Rice Paper Tiger Prawn Scoops

These visually stunning and equally delicious crispy scoops are easy to fold around a crunchy, Asian-inspired cabbage slaw and a plump, sweet prawn. Dressed with sriracha mayo and balsamic glaze, they deliver layers of texture and abundant flavour to delight anyone who bites into them. Enjoy these Rice Paper Tiger Prawn Scoops with Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé or Campari Negroni.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 16
3 tbsp (45 ml) rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) white pepper, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) mirin
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) salt, divided
4 tbsp (60 ml) mayonnaise, divided
2 cups (500 ml) thinly shredded cabbage
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
2 tbsp (30 ml) rice flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
16 jumbo tiger prawns, shelled and deveined
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil, divided
2 sheets rice paper (about 8-in/20 cm diameter), each cut into 8 segments
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) balsamic glaze, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large non-reactive bowl, combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper, mirin, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt and 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise. Stir until smooth. Add shredded cabbage and mix well. Set aside. Can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to use, up to 1 day.
  2. In a small bowl, mix remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise and sriracha. Transfer to a squeeze bottle.
  3. In a large bowl, mix rice flour, garlic powder, paprika and remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) white pepper and 1 tsp (5 ml) salt. Add prawns and toss to coat.
  4. In a wok over high heat, heat ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil to about 350 F (175 C). Fry 1 cut segment of rice paper at a time. It should puff up and fry immediately into a white crisp. Using 2 large metal forks, metal tongs or metal chopsticks, carefully transfer fried rice paper to a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat with remaining rice paper segments, monitoring heat to avoid burning.
  5. To same wok, add remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil and fry coated prawns for 1 to 1½ minutes, then flip and fry for another 1 to 1½ minutes. Transfer to a second plate lined with paper towel.
  6. Before serving, add about 2 tbsp (30 ml) cabbage slaw to middle of each rice paper scoop. Top each with a fried prawn, drizzle with prepared sriracha mayo and balsamic glaze and garnish with julienned green onions.
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Drink Pairings

Beet Blini with Butternut Squash Ribbons

These colourful cocktail bites bring together seasonal flavours in the most delightful way. Did you know that butternut squash is technically a fruit? Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the beet blini, creating a perfectly balanced bite. Enjoy this appetizer with Absolut Vodka.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
⅓ cup (80 ml) warm water (about 110 F/43 C)
½ tsp (2.5 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) active dry yeast
⅔ cup (160 ml) buckwheat flour or oat flour
⅔ cup (160 ml) all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
5 oz (150 ml) buttermilk, plus more if needed
7 oz (200 g) boiled beets, roughly chopped
1 large egg, separated, divided
2 tbsp + ¼ cup (90 ml) unsalted butter, divided
⅓ cup (80 ml) dried cranberries
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper chili flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ small butternut squash, peeled and seeded
2 green onions, trimmed
¼ cup (60 ml) packed fresh mint leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pecans, roughly chopped
kosher salt and finely ground black pepper, to taste
4 oz (110 g) goat’s cheese, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Start by making beet blini. In a small bowl, stir water, sugar and yeast. Let stand, allowing yeast to bloom, for 8 to 10 minutes. If mixture does not become foamy and frothy, yeast may be inactive and you will need to repeat this step with a new pack of yeast.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk flours and sea salt. Set aside.
  3. In a blender, blend buttermilk, beets and egg yolk until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Melt 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter and set aside.
  5. Make a well in centre of dry ingredients and add bloomed yeast mixture, beet mixture and melted butter. Whisk until a smooth batter forms. Cover bowl with a tea towel and set aside for 1 hour. Once batter has rested, it should have consistency of pancake batter. Whisk in more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, if too thick.
  6. Meanwhile, make brown butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until milk solids separate and start to turn a deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately strain through a fine-mesh strainer, separating milk solids from remaining liquid fat (called clarified butter). Set both aside.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk egg white until soft peaks form. Gently fold into rested batter.
  8. Preheat a non-stick frying pan or cast iron frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) reserved clarified butter and swirl to coat bottom of pan. Working in batches, dollop rounded teaspoons of blini batter into pan, leaving at least 2-in (5 cm) between each blini. Cook until bubbles start to break surface of blini, 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another minute. Transfer blini to a plate and continue cooking remaining batter. Blini can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in freezer for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently warming for a few minutes in oven at 350 F (175 C).
  9. For butternut squash topping, start by making a dressing. In a medium bowl, combine dried cranberries and red wine vinegar and let macerate for 30 minutes. Add chili flakes, olive oil and reserved browned milk solids from brown butter. Whisk with a fork until well combined.
  10. Using a vegetable peeler, shave squash into very thin ribbons. Place in a large bowl and add green onions. Drizzle with cranberry brown butter dressing and toss gently to combine. Add mint and pecans, toss again and season with kosher salt and pepper.
  11. Plate blini on a serving platter and top with a smear of goat’s cheese and a tangle of butternut squash ribbons.
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Drink Pairings

