Irish Coffee Soda Bread Pudding & Whiskey Caramel Sauce

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish-inspired brunch!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
INGREDIENTS FOR SODA BREAD
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole wheat flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cream of tartar
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1½ cups (375 ml) buttermilk, plus extra
1 large egg
INGREDIENTS FOR WHISKEY CARAMEL SAUCE
1½ cups (375 ml) granulated sugar
⅔ cup (150 ml) water
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, cut into small pieces
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) Irish whiskey
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
INGREDIENTS FOR BREAD PUDDING
½ cup (125 ml) raisins
¼ cup (60 ml) Irish whiskey
unsalted butter, for greasing
1 tbsp (15 ml) espresso powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) boiling water
4 large eggs
¾ cup (175 ml) light brown sugar
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
½ cup (125 ml) brewed coffee, chilled
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) demerara sugar
whipped cream, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. To make Soda Bread, position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar. Add butter and, using your hands, rub in butter between fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Set aside.
  3. In a measuring jug or medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until thoroughly combined.
  4. Make a well in centre of flour mixture and add buttermilk mixture. Using a fork, incorporate liquid into flour mixture until just combined and a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Fine if a few dry patches remain. DO NOT overmix dough, as resulting loaf could become tough and dense. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and, using hands or a bench scraper, quickly and gently form dough into an 8-in (20 cm) round. Place on prepared baking tray and using a serrated knife, cut a large cross across top, cutting two thirds of the way into the dough. Brush loaf lightly with a little extra buttermilk. Transfer loaf to oven and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into centre comes out clean, about 45 to 60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Soda Bread may be made up to 3 days in advance.
  5. While Soda Bread cools, make Whiskey Caramel Sauce. In a medium saucepan, add sugar, water and honey, then cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has completely dissolved. Stop stirring and allow mixture to simmer until golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in butter, cream cheese and salt, whisking constantly until thoroughly combined. Add whiskey and cream and continue to whisk, taking care as mixture may bubble up. If not all cream cheese incorporates into sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender or in a blender until well combined. Transfer to a heatproof container and set aside to cool to room temperature. Whiskey Caramel Sauce may be made in advance and kept covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often.
  6. To make Bread Pudding, place raisins in a small bowl and pour whiskey over top. Set aside for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. Drain raisins in a fine mesh sieve, discarding remaining liquid, and set aside.
  7. While raisins plump, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease six 12 oz (355 ml) mini casserole dishes with butter and set aside.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together espresso powder and boiling water until powder has dissolved.
  9. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and brown sugar until well combined. Add milk, coffee, vanilla and salt and whisk again. Whisk in espresso mixture until well incorporated. Cut loaf of soda bread into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes, then add to coffee mixture and toss well. Divide among prepared baking dishes, pouring any remaining custard mixture over plated puddings. Let puddings soak for at least 30 minutes.
  10. While puddings sit, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
  11. Place bread puddings on a baking tray, cover baking dishes with tin foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with demerara sugar and continue to bake until an instant read thermometer inserted in centre registers 165 F (74 C), about another 10 minutes. Let bread puddings cool for 10 minutes.
  12. Serve warm bread puddings with Whiskey Caramel Sauce and whipped cream, if desired.
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Drink Pairings

White Chocolate & Almond Torta

This menu is perfect for backyard entertaining or packing up to take on the go!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8
½ cup (125 ml) salted butter
¼ lb (113.5 g) best quality white chocolate, chopped
1 pinch salt
4 eggs, yolks and whites separated into 2 medium-sized bowls
⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar, plus extra if needed
¾ cup (175 ml) almond flour
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) very finely ground toasted pistachios
1½ tbsp (22 ml) light rum, such as Bacardi Gold
1½ tbsp (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
1 cup (250 ml) fresh raspberries, to serve
toasted sliced almonds, for garnish
icing sugar, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Butter inside of a 6-in (15 cm) springform cake pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter and chocolate. Place over low heat and stir mixture until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. Add salt to egg whites and, with a handheld mixer, beat at medium-high speed, until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Add sugar to yolks and, using same beaters, whip mixture at medium speed until light, pale and fluffy, about 1½ minutes.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, fold melted chocolate mixture, almond flour, pistachios, rum, lemon juice and lemon zest into the yolks. In 2 batches, fold whipped egg whites into chocolate base.
  5. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed, golden brown and a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. The cake will feel soft in centre. Cool completely.
  6. To serve, release sides of cake pan. Slide cake off metal base and carefully remove parchment paper. Pack cake into a portable container and top with fresh raspberries and almonds. Dust with icing sugar, if desired. Cover container and set into picnic basket.
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Drink Pairings

