Caramel Budino
Ingredients
Serves 8
1 egg + 3 egg yolks, room temperature
⅓ cup (75 ml) cornstarch
1 cup + 2 tbsp (280 ml) dark brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) water
2 generous pinches fine sea salt
3 cups (750 ml) whipping cream
1½ cups (375 ml) whole milk
⅓ cup (75 ml) salted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark rum
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
FOR CARAMEL SAUCE:
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp (30 ml) salted butter
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
softly whipped cream, to serve
Instructions
- To make Budino, in a medium heatproof bowl, combine egg, egg yolks and cornstarch. Whisk to combine and set aside. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium to medium-high heat, combine brown sugar, water and salt. Cook, swirling saucepan and stirring occasionally, until it becomes a thick, deep amber caramel, about 10 to 12 minutes. Mixture will bubble and reduce a bit as it cooks; this is normal. Watch carefully, adjusting heat as needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat and immediately stir in cream and milk to stop the cooking. Whisk until smooth and place saucepan over high heat. Bring just to a boil, whisking, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Slowly add 1 cup (250 ml) hot caramel to egg mixture, whisking constantly. Add 1 more cup (250 ml) to egg mixture, whisking constantly, then pour egg/caramel mixture back into remaining caramel in saucepan, whisking. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until custard thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and rum. Strain custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps and divide between eight 8 oz (250 ml) serving glasses or jars. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours, or up to 3 days.
- To make Caramel Sauce, in a medium saucepan, combine cream and vanilla over medium heat. Bring just to a simmer, then stir in butter until melted, remove from heat and set aside. In a large heavy‑bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, maple syrup and water over medium-high heat. Cook, swirling saucepan from time to time, until sugar turns a medium amber color, about 10 minutes. Mixture will bubble and reduce a bit as it cooks; this is normal. Watch carefully, stirring occasionally so it does not burn. Remove from heat and very carefully whisk cream mixture into caramel; it will steam and bubble. Whisk until smooth, then set aside. Can be made ahead. Let cool completely, transfer to a glass jar and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, transfer to a saucepan and gently warm over low heat.
- To serve, spoon about 2 tbsp (30 ml) warm caramel sauce over each Budino, top with a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
Chocolate Espresso Trifle
Ingredients
Serves 6 - 8
FOR TRIFLE:
1 cup (250 ml) butter, cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
6 oz (170 g) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
2½ cups + 2 tbsp (625 + 30 ml) sugar, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) table salt, divided
4 large eggs plus 6 egg yolks, divided
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (15 + 5 ml) vanilla extract, divided
1¼ cups (310 ml) flour
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder
1 cup (250 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup (125 ml) chopped walnuts (optional)
2¾ cups (675 ml) whipping cream, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) instant coffee powder
2½ cups (625 ml) mascarpone cheese, chilled
3 tbsp (45 ml) Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur (optional)
1 tbsp (15 ml) dark rum (optional)
1/8 tsp (0.5 ml) cream of tartar
Chocolate Bowl Decoration (make ahead, recipe follows), chocolate curls, truffles and/or bonbons, for garnish
FOR THE CHOCOLATE BOWL DECORATION:
1 small latex-free balloon
2 tsp (10 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped unsweetened chocolate, divided
Instructions
- To make the trifle, Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease and line bottom and sides of two 8-in (20 cm) square baking pans with parchment paper.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt butter and unsweetened chocolate, stirring constantly. Make sure water does not touch bottom of bowl. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups (500 ml) sugar and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved and mixture is slightly cooled.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk together 4 eggs and 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla. Add to chocolate mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, lightly whisk flour and cocoa together and fold into chocolate mixture. Do not over beat. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared baking pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until skewer inserted in centre of brownies comes out clean. Remove from oven and invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut brownies into 2-in (5 cm) squares and store in an airtight container until ready to use. Brownies can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator in an airtight container.
- In a large heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, ½ cup (125 ml) sugar and remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, until thick, pale yellow and increased in volume.
