COCOA STEAK & SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 2
1 tsp (5 ml) cocoa powder
1 tsp (5 ml) brown sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb (454 g) New York strip steak
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
2 corncobs, kernels only
4 cups (1 L) mixed greens of choice
¼ cup (60 ml) feta, crumbled
2 tbsp (30 ml) red onion, diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) canned chipotle sauce
1 lime, juice only
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt and pepper. Coat steak evenly on all sides with spice rub.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over medium‑high heat. Add steak to pan and sear until browned, about 4 minutes. Add butter and flip steak. Tilt, pan towards you and spoon melted butter over steak a few times to baste. For medium‑rare, cook to an internal temp of 130 F (54 C), about 10 minutes. Allow steak to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick slices.
- In the same skillet, over medium heat, sauté corn kernels until browned and tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- To make salad, in a large bowl combine cooked corn, mixed greens, feta and red onion.
- To make salad dressing, in a separate small bowl, add chipotle, lime juice, honey and remaining olive oil. Mix to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve alongside sliced steak.
Drink Pairings
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
1 garlic clove, minced
2 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 large white onion, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
3 tbsp (45 ml) dry onion soup mix
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced chives
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced parsley
vegetable oil for deep frying
1 cup + 1 tbsp (250 ml +15 ml) all‑purpose flour, divided
2 tsp (10 ml) seasoning salt, plus extra to taste
1 cup (250 ml) beer, such as lager
4 slices Havarti cheese
4 brioche buns, halved
4 lettuce leaves
Instructions
- To make marinade, in a resealable bag or container, mix vinegar, olive oil, onion powder, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Add mushrooms and toss to coat. Refrigerate mushrooms in marinade for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Soak onion slices in ice water for 1 hour, drain and dry with paper towels. Separate slices into rings and set aside.
- To make onion spread, in a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, onion soup mix, chives and parsley. Set aside.
- Fill a medium-sized saucepan with 3-in (8 cm) oil and heat to 375 F (190 C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 cup (250 ml) flour, seasoning salt and beer until smooth. Dust onions with remaining flour. Working in batches, dip onion rings in batter until coated, then fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on a rack. season to taste with seasoning salt.
- On a barbecue preheated to medium-low, grill mushrooms until cooked through and soft, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes. Place a slice of cheese on 4 mushroom caps and top with a second cap. Continue grilling, turning occasionally, until cheese is melted. Meanwhile, grill buns, cut-side down until golden brown.
- To assemble burgers, spread onion spread on cut sides of buns. Top with a portobello burger, lettuce leaf and 2 onion rings. Serve remaining onion rings with remaining onion spread.
Drink Pairings
TERIYAKI SALMON BURGERS
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 x 6 oz (180 g) salmon fillets (check for any remaining bones)
1 tbsp (15 ml) kosher salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
1 cup (250 ml) teriyaki sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) miso
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) grated ginger
½ pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1½-in (3.75 cm) slices
3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame seeds
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
4 lettuce leaves
4 Hawaiian sweet rolls or soft burger buns
Instructions
- Sprinkle salmon fillets with salt and sugar. Place on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes to quick cure. After 20 minutes, rinse off salt and sugar completely, then dry salmon with paper towels.
- While salmon is curing, heat teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half.
- To make miso mayonnaise, in a small bowl, mix sesame oil, miso, mayonnaise and ginger and set aside.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high and grease grills with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Rub remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil on pineapple and salmon.
- Grill salmon for 3 to 4 minutes each side, or until desired doneness, brushing with teriyaki sauce. Grill pineapple for 3 minutes each side. Remove salmon and pineapple from barbecue once done. While salmon and pineapple are cooking, heat buns on top rack of barbecue.
- To assemble burgers, spread miso mayonnaise on both sides of each bun. Place a piece of salmon on bottoms of each bun. Drizzle salmon with remaining teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Top each burger with a pineapple slice, red onion, lettuce and bun top.
Drink Pairings
KOREAN BEEF BURGERS
Ingredients
Serves 4
1½ lbs (680 g) medium ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (250 ml) bulgogi or kalbi sauce
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) gochujang sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp (2.5 ml) toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil, divided
1 small white onion, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) thick slices, to garnish
1 cup (250 ml) kimchi1, roughly chopped
4 leaves lettuce
4 sesame seed burger buns, halved
Instructions
- Shape ground beef into 4 patties. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, reduce bulgogi (or kalbi) sauce by half.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, gochujang, garlic and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high and grease grills with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Brush patties and onion slices with remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil.
- Grill patties for 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness, brushing with bulgogi sauce and flipping constantly. While patties cook, grill onions 4 minutes per side. Remove burgers and onions from barbecue once done and let rest for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, grill burger buns cut-side down until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- To assemble burgers, spread both sides of buns with kimchi mayonnaise. Place a patty on each bottom bun. Top each patty with kimchi, grilled onions, a lettuce leaf and bun top.
