DUTCH BABY PANCAKE WITH CINNAMON-GLAZED APPLES

Ingredients

Serves 6
CINNAMON-GLAZED APPLES:
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
3 apples, peeled, cored and cut into eighths
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
½ tsp (2 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
DUTCH BABY PANCAKE:
4 tbsp (60 ml) unsalted butter, divided
4 large eggs
¾ cup (175 ml) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (175 ml) milk
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
icing sugar, for dusting
Chantilly or flavoured whipped cream, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. To make CINNAMON-GLAZED APPLES: In a dry, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until golden brown and caramelized. Add apples and cream to pan, being very careful as it will bubble up. Gently stir to coat apples, dissolving caramel with juices from apples and cream. Add butter, salt and cinnamon. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until apples are tender and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. They should be nicely glazed with sauce. Can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Serve at room temperature or gently reheat and serve warm.
  2. To make DUTCH BABY PANCAKE: Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Melt 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter. Place in a blender with eggs, flour, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Blend batter until smooth. Heat a 10-in (25 cm) cast iron frying pan over medium heat. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter and swirl to melt. Add all of the batter to hot pan and swirl to coat bottom. Transfer pan to oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Pancake will puff up but start to deflate once removed from oven.
  3. Pour glazed apples into middle of pancake. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately with Chantilly or whipped cream.
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CHICKEN AND ROASTED GARLIC PIZZA WITH BASIL OIL

Ingredients

Serves 6
PIZZA DOUGH:
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp (7 ml) quick-rising dry yeast
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt
¾ cup (175 ml) hot water (120° F / 49° C)
2 tsp (10 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
cornmeal, for dusting pizza pan
olive oil, for brushing
BASIL OLIVE OIL:
2 cups (500 ml) tightly packed fresh basil
¾ cup (175 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper
TOPPINGS:
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
4 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
½ yellow onion, shaved thinly into rings and separated
garlic cloves, roasted
⅓ cup (75 ml) capers, rinsed and drained
½ cup (125 ml) shaved Parmesan
2 cups (500 ml) arugula
Balsamic Reduction Sauce

Instructions

  1. To make PIZZA DOUGH: Pour flour, yeast and salt into a food processor and pulse to mix. With machine running, slowly pour in hot water and oil through feed tube. Process for 1 minute or just until a ball forms. Continue processing for 35 to 45 seconds to knead dough
  2. With floured hands, shape dough into a smooth ball. Place in large greased bowl, turning dough to grease all over. Cover and let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled, about 1 hour. Dough can be wrapped in a plastic bag and refrigerated for up to 8 hours, or frozen for up to a month. Thaw in refrigerator.
  3. To make BASIL OLIVE OIL: Blanch fresh basil in a saucepan with water and immediately drain and plunge into cold water. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
  4. Place in a blender with olive oil and whirl until smooth. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Seal tightly in a glass bottle. Can be stored in refrigerator for several days.
  5. Bring dough to room temperature before using. Without punching it down, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. It’s okay if dough deflates. Just don’t work it or knead it, because that will make stretching it more difficult.
  6. Preheat oven to 475 F (240 C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12 or 14-in (30 to 35 cm) round stretching edges with your fingertips. Place on a pizza pan lightly dusted with cornmeal. Brush top of dough with olive oil and bake in oven for 5 minutes. Remove. Set aside.
  7. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil in frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and lightly brown on both sides. Add a splash of water, cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove and cut or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Lightly brush pizza crust generously with Basil Olive Oil. Evenly scatter with cooked chicken, tomatoes, bacon, onion rings, roasted garlic, capers and half the Parmesan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until done as preferred.
  9. Scatter with arugula and additional Parmesan. Drizzle with some Balsamic Reduction Sauce and a little more Basil Olive Oil.
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DUNGENESS CRAB AND SWEET PEA BEIGNETS WITH NETTLE BUTTERMILK DRESSING

Ingredients

Serves 16 Beignets or serves 4
NETTLE BUTTERMILK DRESSING:
4 oz (125 g) fresh stinging nettles* (optional)
4 to 6 tbsp (60 to 90 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) mayonnaise
7 tbsp (105 ml) buttermilk
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh chives
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground coriander
1½ tsp (7 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
BEIGNETS:
¼ lb (125 g) sweet green peas
1 cup (250 ml) self-rising cake flour
1 cup (250 ml) coarse cornmeal
½ to 1 cup (125 to 250 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) kosher salt
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
2 large eggs
2 medium-size shallots, finely diced
½ cup (125 ml) homogenized milk
¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
1 tbsp (15 ml) rendered duck or bacon fat
4 tbsp (60 ml) basil, finely shredded
2 tbsp (30 ml) mint, finely shredded
2 lemons, zest only
¾ cup (175 ml) Dungeness crabmeat, shells removed
8 cups (2 L) canola, peanut or grape seed oil

