Ube-Glazed Mochi Doughnuts
A delicious cultural mash-up, these fluffy Ube-Glazed Doughnuts have a pleasant chew and are dipped in a vibrant ube glaze. If you are looking for doughnuts in a hurry, skip the shaping and simply fry bite-sized balls before glazing. Pair this recipe with Ruffino Moscato D’asti or Baileys Almande Almond Beverage.Ingredients
Serves 8
2 cups (500 ml) sweet rice flour, divided
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, divided
½ cup (125 ml) tapioca starch
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
vegetable oil, for frying, plus more for shaping doughnuts
1½ cups (375 ml) icing sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) 2% milk
¼ to ½ tsp (1 to 2.5 ml) ube extract (available at Filipino grocery stores and online)
2 oz (60 g) white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Start by making mochi doughnuts. In a microwave-safe bowl, use a fork to stir ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet rice flour and ¼ cup (60 ml) milk. Microwave on high for 15-second intervals, stirring between cooking times, until a sticky dough forms, 30 to 45 seconds in total. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk remaining 1¾ cups (430 ml) rice flour, remaining ½ cup (125 ml) milk, tapioca starch, sugar, salt and baking powder. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk egg and melted butter. Set aside.
- To dry ingredient bowl, add cooled mochi dough and egg mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough comes together. Continue to knead dough in bowl until smooth and only slightly sticky. Dough should be able to hold its shape. Add a little more rice flour as needed.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan to come 2-in (5 cm) up sides. Fit saucepan with a deep-frying thermometer and heat oil over medium until thermometer registers 350 F (175 C).
- Cut a large piece of parchment into eight 4-in (10 cm) squares and set aside.
- To shape doughnuts, lightly oil your hands and divide dough into 8 equal portions. Working with 1 portion of dough at a time, divide portion into 8 pieces and roll into balls. Arrange 8 balls in a circle on a parchment square, making sure balls are touching. Transfer parchment with doughnut ring to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat rolling and shaping process to make 7 more doughnut rings.
- Working with 1 doughnut ring at a time, carefully pick up a parchment square and lower it, paper-side down, into oil. Fry for about 45 seconds, then carefully remove parchment with tongs and discard. Continue to fry doughnut until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Take care not to flip too early or doughnut may break apart. Carefully transfer to a rack and let cool. Repeat cooking process with remaining doughnuts.
- While doughnuts cool, make glaze. In a medium bowl wide enough to dip doughnuts into, whisk icing sugar, milk and desired amount of ube extract. Adjust consistency as desired with milk, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time.
- Dip tops of doughnuts in glaze, letting excess drip back into bowl, and return to rack. Let sit until glaze is set, about 15 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler. Drizzle over doughnuts and let white chocolate set for 15 minutes. Doughnuts are best eaten the same day they are made.
Drink Pairings
Matcha Coconut Crêpe Cake
This striking Matcha Coconut Crêpes Cake will be a welcome finale to any springtime meal. A captivating fusion of delicate crêpes and luscious coconut mascarpone cream, this delightful dessert offers layers of thin, green-tea-infused crêpes. Please take note to use coconut cream and not coconut milk in this recipe. Consider pairing this recipe with Choya Uji Green Tea Umeshu or Amarula Plant-Based Cream Like Liqueur.Ingredients
Serves 12
2⅔ cups (660 ml) whole milk
6 tbsp (90 ml) water
6 eggs
6 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, melted
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
5 tsp (25 ml) vanilla extract, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) good-quality matcha powder, plus more for garnish coconut oil, for cooking crêpes
2 cups (500 ml) canned coconut cream (thick, creamy part only, no coconut water)
2 cups (500 ml) mascarpone
¼ cup (60 ml) icing sugar, plus more for whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
toasted coconut ribbons, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine milk, water, eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, sugar, 4 tsp (20 ml) vanilla and matcha powder and blend until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Transfer to a jug or mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- When ready to cook crêpes, remove batter from refrigerator and give it a light whisk. It should have consistency of whipping cream. If too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water to thin it out.
- Heat a 7-in (18 cm) non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. When warm, lightly grease with coconut oil, wiping off any excess with paper towel. Pour in enough batter to thinly coat bottom of pan, about 3 tbsp (45 ml). Tilt pan so entire bottom surface is coated with a thin layer of batter. Let cook for about 2 minutes. Crêpe is ready to flip when bubbles appear on surface and edges look dry. Flip with a spatula and cook for a further 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and cover with a tea towel. Repeat with remaining crêpe batter. You should end up with about 20 crêpes. Crêpes can be made ahead; just stack cooked crêpes between sheets of waxed paper and store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- While crêpes cool, in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk coconut cream and mascarpone at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add icing sugar and remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla. Whisk until well combined, thick and creamy, another 1 to 2 minutes. Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes.