Guinness Dark & White Chocolate Mousse

Top off your St. Patrick's day celebration no better way than with this smooth and creamy Guinness dark chocolate mousse dessert. Pair this rich recipe with Baileys Original Irish Cream or a Guinness Pub Draught.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8
8 oz (250 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter
¾ cup (175 ml) Guinness Draught
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine salt
3 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
2¼ cups (560 ml) whipping cream, divided
6 oz (170 g) white chocolate, chopped
chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make dark chocolate Guinness mousse, place bittersweet chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. In a medium saucepan, bring about 1-in (2.5 cm) water to a simmer over medium heat. Place bowl containing chocolate over saucepan, making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water. Stir until chocolate has melted and is smooth, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together Guinness, salt and egg yolks until well combined. Add mixture to hot melted chocolate and using a rubber spatula stir until combined. Remove bowl from heat and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip egg whites until frothy. Slowly add granulated sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Clean whisk attachment for re-use. In a medium bowl, using hand mixer with whisk attachment, whip 1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.
  5. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold half of whipped cream and half the beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture until just combined. Fold remaining whipped cream and egg whites into chocolate mixture just until mixture is homogeneous. Spoon or pipe chocolate mousse equally into 8 wine or parfait glasses, taking care to fill glasses only to a maximum of three quarters full. Place glasses on a rimmed baking sheet, cover glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate while making white chocolate mousse.
  6. To make white chocolate mousse, in a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream and white chocolate and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature, stirring twice, about 30 minutes.
  7. Once white chocolate mixture has cooled, in a medium bowl, whip remaining ¾ cup (175 ml) whipping cream using a hand mixer fitted with whisk attachment until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold whipped cream into white chocolate mixture. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate alongside dark chocolate Guinness mousse for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.
  8. When ready to serve, transfer white chocolate mousse to a piping bag fitted with a large star piping tip. Pipe white chocolate mousse over top dark chocolate Guinness mousse and garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

Irish Oat & Potato Cakes with Whiskey-Cured Salmon & Herbed Crème Fraîche

Impress your brunch guests with these Whiskey-Cured Salmon, Irish Oat, and Potato Pancakes. Enhanced by a jalapeño-herbed crème fraîche, this hearty meal is guaranteed to receive much praise. For the salmon curing, opt for Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey and pair the meal with Veuve Du Vernay Brut Rosé for a truly delightful experience.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
INGREDIENTS FOR WHISKEY-CURED SALMON:
1½ lbs (750 g) skin-on salmon fillet, rinsed under cold water, patted dry, pin bones removed
1 cup (250 ml) kosher salt
½ cup (125 ml) dark brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) black peppercorns
2 tbsp (30 ml) juniper berries
1 bunch fresh dill
1 bunch fresh thyme
½ cup (125 ml) Irish whiskey
INGREDIENTS FOR HERBED CREME FRAICHE:
½ cup (125 ml) packed fresh dill
1 cup (250 ml) packed fresh parsley leaves and tender stems
1 tbsp (15 ml) capers, rinsed
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
¾ cup (175 ml) crème fraîche or sour cream
INGREDIENTS FOR OAT & POTATO CAKES:
3 medium baking potatoes, peeled
2 green onions, trimmed and finely sliced
¾ cup (175 ml) rolled oats
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
6 tbsp (90 ml) each unsalted butter and grapeseed oil, for cooking