Instructions

  1. To make NETTLE BUTTERMILK: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Season with salt. If using nettles, wear gloves or use tongs to place in boiling water, as they will sting. Blanch nettles, or greens, until wilted and vibrant green, about 1 minute. Strain and place in an ice-water bath to stop cooking. Drain, squeeze out excess water and pat dry with paper towel.
  2. In a blender or food processor, whirl nettles and olive oil to a smooth purée. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and buttermilk. Add remaining dressing ingredients along with nettle purée and whisk together to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made a day ahead.
  4. To make Beignets, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and a plate with paper towel, and set aside.
  5. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch peas for 30 seconds. Then strain and place in an ice-water bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry. Set aside.
  6. Combine all dry ingredients together in a large bowl and stir together to blend.
  7. In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs with an electric mixer. Add shallots, milk, buttermilk, rendered fat, basil, mint and lemon zest.
  8. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, a third at a time. Once incorporated, fold in peas and crabmeat.
  9. Using a deep pot or deep fryer, heat canola oil to 350 F (180 C). Using a 1 oz (30 g) trigger scoop or a tablespoon, gently drop a few spoons of beignet batter, one at a time, into oil. Fry half a batch at a time for 4 to 6 minutes, until nice and golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plate to drain before starting the second batch. Allow oil to heat back up to 350 F (180 C). When all beignets have been browned, transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and place in preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through. Serve with Nettle Buttermilk Dressing.
  10. *If using nettles, they must always be cooked. If nettles are unavailable, substitute baby spinach or any bitter green.
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FIERY CARBONARA

Ingredients

Serves 4
8 large scallops, side muscle removed
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
kosher salt
¾ x 500 g package linguine or spaghetti
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
6 thin slices pancetta or 4 slices bacon, diced
3 large garlic cloves, smashed and minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter, plus extra if needed
3 large eggs
½ cup (125 ml) coarsely grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped Italian parsley
1 large tomato, seeded and finely diced
1 lemon, zest only
¼ tsp (2 ml) crushed chilies, plus extra if needed
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place scallops in a bowl. Pat dry and dust with cumin and smoked paprika. Work in seasonings with your fingertips to evenly distribute. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan with boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well, reserving ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water in a small bowl, return pasta to saucepan. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil to keep pasta strands from sticking together. Set pasta and reserved water aside.
  3. In a large, heavy frying pan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Add diced pancetta or bacon, if using, and sauté over medium heat until crisp. Stir often. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute just until softened. Scrape pancetta or bacon and garlic into saucepan with pasta.
  4. Wipe out pan with a paper towel and add butter to frying pan. Heat over mediumhigh until it sizzles. Working in batches, place several scallops in pan leaving 1-in (2.5 cm) between each, so as not to crowd them. Cook for 2 minutes, flipping them when they no longer stick to pan. Continue to cook scallops on reverse sides for 2 more minutes until golden brown and almost opaque in the centre. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining scallops, adding more butter if needed.
  5. In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan. Return saucepan with cooked pasta to medium heat. Add egg mixture and, working quickly, gently toss with pasta until strands are silky and warmed through, taking care not to let eggs become scrambled. Add a little of the reserved pasta water, if needed. Fold in parsley, tomato, lemon zest and crushed chilies. Add more chilies, if desired. Serve hot pasta immediately in warmed bowls with seared scallops on top and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan and fresh ground pepper.
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CHATEAUBRIAND FOR TWO

Ingredients

Serves 2
1 x 10 oz (300 g) centre-cut beef tenderloin
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 large shallot, peeled, finely chopped
1 large portobello mushroom, finely sliced or coarsely chopped
½ tsp (2 ml) fresh thyme leaves
½ cup (125 ml) dry red wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) cold unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 F (220 C).
  2. Season tenderloin with salt and black pepper. Place olive oil in an ovenproof, heavy-bottomed frying pan over high heat. As soon as it begins to smoke, add beef to hot oil and sear on all sides until brown. Transfer pan to the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 130 F (50 C), 10 to 15 minutes for mediumrare. Remove from oven and place beef on a cutting board and tent with foil.
  3. Pour all but a thin film of fat from the pan. Add shallot, mushroom and thyme and sauté over medium-low heat, until the shallots are golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine and raise heat to high, deglazing and scraping any brown bits from pan. Reduce until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and whisk in butter until emulsified.
  4. To serve, carve tenderloin into thick slices and drizzle with sauce.
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CRUNCHY CHICKEN WITH BUTTERMILK GREEN GODDESS CHIVE DRESSING