- Warm ¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream in a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds on high, and stir in instant coffee powder until dissolved. Add to egg yolk mixture.
- Set bowl with egg yolk mixture over a saucepan with simmering water, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl. Whisk constantly, until egg mixture thickens further and reaches 160 F (71 C). Remove from heat and continue stirring to cool slightly. Add mascarpone and mix until smooth. Add Kahlua and rum, if using, and mix well. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream until peaks formed hold their shape. Lightly mix ⅓ of whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until no white streaks remain. Fold in rest of whipped cream until blended. Set aside.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together remaining 1½ cups (375 ml) whipping cream, remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar, remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract and cream of tartar until peaks formed hold their shape
- Line bottom of large trifle bowl with brownies. Spread ⅓ of mascarpone mixture evenly over brownies. Spread ½ of whipped cream evenly over mascarpone layer. Repeat layering with brownies, ⅓ of mascarpone mixture and remaining whipped cream. Add one more layer of brownies and top with remaining mascarpone mixture. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Can be made up to 1 day in advance; if making ahead, loosely cover and store in refrigerator.
- To make the chocolate bowl decoration, inflate balloon and knot the end. Place balloon in a cup, knotted end down, to hold it upright. Brush surface with oil.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt ⅔ cup (150 ml) chocolate, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl. Remove from heat, add ⅓ cup (75 ml) chocolate and stir continuously until all the chocolate is melted and there are no lumps remaining.
- Slowly pour melted chocolate over greased balloon and allow chocolate to set for about 1 hour. Place in refrigerator if ambient temperate is warm or humid and chocolate is still soft to touch.
- When ready to use, cut a small hole near the knotted end of the balloon and control release of air very slowly. Gently remove deflated balloon and use chocolate bowl to garnish trifle. Can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, uncovered, in a cool, dry place.
- To serve, decorate with Chocolate Bowl Decoration, if using, and/or chocolate curls, truffles and bonbons of your choice.
Drink Pairings
Ginger Yule Scroll
Ingredients
Serves 6 - 8
¾ cup (175 ml) sugar, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) water
2-in (5 cm) cube fresh ginger, peeled, thinly sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) Ginger of the Indies Liqueur (optional)
3 tbsp (45 ml) icing sugar, divided, for dusting
4 eggs, separated
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cream of tartar
pinch of table salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ cup (125 ml) cake flour, divided
5 oz (140 g) white chocolate, finely chopped
4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar in ¼ cup (60 ml) water. Add ginger and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat, cover and allow syrup to steep as it cools. When completely cool, mix in ginger liqueur, if using. Can be prepared 1 day ahead and refrigerated until ready to use. Remove ginger slices before using, or for added ginger flavour, finely chop strained ginger and reserve for step 11.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease and line a 10 x 15-in (25 x 38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Place a clean tea towel on counter and evenly dust 1 tbsp (15 ml) icing sugar over it. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until frothy. Gradually add ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and whisk until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar until thick, pale and fluffy (this is called ribbon stage: when whisk is lifted from batter, it should fall in shape of thick ribbon). Whisk in oil, milk and vanilla until well incorporated.
- Sift ¼ cup (60 ml) flour over whipped egg yolk mixture and gently fold in, then fold in ⅓ of the whipped egg whites. Do not over mix. Fold in remaining whipped egg whites until no white streaks remain. Sift over remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) flour and fold in.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and evenly smooth surface with an offset spatula. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until surface springs back up when lightly pressed.
- Remove cake from oven and immediately invert onto prepared tea towel. Gently peel off parchment paper and evenly dust 1 tbsp (15 ml) icing sugar over surface of cake. Starting from long edge of cake, fold tea towel along with cake into a roll. Set aside to cool.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan with simmering water, melt white chocolate, stirring constantly. Do not allow water to touch bottom of bowl. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk well until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk cream cheese until no lumps remain. Pour melted chocolate over and mix until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool.
- In another medium bowl, whip cream until soft peaks hold their shape. Fold ⅓ of whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until no white streaks remain. Fold in remaining whipped cream until incorporated. Do not over beat.
