Layers of Pride Cake

Celebrate Pride with this epic festive rainbow-layered cake! These colourful layers are coated in coconut. Enjoy this cake for a Pride-fuelled party this summer or for any rainbow themed event!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12 to 16
700 g (about 5 cups/1.25 L, spooned) all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for dusting pans
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, divided
2 cups (500 ml) butter, room temperature, divided
700 g (about 3½ cups/860 ml) granulated sugar, divided*
1 cup (250 ml) vegetable oil, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) vanilla extract, divided
8 eggs, room temperature, divided
6 tbsp (90 ml) milk, divided
food colouring (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red), as much as needed for desired hue
1 cup (250 ml) flaked coconut
bonbons, to garnish (optional)
American Buttercream, recipe follows:
4 cups (1 L) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) vanilla extract
12 cups (3 L) icing sugar
½ cup (125 ml) milk
Stabilized Chantilly Cream, recipe follows:
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Grease and flour sides of three 8-in (20 cm) cake pans. Line bottom of pans with parchment. Set aside.
  2. Place a sieve over a large bowl and sift in 350 g (about 2½ cups/625 ml) flour, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup (250 ml) butter until softened. Add 350 g (about 1¾ cups/430 ml) sugar, ½ cup (125 ml) oil and 1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) vanilla extract and beat until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add 1 egg and beat until fully incorporated. Similarly, continue with 3 more eggs (one at a time), for a total of 4 eggs.
  5. Fold in half the flour mixture until no streaks remain. Mix in 3 tbsp (45 ml) milk, then fold in remaining flour mixture until fully incorporated. Divide batter equally between 3 medium bowls.
  6. Add purple food colouring to 1 bowl and mix until no streaks remain. Pour into a prepared cake pan. Repeat with blue in second bowl and cake pan, and green in third.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in centre of each cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove cakes from pans and cool on a wire rack.
  8. Repeat above process to make 3 more bowls of batter. Add yellow food colouring to 1 bowl and mix until no streaks remain. Pour into a prepared cake pan. Repeat with orange in second bowl and cake pan, and red in third. Bake and cool as directed above.
  9. Cut off any domed tops of cakes for even, flat cake discs.
  10. To assemble, smear about 1 tbsp (15 ml) American Buttercream in centre of a serving platter and reserve 1 cup (250 ml) for later use. Centre purple cake layer on platter. Transfer remaining buttercream to a large piping bag with no nozzle. Pipe circles of icing around top of cake, starting from outer edge and working to the centre. Use a metal spatula to evenly spread icing on surface of cake about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Repeat layering cake and frosting in this manner with blue, green, yellow and orange cakes. Finally, place red cake on top, but do not frost it.
  11. Cut a 7½-in (19 cm) circle out of parchment. Lay the parchment on top of cake and use it as a guide to trim off browned edges with a sharp knife. Using a metal spatula, cover sides and top of cake with a thin layer of remaining American Buttercream and chill cake for about 2 hours.
  12. Remove cake from refrigerator. Using a metal spatula, cover sides and top with Stabilized Chantilly Cream.
  13. Place cake on a large baking sheet. Swiftly throw small handfuls of flaked coconut onto sides and top of cake. Reuse any excess that falls onto baking sheet to completely and evenly cover cake. Use reserved buttercream to pipe rosettes or other shapes, and decorate as desired with bonbons.
  14. *For best results, flour and sugar should be weighed for this recipe. The approximate volumes shown are based on 1 cup (250 ml) flour = 140 g and 1 cup (250 ml) sugar = 200 g.
  15. American Buttercream: In a very large bowl, beat butter, salt and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. Add 1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar at a time and mix well after each addition. If needed, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk at a time and continue beating to desired consistency. Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using as needed. Makes about 16 cups (4 L)
  16. Stabilized Chantilly Cream: In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients until soft peaks form. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 day. Makes about 4 cups (1 L)
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Drink Pairings

