Pomegranate Saffron Couscous

This crowd-pleaser offers both flavour and texture, with pearls of couscous bursting with warm, earthy abundance from saffron, balanced with the tangy sweetness of pomegranates and caramelized onions. Pine nuts bring an added crunch, and the whole experience is a feast in your mouth! Try pairing this recipe with Santa Margarita Rose.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 as a side dish
3 cups (750 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) saffron threads
2½ cups (625 ml) pearl couscous
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
4 cups (1 L) thinly sliced shallots, divided
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) crushed garlic
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate arils
1 cup (250 ml) chopped fresh mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) lightly toasted pine nuts
pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
chopped fresh parsley and mandarin orange segments, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring stock, olive oil and saffron to a boil. Add couscous, stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Set aside.
  2. In a large wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high. Add 3 cups (750 ml) shallots and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and continue frying until well-caramelized and deep brown. Do not burn. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shallots to a plate, leaving excess oil in saucepan.
  3. In same wok over medium-high heat, fry remaining 1 cup (250 ml) shallots until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Mix in prepared couscous, pomegranate arils, mint and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in vinegar and fried shallots. Remove from heat, cover and set aside. Garnish with chopped parsley and mandarin segments, and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Warm Brussels & Kale Slaw

Quick, healthy and tasty, this Brussel and Kale Slaw recipe will soon become the trusted go-to when you are short on time but need to impress the discerning palates you’ve invited for dinner! Have any leftovers? Add them into a wrap for extra crunch and nutritional value. Try pairing this recipe with a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, such as the Matua Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 as a side dish
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced shallots
2 cups (500 ml) thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
2 cups (500 ml) kale leaves roughly chopped into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced radicchio
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar
shaved Parmesan, cranberries (optional) and toasted pine nuts (optional), for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or wok over medium, heat vegetable oil. Add shallots and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until edges of shallots start turning brown.
  2. Add Brussels sprouts, kale and radicchio. Toss for about 1 minute. Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add vinegar and quickly toss vegetables together. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with shaved Parmesan along with cranberries and toasted pine nuts, if desired.
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Drink Pairings

Cheesy Cauli-Gratin

Creamy and savoury, this gratin will have even the pickiest eater begging for more! Serve it as a side, or as a main alongside your favourite salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up that rich delicious sauce. This recipe can be made in advance and re-heated before serving. Try pairing this recipe with a full-bodied chardonnay, such as the Freemark Abbey Chardonnay from the Napa Valley.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 as a side
1 large head cauliflower, cut into 2-in (5 cm) florets, washed and drained
½ cup (125 ml) butter, divided
⅓ cup (80 ml) all-purpose flour
2½ cups (625 ml) warm milk, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp (a pinch) cayenne pepper
2 cups (500 ml) Gruyère, divided
salt, to taste
⅓ cup (80 ml) bread crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Place cauliflower in a large heatproof, microwave‑safe bowl. Cover with a heatproof plate and cook in microwave on high for 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup (60 ml) butter over medium heat. Using a whisk, add flour and mix to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
  3. Carefully add 1 cup (250 ml) milk and stir vigorously to blend well. Add remaining 1½ cups (375 ml) milk and continue whisking until sauce is smooth.
  4. Stir in white pepper, nutmeg, cayenne and 1 cup (250 ml) Gruyère. Stir until smooth and cheese has melted. Remove from heat. Season with salt.
  5. Pour one-third of cheese sauce in a heatproof casserole dish. Spread cauliflower evenly over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over cauliflower. This can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before baking.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  7. In a small skillet, melt remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter over medium heat and add bread crumbs. Toast for 1 minute and remove from heat. Transfer to plate to cool.
  8. Spread remaining 1 cup (250 ml) Gruyère evenly over cauliflower. Top with toasted bread crumbs and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese on surface has melted and bread crumbs look golden brown. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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Drink Pairings

