and surround with fritters. Garnish with curry leaves, if using, and parsley. Serve immediately.
- *Dried mango powder. Available at larger grocery stores or specialty markets.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Nectarine & Tomato Pizza
Ingredients
Serves 6
¾ cup (175 ml) warm water
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid honey
½ tbsp (7 ml) active dry yeast
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
¼ cup (60 ml) cornmeal
¾ tsp (4 ml) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
grapeseed oil, for greasing
3 medium tomatoes, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
3 medium nectarines, pitted and halved*
4 oz (125 g) fresh mozzarella, roughly torn
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together water, honey and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow yeast to bloom. If mixture does not become frothy, like the head on a beer, yeast may be inactive; if so, repeat step with a new pack. With a wooden spoon, stir in olive oil, then stir in flour, cornmeal and salt. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes. Use as much extra flour as needed to create a smooth, firm and lightly sticky dough.
- Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm spot to rise until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down dough, cover bowl and let rise again, another 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high, on 1 side only. Lightly oil grill with grapeseed oil.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover with a towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place tomatoes on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let stand for 15 minutes. If needed, pat dry with additional paper towel and set aside on a clean plate.
- Brush nectarines lightly with grapeseed oil. Grill over hot side of grill until tender and grill-marked, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning once. Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle. Slice each half into 4 wedges.
- Dust work surface with flour and roll or stretch dough into a 14 x 10-in (35 x 25 cm) rectangle. Brush 1 side lightly with grapeseed oil. Place dough, oiled side down, onto grill directly over heat. Brush top lightly with more grapeseed oil and cook until underside has browned and bubbles appear on top, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until other side has lightly browned, about 1 minute. Move dough to cooler side of grill and top with tomatoes, nectarines, cheese and half the basil. Cover grill and cook pizza until toppings are warm, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove pizza to a cutting board and garnish with remaining basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Let stand for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
- *Can substitute other stone fruit of choice if desired.