- On a clean, dry surface, unroll cake and remove tea towel. Using a pastry brush, evenly brush ginger syrup over surface of cake. Using an offset spatula, spread white chocolate filling over cake in a ½-in (1.25 cm) layer. Reserve and refrigerate any remaining filling. Evenly scatter reserved chopped ginger over filling, if desired. Roll cake back into a log, scraping off any excess filling from edges. Wrap cake in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
- To serve, trim off cake ends. Sprinkle remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) icing sugar over surface of cake and decorate with reserved white chocolate filling and any other decorations, as desired.
Drink Pairings
Fruit Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Serves 10 - 12
¾ cup (175 ml) orange juice (no pulp), divided
1 cup (250 ml) Bacardí Black Rum, divided
½ cup (125 ml) crystallized ginger, chopped into ¼-in (0.5 cm) cubes
¾ cup (175 ml) raisins
¾ cup (175 ml) sultanas
¾ cup (175 ml) dried currants
¾ cup (175 ml) candied lemon peel, chopped into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) cubes
¾ cup (175 ml) candied orange peel, chopped into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) cubes
¾ cup (175 ml) dried apricots, chopped into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) cubes
½ cup (125 ml) dried figs, chopped into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) cubes
½ cup (125 ml) pitted dates, chopped into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) cubes
½ cup (125 ml) prunes, chopped into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) cubes
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground allspice
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cloves
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
8 oz (227 g) flour, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) table salt
1¼ cups (310 ml) butter, divided
1 cup (250 ml) brown sugar, packed
1 tsp (5 ml) almond extract
½ tsp (2.5 ml) orange extract
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract, divided
3 eggs
¼ cup (60 ml) molasses (optional)
2 large oranges, zest only
2 tsp (10 ml) grated ginger
2 cups (500 ml) icing sugar
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) milk
cranberries, currants, oranges, sage, mint, rosemary, cinnamon and/or star anise, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ½ cup (125 ml) orange juice and ½ cup (125 ml) rum in a large non-reactive bowl. Add crystallized ginger, raisins, sultanas, currants, lemon peel, orange peel, apricots, figs, dates and prunes and mix well. Cover and let sit overnight on counter in a cool, dry place.
- Move oven rack to centre of oven and preheat oven to 325 F (170 C).
- In a medium bowl, sift together ground spices, 7 oz (200 g) flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (250 ml) butter, brown sugar, almond extract, orange extract and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract until lighter in colour and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until well incorporated. Beat in molasses, if using. Mix in orange zest and grated ginger. Fold in half of spiced flour mixture. Add remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice and mix well. Fold in remaining spiced flour mixture.
- Stir up dried fruit mixture so that everything is evenly incorporated. Sprinkle remaining 1 oz (27 g) flour over fruit to lightly coat. Add fruit to batter and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Grease sides of large Bundt pan (10 to 12 cup/2.5 to 3 L capacity) just before pouring in batter. Bake for 1½ hours, or until skewer inserted into cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slowly drizzle desired amount of remaining rum (up to ½ cup (125 ml)) evenly over cake, allowing liquid to fully soak in.
- Melt remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter and let cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, icing sugar and remaining ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract. Whisk in 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) milk to achieve desired consistency for sugar glaze. Spoon glaze over cooled cake and decorate with fruit, herbs and/or spices, as desired. Cake will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 2 weeks.