Drink Pairings
PORK SLIDERS
Ingredients
Serves 8
¾ cup (175 ml) barbecue sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) molasses
2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup
3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
1½ lbs (680 g) ground pork
2 tsp (10 ml) Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced red cabbage
¼ cup (60 ml) julienned carrots
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp (5 ml) grainy mustard
3 tbsp (45 ml) mayonnaise, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
8 slider buns, halved
1 small bag hickory sticks
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook barbecue sauce, molasses, ketchup, 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar and brown sugar until reduced by half, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Divide ground pork into 8 patties. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high and grease grills with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Brush patties with barbeque sauce mixture.
- To make cabbage slaw, in a medium-sized bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, green onion, remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar, mustard and 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Grill patties for 4 to 6 minutes, until cooked to 160 F (70 C), turning frequently and brushing with barbecue sauce mixture. While patties are cooking, warm buns cut-side down on top rack of barbecue.
- Remove patties from barbecue and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
- To assemble burgers, place a patty on each bottom bun, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise and drizzle with more remaining barbecue sauce mixture. Divide cabbage slaw evenly between burgers and top with hickory sticks and bun tops.
Drink Pairings
Hot Chicken Burger
Sultry summer weather is also a great time for spice. There will, however, come a point on the spice spectrum when the only viable beer option is a crisp lager. It takes bottom fermentation and lagering to tame the fiery spice of a hot chicken burger, and it’s a technical beer-making process taken to delicious results with Steamworks Brewing Co.’s Pilsner. Incorporating classic pilsner malts and German hops, this beer is clean, lip-smacking and very food-friendly.Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) buttermilk
1 tsp (5 ml) seasoning salt
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
1 pinch pepper
1 cup (250 ml) hot wing hot sauce, divided
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenders removed and kept for another use
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped chives
4 celery stalks with leaves
16 slices bread and butter pickles
sliced banana peppers, to taste
4 leaves iceberg lettuce
4 pretzel buns, halved
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, seasoning salt, garlic and onion powder, pepper and ¼ cup (60 ml) hot wing sauce. Add chicken breasts and mix to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high and grease grills with vegetable oil. Remove chicken from refrigerator, wipe off excess marinade and set aside. Mix remaining æ cup (175 ml) hot sauce and melted butter.
- To make blue cheese sauce, in a small bowl, mix blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and chives. Set aside.
- Grill chicken on barbecue for 8 to 12 minutes, or until juices run clear, turning and basting constantly with hot sauce butter mix.
- While chicken is cooking, grill buns cut-side down on barbecue until heated through and golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove leaves from celery stalks and set aside. Cut stalks into sticks.
- Remove chicken and buns from barbecue once done. To assemble burgers, spread each side of buns with blue cheese sauce. Place a chicken breast on each bottom bun, top with bread and butter pickles, banana peppers, lettuce, celery leaves and top of each bun. Serve with celery sticks and remaining blue cheese sauce for dipping celery.
Drink Pairings
GRILLED BROCCOLI CAESAR SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6
½ cup (125 ml) plain Greek yogurt
⅓cup (75 ml) grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) anchovy paste
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
3 medium broccoli crowns, separated into large florets
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 slices sourdough bread, each about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick
4 cups (1 L) mixed hearty greens
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high. You may also place a vegetable basket over grill to preheat if you have one.
- To make dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, mustard, lemon juice and garlic until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then set aside. If dressing is very thick, add water 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- In a large bowl, add broccoli florets and drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Toss to coat. Brush both sides of sourdough bread slices with remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Cook bread on grill, turning a couple of times, until grill marks appear on both sides, about 3 minutes total. Set aside on a wire rack to cool. Cook broccoli on grill, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- To serve, arrange greens on a serving platter and top with grilled broccoli. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with torn pieces of grilled sourdough bread and some extra shavings of Parmesan, if desired.
Drink Pairings
BARBECUED PINEAPPLE & CHICKEN NACHOS
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1-in (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 cups (500 ml) pineapple juice
½ cup (125 ml) low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
½ medium pineapple, skin removed, cored and cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) rings
2 fresh jalapeños, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
1 x 12 oz (340 g) bag tortilla chips
2 cups (500 ml) shredded jack cheese
1 large tomato, diced
½ medium red onion, diced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
2 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- To make marinade, in a large bowl, whisk together ginger, pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and sesame oil. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and marinade is well incorporated. Set aside.
- Using paper towels, thoroughly pat chicken dry. Place chicken in a single layer on a cutting board and pound to an even thickness of about ½-in (1.25 cm). With a fork, pierce chicken throughout before lightly sprinkling with salt. Add chicken to marinade, ensuring all pieces are completely immersed (turn halfway through marinating time if unable to immerse completely). Cover and chill for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Brush pineapple and 1 jalapeño with oil. Place on grill and cook until slightly charred, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on grill. Discard remaining marinade. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Set aside.