Dried Oyster Bean Curd Roll

This crispy Oyster Bean Curd Roll is filled with Umami flavour. Expertly crafted by Chef He at Mott 32 in Vancouver, BC. This recipe is bountiful with savory richness of dried oysters balanced with Shiitake mushrooms and preserved Chinese sausage. Try pairing this recipe with Tantalus Pinot Noir 2021 or Black Sage Vineyard Oliver Merlot 2019.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 20 rolls
1 lb (450 g) dried Chinese or Japanese oysters
⅓ cup + 3 to 4 tbsp (125 to 140 ml) neutral-flavoured oil, divided
⅓ cup (80 ml) water
3½ tbsp (52.5 ml) oyster sauce, divided
2½ tbsp (37.5 ml) minced fresh ginger, divided
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2½ tsp (12.5 ml) salt, divided
⅓ cup (80 ml) cooked fat choy (washed and boiled in stock or water for 5 minutes)
5 sheets fresh bean curd (about 11 × 17-in/28 × 43 cm each)
8 oz (225 g) preserved Chinese sausages, diced
10 oz (280 g) shiitake mushrooms, diced
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pepper
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) granulated sugar
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) chestnut powder

Instructions

  1. Rehydrate dried oysters in cold water for about 3 hours, then thoroughly rinse and roughly chop. Heat ⅓ cup (80 ml) oil in a frying pan over high, then flash-fry oysters in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add ⅓ cup (80 ml) water, 2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger, green onions and 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes. Remove lid and simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Dice cooked fat choy into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. Rinse bean curd sheets and pat dry. Cut each sheet into 4 rectangles and set aside to make rolls.
  4. Heat a separate pan on medium and add 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Add 1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) ginger and preserved sausage and stir-fry until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and fat choy and stir-fry until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Add oysters, 1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) oyster sauce, 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) salt, pepper, sugar and chestnut powder to pan and stir-fry until all ingredients are heated and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Place a spoonful of stir-fried mixture on a bean curd rectangle (do not overpack). Wrap filled rectangle into a spring roll. Repeat until you’ve used up all rectangles and filling.
  6. Heat a deep wok on high. Add 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) oil and heat until sizzling hot. Carefully slide rolls into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  7. Remove from heat and place rolls on a draining rack or paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

Spinach, Pumpkin & Bacon-Stuffed Portobellos

Indulge in a culinary dream with these creamy stuffed portobellos. Brimming with richness, be sure to make extra filling to have as a quick weeknight dinner or transform them into a delightful appetizer by using button mushrooms. Their versatility makes them great for entertaining this autumn.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 cups (500 ml) fresh pumpkin, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
4 portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed and discarded
2 tsp (10 ml) salt, divided, plus more to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
4 rashers bacon, roughly chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup (250 ml) frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
1 cup (250 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
1 cup (250 ml) shredded cheddar, divided
1 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs
¼ cup (60 ml) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Steam pumpkin for 10 to 15 minutes or until just tender. Set aside to cool.
  2. Place mushrooms on baking sheet, gill-side up. Season with 1 tsp (5 ml) salt and pepper to taste, and brush with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven and set aside.
  3. In a medium sauté pan, render bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix bacon, onion, garlic, spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, ½ cup (125 ml) cheddar and remaining salt. Once mixed, gently fold in pumpkin and check seasoning.
  5. Top mushrooms equally with pumpkin filling. In a small bowl, mix remaining ½ cup (125 ml) cheddar, bread crumbs and butter. Top filled mushrooms with bread crumb mixture.
  6. Bake mushrooms for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot all the way through and golden brown. Serve with side salad.
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Drink Pairings

Butternut Squash & Kale Gratin

Classic flavours with a healthy twist fit for Thanksgiving. Try this gratin this fall for something new, it’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, but also has some kale for a bit of greens.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
⅓ cup + 3 tbsp (125 ml) butter, divided, plus more for greasing baking dish
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk, warmed
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) grated Asiago, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped curly parsley
¼ cup (60 ml) bread crumbs
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, cut in 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
1 bunch kale, stems removed, thinly sliced and blanched

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Butter a 7 × 11‑in (2 L) baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk until no lumps remain. Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until thick, about 10 minutes. Whisk in ¾ cup (180 ml) Asiago and set bechamel aside.
  3. Melt remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) butter in a heatproof medium bowl, let cool slightly and add remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) Asiago, parsley and bread crumbs. Mix well.
  4. Pour one-third of the bechamel into the baking dish and spread evenly. Lay down half the squash slices and top with half the kale.
  5. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of bechamel. You will have 3 layers of bechamel and 2 layers of vegetables. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over top of bechamel. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until squash is tender, removing foil halfway through baking. Serve warm.
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Drink Pairings