Ingredients

Serves 4
BUTTERMILK GREEN GODDESS CHIVE DRESSING:
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh chives
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ tsp (2 ml) anchovy paste
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt, plus extra to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
CRUNCHY CHICKEN STRIPS:
1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
½ cup (125 ml) panko bread crumbs
½ cup (125 ml) coarsely crushed almonds
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh sage
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, whisked
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
⅓ cup (75 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
SALAD:
1 head Bibb lettuce, separated into leaves
2 nectarines, pitted and sliced
½ cup (125 ml) raspberries

Instructions

  1. To make the DRESSING: In a small blender combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, garlic and anchovy paste and whirl until smooth. Add ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt and pepper to taste. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for a couple of days.
  2. For the CRUNCHY CHICKEN STRIPS: Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a wide, shallow bowl, stir together bread crumbs, almonds and seasonings. In a second shallow bowl, place whisked egg with mayonnaise and whisk together to blend. Place flour into a third shallow bowl.
  3. To bread chicken strips, dip into egg mixture. Then shake in flour until coated. Dip into egg mixture again and then roll in bread crumb mixture. Place strips in single layer on lined baking sheet about 1-in (2.5 cm) apart. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake in centre of preheated oven for 5 minutes. Using tongs, gently turn strips and continue to bake for 2 more minutes or until strips are no longer pink inside. Remove to a rack.
  4. While chicken is baking, assemble SALAD ingredients. Divide Bibb lettuce leaves and fruit among serving plates. Place baked Crunchy Chicken alongside salad and drizzle with Buttermilk Green Goddess Chive Dressing.
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CHILLED ZUCCHINI NOODLE COCONUT LIME BOWLS

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 tsp (10 ml) peanut or coconut oil, plus extra if needed
2 garlic cloves, minced
½-in (1.25 cm) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
2 Thai red chilies, halved and seeded, plus extra for garnish
1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth
2 x 14 oz (398 ml) cans coconut milk
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice, plus extra if desired
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown or palm sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) tamari sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) light-coloured miso paste
½ lb (250 g) fresh green or red (or a combination of ) asparagus spears, preferably thick stalks
1 green zucchini, about 8-in (20 cm) long
1 small lotus root, peeled
4 large radishes, trimmed
¼ cup (60 ml) micro arugula leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) salted cashews
¼ cup (60 ml) salted cashews

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan. Add garlic, ginger and chili peppers and sauté for 30 seconds over medium-high heat or until aromatic. Do not let it brown. Add chicken broth to deglaze pan.
  2. Stir in coconut milk, lime juice, sugar, tamari sauce and miso paste. Whisk to blend. Gently simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavours. Remove from the heat and bring to room temperature. Refrigerate until chilled.
  3. When broth is chilled, trim root ends of asparagus. Using a hand-held vegetable peeler, shave spears into long thin strips. If tips break, simply add to strips. Place in a bowl. Repeat with zucchini using a hand-held peeler or spiralizer and add to asparagus. Thinly shave peeled lotus root crosswise into thin rounds using a mandolin. Thinly slice radishes on mandolin.
  4. To serve, place asparagus and zucchini into serving bowls. Tuck a couple slices lotus root alongside. Pour chilled broth over top. Arrange radishes in centre and sprinkle with arugula and cashews. Garnish with cilantro and serve chilled.
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CHIPOTLE MAPLE-SEARED SALMON WITH AVOCADO-APPLE CHUTNEY

Ingredients

Serves 4
AVOCADO-APPLE CHUTNEY:
1 medium-sized jewel yam, cooked but still firm, peeled and diced
1 ripe, but firm Haas avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 small Gala apple, unpeeled, cored and diced
¼ cup (60 ml) minced cilantro
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced red onion
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp (10 ml) adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted pumpkin seeds, optional
CHIPOTLE MAPLE-SEARED SALMON:
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
1 canned chipotle chili in adobo sauce
1 lime, zest and juice
1 garlic clove, smashed and minced
½ tsp (2 ml) ground cumin
generous pinches salt and pepper, to taste
4 x 4 oz (125 g) salmon fillets, skin on
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. To make AVOCADO-APPLE CHUTNEY: In a large bowl, combine cooked yam, avocado, apple, cilantro and onion. Gently toss.
  2. In a small bowl, combine juice, oil and adobo sauce. Stir to blend. Drizzle over yam mixture. Gently toss to coat. Add seasonings to taste. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Cover and refrigerate while preparing salmon.
  3. To make CHIPOTLE MAPLE-SEARED SALMON: Preheat oven to 275 F (140 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  4. Combine olive oil, maple syrup, chipotle, lime juice and zest, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper in a small blender and whirl until smooth.
  5. Place salmon fillets 1-in (2.5 cm) apart on prepared baking sheet and dollop with chipotle mixture. Gently spread to coat. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork and is almost opaque in the centre.
  6. Remove and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with Avocado-Apple Chutney spread over top. Excellent with potatoes, rice or quinoa.
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DUNGENESS CRAB SALAD WITH PICKLED GREEN STRAWBERRIES