Instructions

  1. To make Whiskey-Cured Salmon, line a baking dish large enough to hold salmon with plastic wrap and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, sugar, peppercorns and juniper berries.
  3. Sprinkle half the salt mixture over bottom of prepared baking dish and spread half the dill and thyme on top. Lay salmon, skin-side down, on herbs and drizzle with whiskey. Cover with remaining dill and thyme and top with remaining salt mixture.
  4. Tightly wrap salmon with plastic wrap and weigh down with several tin cans. Refrigerate salmon for 24 hours. Turn salmon over, continue to weigh down with cans and refrigerate a further 24 hours.
  5. When ready to serve, remove salmon from plastic wrap and using back of a knife or a spoon, scrape curing mixture off fish. Place salmon, skin-side down, on cutting board. Thinly slice salmon into diagonal strips, leaving skin behind. Cured salmon may be made ahead and refrigerated, uncut, for 5 days.
  6. To make Herbed Crème Fraîche, place dill, parsley, capers, olive oil, jalapeño (seeded if you don’t want sauce to be spicy) and lemon juice into a food processor. Blend, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until you are left with a slightly chunky sauce. Add crème fraîche to a medium bowl and ripple half green mixture throughout. Spoon remaining sauce into a bowl.
  7. To make Oat & Potato Cakes, shred potatoes using large holes of a box grater. Then place potatoes on a large tea towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  8. Place drained potatoes in a large bowl along with green onions, oats, eggs, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined and set aside for 10 minutes.
  9. In a 5-in (12 cm) frying pan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) of both oil and butter over medium heat. Add potato mixture and spread evenly. Cook until bottom is nicely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Invert potato cake onto a plate and then slide it back into pan. Continue to cook until again nicely browned on bottom, about another 8 to 10 minutes*. Repeat this step 6 times for 6 cakes, keeping cakes warm in a 200 F (95 C) oven. *You can also make one large oat and potato cake, following the directions, in a non-stick, 12-in (30 cm) frying pan. When ready to serve, slice into wedges and serve as described.
  10. To serve, divide Oat & Potato Cakes among warm serving plates. Top with a good dollop of Herbed Crème Fraîche and thin slices of Whiskey-Cured Salmon. If desired, garnish with additional green onions, lemon zest, capers and thinly sliced red onion.
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Drink Pairings

Lemon Mascarpone Tart

Light and fresh Easter.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
2½ cups (625 ml) flour
1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) + ⅔ cup (160 ml) cold butter, cubed, divided
2 eggs
1 to 2 tsp (5 ml to 10 ml) water, if needed
8 egg yolks
1 cup (250 ml) white sugar
6 lemons, juice and zest (about 1 cup (250 ml) juice)
16 oz (473 g) whipping cream
9.5 oz (275 g) mascarpone
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
4 tbsp (60 ml) honey, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped pistachios, unsalted, roasted

Instructions

  1. Line a 12-in (30 cm) tart pan with parchment paper and spray sides with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a food processor, add flour, icing sugar and salt. Pulse for 10 seconds to combine. Add 1 cup (250 ml) cold butter cubes. Pulse on high until it forms a dry grainy texture. Add 2 eggs and pulse to combine. Pinch dough between your fingers—if it holds together, it’s ready, if not add 1 to 2 tsp (5 ml to 10 ml) of cold water, until dough holds together. Pour dough mixture onto clean, floured surface and form into a round, flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
  4. Remove plastic wrap and place chilled dough on clean, dry, floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll dough into a large circle about ¼‑in (0.5 cm) thick. Place dough over tart pan and press down to fill. Using a fork, poke about 10 to 15 holes all over base of tart. Bake until cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, mix egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice and zest.
  6. In a small saucepan, heat egg yolk mixture over medium-low heat. Using a whisk, stir constantly and add the remaining butter. Whisk till butter has melted and mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Pour mixture into cooled tart shell and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, whip cream to form stiff peaks. Add mascarpone, vanilla and 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey, whip to combine for 1 minute.
  8. To serve, spread whipped cream mixture evenly onto tart, leaving 1-in (2.5 cm) of lemon curd showing around edges. Garnish with pistachios and drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) of honey.
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Drink Pairings

Red Velvet Stacks

Handheld spring desserts to offer at your next picnic or garden party.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12
5 cups (1.25 L) flour, spooned and levelled
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
3 cups (750 ml) sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) baking soda
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder
2 cups (500 ml) buttermilk
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature
4 tsp (20 ml) white vinegar
4 tbsp (60 ml) red food colouring gel
1 tbsp (15 ml) + 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract, divided
2 x 8 oz (500 g) brick cream cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
4 cups (1 L) icing sugar
strawberries, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease and line 2 rimmed 12‑in x 17-in (30 cm x 43 cm) baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, sugar, baking soda and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, red food colouring and 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract.
  3. Sift and fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl to fully incorporate batter.
  4. Evenly pour batter into prepared baking sheets and bake for about 25 minutes, or until knife inserted in centre of cake comes out clean.
  5. Cool on wire rack. Once cooled, run blunt knife along edges of pan to release cake, if necessary, and invert onto clean surface. Peel and discard parchment lining. Using a 2¼‑in (5.5 cm) round cutter, cut 18 cake circles from each sheet cake and store in airtight container until ready to use.
  6. In large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract and salt until smooth. Mix in 1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar at a time until frosting is fully incorporated and holds together. Transfer frosting to large piping bag fitted with #12 round piping nozzle.
  7. Pipe ½-in (1.25 cm) frosting mounds around outer edge and centre of 2 cake circles. Place 1 cake circle on top of the other and top with a third circle. Repeat this step to create 12 Red Velvet stacks.
  8. Decorate the top of each stack with remaining frosting and garnish with strawberries, as desired.
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Drink Pairings