Drink Pairings
Chocolate Amaro Cake
Ingredients
Serves one 6" (15cm) cake
½ cup (125 ml) Montenegro Amaro
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (90 ml) brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) Grand Marnier
2 tbsp (30 ml) syrup from Amarena cherries
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, cubed
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) best-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 medium eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract, divided
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
¼ lb (125 g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup (125 ml) pitted Amarena cherries, coarsely chopped, plus extra whole cherries, to serve
¾ cup (175 ml) pecans, toasted, roughly chopped
¾ cup (175 ml) whipping cream
¼ lb (125 g) best-quality milk chocolate
fresh figs, to serve
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine Amaro and both sugars. Over medium-low heat, stir mixture until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add Grand Marnier, cherry syrup, water, butter and cocoa powder. Mix well to combine and cook until butter is melted, stirring occasionally, until mixture is completely smooth, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, then whisk in eggs and 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Butter a 6-in (15 cm) round cake pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and bittersweet chocolate. Pour cooled cocoa mixture over flour mixture and whisk until completely smooth. Stir in cherries and pecans, then pour batter into pan. Transfer to oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester placed into centre of cake comes out clean; cake should be just set, not dry. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before removing from pan.
- Meanwhile, make whipped cream. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil over high heat, watching carefully. Immediately remove from heat and add milk chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted and completely smooth, add remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla and transfer to a medium bowl. Cover well and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, remove cream from refrigerator. Using a hand-held mixer, whip until soft peaks form. Place cake on a serving platter and dollop whipped cream over top of cooled cake. Garnish with figs and cherries, slice into thin wedges and serve.
Drink Pairings
Cranberry Almond Ginger Cake
Ingredients
Serves 8
7 tbsp (105 ml) salted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup + 1 tbsp (150 + 15 ml) white sugar, divided
2 eggs
⅔ cup (150 ml) sour cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) almond extract
1 cup (250 ml) flour
½ cup (125 ml) almond flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
¼ cup (60 ml) diced candied ginger ed candied ginger
1½ cups (375 ml) cranberries, divided, thawed if frozen
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Disaronno Amaretto liqueur or water
⅔ cup (150 ml) icing sugar
½ cup (125 ml) toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease a 9-in (23 cm) springform cake pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and ⅔ cup (150 ml) sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs, sour cream, milk, vanilla and almond extract. Mix for 1 minute to incorporate and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, almond flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add these dry ingredients to egg mixture and mix to combine. Gently fold in candied ginger and 1 cup (250 ml) cranberries.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Place remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar in a small bowl. Add remaining ½ cup (125 ml) cranberries and roll in sugar to coat.
- In another small bowl, mix together lemon juice, amaretto and icing sugar and stir until a thick glaze forms. Drizzle over cooled cake and top with sugared cranberries and sliced almonds.
Drink Pairings
Canadian Whisky Maple Pecan Pie
Ingredients
Serves 1 Pie
3 eggs
½ cup (125 ml) corn syrup
½ cup (125 ml) maple syrup
¼ cup (60 ml) Canadian whisky
½ cup (125 ml) lightly packed golden sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) pecan pieces
1 standard-sized, pre-made bottom pie crust
vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, maple syrup, whisky, sugar, salt and vanilla until fully combined.
- Place pecans in pie crust, then pour egg mixture over. Let settle, then bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until set; filling will have puffed up and will settle once cool. If crust is browning too quickly, cover with foil.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Drink Pairings
Roquefort Crème Brûlée with Pear & Chocolate Hazelnuts
Ingredients
Serves 4
CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS
½ cup (125 ml) chopped semi-sweet chocolate
½ cup (125 ml) toasted hazelnuts
2 tbsp (30 ml) raw cocoa powder
CREME BRULEE
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
5 large egg yolks
1½ cups (375 ml) whole milk
⅔ cup (150 ml) whipping cream
4 oz (125 g) Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1 ripe pear, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by making Chocolate Hazelnuts. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan of boiling water. Remove chocolate and set aside so it cools slightly but still remains liquid, about 15 minutes. Add hazelnuts and stir to coat. With a fork, one by one, remove hazelnuts from chocolate, letting excess chocolate fall through fork tines back into bowl. Transfer to lined baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer to refrigerator for 5 minutes to let chocolate harden.
- Place cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Remove hazelnuts from refrigerator and transfer to bowl with cocoa powder. Toss until well coated, then transfer to a mesh sieve and gently shake off any excess powder. Place hazelnuts in an airtight container and set aside in a cool place or refrigerate until ready to use.
