Blackberry Tart with Grilled Grand Marnier Oranges

This brilliantly coloured blackberry tart with Grand Marnier oranges makes the perfect finale to any summertime meal. You can swap out the blackberries for raspberries for an equally delicious result. Try pairing this recipe with Saintly The Good Sparkling Rosé.

Ingredients

Serves 10
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, divided
2 cups (500 ml) gingersnap cookie crumbs
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine salt
¼ cup (60 ml) water, room temperature
2½ tsp (12.5 ml) powdered gelatin
3 cups (750 ml) blackberries, plus more for garnish
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) light brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
2 navel oranges, ends trimmed off and each cut into 8 rounds

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (125 ml) butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter stops foaming and solids start to turn golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer butter to a medium bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir gingersnap cookie crumbs, salt and ⅓ cup (80 ml) browned, melted butter until well combined and mixture sticks together in a clump when pressed between fingers. Press crust mixture into a 9-in (23 cm) fluted tart pan, pressing mixture evenly into bottom and up sides. Refrigerate tart shell for 10 minutes. Save any remaining browned butter for another use; it will keep in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Place chilled tart shell on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until firm, 12 to 14 minutes. Set aside on a rack to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. To make blackberry filling, start by placing water in a small bowl and sprinkling gelatin evenly overtop. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, place blackberries in bowl of a food processor fitted with an S blade. Blend until blackberries are well puréed. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and discard seeds. You should have about 1 cup (250 ml) purée.
  7. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and sugar to a simmer, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until it melts. Transfer warm milk mixture to a blender along with blackberry purée, whipping cream and vanilla. Blend on low until well combined. Transfer mixture to a container with a pour spout. Carefully pour blackberry mixture into crust, filling it to top. Transfer tart to refrigerator until custard is set, at least 1 hour.
  8. Preheat barbecue grill to medium, taking care to clean and oil grills.
  9. In a small saucepan, combine remaining ½ cup (125 ml) butter, brown sugar and Grand Marnier. Warm gently over medium heat, whisking constantly, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
  10. Place orange slices on grill and baste with butter mixture. Grill until grill marks form on underside, about 1 minute, then flip and baste again. Continue to grill until warm but not falling apart. Transfer to a platter and baste one last time. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  11. To serve, remove tart from tart pan and place on a serving platter. Artfully arrange grilled orange slices over tart and garnish with additional blackberries. Slice and serve.
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Harissa-Roasted Carrot & Cashew Dip

Hailing from Tunisia, peppery and smoky harissa paste gives this roasted carrot dip an intriguing and complex flavour perfect for a summer party. A splash of Disaronno Originale Amaretto imparts a touch of nutty sweetness, and a hit of fresh herbs brightens it all up. Pair this dip with Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer or Haywire Pinot Gris.

Ingredients

Serves enough for everyone at the party to circle back for more
1½ cups (375 ml) raw cashews
3 tbsp (45 ml) harissa paste
3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) ground ginger
2 tsp (10 ml) cumin seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) onion powder
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) ground turmeric
1 tsp (5 ml) Spanish hot paprika, plus more for garnish
1 lb (450 g) carrots, cut into about ½ × 1½-in (1.25 × 4 cm) pieces
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) water, plus more if needed
2 tbsp (30 ml) Disaronno Originale Amaretto
1 lemon, juice only
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) roasted shelled sunflower seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place cashews in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Cover bowl and set in refrigerator to soak overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine harissa paste, cider vinegar, ginger, cumin seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric and paprika. Set aside.
  4. Toss carrots with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and the salt and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and toss with harissa mixture. Spread back on same baking sheet, return to oven and roast for another 20 to 30 minutes, until carrots are softened and well caramelized. Cool slightly.
  5. Drain and rinse soaked cashews. Transfer to a food processor with water, amaretto, lemon juice and remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil. Purée on high speed until smooth, scraping sides of processor bowl as needed. Add carrots and continue to purée until smooth, adding more water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, if needed. Stir in chopped mint and parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle generously with olive oil and garnish with roasted sunflower seeds, paprika and more chopped mint and parsley.
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Pineapple Coconut Spritz

This modern spritz defies tradition, inspired by the tropical essence of the piña colada into a lighter, effervescent cocktail, embracing contemporary flair. Made with Malibu Coconut Rum Liqueur and Ruffino Prosecco.

Ingredients

Serves 1
2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
1 oz (30 ml) Malibu Coconut Rum Liqueur
½ oz (15 ml) fresh Iemon juice
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
3 oz (90 ml) Ruffino Prosecco
Pineapple wedge and leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a Collins glass with cubed ice, combine pineapple juice, Malibu and lemon juice. Stir to chill, then top with soda water and Prosecco. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a few leaves.
Email Recipe

Featuring

Lambrusco Spritz

Italy’s famous sparkling red wine, Lambrusco, with its berry-forward character, is complemented by dry vermouth and grapefruit in this delightfully dry cocktail.

