CARAMELIZED RED ONION TART
Ingredients
Serves 4 (makes 8 tarts)
2 large red onions cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) thick wedges
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 lb (500 g) mixed mushrooms, cut into large 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
salt and pepper, to taste
2 sheets frozen packaged puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
1 cup (250 ml) crumbled feta cheese
1 large egg mixed with 1 tbsp (15 ml) water, beaten together
thyme sprigs and sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Place onion wedges on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle and toss to coat with olive oil. Place into oven and bake for 10 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
- Melt butter in a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When it starts to sizzle, add mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and cayenne. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- ine 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Unfold thawed sheets of puff pastry, cut into 5-in (12 cm) squares and place evenly spaced on baking sheets. Fold each square ½-in (1.25 cm) inwards along edge, overlapping at corners, to form a border.
- Arrange onions and mushrooms on pastry squares, keeping filling within edges and top with crumbled feta. Brush edges of pastry with egg wash. Bake until pastry is golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and green onions.
Drink Pairings
ROOT VEGETABLE CHIPS SERVED WITH GREEN GODDESS DIP
Ingredients
Serves 4 as an appetizer
2 large beets, red or golden
2 medium yams
6 parsnips
4 carrots
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil
sea salt, to taste
GREEN GODDESS DIP:
2 cups (500 ml) fresh cilantro
½ cup (125 ml) fresh basil
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh chives, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) lemon zest
1 tbsp (15 ml) tahini
½ cup (125 ml) Greek-style yogurt
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Peel vegetables and remove skinny ends of parsnips and carrots. Cut wide ends on the bias. Using a mandoline or very sharp knife, slice vegetables into ⅛-in (0.25 cm) slices. Dry vegetable slices on paper towels for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper and brush olive oil over paper. Place vegetables in single layers on sheets. Bake on upper racks of oven for about 20 minutes, keeping an eye on them to make sure edges don’t burn. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sea salt, let cool and serve.
- To make GREEN GODDESS DIP: In a food processor, place cilantro, basil, chives and lemon zest and pulse until thoroughly chopped. Add tahini and process until smooth. Put mixture into a medium-sized bowl and gently stir in yogurt and salt and pepper. Refrigerate for ½ hour and serve. Makes ¾ cup (175 ml)
Drink Pairings
ROOT VEGETABLE AND CHARD TART
Ingredients
Serves 6
1 sheet puff pastry, to fit a 10 x 15-in (25 x 38 cm) rimmed baking sheet
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups (500 ml) Swiss chard, cleaned and chopped into ½-in (1.25 cm) pieces
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk ricotta cheese, well drained
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan
½ medium yam, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium beet, peeled and thinly sliced
2 small purple potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Pre-bake puff pastry on rimmed baking sheet until golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside, keep oven on.
- In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and add onions. Cook for several minutes or until soft. Add Swiss chard and cook for about 5 minutes, until leaves are wilted and stems have softened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Spread cheese mixture over puff pastry and bake for 5 minutes, then let cool.
- Meanwhile, arrange sliced root vegetables onto a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and cool slightly. Arrange sliced vegetables and chard on top of tart. Bake for another 10 minutes until lightly browned, remove from oven, cut into 6 pieces and serve.
Drink Pairings
CITRUS SAMBAL PRAWN TARTS
Ingredients
Serves about 20 tarts
1¼ cups (300 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 tbsp (15 ml) cold water
2 shallots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh ginger root
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced lemon grass
2 Thai red chilies, stems discarded, finely chopped, including seeds
½ tsp (2 ml) ground turmeric
2 tsp (10 ml) light brown sugar
3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste
2 tbsp (30 ml) tamarind concentrate
¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil
1 lb (500 g) medium prawns, shelled and deveined, tails intact
1 orange, peeled, cut into segments, each segment cut into 4 pieces
2 cups (500 ml) shredded romaine lettuce
3 oz (90 g) crumbled goat’s cheese, for garnish
3 tbsp (45 ml) cilantro leaves, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) roasted and chopped macadamia nuts, for garnish
Instructions
- For tarts, in a food processor, pulse together flour and butter until mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Add water and pulse until dough begins to form a ball, taking care not to over-mix. Turn mixture out onto a work surface and press dough together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Roll out chilled dough between 2 sheets of parchment or waxed paper to ⅛ -in (0.25 cm) thickness. Using a 2½-in (6 cm) round cookie cutter, cut 20 rounds of pastry and press into shallow tart pans or into wells of two muffin tins. Note that pastry will not come all the way up sides. Gather up and re-roll pastry, as needed, to make about 20 tart shells. Prick pastry shells with a fork, place on a baking tray and place in freezer for 15 minutes. Bake chilled tart shells until crisp and golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes in tart pans before removing and cooling completely on a wire rack. Tart shells may be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In a small bowl, stir together shallots, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, chilies, turmeric, sugar, tomato paste, tamarind concentrate, orange juice and salt until well combined.
