Salmon Crisps

Delicate and decadent, these impressive Salmon Crisp appetizers are unique little works of art, yet deceivingly easy to make, and oh-so-delicious! Capers offer a staccato of tangy flavours to a creamy dip that balances smoked salmon rosettes in crisp phyllo cups. Serve them at any elegant event, and watch your guests come back for more Try pairing this recipe with Quails Gate Rose.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12 crisps
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 sheets phyllo pastry (about 12 × 16‑in/30 × 40 cm each), thawed
1 × 5.2 oz (150 g) package Boursin cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
¼ cup (60 ml) finely chopped shallots
3 tbsp (45 ml) capers, drained, finely chopped
7 oz (200 g) thinly sliced smoked salmon
fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Using a pastry brush, lightly grease 12 mini muffin cups with oil.
  2. Stack both phyllo sheets together. Using a sharp knife, cut into about 4-in (10 cm) squares, yielding 12 squares per sheet and 24 in total. Gently press 1 phyllo square into each muffin cup. It will naturally crease as it shapes into cup. Brush only the pastry inside of cup with oil, not the part standing over sides. Lightly press another phyllo square into cup and brush similarly with oil, pushing pastry into bottom and sides of muffin cup. Repeat with remaining 11 cups.
  3. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until pastry turns light gold. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in pan. Gently remove each pastry cup and cool completely on a rack. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to use. Can be made up to a day in advance.
  4. In a small bowl, mix Boursin and sour cream until fully incorporated. Mix in shallots and capers. Spoon into a piping bag and cut a small hole, about ½-in (1.25 cm) in diameter, at the tip.
  5. Pipe cheese mixture equally into each phyllo cup. Roll smoked salmon slices into rosettes or fold loosely over cheese filling. Garnish with dill and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Green Olive & Smoked Almond Biscotti

This savoury take on a biscotti is just as at home on a cheese plate as it is next to a glass of wine. With their satisfying crunch, biscotti is an excellent canvas for spices, nuts and strong flavours. Feel free to customize the add in to create your own savoury biscotti creation. Try pairing this recipe with Friuli Pinot Grigio Ruffino Aqua Di.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 30 biscotti
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
1 cup (250 ml) pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano), sliced in half
½ cup (125 ml) smoked almonds
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 large eggs
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) whole milk, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Line an 8-in (20 cm) square cake pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, olives, almonds, salt, thyme and Parmesan and mix with a wooden spoon. Make a well in centre of mixture, add eggs and milk into well and mix well to combine. If there is lots of flour left in bottom of bowl, add an extra 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk and combine to make a stiff dough.
  3. Press mixture evenly into base of prepared pan. Bake until puffed and just starting to brown around edges, about 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside until cool enough to handle, about another 10 minutes.
  4. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment.
  5. Using a sharp knife, slice cooled cake into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake again until crisp and lightly golden, about another 20 minutes. Transfer biscotti to racks to cool completely before serving. Can be stored, fully cooled, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Drink Pairings

Ornamental Cheese

For this cheery and delicious Ornamental Cheese appetizer, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. It's a great recipe for those who want to prepare a bunch ahead of time and freeze them for your next festive function. Simply unwrap and thaw before serving with crackers. A festive crowd favourite for your next holiday soirée. Try pairing this recipe with Veuve Du Vernay Brut.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 cheese ornaments
1 cup (250 ml) goat’s cheese
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) sun-dried tomato pesto
⅓ cup (80 ml) diced pitted Castelvetrano olives
sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme, to decorate
crackers, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, blend goat’s cheese and cream cheese. Spoon into a large piping bag with about a 1-in (2.5 cm) hole at tip. Set aside.
  2. Lightly grease six 2½-in (6.25 cm) silicone domes. Place a 12-in (30 cm) length of plastic wrap over each dome and press into its sides, leaving remaining hanging over.
  3. Pipe cheese mixture about a third of the way up each dome and smooth surface with the back of a spoon.
  4. Spread 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) pesto on top of cheese in each dome and smooth with the back of a spoon.
  5. Pipe cheese over pesto to fill each dome, leaving ¼-in (0.6 cm) space on top.
  6. Top 3 domes with diced olives, using a third of the olives for each, and gently press surface. Fold overhanging plastic wrap to cover each dome and freeze for 2 hours.
  7. Unwrap surface of all cheese domes. Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture on top of domes without olives. Remove these domes from silicone moulds and discard plastic wrap. Place these domes face down on top of olive surface on other cheese domes, to form 3 globes. Gather plastic wrap lining each bottom dome to cover entire globe. Gently remove from silicone moulds and press domes together. Twist and secure plastic on top and place each globe back into a silicone mould.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  9. Unwrap each globe and decorate with herbs, as desired. Serve with crackers.
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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

