BAKED BRIE WITH BLACKBERRY POMEGRANATE COMPOTE AND SPICED NUTS
Ingredients
Serves 8
1 cup (250 ml) natural almonds and/or cashews
1½ tsp (7 ml) unsalted butter, melted
1½ tbsp (22 ml) light brown sugar
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) clover honey, divided
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
2 cups (500 ml) blackberries, divided, plus more for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate seeds
2 x 7 oz (200 g) wheels or 1 x 16 oz (500 g) wheel of goat’s brie
fresh thyme or rosemary leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Place almonds and/or cashews on a parchment-lined baking tray, and toast in oven for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together butter, sugar, 1 tsp (5 ml) honey, cinnamon, salt, paprika and cayenne. Add hot toasted nuts and coat evenly in mixture. Spread coated nuts in a single layer on parchment-lined baking tray and place back in oven. Bake 12 more minutes, stirring every 4 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, stir together 1 cup (250 ml) blackberries, lemon juice, vanilla and remaining honey over medium-low heat. As berries begin to release their liquid, increase heat to medium and, stirring often, cook until mixture is reduced and liquid is syrupy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Gently fold in remaining blackberries and pomegranate seeds.
- Carefully slice rind from top of each brie and discard. Place brie in a parchmentlined baking dish just large enough to hold brie, and bake until warm and melted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer baking dish to a serving platter and top brie with blackberry pomegranate compote and candied nuts. Garnish with fresh blackberries and thyme or rosemary leaves, if desired. Enjoy warm with crackers.
Drink Pairings
BAKED CAMEMBERT WITH POACHED PEARS, PISTACHIOS AND ORANGE
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 x 7 oz (200 g) wheels of Camembert cheese
1 large orange
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
1 ripe Bartlett pear, peeled and chopped
3 tbsp (45 ml) orange juice
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped pistachios, plus extra for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) orange marmalade
freshly ground pepper, to taste
SPICED POACHED PEARS:
2 cups (500 ml) Pinot Noir wine
1 cup (250 ml) water
2 cinnamon sticks
3 green cardamom pods, crus
10 black peppercorns
½ cup (125 ml) clover honey
5 ripe Bartlett pears
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie plate, preferably one that can also be used for serving.
- Place wheels of Camembert on one side and cut a shallow 2-in (5 cm) wide hole in centre of each. Set aside.
- Using a paring knife, peel orange, removing skin and white pith. Cut orange flesh into segments, then cut each segment into 3 pieces. Set aside.
- Chop one Spiced Poached Pear and set aside. Cut remaining spiced pear into quarters or halves and reserve.
- Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped Bartlett pear and sauté for 2 minutes. Add orange juice, orange segments and chopped spiced pear. Allow to cook for 1 minute. Stir in pistachios, honey and marmalade. Cook, gently stirring often, until liquid has reduced and is syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in a good pinch of pepper.
- Place one wheel of Camembert into prepared baking dish, cut side up. Fill hole with as much pear mixture as will comfortably fit. Top with other wheel of Camembert, placing cut side down on top of fruit. Bake until Camembert is warm and softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Top baked wheels with remaining pear mixture and decorate with quartered or halved spiced pear. Serve immediately with assorted crackers.
- To make SPICED POACHED PEARS: In a small saucepan, stir together wine, water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, peppercorns and honey over medium heat. Bring mixture to a slow simmer.
- Meanwhile, peel pears and, with a melon baller, remove cores, working from bottom and carving into centre of pears. Place pears in simmering wine mixture. To keep pears submerged, cover with a piece of parchment paper, so that it touches poaching liquid. The time needed for pears to poach will depend on their ripeness. Pears are done when they are fork-tender, but still hold together.
- When cooked to desired doneness, transfer pears to a bowl and pour poaching liquid over. Let cool until just warm and serve. Pears may be prepared up to 5 days in advance and refrigerated in their poaching liquid.
Drink Pairings
BAKED GOAT’S CHEESE WITH WARM TOMATO BRUSCHETTA
Ingredients
Serves 6
10 oz (300 g) log goat’s cheese, at room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra for brushing baking dish
freshly ground pepper, to taste
10 oz (300 g) multi-coloured cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) drained and chopped sundried tomatoes in oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tsp (10 ml) balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a food processor, combine goat’s cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and a good pinch of pepper until smooth. Transfer mixture into a 4-cup (1 L) baking dish lightly brushed with oil. Bake until lightly browned on top and heated through, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, warm remaining olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add half the cherry tomatoes and all the sundried tomatoes and garlic. Sauté until tomatoes start to release their liquid and garlic is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add remaining tomatoes, chives, basil and vinegar. Gently toss to combine.