- To assemble cake, place first crêpe on a serving plate and spread about 1½ to 2 tbsp (22.5 to 30 ml) cream mixture into a thin layer before placing a second crêpe on top. Repeat, layering crêpes and cream and ending with a final crêpe on top, until all crêpes have been used up. Lightly cover with plastic wrap or a cake dome and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
- When ready to serve, whip cream and 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) icing sugar until stiff peaks form. Dollop on top of cake, sprinkle with toasted coconut ribbons and finish with a dusting of matcha powder. Slice with a serrated knife and serve.
Drink Pairings
Tweedle Dee-Dum
Inspired by the delightful characters Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the floral essence of the Hendricks rose and cucumber accent meets the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol, harmonizing with strawberry tea. This whimsical concoction gives the first impression of sweetness while the brightness of lemon balances the cocktail, leading to a dry finish.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Hendrick’s Gin
1 oz (30 ml) Aperol
1 oz (30 ml) strawberry tea* or berry tea of your choice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup**
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
strawberry and lemon peel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine gin, Aperol, strawberry tea, Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Stir and strain into a teacup with 1 ice cube. Garnish with a strawberry and lemon peel.
- * To make strawberry tea, pour 10 oz (300 ml) boiling water over 2 strawberry tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Let cool before using.
- ** 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
White Rabbit
The White Rabbit cocktail is a whimsical blend of flavours where smooth vanilla intertwines with white tea and rich chocolate, while almond adds nutty depth. The zippy lemon provides a refreshing twist, creating a delightful and eccentric concoction that embodies the whimsy of Wonderland.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Absolut Vanilia Vodka infused with white tea*
½ oz (15 ml) McGuinness Crème de Cacao
1 oz (30 ml) sweetened almond milk
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
garnish with carrot ribbon
Instructions
- Place a coupe glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine infused vodka, crème de cacao, almond milk and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with a carrot ribbon.
- * For white tea infusion, steep 3 white tea bags in 1 cup (250 ml) vanilla vodka for 15 to 30 minutes, tasting it after 15 minutes and adjusting infusion time accordingly. The white tea flavour should be potent but not overpowering.
Featuring
Mad as a Hatter
This Mad Hatter tea party-inspired cocktail is a playful and unconventional mix of green tea, tequila, honeydew melon and citrus. Its eccentric combination invites the drinker to embark on a whimsical journey and a delightful exploration of flavours that mirrors the spirit of the Mad Hatter’s tea party, where the unexpected becomes the norm.Ingredients
Serves 1
pink salt, for rim
5 Jasmine Green Tea Ice Cubes*
1½ oz (45 ml) Espolòn Tequila Blanco
1 oz (30 ml) Bols Melon Liqueur
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup**
honeydew melon ball on a lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Place a rocks glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker with prepared Green Tea Ice Cubes, combine tequila, melon liqueur and lime juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled glass over new ice. Garnish with a honeydew melon ball on a lime wheel.
- *For Jasmine Green Tea Ice Cubes, pour 500 ml (16 oz) of boiled water over 2 tsp (5 ml) of jasmine green tea leaves and steep for 45 seconds. Strain hot tea into a heatproof silicon ice cube tray and freeze solid.
- ** 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
A Grand Celebration
For a truly grand holiday celebration, let Grand Marnier, a year-round favourite take center stage at the holiday table to add an elevated touch to all cocktails. Try this delicious cocktail, with Grand Marnier as the star, highlighted by cranberry juice, a couple dashes of bitters and topped with a bubbly of choice - worthy of a grand celebration. Featuring Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge and Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
1 oz (30 ml) organic 100% pure cranberry juice* (not from concentrate)
2 dashes aromatic bitters
2 oz (60 ml) Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava
1 sprig rosemary, for garnish
3 sugared cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine Grand Marnier, cranberry juice and bitters. Stir to chill and dilute then strain into a coupe glass.
- Top with cava and garnish with rosemary and sugared cranberries on a cocktail pick, or as desired.
- *This cranberry juice is not blended with other juices or added sugar. It is more intensely flavoured and tart than cranberry blend options.
Featuring
Spiced Tiramisu
During the Holidays, you are likely to have some Baileys or Kahlua liqueur on hand. Here we take a classic dessert “Tiramisu” and insert some winter inspired flavours like cinnamon and nutmeg to make a super cozy and very easy dessert. Make a day or two ahead of time to lighten the load on those nights when you are entertaining the masses.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
6 egg yolks
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 × 9.7 oz (275 g) tub mascarpone, room temperature
1¾ cups (430 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) black coffee, cold
½ cup (125 ml) Kahlúa or Baileys (optional)
30 to 40 ladyfingers (Gioia brand works best)
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 2-in (5 cm) water to a boil. In a large metal bowl that fits on top of saucepan, combine egg yolks, sugar and vanilla. Whisk ingredients and place bowl directly over saucepan. Continuously mix egg mixture for 5 to 8 minutes, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Add mascarpone to egg yolk mixture and stir to combine. Do not overmix, as it could curdle.