Avocado Lime Entremets

Handheld spring desserts to offer at your next picnic or garden party.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12
2 large avocados
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
⅓ cup (75 ml) + 1¼ cups (310 ml) sugar, divided
1 pinch salt
5 sachets gelatin, divided
2 tbsp (30ml) warm water
1 cup (250 ml) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) lime zest
12 Lime Jellies, make ahead, recipe follows
2 tbsp (30 ml) + ⅔ cup (150 ml) water
⅔ cup (150 ml) condensed milk
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
12 oz (340 g) white chocolate, finely chopped
12 Almond Sables, make ahead, recipe follows
½ cup (125 ml) ground pistachios for garnish
raspberries and mint, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut avocados in half and scoop out flesh. Discard seeds and skin.
  2. In blender, mix avocados, lime juice, ⅓ cup (75 ml) sugar and salt until smooth.
  3. In a small heatproof bowl, bloom 2 sachets of gelatin in warm water, about 10 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until no lumps remain. Add avocado mixture and mix well.
  5. . Place bowl of bloomed gelatin in bowl of hot water until gelatin melts, about 2 minutes. Stir well until fully melted, then add to avocado mixture along with lime zest. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  6. Pour mixture into twelve 2½-in (6.25 cm) domed silicone moulds, filling halfway up each dome. Add 1 Lime Jelly into each dome, flat-side facing up (if jellies are domed). Press lightly. Top with additional avocado mousse. Smooth surface with offset spatula and refrigerate for about 4 hours. Then freeze for at least another 2 hours before assembly.
  7. To prepare a mirror glaze before assembly, in a small bowl, bloom 3 sachets of gelatin in 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, for about 10 minutes.
  8. In a medium saucepan, bring remaining ⅔ cup (150 ml) water, 1¼ cups (310 ml) sugar, condensed milk and vanilla extract to a gentle simmer. Turn off heat and stir in bloomed gelatin. Mix thoroughly.
  9. Place chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour hot condensed milk mixture through sieve over white chocolate and allow to melt, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  10. Fully submerge immersion blender into melted white chocolate and blend until smooth without lifting blender while it is on. This avoids trapping air that can cause bubbles.
  11. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into large bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool mixture for about 15 to 25 minutes, until 92 F (33 C). It is ready to pour over avocado mousse dome at this point.
  12. To assemble, place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Place Almond Sables on wire rack about 2-in (5 cm) apart. Invert frozen avocado mousse domes over sables.
  13. Pour mirror glaze over mousse domes to fully coat, catching excess drips in baking sheet under wire rack. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Discard remaining mirror glaze or store for future use. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Heat gently and mix until it is liquid, then cool to 92 F (33 C) to use as glaze on fruits or other desserts, as desired.
  14. Using a small offset spatula, gently transfer mousse domes to serving plates. Note: mousse domes will be sticky to touch.
  15. Garnish base of each dome with ground pistachios and top with raspberries and mint, as desired.
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Drink Pairings

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL WITH APPLE HORSERADISH DILL SLAW

Be the toast of the town this New Year’s by throwing a gathering full of inspired bites that are not only delicious, but also easy to whip together as well. All that will be left is to pop a bottle of Champagne and toast to the New Year.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves Serves 6
1 large Granny Smith apple
1 stalk celery
1 tsp (5 ml) prepared horseradish
½ tsp (2 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
12 oysters of your choosing

