
Baked Pears with Oat Walnut Crumble & Blue Cheese
This is the perfect finish to a meal for those who enjoy a sweet and savoury flavour combination. When picking pears for this recipe, look for ones that are firm when squeezed but have a subtle floral fragrance. They will be sweet and still hold their shape when roasted. Enjoy this dessert alongside Gehringer Brothers Minus 9 Ehrenfelser Icewine or Wild Goose Gewurztraminer.Ingredients
Serves 4
⅔ cup (160 ml) liquid clover honey
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter, divided
1 pinch fine sea salt
4 almost ripe Anjou or Bartlett pears
1 cup (250 ml) pear cider
1 cup (250 ml) rolled oats
1 tbsp (15 ml) light brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) walnut pieces
3 oz (85 g) your favourite blue cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, whipping cream and 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a hard simmer. Turn heat down to medium and let mixture simmer, stirring often, until reduced and thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer honey caramel to a bowl, stir in salt and set aside to cool at room temperature.
- Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Using a measuring spoon, scoop out seeds and core from each pear half, making a shallow hollow to hold filling. If pears will not sit flat on their rounded edge, cut a small slice off bottom to make flat. Arrange pears, skin-side down and in a single layer, in a 9 × 13‑in (23 × 32.5 cm) baking pan. Drizzle pear cider over pears, then transfer pan to oven. Roast pears until easily pierced with a paring knife but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.
- While pears bake, make crumble topping. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter. Add oats and sauté until darkened and crisp, about 3 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and walnut pieces and sauté until sugar has melted and walnuts are fragrant, about another 3 minutes. Transfer crumble to a sheet of parchment and set aside.
- To serve, transfer warm pears to serving plates. Drizzle with some honey caramel sauce and top with oat walnut crumble and a crumbling of blue cheese. Top with another drizzle of caramel, garnish with pomegranate arils and enjoy.
Drink Pairings

Cranberry Cheesecake Swirled Pumpkin Bars
Looking for a Friendsgiving dessert that is easy to share but still brings the wow factor? These plush, fudgy bars tick all the boxes. They are easy to transport with no fussy assembly or fragile crust, and their festive flavour makes them the perfect sweet finish after a big Thanksgiving meal. Serve this dessert with Lot No. 40 100% Rye Canadian Whisky or Forty Creek Butter Tart.Ingredients
Serves Makes 18 bars
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter
1 cup (250 ml) brown sugar
1⅓ cups (330 ml) granulated sugar, divided
⅔ cup (160 ml) pumpkin purée
1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
2 large eggs, divided
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
1 × 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (250 ml) canned cranberry sauce, stirred
¼ cup (60 ml) ginger wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line a 9 × 13‑in (23 × 32.5 cm) baking pan with parchment.
- In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and 1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until butter and sugars have combined into a homogeneous, glossy mixture, about 8 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, vanilla and 1 egg. Add butter-sugar mixture and stir to incorporate.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Add to pumpkin mixture and fold in with a rubber spatula just until no streaks of flour mixture remain. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine cream cheese with remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) granulated sugar and egg. Whisk with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- In another medium bowl, stir cranberry sauce and ginger wine. Set aside.
- Drop big spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of pumpkin batter, followed by large dollops of cranberry sauce mixture. Use a butter knife to make big, distinct swirls, taking care not to over-swirl batter.
- Transfer baking pan to oven and bake until edges are set and centre has puffed slightly but is still slightly gooey, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let cool completely on a rack before removing from baking pan and slicing into 18 bars. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Drink Pairings