Ingredients

Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) fresh grapefruit juice
2 oz (60 ml) Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
3 oz (90 ml) Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano
grapefruit peel, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large old-fashioned glass with cubed ice, combine grapefruit juice, vermouth, Simple Syrup and soda water, then stir to chill. Slowly and carefully, layer Lambrusco on top. Garnish with a grapefruit peel.
  2. * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Email Recipe

Featuring

Sorbet Spritz

Elevating the classic Italian Sgroppino, this effervescent cocktail blends Prosecco, gin and lemon, lifting your favourite sorbet to new heights.

Ingredients

Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Bombay Citron Pressé Gin
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
3 oz (90 ml) La Marca Prosecco
1 scoop lemon sorbet (or your favourite flavour)
fresh mint tip, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a mixing glass with cubed ice, combine gin, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Stir to chill, then strain into a tall, footed glass. Top with Prosecco and a scoop of sorbet. Garnish with mint.
  2. * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Email Recipe

Featuring

Aperol Spritz

Bright and bubbly, the classic 3-2-1 formula combines Prosecco, Aperol and soda water, garnished with a slice of orange for a refreshing sip. Bring a taste of Italy to your patio this summer.

Ingredients

Serves 1
3 oz (90 ml) Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Brut
2 oz (60 ml) Aperol Aperitivo
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
orange slice, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large wine glass half filled with cubed ice, combine Prosecco, Aperol and soda water. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice.
Email Recipe

Featuring

Miso-Chili Butter Shrimp Scampi

Ditch the knife and fork, roll up your sleeves and dive in. This Wafu take on the southern staple sees sake take over for white wine, while togarashi and yuzu replace Old Bay and lemon. Try this recipe with BC spot prawns and it’s a sure thing! Pair this recipe with Gray Monk Unwooded Chardonnay.

Ingredients

Serves 4 as a main course
MISO-CHILI BUTTER
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) red miso paste
2 tsp (10 ml) finely sliced green onions, green parts only
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Japanese chili powder or ¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) honey
½ lemon, zest only
SHRIMP MARINADE
1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic
1 tsp (5 ml) minced fresh ginger
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Japanese chili powder or ¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
1 lemon, zest and juice
1½ lbs (680 g) large shrimp, deveined, shells on
SCAMPI
1 lb (450 g) red nugget potatoes
4 cobs corn, cut in half
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh ginger
½ cup (125 ml) sake
2 tbsp (30 ml) mirin
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon or yuzu juice
¼ cup (60 ml) loosely packed bonito flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) furikake seasoning, for garnish
lemon wedges, to serve
fresh crusty bread, to serve

Instructions

  1. To make Miso-Chili Butter, in a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Spread mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and roll into a log, about 4-in (10 cm) long × 1-in (2.5 cm) thick. Twist ends to seal well and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
  2. To make Shrimp Marinade, in a non-reactive bowl, combine garlic, ginger, Japanese chili powder, salt and lemon zest and juice. Toss with shrimp and let marinate while you prepare remaining ingredients, no more than 30 minutes.
  3. To finish Scampi, in a medium stockpot, cover potatoes with plenty of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add corn and cook until potatoes are soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Strain, then transfer to a large mixing bowl and cover to keep warm.
  4. Cut the chilled miso-chili butter into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick rounds and set aside.
  5. In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt unsalted butter and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant but not browned. Add marinated shrimp and cook until 1 side is pink. Flip shrimp, then add sake, mirin, lemon juice and bonito flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, until shrimp are fully pink and cooked through. With a slotted spoon, add shrimp to corn and potatoes, leaving any juices in pan.
  6. Turn off heat, add half of the miso-chili butter to pan and whisk until melted. Add to shrimp, corn and potatoes and toss well to coat.
  7. Transfer to a large serving dish or serve straight on a table lined with brown kraft or butcher paper. Garnish with remaining miso-chili butter, parsley and furikake seasoning. Serve with plenty of lemon wedges and a loaf of fresh crusty bread to sop up juices.
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Shio-Koji Cedar Plank Salmon

The magical and transformative Koji along with ginger, garlic and citrus add depth and a touch of umami richness to this west-coast BBQ favourite. Minimal prep, minimal clean-up, maximum results. This cedar plank salmon recipe pairs wonderfully with Sandhill Rosé.