Fruit-Jewelled Tarts

Inspired by Pride festival, these fruit-jewelled tarts to compliment any summertime gathering, Pride celebration, or any time of the year! These mascarpone cream tarts topped with mixed fruit can be prepared before hand as they keep well in the refrigerator for a next-day event!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 small tarts
350 g (about 2½ cups/625 ml, spooned) all-purpose flour
200 g (about 1 cup/250 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) cold butter, cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
3 tbsp (45 ml) orange marmalade
Mascarpone Cream, make ahead, recipe follows
½ cup (125 ml) each blueberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries, peeled and sliced kiwis, canned pineapple and mandarin orange segments
Mascarpone Cream:
1 cup (250 ml) mascarpone
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) icing sugar
⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt
½ cup (125 ml) orange marmalade
1 tbsp (15 ml) orange zest

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar and salt.
  2. Using a pastry cutter, cut cold butter into flour until mixture looks like oatmeal.
  3. In a small bowl, mix egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract. Add to flour mixture and combine into dough with a fork or lightly floured fingertips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Use a 6-in (15 cm) cookie cutter to cut 8 circles.
  5. Place each dough circle in a 4½-in (11.5 cm) tart pan. Press dough into sides and edges and trim excess. Use a fork to poke holes in sides and bottom of pastry. Chill for 30 minutes.
  6. Adjust oven racks to upper third and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  7. Remove tart shells from refrigerator and cover them with foil. Place pie weights over foil and bake on lower oven rack for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully remove foil and pie weights. Place back in oven on upper rack and continue to bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until edges of tart shells turn golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
  8. Brush orange marmalade on bottom and sides of each tart. Pour Mascarpone Cream* into each tart and arrange fruit as desired over surface. Can be refrigerated for up to 1 day before serving.
  9. *In a large bowl, mix mascarpone, cream cheese, icing sugar and salt until smooth. Add orange marmalade and orange zest and mix well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days until ready to use.
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Drink Pairings

Adult Rainbow Pops

Take the heat off this summer, or anytime per se, with these “spirited” adult rainbow pops! Each layer is tie-died with real fruit! The red layer is raspberry and strawberry, the orange layer is peach and mango, the yellow layer is pineapple, mango, coconut, the green layer is kiwi, the blue layer is blueberries, and the purple layer is mixed berries! Add a dash of vodka to each layer to take these up a notch.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 10 to 12 ice pops
Red Layer:
½ cup (125 ml) frozen raspberries
½ cup (125 ml) frozen strawberries
½ banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
¼ cup (60 ml) raspberry or vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Orange Layer:
¾ cup (180 ml) frozen sliced peaches
¼ cup (60 ml) frozen mango chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) frozen orange juice concentrate
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Yellow Layer:
¾ cup (180 ml) canned pineapple tidbits, drained and frozen
½ cup (125 ml) frozen mango chunks
2 tbsp (30 ml) cream of coconut
3 tbsp (45 ml) coconut rum or vodka1
Green Layer:
¾ cup (180 ml) frozen peeled and cubed kiwis
¼ cup (60 ml) frozen spinach, drained
1 banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
2 tbsp (30 ml) vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Blue Layer:
¼ cup (60 ml) frozen blueberries
1 banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
1 cup (250 ml) blueberry or vanilla Greek yogurt
1 to 2 drops blue food colouring, as desired
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*
Purple Layer:
1 cup (250 ml) frozen mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 banana, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices, frozen
¼ cup (60 ml) raspberry or vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka*

Instructions

  1. Using a blender, blend all ingredients of the red layer into a smoothie. Transfer to a bowl and set aside in refrigerator to retain a semi-frozen state. Rinsing blender and working quickly, repeat with each layer, transferring each to a separate bowl and setting in refrigerator.
  2. Spoon about 2 tbsp (30 ml) of each semi-frozen smoothie colour into ice pop moulds, following the rainbow order of colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
  3. Insert an ice pop stick into each mould and freeze overnight.
  4. When ready to serve, remove from moulds and serve immediately, or wrap each ice pop individually in plastic wrap and refreeze until ready to enjoy.
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Drink Pairings