- n a wok or large frying pan, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add shallot mixture and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add prawns and continue to stir-fry until just cooked and sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove wok from heat and stir in orange pieces.
- Just before serving, divide shredded lettuce among tart shells. Top each with a generous spoonful of Citrus Sambal Prawn, and garnish with a sprinkle of crumbled goat’s cheese, cilantro leaves and macadamia nuts. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy while shrimp are warm.
Drink Pairings
CANTALOUPE AND HAM PINTXOS
Ingredients
Serves 16 Pintxos
grape seed oil, to grease grill
½ cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) wide wedges
4 thick, square slices sourdough bread, toasted, crusts removed and quartered into squares
8 slices serrano ham or prosciutto, halved lengthwise
3 oz (90 g) blue cheese, cut into 16 pieces
extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly oil grill or grill pan with grape seed oil before preheating over high heat.
- Grill cantaloupe wedges until well marked, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks.
- To assemble, place squares of toasted sourdough on a serving platter. Top each with a piece of ham, a couple pieces of grilled cantaloupe and blue cheese. Use small skewers or toothpicks to secure in place. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of black pepper.
Drink Pairings
SCALLOPS WITH PEA PURÉE
Ingredients
Serves 4
SCALLOPS:
20 large scallops, heels removed
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) micro greens, for garnish
PEA PURÉE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
¼ cup (60 ml) minced shallots
4 cups (1 L) sweet green peas, fresh or frozen and thawed
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
BEURRE BLANC (OPTIONAL):
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) dry white vermouth or white wine
1 small shallot, minced
12 tbsp (180 ml) cold unsalted butter
salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To make SCALLOPS: Preheat oven to 200 F (100 C). Pat scallops dry with paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium- high, heat butter and olive oil. Working in batches, add scallops and sear until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes on 1 side and then 30 seconds on the other side. Transfer scallops to a platter and keep warm in the oven.
- To make PEA PURÉE: Melt butter in a frying pan. Sauté shallots in butter for a couple of minutes or until translucent. Add peas and cream, and simmer for about 3 minutes. Pour into a blender and purée until smooth. Press through a fine- meshed sieve for a smoother consistency. Return to saucepan and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
- To make BEURRE BLANC (if using): In a small, heavy, non-reactive saucepan over medium-low heat, combine lemon juice, vermouth and shallot. Bring to a low boil and cook until liquid is reduced to about 1 tsp (5 ml). Remove pan from heat and whisk in 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, then a second tablespoon (15 ml). Return pan to burner set over very low heat and whisk in remaining butter, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time. Remove from heat and whisk in salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, take 1 tbsp (15 ml) Pea Purée and drop a dollop on 1 side of serving plate. Then quickly smear it with the back of a spoon into the shape of a comma. Repeat in 4 more spots. Arrange a scallop on large end of each dollop, drizzle with Beurre Blanc (if using) and garnish with chopped chives and pea shoots. Repeat with remaining 3 serving plates. Garnish with micro greens and serve.
Drink Pairings
SIMPLE SOURDOUGH AND ROASTED BEETROOT HUMMUS
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
SOURDOUGH BREAD:
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose or bread flour, plus extra
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
2 tsp (10 ml) dried thyme
½ tsp (2 ml) active dry yeast
1½ cups (375 ml) water, at room temperature
BEETROOT HUMMUS:
6 medium-sized beets, trimmed
1 whole head garlic
1 red chili pepper, seeded and chopped
½ cup (125 ml) plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) pure maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) za’atar seasoning
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
GARNISHES FOR HUMMUS:
crumbled goat’s cheese
chopped green onion
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped walnuts, toasted
assorted vegetables for dipping
Instructions
- To make SOURDOUGH BREAD: In a very large bowl, combine flour, salt, thyme and yeast. Stir in water until blended. Mixture will be very sticky. Grease or spray a piece of plastic wrap with oil and place oil-side down over bowl. Set aside on kitchen counter to rest for 10 hours or overnight until it’s tripled in bulk.
- Lightly dust counter with some extra flour. Turn dough out onto floured surface and gently form into a ball. Dough will be quite loose and shaggy. Place dough in the centre of a smooth dish towel dusted generously with flour. Set aside to slightly rise for 1½ hours.
- An hour before baking bread, preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Using a 10-in (25 cm) round cast iron frying pan with a lid or Dutch oven, place in oven without lid to preheat for at least 40 minutes.
- When dough has rested for 1½ hours, gently tip into dry, preheated cast iron pan or Dutch oven. Lightly dust inside of lid with flour and place over top of dough in pan to tightly seal. Bake for 30 minutes, remove lid and bake for another 15 to 20 more minutes until crust is nice and golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove pan from oven and immediately transfer loaf to a wire rack to cool. Cut into thick slices or cubes.