Beer & Chili Cheese Dip

Game day is a great occasion to enjoy some delicious beer and cheese dip! Here’s a simple recipe to help you make a tasty beer and cheese dip for your festivities as the games kick off.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable or grapeseed oil
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tbsp (15 ml) taco seasoning, or to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) milk, plus more if needed
1 cup (250 ml) lager beer
2 cups (500 ml) shredded cheddar
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
½ jalapeño, sliced
1 bag tortilla chips, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground beef and gently break apart using a wooden spoon to create mince. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes and add taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a 9-in (23 cm) cast iron skillet, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Add milk and beer and cook a few minutes until thick. Add cheddar and whisk to combine. If mixture is too thick, add a small amount of milk to thin.
  3. Serve dip warm topped with ground beef mixture. Garnish with green onions, cilantro and jalapeño, and serve with tortilla chips.
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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

Pork & Shrimp Egg Rolls

Egg rolls, a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine, have a rich history. Originating from southern China, they were created during the Tang Dynasty. Initially known as “Spring Rolls” they featured thin wheat wrappers filled with vegetables and meats.  Now you can try to recreate these tasty snacks at home! Adjust ingredients per dietary needs.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves About 20
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable or grapeseed oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz (450 g) ground pork
3 cups (750 ml) shredded Napa cabbage
1 carrot, grated
1 × 10.5 oz (300 g) bag prawns, raw, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
1 egg
20 egg roll sheets
4 cups (1 L) vegetable or canola frying oil
DIPPING SAUCE
¼ cup (60 ml) sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
1 green onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ginger and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add pork and cook for 5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to gently break apart. Add cabbage and carrot. Sauté for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is cooked and softened.
  2. Add prawns, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and white pepper. Cook another 3 minutes until prawns are cooked. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk egg with 2 tbsp (30 ml) water.
  4. On a clean, dry surface, lay out a few egg roll sheets side by side. Place 2 tbsp (30 ml) of filling in centre of egg roll sheets to form a line. Using a pastry brush or your finger, brush egg mixture onto edges of egg roll sheets. Fold bottom point over filling towards top point. Fold both side points in towards centre. Roll bottom square to top point. Set aside and continue with remaining egg roll sheets and filling.
  5. In a large saucepan, heat oil to 350 F (175 C). Place a few spring rolls in oil at a time. Fry for 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer onto a clean piece of paper towel and allow to cool slightly. Repeat this step until all spring rolls are fried.
  6. To make Dipping Sauce, in a small bowl, mix sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha and sesame oil. Serve alongside spring rolls and garnish with green onions.
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Drink Pairings

Maple Mustard-Glazed Chicken Wings

Chicken wings, as we know them today, are believed to have originated in Buffalo, New York, hence the name “Buffalo wings.” Today, many different varieties exist. Here is a Canadian take on a classic with a sweet and savoury flavour combination to bust out the next time friends are over!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
15 to 20 chicken wings
1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
  2. In a small saucepan on medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup and vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. In a large zip-lock bag, add chicken wings. Add flour and cornstarch, then season with salt and pepper. Close bag and shake to coat.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place chicken wings evenly. Spray with a light layer of cooking oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and lightly crispy.
  5. Remove from oven and place in a large mixing bowl. Pour glaze over wings and toss to coat. Return wings to baking sheet and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.
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Drink Pairings