Vodka-Jellied Panna Cotta

These rainbow-layered panna cotta cups are sure to delight guests at any Pride or rainbow-themed event! Spike the jelly with any vodka for an extra kick.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 12, depending on size of glasses
6 tbsp (90 ml) water, divided
4½ tsp (22.5 ml) gelatin, divided
3 cups (750 ml) whipping cream, divided
1½ cups (375 ml) half-and-half cream, divided
6 tbsp (90 ml) granulated sugar, divided
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract, divided
½ × 3 oz (85 g) package grape-flavoured jelly crystals/powder
3 cups (750 ml) boiling water, divided
2 cups (500 ml) ice-cold water, divided
18 tbsp (270 ml) vodka*, divided
½ × 3 oz (85 g) package blueberry-flavoured jelly crystals/powder
½ × 3 oz (85 g) package lime-flavoured jelly crystals/powder
½ × 3 oz (85 g) package lemon-flavoured jelly crystals/powder
½ × 3 oz (85 g) package orange-flavoured jelly crystals/powder
½ × 3 oz (85 g) package strawberry-flavoured jelly crystals/powder
whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with a tea towel. Place eight 3-in (7.5 cm) wide dessert glasses, or smaller glasses as desired, on the sheet. (Note: Glasses need to be at least 3½-in/9 cm deep.) Set aside.
  2. Place 1 tbsp (15 ml) water in a small bowl and sprinkle with ¾ tsp (4 ml) gelatin. Set aside for 5 minutes to bloom.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream, ¼ cup (60 ml) half-and-half cream, 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar and ⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt just until it starts to boil. Remove from heat. Add ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract and bloomed gelatin. Mix well until gelatin has fully melted.
  4. Pour about ¼-in (0.6 cm) panna cotta evenly into each dessert glass. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine grape jelly crystals with ½ cup (125 ml) boiling water. Stir until crystals fully dissolve. Add ⅓ cup (80 ml) ice-cold water and 3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka. Mix well. Pour about ¼-in (0.6 cm) grape jelly mixture evenly over set panna cotta in dessert glasses. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
  6. Continue alternating panna cotta and jelly layers, following the process above to make and chill each layer before adding the next one, and replacing jelly flavours to follow a rainbow order of colours: blueberry, lime, lemon, orange and strawberry. Note: Strawberry jelly will be the last layer of this dessert.
  7. Top with whipped cream as garnish, if desired, before serving.
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Drink Pairings