Pretzel Focaccia with Maple Whisky Mustard

This craveable mash-up combines the airy, pillowy crumb of Italian focaccia with the rich, malty crust of a classic Bavarian pretzel—bringing together the best of both worlds. Ideal for dipping, drizzling or devouring warm from the pan. Use Sortilège Canadian Whisky and Maple Syrup to create this appetizer.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1 loaf / Makes about ½ cup (125 ml) Maple Whisky Mustard
550 g (about 4 ½ cups/1.1 L spooned) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) kosher salt
2 tsp (10 ml) granulated sugar
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) active dry yeast
2½ cups (625 ml) warm water
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking soda
⅓ cup (80 ml) boiling water
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter, melted, plus more for greasing
1 tbsp (15 ml) pretzel salt or flaked sea salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds (optional)
1 recipe Maple Whisky Mustard, to serve, recipe follows
MAPLE WHISKY MUSTARD
¼ cup (60 ml) grainy Dijon mustard
¼ cup (60 ml) Sortilege Canadian Whisky
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
⅛ tsp (pinch) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar and yeast and mix well. Add warm water, a few splashes at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until dough comes together. It should have a thick batter consistency. Continue mixing for a minute or two until no lumps remain. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C) and place rack at centre position.
  3. Grease a 9 × 13-in (23 × 32.5 cm) baking dish with butter, then pour in olive oil and spread oil over bottom and all sides of dish.
  4. Take dough from refrigerator and remove plastic wrap. Turn dough into greased baking dish. Using your hands, gently spread dough evenly to corners of dish.
  5. Place baking soda in a small bowl (use a bowl slightly larger than you think necessary, as mixture will fizz and bubble up a bit when you add water). Pour boiling water into bowl and stir to dissolve baking soda. Brush top of dough with about half the baking soda solution. Set remaining solution aside.
  6. Place dough in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on room temperature.
  7. When doubled in size, brush dough with remaining baking soda solution and transfer to oven. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from oven, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt and sesame seeds, if using. Return to oven, rotating pan from original position, and bake until top is deep brown and bottom is golden and crisp, another 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Let cool slightly, then remove from pan and transfer to rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve with Maple Whisky Mustard. Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  9. MAPLE WHISKY MUSTARD
  10. In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature and whisk before serving.
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Drink Pairings

Mushroom Lentil Chestnut Minced Pies

Fall is a favourite season among foragers because many of the tastiest mushrooms fruit this time of year. These savoury little pies make good use of the season’s wild mushrooms. Their delicious umami flavour will keep you going back for another bite. Serve this dish with Haywire Merlot or Black Sage Vineyard Carbernet Franc.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) raisins
1 cup (250 ml) boiling water
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
2 large leeks, white and light green parts, finely chopped
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme
2 lbs (900 g) mixed wild mushrooms, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
⅔ cup (160 ml) dry white wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) brandy
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
2 cups (500 ml) roughly chopped kale or collard greens
2 cups (500 ml) canned lentils, drained and rinsed
1 cup (250 ml) packaged peeled chestnuts, chopped
1 lb (450 g) puff pastry sheets
1 large egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Place four 6-in (15 cm) cast iron skillets on a rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine raisins and boiling water. Set aside for 15 minutes. Drain, discarding water, and roughly chop raisins. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm butter and oil. Add leeks and a pinch each salt and pepper and sauté, stirring often, until leeks have softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and continue to sauté for another minute. Add mushrooms and another pinch of salt and continue to sauté until mushrooms start to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and stir in wine, brandy, cumin and nutmeg. Cook, stirring often, until liquid has reduced and coats mushrooms, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add kale, lentils, chestnuts and reserved chopped raisins, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Cut four 7-in (18 cm) squares from puff pastry sheets.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk egg with water.
  6. Divide filling among cast iron skillets, then cover each with a puff pastry square. Cut a slit in pastry to allow steam to escape while baking. Crimp edges of pastry with a fork, then brush pastry all over with egg wash.
  7. Bake pies until crust is puffed and golden and filling is hot, 20 to 30 minutes. Let pies cool for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
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Drink Pairings