Side Stripe Shrimp Sushi Cups

These fun Side Stripe Sushi Cups will be a hit at your next gathering! Who can say no to Kewpie mayo dressed shrimp placed in mini nori cups! Great for impactful entertaining with major flavor! Serve this summer. Great for groups and fellow seafood lovers. 
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 16 sushi cups
1 cup (250 ml) sushi rice
4-in (10 cm) square piece kombu (optional)
2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) Kewpie mayonnaise, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) sambal oelek
2 tbsp (30 ml) sriracha, divided
1¼ tsp (6 ml) toasted sesame oil, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid clover honey
1 tsp + 1 tbsp (20 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice, divided
1 lb (450 g) frozen side stripe shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper chili flakes
4 sheets nori, each cut into 4 equal squares
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 green onion, cut into thin strips and placed in ice-cold water to curl

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing rice. Rinse rice with cold water in a large fine-mesh sieve until water runs clear, about 1 minute. Drain well and prepare rice according to package directions, adding kombu if desired.
  2. Just before rice is done, in a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, sugar and salt until sugar and salt have dissolved.
  3. Once rice is ready, discard kombu, transfer rice to a large bowl and drizzle with vinegar mixture. Using a rubber spatula, very gently fold rice using a slicing and lifting motion until vinegar mixture is evenly distributed among the rice. Cover mixing bowl with a damp tea towel so that it is touching rice, which will help prevent rice from drying out. Set bowl aside and let rice cool to room temperature. Once cooled, rice can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  4. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk ½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise, sambal oelek, 1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha, ¼ tsp (1 ml) sesame oil, honey and 1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  6. In another medium bowl, combine cleaned shrimp with remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha, 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice, soy sauce and chili flakes. Stir together until well combined and shrimp is evenly coated. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  7. Place 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) prepared sticky rice in centre of each nori square. With a wet spoon, spread rice flat across each nori square. Press each nori square into a cup of a mini muffin tin. Divide marinated shrimp equally over top of each rice cup. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until shrimp is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Turn on broiler to high and broil, keeping a close eye on cups, for 2 minutes, until lightly browned.
  8. Transfer warm cups to a serving platter and top with a drizzle of spicy mayonnaise, some diced avocado and a couple of green onion curls.
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Drink Pairings

BC Oysters Served with Topping Trio

BC Oysters three ways! Have fun on the half shell with creating classic and unique oyster topping options. Featuring tropical Pickled Pineapple and Chili Oil, classic Horseradish and Lemon Granita, and Nam Jim and Crispy Garlic for a Vietnamese flair.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
PICKLED PINEAPPLE & CHILI OIL
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh pineapple cut into
¼-in (0.6 cm) cubes
1 tbsp (15 ml) Champagne or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
½-in (1.25 cm) stick cinnamon
4 BC oysters, shucked
2 tsp (10 ml) chili oil
1 small serrano pepper, thinly sliced
HORSERADISH & LEMON GRANITA
3 tbsp (45 ml) prepared or fresh horseradish
3 tbsp (45 ml) sour cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
4 BC oysters, shucked
½ lemon, zest only
6 fresh chives, finely chopped
NAM JIM & CRISPY GARLIC
1 tbsp (15 ml) short-grain rice
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
4 tsp (20 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
½ small shallot, finely chopped
10 fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
4 BC oysters, shucked
1 tbsp (15 ml) fried garlic

Instructions

  1. PICKLED PINEAPPLE & CHILI OIL
  2. In a small container, mix pineapple, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cover and marinate in refrigerator overnight or up to 3 days.
  3. Top each oyster with 1 tbsp (15 ml) pineapple mixture and garnish with chili oil and 1 slice serrano pepper. Leftover pickled pineapple can be frozen for up to 1 month. Makes 4 oysters + extra pickled pineapple
  4. HORSERADISH & LEMON GRANITA
  5. In a small bowl, mix horseradish, sour cream, lemon juice, water and pepper. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover and freeze overnight.
  6. To serve, use a fork to scrape frozen mixture until it is all fluffy like shaved ice. Spoon 1 tbsp (15 ml) mixture over each oyster and garnish with lemon zest and chives. Leftover granita can be frozen for up to 1 month. Makes 4 oysters + extra granita
  7. NAM JIM & CRISPY GARLIC
  8. In a small frying pan over medium heat, toast rice until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool, then grind to a rough powder in a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
  9. In a small bowl, mix sugar, fish sauce, water, lime juice, shallots and cilantro. Pour 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) sauce on each oyster. Garnish with toasted rice powder and fried garlic.
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