Irish Coffee Soda Bread Pudding & Whiskey Caramel Sauce

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish-inspired brunch!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
INGREDIENTS FOR SODA BREAD
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole wheat flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cream of tartar
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1½ cups (375 ml) buttermilk, plus extra
1 large egg
INGREDIENTS FOR WHISKEY CARAMEL SAUCE
1½ cups (375 ml) granulated sugar
⅔ cup (150 ml) water
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, cut into small pieces
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) Irish whiskey
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
INGREDIENTS FOR BREAD PUDDING
½ cup (125 ml) raisins
¼ cup (60 ml) Irish whiskey
unsalted butter, for greasing
1 tbsp (15 ml) espresso powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) boiling water
4 large eggs
¾ cup (175 ml) light brown sugar
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
½ cup (125 ml) brewed coffee, chilled
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) demerara sugar
whipped cream, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. To make Soda Bread, position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar. Add butter and, using your hands, rub in butter between fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Set aside.
  3. In a measuring jug or medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until thoroughly combined.
  4. Make a well in centre of flour mixture and add buttermilk mixture. Using a fork, incorporate liquid into flour mixture until just combined and a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Fine if a few dry patches remain. DO NOT overmix dough, as resulting loaf could become tough and dense. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and, using hands or a bench scraper, quickly and gently form dough into an 8-in (20 cm) round. Place on prepared baking tray and using a serrated knife, cut a large cross across top, cutting two thirds of the way into the dough. Brush loaf lightly with a little extra buttermilk. Transfer loaf to oven and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into centre comes out clean, about 45 to 60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Soda Bread may be made up to 3 days in advance.
  5. While Soda Bread cools, make Whiskey Caramel Sauce. In a medium saucepan, add sugar, water and honey, then cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has completely dissolved. Stop stirring and allow mixture to simmer until golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in butter, cream cheese and salt, whisking constantly until thoroughly combined. Add whiskey and cream and continue to whisk, taking care as mixture may bubble up. If not all cream cheese incorporates into sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender or in a blender until well combined. Transfer to a heatproof container and set aside to cool to room temperature. Whiskey Caramel Sauce may be made in advance and kept covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often.
  6. To make Bread Pudding, place raisins in a small bowl and pour whiskey over top. Set aside for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. Drain raisins in a fine mesh sieve, discarding remaining liquid, and set aside.
  7. While raisins plump, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease six 12 oz (355 ml) mini casserole dishes with butter and set aside.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together espresso powder and boiling water until powder has dissolved.
  9. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and brown sugar until well combined. Add milk, coffee, vanilla and salt and whisk again. Whisk in espresso mixture until well incorporated. Cut loaf of soda bread into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes, then add to coffee mixture and toss well. Divide among prepared baking dishes, pouring any remaining custard mixture over plated puddings. Let puddings soak for at least 30 minutes.
  10. While puddings sit, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
  11. Place bread puddings on a baking tray, cover baking dishes with tin foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with demerara sugar and continue to bake until an instant read thermometer inserted in centre registers 165 F (74 C), about another 10 minutes. Let bread puddings cool for 10 minutes.
  12. Serve warm bread puddings with Whiskey Caramel Sauce and whipped cream, if desired.
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Drink Pairings

White Chocolate & Almond Torta

This menu is perfect for backyard entertaining or packing up to take on the go!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8
½ cup (125 ml) salted butter
¼ lb (113.5 g) best quality white chocolate, chopped
1 pinch salt
4 eggs, yolks and whites separated into 2 medium-sized bowls
⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar, plus extra if needed
¾ cup (175 ml) almond flour
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) very finely ground toasted pistachios
1½ tbsp (22 ml) light rum, such as Bacardi Gold
1½ tbsp (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
1 cup (250 ml) fresh raspberries, to serve
toasted sliced almonds, for garnish
icing sugar, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Butter inside of a 6-in (15 cm) springform cake pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter and chocolate. Place over low heat and stir mixture until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. Add salt to egg whites and, with a handheld mixer, beat at medium-high speed, until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Add sugar to yolks and, using same beaters, whip mixture at medium speed until light, pale and fluffy, about 1½ minutes.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, fold melted chocolate mixture, almond flour, pistachios, rum, lemon juice and lemon zest into the yolks. In 2 batches, fold whipped egg whites into chocolate base.
  5. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed, golden brown and a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. The cake will feel soft in centre. Cool completely.
  6. To serve, release sides of cake pan. Slide cake off metal base and carefully remove parchment paper. Pack cake into a portable container and top with fresh raspberries and almonds. Dust with icing sugar, if desired. Cover container and set into picnic basket.
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Drink Pairings