Cornbread with Spiced Honey-Rum Butter

Golden and rustic, this skillet cornbread emerges with crisp edges and a tender, buttery crumb. Slathered with a honey-rum butter that melts into every bite, this warm, sweet indulgence is perfect for cozy meals, weekend brunches or late-night snacking. For best results, use Goslings Black Seal Rum.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1 loaf; Makes about 1½ cups (375 ml) of Spiced Honey-Rum Butter
CORNBREAD
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) cornmeal
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
¾ cups (180 ml) shredded cheddar
2 tbsp (30 ml) baking powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt
1½ cups (375 ml) milk
1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
⅔ cup (160 ml) canola oil
⅓ cup (80 ml) butter, melted
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 green onion, green part only, thinly sliced, for garnish
1 recipe Spiced Honey-Rum Butter, to serve, recipe follows
SPICED HONEY-RUM BUTTER
¼ cup (60 ml) honey
3 tbsp (45 ml) Goslings Black Seal Rum (or any dark rum)
⅛ tsp (a pinch) pumpkin pie spice
1 cup (250 ml) butter, room temperature

Instructions

  1. CORNBREAD
  2. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Grease a 13-in (32.5 cm) cast iron skillet or a 10 × 12-in (25 × 30 cm) baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, cheddar, baking powder and salt and mix well.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine milk, buttermilk, oil, melted butter, honey and eggs and mix well. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well until no more dry flour is visible.
  5. Pour batter into greased pan and transfer to oven. Bake until a wooden skewer inserted in centre comes out clean and dry, about 1 hour.
  6. Let cool in skillet, then garnish with green onions, slice and serve with Spiced Honey- Rum Butter. Wrap leftover cornbread with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or in freezer for up to 3 months. Great reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of melted butter until golden and crispy.
  7. SPICED HONEY-RUM BUTTER
  8. In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, rum and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
  9. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, or in a bowl with a handheld mixer, beat butter on medium speed until fluffy. With mixer running, slowly pour in honey-rum mixture until incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.
  10. Serve at room temperature. Leftover butter can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Drink Pairings

Beer Bread with Charred Onion Butter

Boasting a tender crumb and toasty crust, this beer bread skips the fuss—no proofing, no kneading and on the table in just over an hour. Effortless comfort baking with flavour that goes above and beyond. Serve the Beer Bread appetizer with Cannery Naramata Nut Brown Ale.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1 loaf; Makes about 1½ cups (375 ml) of Spiced Honey-Rum Butter
350 g (about 3½ cups/860 ml spooned) all purpose flour
4 tsp (20 ml) baking powder
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt
1 x 12 oz (355 ml) Cannery Naramata Nut Brown Ale (or any dark, malty beer)
2 tbsp (30 ml) molasses or honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) rolled oats
1 tbsp (15 ml) shelled sunflower seeds
1 recipe Charred Onion Butter, to serve, make ahead, recipe follows
CHARRED ONION BUTTER
Makes about 2/3 cup (160 ml)
3 to 4 green onions
canola oil, for brushing
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
⅛ tsp (a pinch) flaked sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and set rack to centre position. Lightly grease a 4½ × 8½-in (1.5 L) loaf pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. Pour in beer and molasses and mix gently until no more dry flour is visible; take care not to overmix or bread may become dense. Transfer to prepared loaf pan and gently spread to edges. Brush top of dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with oats and sunflower seeds.
  3. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a pick inserted into centre of loaf comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes, then remove from loaf pan and cool on a rack.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature with Charred Onion Butter. Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 5 days or in freezer for up to 1 month.
  5. CHARRED ONION BUTTER
  6. Preheat barbecue grill to high.
  7. Lightly brush green onions with oil and place on grill.* When well charred, remove and let cool, then finely mince and place in a small mixing bowl. Add butter and Parmigiano- Reggiano and mash with back of a fork until well mixed, then fold in flaked sea salt.
  8. Serve at room temperature. Leftover butter can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring back to room temperature before serving.
  9. * For alternative cooking method, green onions can be charred in an oven under the broiler for a few minutes until soft and lightly blackened.
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Drink Pairings

Golden Beet & Apple Chutney

Bold and unexpected, this spiced, tangy chutney blends the earthy sweetness of golden beets with tart apples and plump raisins. We’ve paired it with Frisky, a creamy, ash-ripened goat’s cheese from Mt Lehman Cheese Co in Abbotsford, BC. Enjoy this appetizer alongside Paarl Heights Cape Red, Tilia Chardonnay, Nanit Orange Wine or Fern Walk New Zealand Rosé.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 750ml
⅓ cup (80 ml) golden raisins
⅓ cup (80 ml) Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
1 tsp (5 ml) mustard seeds
1 lb (450 g) golden beets, peeled and cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) dice
1 large apple, peeled, cored and cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) dice
1 cup (250 ml) apple cider vinegar
½ cup (125 ml) brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp (5 ml) minced fresh ginger
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
1 Thai (bird’s eye) chili, finely minced (optional)
⅛ tsp (a pinch) each salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine raisins, Fireball and mustard seeds. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until beets are just tender, about 20 minutes. Add raisin mixture and raise heat back to medium‑high. Cook, stirring often, until liquid is reduced to a few tablespoons and has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  3. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Pairs well with a ripened goat’s cheese, sharp aged cheddar or nutty Gouda.
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Drink Pairings