Red Grape Frangipane Tart
This recipe is a cozy twist on a classic French dessert. Frangipane is a rich almond-flavoured filling that’s creamy and slightly sweet. In this version, frangipane is tucked inside a crisp, buttery tart crust and topped with juicy red grapes that caramelize slightly as they bake. The result is a beautiful, rustic tart that’s both elegant and comforting. If you are feeling fancy, a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream on top of a slice would not disappoint. The Tart can be paired with Macaloney’s Cath-Nah-Aven Single Malt Canadian Whisky or Frind Sparkling Brut.Ingredients
Serves 8
CRUST
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) icing sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt
½ cup + 1 tbsp (140 ml) very cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
FRANGIPANE FILLING
⅔ cup (160 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup (80 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) almond flour
9 oz (250 g) seedless red grapes, halved
2 tbsp (30 ml) sliced almonds
TOPPING
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid clover honey
¼ cup (60 ml) grappa
2 cups (500 ml) seedless red grapes on the vine, cut into small clusters
Instructions
- To make Crust, in bowl of a food processor fitted with steel blade attachment, pulse flour, icing sugar and salt. Scatter butter over dry ingredients and pulse 8 to 10 times until butter is coarsely cut in. Add whole egg and process in long pulses, about 10 seconds each, until dough comes together in large clumps. Turn out dough onto a clean work surface and very sparingly knead just to incorporate any dry ingredients that might have escaped mixing. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.
- With butter or cooking spray, lightly grease a 9-in (23 cm) fluted tart pan with a removable bottom.
- On a lightly floured sheet of parchment, roll out chilled dough into a 16-in (40 cm) round, lifting and turning dough occasionally to free from paper. Using paper as an aid, turn dough into prepared tart pan before peeling off paper. Press dough into corners and seal any cracks in dough. Trim overhang to ½-in (1.25 cm). Fold in overhang, making double-thick sides. Pierce crust all over with fork. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Coat shiny side of a piece of foil with butter or cooking spray, then place it, buttered-side down, tightly against frozen crust. Put tart pan on a baking sheet and bake crust for 20 minutes. Carefully remove foil. If crust has puffed, press it down gently with back of a spoon. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until firm but still pale.
- While crust finishes baking, whisk egg yolk in a small bowl and set aside.
- Once crust is baked, transfer tart pan to a rack, brush inside crust with a light coating of egg yolk and allow to cool at room temperature.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350 F (175 C).
- To make Frangipane Filling, in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon until pale and creamy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each. Remove bowl from machine. Add all-purpose and almond flours and incorporate with a wooden spoon. Spread filling evenly over base of crust. Top with halved grapes and sprinkle with almonds.
- Bake until filling is puffed and set, 40 to 45 minutes. Place on a rack to cool to room temperature.
- To make Topping, in a small saucepan, combine honey and grappa and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- To serve, artfully arrange grape clusters over tart and drizzle with some grappa honey. Slice into wedges and serve.
Drink Pairings

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
If fall had a flavour, it just might be this cake. Inspired by those warm cinnamon-sugar-coated apple cider doughnuts you find at farm markets while apple picking, this cake captures in a bite everything we love about a crisp autumn day. Pair this cake with Fitzpatrick Fitz Brut or Verve Cider.Ingredients
Serves 12
½ cup + ⅓ cup (205 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (250 ml) light brown sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt
5 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
⅓ cup (80 ml) applesauce
¾ cup (180 ml) hard apple cider
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
1 tbsp + 2 tsp (25 ml) ground cinnamon, divided
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cloves
3½ cups (860 ml) all-purpose flour
2½ tsp (12.5 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
2 large apples, peeled and diced
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Grease a 12-cup (3 L) Bundt cake pan with cooking spray or butter, then dust all over with flour to coat evenly. Tap out any excess flour. Set pan aside.
- In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream ½ cup (125 ml) butter, oil, brown sugar and salt until well combined and lightened in colour, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add vanilla, applesauce, cider, nutmeg, 1 tbsp (15 ml) cinnamon and cloves. Mix until well combined.
- Remove bowl from stand mixer and sift flour, baking powder and baking soda right over batter. Top with diced apples and use a spatula to fold everything together until just combined.
- Scoop batter into prepared Bundt cake pan and smooth top to even. Transfer pan to oven and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into centre comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk granulated sugar and remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once cake has baked, let rest on a rack for 10 minutes. Carefully turn out of pan and cool to room temperature.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) butter. Continue to cook, watching carefully and stirring constantly, until milk solids start to separate and turn golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Once cake is cool, set on a rack over a baking sheet. Brush all over with brown butter and then spoon on cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently into cake. Transfer to a serving platter. Slice and serve.
Drink Pairings