- To make BEETROOT HUMMUS: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Place beets in a small roasting pan just large enough to hold them. Slice a thin layer from top of garlic to expose the cloves. Tuck in middle of the beets. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) water. Cover pan tightly. Bake for 1 hour or until beets are very tender
- Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle. Peel and dice beets. Place in a high-speed blender along with remaining ingredients except for goat’s cheese and green onions. Pulse contents to blend. Then whirl at high speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until mixture is very smooth and silky. Transfer to a covered container until ready to serve. Can be refrigerated for a couple of days.
- To make GARNISHES FOR HUMMUS: To serve, sprinkle hummus with goat’s cheese, walnuts and green onions. Serve with chunks of sourdough bread and assorted vegetables for dipping.
Drink Pairings
CHILI VERDE QUESO FUNDIDO
Ingredients
Serves 12
GARLIC BUTTER:
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE:
½ small yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
14 oz (398 ml) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
GARLIC KNOT DOUGH:
2 tsp (10 ml) active dry yeast
2 tbsp (30 ml) warm water
1 cup (250 ml) milk
2 eggs, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
3 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt, plus extra
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan
6 sprigs chives, chopped
Instructions
- To make GARLIC BUTTER: In a small saucepan, melt butter with garlic over medium heat. Remove from heat and keep warm until needed.
- To make ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE: In a small saucepan over medium heat, sweat onion in olive oil until soft and translucent. Add crushed red pepper flakes. Add tomatoes and simmer, covered, over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and purée in a blender until smooth. Serve with Garlic Knot as a dip.
- To make GARLIC KNOT DOUGH: In a medium-sized bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water until yeast is dissolved and bubbly. Add milk, 1 egg and melted butter. Whisk to blend.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt and sugar. Add wet ingredients to flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until it comes together. Lightly dust a board with flour. Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead for about 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic
- Place dough in a clean bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until doubled.
- Punch dough down and divide into 12 even-sized balls. Roll each dough ball into a rope and tie into a loose knot. Place knots onto a parchment covered sheet pan, at least 3-in (8 cm) apart. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Whisk remaining egg in a small bowl with whipping cream and a pinch of salt. Brush over dough knots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with Garlic Butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and chives. Serve with Roasted Tomato Sauce for dipping.
Drink Pairings
SPICY GRILLED HONEY AND LEMON CHICKEN WINGS
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper
3 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 lbs (1 kg) chicken wings
¾ cup (175 ml) liquid honey
2 lemons, zest and juice
¼ cup (60 ml) store-bought hot sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 whole green onions, diagonally sliced
Instructions
- Combine garlic, salt, pepper and oil in a large bowl. Whisk to blend. Add chicken wings and turn to evenly coat. Set aside to marinate while making sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon zest and juice, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to blend. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with shallow sides with foil or parchment paper. Spread wings out on baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 30 minutes, turning with tongs after 15 minutes for even baking.
- When wings are done, add to large bowl with sauce and toss together to evenly coat. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley and green onions.
Drink Pairings
PULLED CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN NACHOS
Ingredients
Serves 8
PICO DE GALLO:
4 ripe tomatoes, cored and finely diced
½ small yellow onion, finely minced
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro
½ lime, juice only
½ red or green jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
AVOCADO CREMA:
1 ripe Haas avocado
½ cup (125 ml) Mexican crema or sour cream
½ lime, juice only
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
PULLED CHICKEN:
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra if needed
10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large sweet onion, diced
4 large garlic cloves, smashed and minced
2 tsp (10 ml) brown sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) each ground cumin, ground coriander, oregano and smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
28 oz (796 ml) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, including juice
1 canned chipotle chili in adobe sauce, minced, about 1 tbsp (15 ml)
14 oz (398 ml) can red kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained
20 oz (600 g) bag unseasoned tortilla chips
1 ripe but firm Haas avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
1 cup (250 ml) grated Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- To make PICO DE GALLO: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Gently fold together. Set aside for flavours to blend. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).
- To make AVOCADO CREMA: Peel avocado and coarsely chop. Place in a blender along with Mexican crema and lime juice. Whirl to blend, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Continue processing until very smooth. Transfer to a squeeze tube and refrigerate. Makes ¾ cup (175 ml).
- To make PULLED CHICKEN: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Heat oil in a large heavy, oven-safe saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time being careful not to overcrowd. Sauté, uncovered, until golden. Remove to a separate dish and repeat until all the chicken is lightly golden.
- Add onion to pan and sauté until soft and clear. Add a splash more oil if needed. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Stir in sugar and spices. Deglaze pan with vinegar. Add tomatoes and chipotle chili and stir to mix. Return chicken to saucepan, tucking pieces into mixture in an even layer. Bring to a low simmer. Cover with lid and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from oven. Leave oven at 350 F (180 C). Using tongs, remove chicken thighs to a large bowl and let cool until you can handle with your fingers. Shred chicken with a fork and return to sauce in saucepan along with beans. Return to the stove and gently simmer to warm beans. Taste and add more seasonings as desired.
- Scatter ⅔ of the chips on a large baking tray layering with warm chicken and bean mixture and grated cheese. Add more chips and cheese. Bake tray in preheated oven until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with Pico de Gallo, sliced avocado and Avocado Crema.