- To serve, remove dip from oven and spoon tomato bruschetta mixture over top. Garnish with additional basil or chives, if desired. Serve alongside toasted baguette slices, vegetables or crackers. Best enjoyed warm.
Drink Pairings
BAKED BRIE WREATH
Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10 as an appetizer
26 oz (800 g) premade, store-bought pizza dough
7 oz (200 g) wheel of double cream brie
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 rosemary sprigs, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 large egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) whole milk
1 tbsp (15 ml) poppy seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) fennel seeds
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. Place round, ovenproof dish, large enough to hold brie wheel, in centre of prepared pan and set aside.
- On a lightly floured work surface, divide pizza dough into 1 oz (30 g) pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and arrange them in a circle around dish on prepared pan. Make sure to leave about ¼-in (0.5 cm) between each dough ball, as they will expand in oven. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside in a warm place for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Once dough has proofed, place brie in ovenproof dish in centre of bread wreath. Using a paring knife, score a crosshatch pattern on top of brie. Rub surface with garlic and sprinkle with leaves of one sprig of rosemary. Top with a drizzle of oil and a good pinch of pepper.
- In a small bowl, make an egg wash by whisking together egg and milk. Brush each dough ball with egg wash and sprinkle tops with poppy seeds, sesame seeds and/or fennel seeds (divide among tops as preferred). Bake until bread is golden brown and cheese is very soft, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish brie with remaining rosemary leaves and a drizzle of oil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
CARAMELIZED ONION, MUSHROOM AND BRIE FLATBREAD
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6 (makes 1 flatbread)
DOUGH: (can use store bought dough)
¾ cups (175 ml) warm water
1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
1 package (2¼ tsp) dry yeast
2 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
TOPPINGS:
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
½ tsp (2 ml) salt, divided
½ cup (125 ml) mixed wild and cultivated mushrooms, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 oz (90 g) brie cheese, sliced
1 tsp (5 ml) chives, finely sliced, for garni
Instructions
- To make DOUGH: In bowl of a standard mixer, mix water, sugar and yeast, and let sit for 5 minutes. Add oil, salt and flour and mix with dough hook attachment on low speed until combined. Continue mixing for another 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic and pulls away from sides of bowl.
- Grease a separate bowl with vegetable oil, place dough into bowl and coat it with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise overnight in fridge. Dough can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- To make TOPPINGS: In a frying pan, cook onions over low heat with half the oil and half the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 30 to 45 minutes. If pan starts to brown too much (looks as if it will burn soon), add about 1 tsp (5 ml) water. Set aside and clean pan.
- In a frying pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic over medium-high heat with remaining oil and salt until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch and press prepared dough into an oblong shape with your hands (do not use a rolling pin) until it is about ½-in (1.25 cm) thick. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Top dough with caramelized onions and mushrooms. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remove from oven and immediately top with sliced brie. The heat of the flatbread will melt brie. Garnish with chives.
Drink Pairings
MINI TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
Ingredients
Serves about 12 mini potatoes
12 baby potatoes or new potatoes
2 bacon strips, finely diced
¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) aged cheddar cheese, grated, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely sliced chives, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) finely diced shallots
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, cover potatoes in cold water. Add enough salt so it is as salty as sea water. Bring to a boil and simmer just until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a frying pan, cook bacon over medium heat until all fat is rendered. Drain bacon, reserving 1 tsp (5 ml) of fat, and lay bacon on a paper towel.
- Make a small slice off two opposite sides of each potato (allows potatoes to sit flat), then cut potatoes in half. Using a melon baller, scoop out potato to create a little cup, leaving about ¼-in (0.5 cm) of flesh.
- Transfer potato flesh to a mixing bowl and roughly mash. Add half the bacon, ¾ of the sour cream, ¾ of the cheese, half the chives, the reserved bacon fat and shallots. Mix until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay potato skins on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bake in oven until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes.
- Fill potato skins with mashed potato filling and top with remaining cheese. Bake again until filling is hot and cheese has melted, about 10 minutes. Let potato skins cool slightly (about 2 minutes), then garnish with remaining sour cream, bacon and chives.