Strawberry Rye Galette with Elderflower Cream
This rustic yet elegant galette is a memorable ending to any outdoor meal. While little can beat a sun-ripened strawberry, feel free to incorporate or substitute any of summer’s dazzling array of fresh fruit in the filling. Peaches, nectarines, plums, blueberries or blackberries would all be divine. Just note that you may need to add a bit more flour to the filling if the fruit is particularly juicy. Enjoy this dessert alongside Jacob's Creek Moscato Rose or Fruli Strawberry Beer.Ingredients
Serves 8
1 cup + 2 tbsp (280 ml) all-purpose flour, divided
½ cup (125 ml) dark rye flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
|½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) cold unsalted butter
4 to 6 tbsp (60 to 90 ml) ice water
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
3½ cups (860 ml) sliced fresh strawberries
2 tbsp + 1 cup (280 ml) whipping cream, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) sliced almonds
2 tbsp (30 ml) turbinado sugar
⅓ cup (80 ml) icing sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
1 tbsp (15 ml) St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
edible flowers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To bowl of a food processor, add 1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour, rye flour, salt and cinnamon, and pulse to combine. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles wet sand with a few pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Drizzle in ice water and pulse just until dough starts to come together. Transfer dough to a clean work surface and gently pat into a disc, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour with granulated sugar and lemon zest until well combined. Add strawberries and gently toss in flour mixture until evenly combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 12-in (30 cm) round. Carefully transfer to lined baking sheet. Mound strawberry mixture in centre of dough, leaving a 2-in (5 cm) border. Fold edges over, overlapping slightly. Brush dough with 2 tbsp (30 ml) cream and sprinkle with almonds and turbinado sugar.
- Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven, set on a rack and let cool to room temperature on baking sheet.
- Just before serving, in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine remaining 1 cup (250 ml) cream, icing sugar, vanilla and elderflower liqueur. Whip at medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. You can also do this in a large bowl with a hand mixer or whisk.
- To serve, slice cooled galette and divide among serving plates. Top with a dollop of cream and garnish with edible flowers, if desired.
Drink Pairings

Surprise Cake
Get those cameras ready: this cake is a showstopper for any celebration! Easy, delicious and spilling with a surprise, this fun-to-make cake is a treat for you and your guests. Follow this recipe to make it once, then let your creativity lead the way to future variations using your favourite flavours. Consider pairing this cake with Veneto Moscato Oggi Frizzante or Baileys Birthday Cake.Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
4 × 8- to 9-in (20 to 23 cm) vanilla cakes made from boxed cake mix
4 × 16 oz (450 g) tubs store-bought vanilla frosting
2 cups (500 ml) mini Easter egg candies
candy sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Trim domes off cakes to create flat tops. Using a 3½-in (9 cm) round cookie cutter, cut centres out of 3 cakes to align with each other.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat vanilla frosting until smooth and fluffy. Transfer half to a large piping bag with a large round nozzle (such as Wilton 1A). Smear about 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla frosting around centre of cake platter.
- Place 1 cake layer with hole in centre of platter. Pipe concentric circles of frosting to cover surface, leaving centre open. Repeat this step with remaining 2 cake layers with holes cut in centre. Using a small offset spatula, line hollow in centre of cake with thin layer of frosting.
- Gently fill hollow in centre of cake with mini Easter egg candies. Reserve extra for decorating cake if desired. Place last cake layer (the one without hole cut in centre) on top.
- Pipe rings of frosting around side of cake, starting from bottom and moving upwards. Fill piping bag with remaining frosting as needed and continue piping rings around top of cake as well. Pipe frosting into any gaps. Using a metal spatula, smooth frosting on top and sides of cake.
- Decorate with sprinkles or reserved mini Easter egg candies, as desired.
Drink Pairings

Citrus Sponge
Incredibly simple yet thoroughly satisfying, every slice of this cake offers fresh citrus flavours with a silky, creamy mouthfeel that is lip-smackingly delicious! Make it for a midweek dinner treat or an elegant spring garden party—either way, indulge in the cake and the compliments it earns you! Pair with FRIND Winery Brut or Stellers Jay Blanc de Noir.Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
3 tbsp (45 ml) hot water
2 cups (500 ml) mascarpone
½ cup (125 ml) lemon curd
1 cup (250 ml) orange or other citrus marmalade
1 lemon, zest only
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 × 10-in (25 cm) store-bought sponge flan
fresh mint, whipped cream and candied citrus peel or segments, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small heatproof bowl, stir sugar and water until sugar melts. If needed to help melt sugar, heat in microwave for 10 seconds on high. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix mascarpone, lemon curd, marmalade, lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Place sponge flan on a serving plate. Using a pastry brush, brush sugar syrup evenly over surface of flan. Top with mascarpone mixture. Using a metal spatula, smooth surface.
- Garnish as desired with mint, whipped cream and candied citrus peel or segments.
Drink Pairings