Ingredients

Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) shio-koji
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tsp (10 ml) brown sugar
½ orange, zest only
1 side (about 1½ lbs/680 g) salmon, skin on, pin bones removed
Heirloom Tomato Salad, to serve, recipe follows (optional)
HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD
1 lemon, juice only
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh shiso or 1 tbsp (15 ml) each of fresh Thai basil and fresh mint
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) capers, chopped
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
12 oz (340 g) heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 shallot, very thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine shio-koji, ginger, garlic, brown sugar and orange zest.
  2. Pat salmon dry with paper towel and rub with shio-koji mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
  3. Submerge a food-safe cedar plank in water, weighted down with a heavy bowl, and soak for 1½ to 2 hours.
  4. Preheat barbecue grill to 400 F (200 C).
  5. Remove salmon from refrigerator, unwrap and wipe off excess marinade.
  6. Remove plank from water, pat dry and place in centre of preheated grill until lightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip plank and place salmon, skin-side down, directly on charred side. Close barbecue lid and, maintaining grill temperature at 350 to 400 F (175 to 200 C), cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily when pierced with a fork at its thickest point.
  7. Serve with Heirloom Tomato Salad directly over salmon or on side.
  8. HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD
  9. In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, shiso, capers and olive oil and stir well Toss with tomatoes and shallots, and serve.
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Roasted Heirloom Carrots with Creamy Za’atar Tahini

With its Mediterranean flavours, this creamy tahini elevates the sweetness of roasted carrots to gastronomic heights! The tahini can also be served alongside crudités as appetizers or makes for a distinctive spread in wraps or sandwiches. Consider pairing this recipe with Louis Latour Bourgogne Gamay.

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) liquid honey
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
24 to 30 heirloom carrots, washed and trimmed
Creamy Za’atar Tahini, make ahead, recipe follows
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced leaf lettuce
¼ cup (60 ml) flaked almonds, lightly toasted
Creamy Za’atar Tahini:
1 cup (250 ml) tahini
⅔ cup (160 ml) water
6 tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) za’atar
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) dried mint leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) pomegranate molasses
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix mustard, vinegar, honey and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place carrots on a large baking sheet. Pour dressing over carrots and mix well to coat.
  4. Arrange carrots in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn carrots over. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until fork-tender but still firm. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter.
  5. Spoon Creamy Za’atar Tahini across centre of carrots. Garnish with lettuce and flaked almonds.
  6. Creamy Za’atar Tahini: In a medium bowl, mix tahini and water until smooth. Add olive oil, yogurt, lemon zest, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice (save any remaining juice for another purpose), za’atar, cumin, garlic, mint and pomegranate molasses. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Can be made up to a day ahead and stored in refrigerator until ready to use. Makes about 2½ cups (625 ml).
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings

Citrus Avocado Salad

Visually stunning and refreshingly delicious, this Citrus Avocado Salad recipe is a feast for your eyes as well as your palate! With fresh, crisp greens and creamy avocado, the juicy citrus slices offer complementary flavours that balance the sweet-and-tangy Limoncello dressing to perfection. Consider pairing this recipe with Black Sage Shiraz or Joiefarm Rosé.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
2 shallots, thinly sliced
⅓ cup (80 ml) red wine vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) + ⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt, divided
6 to 8 cups (1.5 to 2 L) mixed salad greens
Limoncello Lime Dressing, make ahead, recipe follows
1 avocado, sliced
1 handful English peas, split (optional)
2 oranges, zested (zest reserved), peeled and sliced crosswise into ¼-in (0.6 cm) slices
2 tbsp (30 ml) pine nuts, lightly toasted
2 tbsp (30 ml) pomegranate arils
1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced crosswise into ¼-in (0.6 cm) slices
1 blood orange, peeled and sliced crosswise into ¼-in (0.6 cm) slices
fresh basil and mint leaves, for garnish
LIMONCELLO LIME DRESSING
1 tbsp (22.5 ml) white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Limoncello
⅓ cup + 4 tsp (100 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
⅛ tsp (a pinch) white pepper

Instructions

  1. Place shallots in a clean, non-reactive, heatproof jar. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, cook red wine vinegar, sugar and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt until just simmering. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and pour into jar with shallots. Loosely cover with lid and cool to room temperature. Tighten lid and refrigerate overnight.
  3. In a large bowl, toss salad greens with desired amount of Limoncello Lime Dressing. Scatter with desired amount of pickled shallots. Transfer to a serving platter and top with avocados and English peas, if using. Scatter reserved orange zest, pine nuts and pomegranate arils evenly across.
  4. Top with grapefruit, blood orange and orange slices as desired and garnish with basil and mint leaves.
  5. LIMONCELLO LIME DRESSING
  6. In a small jar, combine all ingredients, cover tightly with lid and shake vigorously to make dressing. Use as needed. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Email Recipe

Drink Pairings