Drink Pairings
SOFT PRETZEL BITES WITH BEER CHEESE DIP
Ingredients
Serves 5 dozen pretzel bites
PRETZELS:
1½ cups (375 ml) warm water
2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar
1 package (2¼ tsp) dry yeast
⅓ cup (75 ml) butter, me
2½ tsp (12 ml) salt
4½ cups (1 L + 125 ml) all-purpose flour
16 cups (4 L) water
½ cup (125 ml) baking soda
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp (30 ml) coarse sea salt
BEER CHEESE DIP:
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) whole milk
¼ cup (60 ml) evaporated milk
¼ cup (60 ml) beer (lager, darker ale or stout work best)
1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) mustard powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
½ tsp (2 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch
1 cup (250 ml) mild cheddar cheese, grated
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To make PRETZELS: In bowl of a standard mixer, mix warm water, sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add butter, salt and flour and mix with dough hook attachment on low speed until combined. Continue mixing for 10 more minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic and pulls away from sides of the bowl.
- Grease a separate bowl with vegetable oil, add dough and coat it with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. Alternatively, let rise overnight in fridge.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a rope about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick. Cut ropes into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces.
- In a large pot, bring 16 cups (4 L) of water to a boil, then turn down heat to medium and carefully add baking soda. Take care, as water will rise up. Turn heat back to high and return water to a boil.
- Drop 12 to 15 pieces of dough into water and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove pretzel bites with a large slotted spoon and drain. Lay bites on baking sheet, at least 2-in (5 cm) apart. Continue working until all pretzels have been boiled.
- Brush pretzels with egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with hot Beer Cheese Dip. These can also be made ahead and reheated.
- To make BEER CHEESE DIP: In a medium-sized pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until no lumps remain.
- Mix milk, evaporated milk and beer together. Whisk milk mixture into flour mixture, about ¼ cup (60 ml) at a time. Add Worcestershire, mustard powder, paprika, cayenne and garlic powder. Turn heat down to low and cook for about 20 minutes, occasionally stirring with a wooden spoon or heatsafe spatula, so sauce doesn’t stick to bottom of pot.
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cheese. Add cheese mix to dip, mix until incorporated. Turn off heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 1 cup (250 ml) of dip.
Drink Pairings
VEGETARIAN LENTIL AND KALE STEW
Ingredients
Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 celery rib, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 thyme sprigs, leaves removed and minced
1 rosemary sprig
½ cup (125 ml) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
2 cups (500 ml) French lentils
4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock or water
1 Yukon Gold potato, 2-in (5 cm) cubes
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) cubes
1 bunch kale, washed and sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large heavybottomed sauce pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme and rosemary. Cook until vegetables have softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, red wine vinegar, lentils, stock, potatoes and squash. Cook, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Add kale and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes or until lentils, potato and squash are soft and cooked through. Add cream and simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve.
Drink Pairings
CHINESE CLAYPOT RICE WITH CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup (250 ml) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and halved
2 tbsp (30 ml) + 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) + 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) Chinese cooking wine
2 tsp (10 ml) sugar
2 cups (500 ml) jasmine rice, washed until water runs clear
3¾ cups (925 ml) water, chicken or vegetable stock
2 pieces Chinese sausage, sliced
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Mix chicken, mushrooms, 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce, cooking wine and sugar together. Marinate 30 minutes, preferably overnight
- In a large clay pot, combine rice and water. Add chicken and mushrooms on top of rice and cover with lid. Heat pot on stove over high heat until water comes to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer until rice is cooked and all liquid has evaporated, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce and sesame oil together. Open lid and drizzle sauce in pot. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir in green onions and serve.
Drink Pairings
SEAFOOD PAELLA
Ingredients
Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 oz (60 g) chorizo sausage, cut into rounds
8 chicken wing drumettes
1 onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, finely diced
1 large tomato, finely diced
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
1 cup (250 ml) paella rice (Bomba)
1 tsp (5 ml) Spanish paprika, hot or sweet
2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
1 pinch saffron
8 prawns
8 clams
1 lemon, cut into wed
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 15-in (38 cm) paella pan over medium heat. Add chorizo and fry until browned, remove and set aside.
- Sear chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, and red peppers to pan and cook over low heat until soft and slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes and salt and continue to cook until all liquid has evaporated.
- Add rice and paprika and cook, stirring until rice has been coated in oil. Add stock, saffron and stir. Season to taste. Lay chicken wings and chorizo on top of rice. Turn heat up to high and bring to a boil. Once it boils, turn heat down to medium, liquid should simmer. Continue cooking until rice has absorbed liquid so that liquid just reaches top of rice. Add prawns and clams on rice and continue cooking until all liquid has been absorbed by rice and prawns and clams are cooked (prawns will be pink and clams will have opened). If rice, prawns, and clams are not cooked by the time the liquid has cooked down, cover pan with foil and let sit until everything has been cooked. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.