- To assemble nachos, dice grilled pineapple and jalapeño. Dice or shred chicken and thinly slice remaining fresh jalapeño. On a foil-lined baking tray that will fit onto grill, layer chips, cheese, diced grilled pineapple, fresh and grilled jalapeño, chicken, tomato and onion. Cook on grill until warmed and cheese has melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- To serve, arrange nachos on a platter. Garnish with diced avocado, radish slices, fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve while warm.
Drink Pairings
Chèvre Chaud with Avocado-Lime Cream
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 rashers bacon, sliced into ½-in (1.25 cm) strips (optional)
1 head butter lettuce, roughly torn
1 small head radicchio, roughly chopped
4 radishes, thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 ml) pine nuts, toasted (optional)
1 cup (250 ml) parsley leaves
Honey-Mustard Dressing, make ahead, recipe follows
½ cup (125 ml) olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) white wine vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
pinch table salt
pinch ground pepper
Chèvre Medallions, make ahead, recipe follows
½ cup (125 ml) panko crumbs
¼ tsp (1 ml) table salt
pinch ground pepper
¼ tsp (1 ml) dried parsley
6 oz (180 g) chèvre, sliced or shaped into eight 2-in x ½-in (5 x 1.25 cm) medallions
¼ cup (60 ml) flour
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) oil, for frying
Avocado-Lime Cream, make ahead, recipe follows
1 large avocado, cut into rough cubes (about 1 cup/250 ml)
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
1 pinch table salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) fresh lime juice, to taste
Instructions
- If using bacon, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, fry bacon bits to desired crispness. Remove from heat and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large salad bowl, toss together butter lettuce and radicchio. Add radish and desired amount of Honey-Mustard Dressing.
- To serve, brush Avocado-Lime Cream generously onto 4 plates with a pastry brush, or drizzle as desired for presentation. Divide salad between plates and add 2 to 3 Chèvre Medallions to each plate. Garnish with bacon bits and pine nuts, if using, and parsley.
- To prepare Honey-Mustard Dressing, Place all ingredients in a small jar. Cover and shake vigorously, until fully blended and emulsified, about 20 to 30 seconds. Use as needed. Can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks; shake well before using. Makes about ¾ cup (175 ml)
- To prepare Chèvre Medallions, In a small bowl, mix together panko crumbs, salt, pepper and parsley. Set aside.
- Place flour in another small bowl, and in a separate bowl, lightly beat egg.
- Evenly coat each chèvre medallion on all sides, first with flour, then egg, and finally with panko mixture.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, fry chèvre in hot oil for about 2 to 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown on each side. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid crowding pan.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, or cool and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving. Makes 8 Chèvre Medallions
- To prepare Avocado-Lime Cream, Using a food processor or hand blender, blend avocado, sour cream, salt and cumin together until smooth. Add fresh lime juice to taste and continue blending until fully incorporated and mixture is smooth, about 10 seconds.
- Use immediately or transfer to a non-reactive storage container, covering entire surface with plastic wrap and pressing lightly with back of a spoon to remove air bubbles. Will keep in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Makes about 1¼ cups (310 ml)
Drink Pairings
Matcha Mochi Cake Bites
Ingredients
Serves 24
cooking spray, for greasing
4 large eggs
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
2 cups (500 ml) granulated sugar
1½ tbsp (22 ml) matcha powder
1 lb (500 g) sweet rice flour
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, melted
1 x 14 oz (400 ml) can coconut milk
½ cup (125 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Maldon sea salt flakes
Dried Pineapple Flowers, for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows (optional)
½ small pineapple, trimmed and skin removed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Spray a 9 x 13-in (23 x 33 cm) baking sheet generously with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla and milk. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and matcha until well combined. Whisk in sweet rice flour, baking powder and kosher salt. Pour egg and milk mixture into dry mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until well combined. Add melted butter and coconut milk and stir together until fully incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan and rap pan on work surface a couple of times to release any air bubbles. Evenly sprinkle shredded coconut and Maldon salt on top.
- Being careful not to jiggle pan too much so coconut does not sink into batter, gently transfer to oven and bake until mochi is set and golden brown on top, about 1 hour. Set pan on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. With an oiled knife (to minimize sticking), cut mochi into 24 pieces. Mochi pieces may be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
- To serve, transfer mochi to a serving platter and top each piece with a Dried Pineapple Flower, if using.
- To prepare Dried Pineapple Flowers, Preheat oven to 200 F (93 C). Place a large wire cooling rack over a large baking sheet and set aside.
- Using a very sharp knife or mandoline, slice pineapple crosswise into very thin rounds. Set slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry with additional paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Carefully lay as many slices of pineapple as will fit on cooling rack set over baking sheet, taking care not to overlap them. Transfer to oven and allow to dry out for 1½ to 2½ hours, until slices are dried and crisp on edges, but still malleable. Remove dried pineapple slices from oven one at a time, pinching together centre of slice to create a ruffled petal look, and place each slice inside the cup of a mini muffin pan. Allow slices to fully dry in muffin pan so they will hold a flower shape. Repeat with remaining pineapple slices. Dried pineapple flowers will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.