Strawberry Crêpe Cake
Short on time but want to present a novel cake that is as gorgeous as it is delicious? This Strawberry Crêpe Cake is your answer. Delicate silky crêpes layered with a sweet strawberry and cream cheese filling make for a well-loved flavour combination. Perfect for a spring luncheon or shower party! Serve these crêpes alongside Bottega Moscato Petalo Il Vino Dell'amore or Fresita Sparkling Wine Infused With Strawberries.Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
2 cups (500 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups (500 ml) strawberry jam
1 tsp (5 ml) strawberry emulsion (optional; available at specialty grocery stores)
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
18 store-bought crêpes (about 8-in/20 cm diameter)
strawberries and whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, mix cream cheese, strawberry jam and strawberry emulsion, if using, until combined.
- In another bowl, using a hand mixer and clean beaters, whip whipping cream and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold a third of whipped cream into cream cheese mixture and mix to combine. Fold in remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain.
- Lightly grease bottom and sides of a 9-in (23 cm) springform pan. Line inside edge with parchment or acetate paper.
- Place 1 crêpe into springform pan. Using a metal offset spatula, spread a thin layer of cream cheese filling evenly on surface of crêpe. Top with another crêpe and spread another thin layer of filling on top. Continue layering in this way until all crêpes are used. Do not add filling over last crêpe. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, remove from springform pan and discard parchment or acetate. Transfer cake to serving platter. Garnish as desired with strawberries and whipped cream.
Drink Pairings

Lemon Posset
Lemon posset is a classic British dessert that could be considered one of the easiest desserts in the world. It’s also extremely delicious. Pair this dessert with Duchess Lemon Drop Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Mojito Cocktail.Ingredients
Serves 4
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
⅔ cup (160 ml) granulated sugar
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) lemon zest, plus more for garnish
6 tbsp (90 ml) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, sugar and lemon zest. Simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture reduces to exactly 2 cups (500 ml), 10 to 12 minutes. Use a measuring cup to ensure correct amount.
- Add lemon juice to cream mixture in measuring cup. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
- Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or measuring cup.
- Divide cream mixture evenly into 4 ramekins or cups. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 3 to 4 hours, until set. Can be served once set, or covered with plastic wrap (do not let wrap touch surface) and kept in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To serve, garnish with lemon zest.
Drink Pairings

White Chocolate & Blueberry Ganache Tart
This tart combines luxuriously smooth white chocolate with vibrant, first-of-the-season blueberries gently simmered with the herbal sweetness of Galliano Vanilla, all nestled in a golden, buttery crust. Pair this dessert with these BC VQA wines: Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling Icewine or See Ya Later Ranch Sparkling Brut.Ingredients
Serves 6 - 8
2 cups (500 ml) fresh blueberries, plus more for garnish
½ cup (125 ml) Galliano Liqueur
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tsp (10 ml) water
12 oz (340 g) white chocolate, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) chunks
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
1 × 10-in (25 cm) baked and cooled Pâte Sucrée Tart Shell, make ahead, recipe follows
fresh mint leaves, for garnish
edible flowers, for garnish
dollops of whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
PÂTE SUCRÉE TART SHELL | Makes 1 × 10-in (25 cm) tart shell
1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
¾ cup (180 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) vodka or gin
2½ cups (625 ml) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, Galliano and sugar and bring to a simmer. Mash gently with a potato masher or fork and cook until thickened to a heavy syrup consistency, about 20 minutes. Add lemon juice and cornstarch-water mixture, stir until thickened and remove from heat.
- Place white chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to a simmer, then pour over white chocolate. Let sit for about 3 minutes to soften chocolate slightly, then stir until smooth. Fold in blueberry mixture.
- Pour filling into baked and cooled tart shell, then transfer to refrigerator until set, at least 3 hours.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries, mint leaves, a few edible flowers and dollops of whipped cream, if using.
- PÂTE SUCRÉE TART SHELL | Makes 1 × 10-in (25 cm) tart shell
- Chill 2 cups (500 ml) baking beads or dry beans.
- In a small bowl, sift icing sugar and salt.
- In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine butter and sifted sugar mixture. Mix at low speed for about 2 minutes. Add egg and vodka, then raise mixer speed to medium and mix for another 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add flour and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, just until dry flour is no longer visible.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and bring together until just combined, then form into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Dough can be made up to 48 hours ahead.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry to ⅛- to ¼-in (0.3 to 0.6 cm) thick. Cut out a 13-in (32.5 cm) circle of pastry and transfer to a 10-in (25 cm) tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough gently into edges of pan and trim overhanging edges. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
- Place tart shell on a baking tray, then line it with parchment and fill with chilled baking beads or dry beans. Transfer to oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until edges of pastry are golden brown. Remove from oven and carefully remove parchment and baking beads or beans. Lower oven temperature to 325 F (160 C) and continue to bake tart shell for about 20 more minutes, until evenly browned. Let cool to room temperature.
- Leftover dough and trim can be reformed and used for cookies or baked into decorative shapes for garnish. Baked tart shell can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 1 day or frozen for up to 3 weeks.