Shallot Tarte Tatin

This is an elegant side dish that could also be a main served with a side salad goes well as a Thanksgiving side dish. The combo if caramelized shallot, gruyere and pastry is a classic combo.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package frozen puff pastry, defrosted according to package directions
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
1 lb (450 g) shallots, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
3 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and stems discarded, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar reduction
¼ cup (60 ml) Gruyère

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Unroll puff pastry and cut to fit a 10-in (25 cm) round cast iron pan. Poke holes all over with a fork and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
  2. Melt butter in pan. Sprinkle sugar all over butter. Lay shallot rounds in a single layer on bottom of pan. Sprinkle with thyme leaves, drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with Gruyère. Lay pastry round on the shallots and press it down.
  3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes, place serving platter on top of pan and invert it. Garnish with more thyme leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Drink Pairings

Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Bust out the Brussels this Thanksgiving! Try these cheesy, crispy sprouts once and you won’t make them any other way ever again! The sprouts can be boiled up to two days ahead of time. Make sure to dry them out well to help them crisp up.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 lbs (900 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add sprouts and return to boil, then turn heat down to medium and cook 10 minutes, or until sprouts are tender.
  2. Drain and cool sprouts. Once cool, crush sprouts with a heavy-bottomed pot until flattened. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip sprouts and sprinkle with Parmesan. Roast another 10 to 15 minutes, or until Parmesan has browned. Transfer to a serving platter.
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Drink Pairings

Fried Chicken Biscuits with Hot Honey

Let’s go to the south with this Fried Chicken Biscuit drizzled with hot honey. Use biscuit shortcuts to make this recipe easy and approachable while you fry that chicken! This recipe offers a sweet heat flavor to a classic.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 sandwiches
½ cup (125 ml) honey
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) red pepper chili flakes (or to taste)
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) white vinegar
⅛ tsp (a pinch) + ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, divided
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
2½ cups (625 ml) Bisquick mix
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic powder, divided
1 cup (250 ml) grated sharp cheddar
1 large jalapeño pepper, diced (or to taste)
⅔ cup (160 ml) 2% milk (do not sub), plus more if needed
2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper
3 cups (750 ml) neutral-flavoured oil, for frying
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha or hot sauce of choice
¼ cup (60 ml) sliced pickles
12 leaves butter lettuce

Instructions

  1. To make hot honey, in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat honey and chili flakes. Add vinegar and ⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt. Let cool and set aside.
  2. Place chicken on a parchment-lined cutting board and lay another sheet of parchment on top of chicken. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently bang the chicken to flatten and tenderize. Place in a bowl, add buttermilk and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
  4. In a separate bowl, mix Bisquick, baking powder, ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) garlic powder, cheddar and jalapeños. Add milk and stir for 30 seconds, until a dough forms. If dough is too dry, add 1 tbsp (30 ml) more milk. Do not over-mix the dough. Once dough has come together, place it on a clean, dry, floured surface. Form into a rectangle about 1½-in (4 cm) thick. Cut into 6 portions. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside.
  5. Remove chicken from refrigerator and allow to come slightly to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) garlic powder, paprika and pepper.
  7. In a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, heat frying oil to 350 F (175 C).
  8. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour mixture and place in frying oil. Do in 2 batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
  9. Fry on each side for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through or until an internal temperature of 170 F (80 C). Season with salt and pepper and allow to rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. In a small mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha.
  11. To assemble, cut each biscuit in half lengthwise. Spread on some sriracha mayonnaise. Add pickles and lettuce. Place a piece of chicken on bottom halves and drizzle with hot honey. Close each sandwich with top biscuit half and enjoy.
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Drink Pairings

Sweet Chipotle-Glazed Corn with Cumin Lime Crema

Bust out the barbecue and pick up some fresh BC corn to make this recipe come to life. Create your own sweet-chipotle glaze for optimal sweet and spicy flavors to your preference. Serve as a side dish at your next outdoor barbecue.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) butter, melted
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) chipotle powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, plus more to taste
4 to 6 ears corn, husks removed
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
1 lime, juice only
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, mix garlic, butter, maple syrup, chipotle powder and salt.
  2. Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high. Using a pastry brush, brush half the chipotle butter onto each piece of corn. Grill for 10 minutes, rotating corn every few minutes, until corn is cooked through. Brush remaining chipotle butter onto corn and place on a platter to rest.
  3. To make cumin lime crema, in a small mixing bowl, mix sour cream, lime juice and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Place mixture into a squeeze bottle and drizzle sauce over corn. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.
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Drink Pairings

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