Ingredients

Serves 2
PICKLED GREEN STRAWBERRIES:
8 green strawberries, sliced
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) water
5 tbsp (75 ml) rice wine vinegar
5 tbsp (75 ml) granulated sugar
1 lime, juice only
1 orange, zest only
3 black peppercorns, whole
6 coriander seeds, whole
SALAD:
1 large Dungeness crab
½ tsp (2 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
1 shallot, sliced
1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced in half (germ removed)
2 to 3 tsp (10 to 15 ml) tomato paste
⅞ cup (207 ml) grape seed oil
1 egg yolk
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1 lemon, juice only, divided
2 dashes rice wine vinegar
kosher salt and espelette, to taste
8 white asparagus spears, peeled
granulated sugar, for water
fresh pea shoots, for garnish
10 cured fennel, shaved for garnish
puffed wild rice, for garnish
fresh soft herbs such as pea shoots and chervil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make PICKLED STRAWBERRIES ahead of time. Place strawberries in a glass container large enough to hold all remaining ingredients.
  2. Prepare pickle mixture. In a pot combine water, vinegar, sugar, lime juice and orange zest, peppercorns and coriander seeds, bring to a simmer until sugar is dissolved. Pour over top of strawberries in container, allow to cool and refrigerate overnight. If you can the strawberries properly they will keep for a year.
  3. To make SALAD: Cook crab in a large pot of simmering water for 5 minutes remove from water to a large bowl. Remove legs and claws and place body back in simmering water for an additional 3 minutes. Carefully remove meat from shells, reserving leg and claw shells, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Place leftover leg and claw shells in a medium saucepan over low heat for several minutes, stirring regularly. Add pepper flakes, shallot and garlic, cook for several minutes then add tomato paste and cook for several more minutes, preventing colouring. Add grape seed oil and leave on low heat until oil has developed desired taste, about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve and allow to cool. Refrigerate crab oil until ready to use.
  5. With crab oil make a mayonnaise. Place egg yolk and Dijon in a bowl, whisk in reserved crab oil, then thin with juice from half a lemon and a couple dashes of rice wine vinegar to achieve desired thickness and balance. Season with kosher salt and espelette.
  6. In a bowl, dress reserved crabmeat with prepared mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. Add a bit at a time, gently fold in meat, season to taste. Set aside.
  7. Simmer asparagus in a large saucepan of water heavily seasoned with sugar and kosher salt until tender, cool on a tray. Cut into small bite-sized pieces then fold into crab mixture.
  8. To assemble, arrange crab and asparagus in serving dishes with a few slices of Pickled Green Strawberries. Season with some remaining freshly squeezed lemon juice and pinch or 2 of espelette to taste. Garnish with pea shoots, cured fennel, puffed wild rice and soft herbs, serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

CHICKEN AND PORK SATAYS

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
3 tbsp (45 ml) canola oil
1 stalk lemongrass, dry leaves removed, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves
1 red Thai chili pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) curry powder
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
1 tbsp (15 ml) light soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) palm or brown sugar
¼ cup (50 ml) coconut milk
1 to 1½ lbs (500 to 750 ml) combination of chicken breast, thighs or pork, cut into thin 1 x 3-in (2.5 x 7.5 cm) strips
SATAY SAUCE:
¼ cup (50 ml) canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
½ tsp (2 ml) dried red chili flakes, or to taste
3 kaffir lime leaves or zest of 1 lime
½ tsp (2 ml) curry powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped lemongrass
1½ cup (375 ml) coconut milk
1 x 2-in (5 cm) cinnamon stick
2 tsp (10 ml) tamarind paste
1 to 3 tbsp (15 to 45 ml) fish sauce, or to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) palm or brown sugar
3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice
1 cup (250 ml) chunky peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients except for the meat into a food processor. Blend until smooth.
  2. Separate chicken and pork in two bowls and divide marinade and pour on top. Mix well to combine and marinate for 2 hours.
  3. Thread meat onto skewers and place on barbecue or grill, turning occasionally, until cooked.
  4. To make SATAY SAUCE: Heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, red chili flakes, kaffir lime leaves, curry powder and lemon grass.
  5. Sauté 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant and onions start to soften.
  6. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Be careful sauce does not stick to bottom of saucepan. Makes 1½ cups (375 ml)
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