Fennel & Onion Marmalade

Fragrant and rich, this savory-sweet marmalade balances caramelized sweetness with subtle anise notes, all elevated by a botanical-forward gin. A great grazing board addition and standout pairing for Castle Blue from The Farm House Natural Cheeses in Agassiz, BC. Serve this dish with Paarl Heights Cape Red, Tilia Chardonnay, Nanit Orange Wine or Fern Walk New Zealand Rosé.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 430ml
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 large bulb fennel, core removed, thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
⅓ cup (80 ml) granulated sugar
4 tbsp (60 ml) london dry gin, divided
1 orange, zest and juice, zest cut into very thin strips, plus ¼ cup (60 ml) more fresh juice
1 lemon, zest and juice, zest cut into very thin strips
1 tsp (5 ml) juniper berries, coarsely crushed
1 fresh bay leaf or 2 dried bay leaves
½ cup (125 ml) brown sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm oil. Add fennel, onions and salt and sauté, stirring often, until softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Add granulated sugar, 3 tbsp (45 ml) gin, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, juniper berries and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring regularly, for about 45 minutes, until fennel is well softened.
  2. Increase temperature to medium-high and add brown sugar and rosemary. Cook, stirring often, until liquid is mostly reduced and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and stir in remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) gin.
  3. Let cool, then transfer to a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Try with a creamy, mild blue cheese and toasted walnuts crumbled in a Belgian endive leaf.
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Drink Pairings

Roasted Squash Hummus

Warm, velvety and smoky, this spiced dip is perfect for your autumn harvest boards. Pair it with a sharp, briny cheese like this organic, raw milk feta from Jerseyland Organics in Grand Forks, BC. Enjoy this Roasted Squash Hummus with Paarl Heights Cape Red, Tilia Chardonnay, Nanit Orange Wine or Fern Walk New Zealand Rosé.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 750ml
2½ cups (625 ml) squash (such as kabocha, sugar pumpkin or red kuri) cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) chunks
2 tbsp + ½ cup (155 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for garnish
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) harissa paste
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) cumin seeds
⅛ tsp (a pinch) ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp (a pinch) ground cloves
1 × 14 oz (398 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 lemon, juice only
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) ice-cold water
toasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish
red pepper chili flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, toss squash with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, harissa, salt, cumin, cinnamon and cloves. Spread onto lined baking sheet and transfer to oven. Roast until softened and nicely browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool slightly.
  3. Pour remaining ½ cup (125 ml) oil into bowl of a food processer, then add cooked squash, chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice. Blend on high until well mixed, then with processor still running, add ice-cold water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, until creamy and smooth.
  4. At this point, hummus can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and a pinch of chili flakes, if desired. Pairs well with a tangy feta.
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Drink Pairings

Miso Sake Braised Cabbage

Umami-rich and deeply caramelized, this tender braised cabbage starts with a hard sear, building smoky flavour and golden edges before simmering in a mixture of brown butter, miso and sake. This dish is equally at home over a bowl of steamed rice or next to a piece of grilled fish. Pair this recipe with Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof Old Vines Mosel Riesling or Hakutsuru Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo Sake.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 to 4
⅓ cup (80 ml) sake
¼ cup (60 ml) miso
¼ cup (60 ml) mirin
3 tbsp (45 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh ginger
⅛ tsp (a pinch) cayenne pepper (optional)
1 small shallot, finely diced
1 small red or green cabbage (5- to 6-in/12.5 to 15 cm across)
⅓ cup (80 ml) butter, room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) sliced green onions, for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
steamed rice or mashed potatoes, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine sake, miso, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger, cayenne pepper (if using) and shallots. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Remove first few layers of cabbage leaves and discard. Cut cabbage into 6 wedges from top to core, making sure to leave a bit of core intact so wedges hold together during cooking.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook butter, stirring, until it begins to get foamy. When brown specks begin to appear in bottom of pan and butter begins to smell nutty, add to sake-miso mixture and stir to incorporate.
  5. In same pan over medium-high heat, warm oil. Arrange cabbage wedges cut-side down in pan and sear until well browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press down gently on cabbage to make sure each piece is getting full contact with pan. When both sides are well browned, pour miso-butter mixture overtop, coating each piece of cabbage well, then pour in cream and transfer to oven.
  6. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, then flip cabbage wedges and spoon a bit of cooking liquid from pan overtop. Cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, basting with a bit more cooking liquid every 10 minutes. If sauce is looking over-reduced, add a splash of water. When finished, cabbage wedges should be lightly charred around edges and fork-tender in centre.
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Drink Pairings

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