- For Crème Brûlée, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and egg yolks until thick and lightened in colour, about 2 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together milk and cream until it just comes to a boil. Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in blue cheese until dissolved. To egg mixture, add milk mixture a bit at a time, whisking constantly, until everything is well incorporated. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher and set aside.
- Place four 8.5 oz (255 ml) ramekins in a roasting pan and bring a kettle or large saucepan of water to a boil. Divide Crème Brûlée mixture between ramekins in roasting pan and place pan on a rack in oven. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Lightly tent pan with aluminum foil and bake until just set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove ramekins from pan and set on a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- When ready to serve, working with 1 ramekin at a time, evenly sift about 2 tsp (10 ml) granulated sugar over top of each custard. Place under broiler or use a small kitchen torch to caramelize sugar. Allow sugar to cool for 1 minute; meanwhile, slice pear thinly. Top each custard with pear slices and a few chocolate hazelnuts. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
Caramelized Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Serves 8 pies
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
½ cup + 3 tbsp (125 + 45 ml) granulated sugar, divided
2 lbs (907 g) Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¾-in (2 cm) cubes (about 6 apples)
⅓ cup (75 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 pinch sea salt
1 x 1 lb (454 g) ready-made puff pastry sheet, thawed if frozen
1 egg, beaten well
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and stir to combine and soften sugar, about 2 minutes. Add apples, toss to coat in butter mixture and increase heat to medium-high. Sauté, flipping occasionally, until apples release their juice, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking until apples caramelize and are very tender, another 5 to 7 minutes. Add another ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and toss to quickly combine. Add cream and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, lemon juice and salt. Set aside and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. On a clean work surface, roll puff pastry into an approximate 24-in (61 cm) square. Using a sharp knife, cut dough into 8 equal squares. Brush edges of dough with beaten egg, reserving leftover egg for next step. Mound 2 generous tablespoons (30 ml) apple filling in centre of each square. Fold dough in half on the diagonal and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Carefully transfer pies to lined baking sheet and lightly brush tops with beaten egg. In a small bowl combine remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar and cinnamon. Cut 2 small slits on top of each pie and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving; pies are best eaten day they are made but will keep for 1 day at room temperature in an airtight container.
Drink Pairings
Black & White Bourbon Madeleines
Ingredients
Serves 32
4 oz (125 g) chopped semi-sweet chocolate
½ cup + 1 tbsp (140 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided, plus extra for greasing
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dutch processed black cocoa powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
10 oz (300 g) white chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) bourbon (depending on flavour preference)
2 tbsp (30 ml) black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Set up a double boiler or a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan of boiling water and melt semi-sweet chocolate. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together ½ cup (125 ml) butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in vanilla and salt until just incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. With a rubber spatula, fold flour mixture into butter mixture until just incorporated. Add reserved melted chocolate and fold into batter until just incorporated, with no white streaks remaining. Let batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Prepare 2 madeleine pans by liberally brushing wells with extra softened butter or cooking spray and placing in freezer for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove pans from freezer and spoon 1 tbsp (15 ml) batter into each mould. Return pans to freezer and let batter chill for 15 minutes. Transfer to oven and bake until madeleines have risen and set, about 10 to 13 minutes. While warm, turn baked madeleines out onto a wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Wipe out pans with a clean dry cloth and repeat steps 4 and 5 until all batter has been used up.
- Meanwhile, make ganache coating. In a medium heatproof bowl, place white chocolate. Warm cream in a small saucepan until just boiling. Pour cream over chocolate and let sit for 30 seconds. Using a whisk or spatula, gently stir chocolate and cream together. Once smooth, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter and bourbon, stirring until fully incorporated. Set aside at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened but still flows, about 30 minutes.
- Drizzle half of each shell side of madeleine with ganache and set back on wire rack, shell-side up. Sprinkle ganache with sesame seeds and allow to set, about 1 hour at room temperature, or place in refrigerator for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy. Once coated with ganache, madeleines are best eaten day they are made. Uncoated madeleines may be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for 1 month. Allow to come to room temperature before decorating.