Lemon Daisies

Beautiful and delicious Lemon Daisy tarts for your next spring garden party. Acquesi Asti and Tempo Lemon Mint Gin Smash make great pairings for this dessert.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12 daisies
6 egg yolks
1½ cups (375 ml) sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) fresh lemon juice
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest (optional)
1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) icing sugar, for dusting
12 Daisy Tart Shells, make ahead, recipe follows
2 tsp (10 ml) poppy seeds (optional), for garnish
DAISY TART SHELLS
8 oz (250 g) flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
4 oz (125 g) icing sugar
4 oz (125 g) cold butter, cubed about 1-in (2.5 cm)
2 egg yolks
1 tbsp (15 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. To make Daisy Tart Shells, in food processor, pulse together flour, salt and icing sugar for 10 seconds. Add cold butter and process until mixture resembles coarse sand.
  2. In a small bowl, lightly whisk together egg, whipping cream and vanilla extract. With food processor running, slowly add egg mixture until it forms a dough ball.
  3. Transfer dough to clean surface and flatten slightly to form a disk about 1½‑in (3.75 cm) thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Remove dough from refrigerator and allow to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile prepare two 12-muffin baking pans as follows: grease 6 alternating muffin cups in each pan, leaving at least 1 empty muffin cup between greased ones.
  5. Place dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper roughly 15-in to 18-in (38 cm to 46 cm) long. Roll dough to about ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness. Remove top parchment paper. Using 4-in (10 cm) flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut 6 flowers. Use each pastry flower to line greased muffin cups on 1 baking sheet, arranging petals to slightly fold over top surface of pan like a flower. Lightly press edges and bottom of each flower cup. 
  6. Gather remaining pastry and form into pastry disk about 1½-in (3.75 cm) thick. Repeat previous step to create 6 more flower pastry shells in remaining greased muffin cups.
  7. Using a fork, poke holes along bottom and sides of pastry in muffin cups. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Bake chilled pastry shells until edges of pastry turn golden in colour, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and allow pastry to cool in pans on wire rack. When cool, gently remove tart shells from pan and store in airtight container at room temperature until ready to use, for up to 2 days.
  10. For filling, in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix egg yolks, sugar, salt and lemon juice. Place over saucepan of simmering water and cook until sugar is melted and mixture starts to thicken. When you see a couple of small bubbles pop on surface (do not wait for full boil), remove from heat, stir vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  11. Add butter to mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Mix in lemon zest, if using, until well incorporated with lemon curd. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Use another piece of plastic wrap to cover bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
  12. When ready to assemble, dust icing sugar over prepared Daisy Tart Shells. Spoon and fill tart shells with lemon curd and garnish with poppy seeds, if using, as desired.
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Drink Pairings

Guinness Dark & White Chocolate Mousse

Top off your St. Patrick's day celebration no better way than with this smooth and creamy Guinness dark chocolate mousse dessert. Pair this rich recipe with Baileys Original Irish Cream or a Guinness Pub Draught.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8
8 oz (250 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter
¾ cup (175 ml) Guinness Draught
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine salt
3 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
2¼ cups (560 ml) whipping cream, divided
6 oz (170 g) white chocolate, chopped
chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make dark chocolate Guinness mousse, place bittersweet chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. In a medium saucepan, bring about 1-in (2.5 cm) water to a simmer over medium heat. Place bowl containing chocolate over saucepan, making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water. Stir until chocolate has melted and is smooth, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together Guinness, salt and egg yolks until well combined. Add mixture to hot melted chocolate and using a rubber spatula stir until combined. Remove bowl from heat and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip egg whites until frothy. Slowly add granulated sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Clean whisk attachment for re-use. In a medium bowl, using hand mixer with whisk attachment, whip 1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.
  5. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold half of whipped cream and half the beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture until just combined. Fold remaining whipped cream and egg whites into chocolate mixture just until mixture is homogeneous. Spoon or pipe chocolate mousse equally into 8 wine or parfait glasses, taking care to fill glasses only to a maximum of three quarters full. Place glasses on a rimmed baking sheet, cover glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate while making white chocolate mousse.
  6. To make white chocolate mousse, in a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream and white chocolate and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature, stirring twice, about 30 minutes.
  7. Once white chocolate mixture has cooled, in a medium bowl, whip remaining ¾ cup (175 ml) whipping cream using a hand mixer fitted with whisk attachment until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold whipped cream into white chocolate mixture. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate alongside dark chocolate Guinness mousse for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.
  8. When ready to serve, transfer white chocolate mousse to a piping bag fitted with a large star piping tip. Pipe white chocolate mousse over top dark chocolate Guinness mousse and garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