Instructions

  1. Peel, quarter and core apple. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice apple quarters paper thin. Stack slices, a few at a time, and cut them into thin julienne. Cut celery into 1-in (2.5 cm) long pieces and then into thin julienne.
  2. In a large bowl, add julienne apple and celery along with horseradish, apple cider vinegar, crème fraîche and dill. Toss gently until well combined. Refrigerate while preparing oysters.
  3. Scrub shells of oysters with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Discard any oysters that are not closed.
  4. To shuck oysters, working with 1 oyster at a time, grip it, flat-side up, with a folded tea towel to protect your hand. Positioning an oyster knife to one side of hinge, push tip between shells and twist and pry upward to open. Keeping blade of oyster knife firmly against top flat shell, run it around the perimeter of the oyster to sever muscle holding shell halves together. Discard top shells. Run knife underneath oyster to free it from bottom shell, being careful not to spill juice, then set oyster in its shell on a plate. Repeat with remaining oysters.
  5. To serve, pour a layer of crushed ice onto a platter. Arrange oysters on top of ice, taking care not to spill their juices. Divide apple horseradish slaw overtop each oyster and garnish with a sprig of dill. Serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

LAMB & WALNUT PUFFS SERVED WITH KIWI SALSA

Be the toast of the town this New Year’s by throwing a gathering full of inspired bites that are not only delicious, but also easy to whip together as well. All that will be left is to pop a bottle of Champagne and toast to the New Year.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves Makes about 16 puffs
1 lb (500 g) ready-made puff pastry
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
½ tsp + ¼ tsp (2.5 ml + 1 ml) kosher salt, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp (1 ml) red pepper chili flakes
½ lb (250 g) ground lamb
⅓ cup (75 ml) finely chopped walnuts
1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped parsley leaves
1 large egg
1 tsp (5 ml) water
¼ tsp (1 ml) fresh lemon juice
5 kiwis
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly grated ginger
1 small shallot, finely diced
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh mint

Instructions

  1. Thaw puff pastry in refrigerator overnight before you plan to make Lamb and Walnut Puffs.
  2. In a sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt then sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper chili flakes and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes. Crumble in ground lamb and cook, stirring frequently, until lamb is cooked through and any liquid released from lamb has evaporated, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in chopped walnuts, chili powder, paprika, ground coriander and cumin. Cook, stirring often, until mixture is cooked through and fragrant, about 5 more minutes. Remove sauté pan from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional spices or salt as desired. Set aside and allow filling to cool to room temperature.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, water and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Lightly flour work surface and roll out puff pastry to ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness. Using a 3¼-in (8.5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible. Divide lamb mixture among circles, brush edges of pastry with water, fold in half, and press with a fork to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and place in freezer while preheating oven.
  5. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  6. Once oven is at temperature, brush any remaining egg wash over top of puffs and bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  7. While puffs are baking, make kiwi salsa. Peel and dice kiwis. Place in a medium bowl with ginger, shallot, lime juice, mint and remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Gently fold together to combine and set aside.
  8. To serve, plate warm puffs on a serving platter and serve with kiwi salsa alongside.
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Drink Pairings

CARROT "LOX" ON CRISPBREAD

Be the toast of the town this New Year’s by throwing a gathering full of inspired bites that are not only delicious, but also easy to whip together as well. All that will be left is to pop a bottle of Champagne and toast to the New Year.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves Makes about 12
4 large carrots, unpeeled
kosher salt, for roasting
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
rye crispbread or crackers, to serve
¾ cup (175 ml) cream cheese, to serve
¼ English cucumber, thinly sliced, for garnish
2 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) capers, drained and rinsed, for garnish
1 shallot, thinly sliced, for garnish
chopped chives and fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C).
  2. Line an 8-in (20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. Coat bottom with about a ¼-in (0.5 cm) layer of salt, then place whole carrots in dish. Sprinkle more salt over carrots to almost cover. Roast carrots in salt crust until easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy. Exact timing will depend on size and freshness of carrots. Check them, starting around 40 minutes. Larger carrots may take up to 60 minutes or more. Remove from oven, remove carrots from salt crust and place on a plate, allowing to cool to room temperature.
  3. While carrots cool, make marinade. In a shallow dish or medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, paprika, lemon juice, dill and a good pinch of ground black pepper.
  4. Once cooled, use hands to rub off any excess salt. Working with 1 carrot at a time, use a knife to slice off a thin strip of carrot skin, then use a peeler to peel carrot into ribbons. Place strips in marinade and toss to coat. Repeat with remaining carrots.
  5. When ready to serve, assemble the open-faced sandwiches with a crispbread, a slather of cream cheese, a few cucumber and radish slices. Top with some carrot ribbons, a few capers, a couple of slices of shallot and a sprinkle of chives and dill. Transfer to a platter and serve. Any extra carrots can be stored for up to 4 days in marinade, refrigerated in an airtight container.
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Drink Pairings

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