- In a separate large mixing bowl and using a handheld mixer, whip cream to form stiff peaks. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to cream and gently fold in egg yolk mixture to combine. Set aside in refrigerator and allow to cool completely.
- In a shallow bowl, mix coffee and Kahlúa. Briefly dip ladyfingers, 1 at a time, into coffee mixture and lay out evenly in a 9 × 12‑in (23 × 30 cm) casserole dish to cover base. Spoon half of the cold cream mixture evenly onto base layer of ladyfingers. Repeat another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of cream mixture, then place remaining cream layer on top. Using a spatula, flatten top of cream mixture so it is even. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Using a sieve, dust cocoa powder on top of tiramisu before serving.
Drink Pairings
Baked Cinnamon Raisin French Toast
This Baked Cinnamon Raisin French Toast has a rich, almost bread pudding-like texture. If you can’t find cinnamon raisin bread, use your favourite sliced bread (a brioche would be perfect) and add your own cinnamon and raisins to the custard mixture. Prepping this the night before and baking it in the morning of serving means you can have French toast without all the work! Try pairing this recipe with Baileys Deliciously Light or Kim Crawford ProseccoIngredients
Serves 4-6
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter, room temperature, for dish
5 eggs
3 cups (750 ml) half-and-half cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 loaf sliced cinnamon raisin bread
1 cup (250 ml) pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
icing sugar, for garnish
maple syrup, for garnish and to serve
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-in (3.5 L) casserole dish. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix eggs, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Dip a piece of bread into egg mixture and place standing up in casserole. Repeat with remaining bread until casserole is full. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat oven to 350 F (175 C) and set oven rack to centre position. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while oven is heating.
- Bake casserole for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Garnish with pecans, icing sugar and syrup. Serve with more maple syrup.
Drink Pairings
Chocolate Hazelnut Mille Feuille
Fererro Rocher chocolates have long been associated with the holidays. A mix of hazelnut and milk chocolate make them insanely irresistible. For this dessert, we have paired them with a similar flavour profile – Nutella buttercream! Add some beautiful puff pastry for a light but decadent showstopper of a dessert. Try pairing this recipe with Spicebox Chocolate Whisky and Carolans Irish Cream.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (1 L) icing sugar
¾ cup (180 ml) Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
⅓ cup + ¾ cup (260 ml) whipping cream, divided
1 egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
1 sheet puff pastry (about 12 × 15‑in/30 × 38 cm), thawed
6 Ferrero Rocher chocolates
8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) chopped roasted, unsalted hazelnuts
Instructions
- In a large metal bowl and using a handheld mixer, mix butter until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add icing sugar 1 cup (250 ml) at a time until entirely incorporated. Mixture may be a bit dry, but that’s okay. Add Nutella, vanilla, salt and ⅓ cup (80 ml) whipping cream. Continue to mix until buttercream is a light colour and has no lumps. Place into a large piping bag and set aside until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a small mixing bowl, beat egg and milk.
- Lay puff pastry onto a cutting board and cut into 3 equal rectangles about 5-in/12.5 cm wide. Using a pastry brush, brush top of pastry with a light layer of egg mixture.
- Place pastry onto a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool. (If pastries have puffed up unevenly, gently press down on them while still warm so they are more even.)
- Place 1 rectangle of pastry onto a flat serving plate. Pipe little dollops of Nutella buttercream around outside of pastry. Place 2 dollops in centre as well (this will help pastry from caving in with weight). Place a second layer of pastry on top and repeat previous step. Place final layer of pastry on top and decorate top with remaining buttercream. Place a chocolate on all four corners of cake as well as 2 in centre.
- Place dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat remaining ¾ cup (180 ml) cream until just about to simmer. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir to combine; it should be a smooth chocolate ganache. Drizzle desired amount of chocolate overtop cake and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
- To serve, use a serrated bread knife to cut into 1- to 2-in (2.5 to 5 cm) slices. Serve at room temperature (do not refrigerate).
Drink Pairings
Maple Pancake
Imagine that your dreamy brunch pancakes were topped with whipped cream and maple syrup while you sipped on a delicious coffee. The following cocktail conveniently combines all these favourite flavours in the form of Canadian Whisky, Cabot Maple Cream Liqueur and espresso for a tasty flavour experience.Ingredients
Serves 1
2 oz (60 ml) Cabot Trail Maple Cream
¾ oz (22 ml) Canadian Club Classic 12-Year-Old Whisky
½ oz (15 ml) espresso
whipped cream, maple syrup and coffee beans, for garnish
dollar pancake, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Chill a coupe glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine Maple Cream, whisky and espresso. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup and 3 coffee beans. Optionally, also garnish with a dollar pancake.