Lemon Mascarpone Tart

Light and fresh Easter.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
2½ cups (625 ml) flour
1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) + ⅔ cup (160 ml) cold butter, cubed, divided
2 eggs
1 to 2 tsp (5 ml to 10 ml) water, if needed
8 egg yolks
1 cup (250 ml) white sugar
6 lemons, juice and zest (about 1 cup (250 ml) juice)
16 oz (473 g) whipping cream
9.5 oz (275 g) mascarpone
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
4 tbsp (60 ml) honey, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped pistachios, unsalted, roasted

Instructions

  1. Line a 12-in (30 cm) tart pan with parchment paper and spray sides with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a food processor, add flour, icing sugar and salt. Pulse for 10 seconds to combine. Add 1 cup (250 ml) cold butter cubes. Pulse on high until it forms a dry grainy texture. Add 2 eggs and pulse to combine. Pinch dough between your fingers—if it holds together, it’s ready, if not add 1 to 2 tsp (5 ml to 10 ml) of cold water, until dough holds together. Pour dough mixture onto clean, floured surface and form into a round, flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
  4. Remove plastic wrap and place chilled dough on clean, dry, floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll dough into a large circle about ¼‑in (0.5 cm) thick. Place dough over tart pan and press down to fill. Using a fork, poke about 10 to 15 holes all over base of tart. Bake until cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, mix egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice and zest.
  6. In a small saucepan, heat egg yolk mixture over medium-low heat. Using a whisk, stir constantly and add the remaining butter. Whisk till butter has melted and mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Pour mixture into cooled tart shell and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, whip cream to form stiff peaks. Add mascarpone, vanilla and 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey, whip to combine for 1 minute.
  8. To serve, spread whipped cream mixture evenly onto tart, leaving 1-in (2.5 cm) of lemon curd showing around edges. Garnish with pistachios and drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) of honey.
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Drink Pairings

Red Velvet Stacks

Handheld spring desserts to offer at your next picnic or garden party.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12
5 cups (1.25 L) flour, spooned and levelled
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
3 cups (750 ml) sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) baking soda
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder
2 cups (500 ml) buttermilk
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature
4 tsp (20 ml) white vinegar
4 tbsp (60 ml) red food colouring gel
1 tbsp (15 ml) + 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract, divided
2 x 8 oz (500 g) brick cream cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
4 cups (1 L) icing sugar
strawberries, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease and line 2 rimmed 12‑in x 17-in (30 cm x 43 cm) baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, sugar, baking soda and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, red food colouring and 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract.
  3. Sift and fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl to fully incorporate batter.
  4. Evenly pour batter into prepared baking sheets and bake for about 25 minutes, or until knife inserted in centre of cake comes out clean.
  5. Cool on wire rack. Once cooled, run blunt knife along edges of pan to release cake, if necessary, and invert onto clean surface. Peel and discard parchment lining. Using a 2¼‑in (5.5 cm) round cutter, cut 18 cake circles from each sheet cake and store in airtight container until ready to use.
  6. In large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract and salt until smooth. Mix in 1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar at a time until frosting is fully incorporated and holds together. Transfer frosting to large piping bag fitted with #12 round piping nozzle.
  7. Pipe ½-in (1.25 cm) frosting mounds around outer edge and centre of 2 cake circles. Place 1 cake circle on top of the other and top with a third circle. Repeat this step to create 12 Red Velvet stacks.
  8. Decorate the top of each stack with remaining frosting and garnish with strawberries, as desired.
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