SALMON CARPACCIO WITH MELON AND CUCUMBER SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6
1 lb (500 g) salmon fillet, skin on
2 tbsp (30 ml) fennel seeds
¾ cup (175 ml) kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) white ground pepper
½ cup (125 ml) chopped fresh dill
½ cup (125 ml) chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest, divided
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) unseasoned rice
vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh chives
1 English cucumber
2 small yellow zucchini
¼ cantaloupe, rind and seeds removed
salmon roe, optional, for garnish
micro greens or baby arugula, for garnish
Instructions
- Remove pin bones from salmon and refrigerate salmon until ready to use.
- In a small frying pan toast fennel seeds over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Let cool slightly before transferring to a bowl and mixing together with salt, sugar and white pepper.
- In a separate bowl, stir together dill, parsley and 2 tsp (10 ml) lemon zest until herb mixture is well combined.
- Place half the herb mixture in bottom of a glass baking dish, or a dish lined with plastic wrap, large enough to hold salmon. Sprinkle half the salt mixture over herb mixture before placing salmon, skin-side down in dish. Sprinkle fish with remaining salt mixture before topping with remaining herb mixture. Press lightly into flesh to adhere herbs to salmon. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 full days. Turn salmon over once per day.
- The day carpaccio is to be served, scrape seasonings off salmon and wipe with a damp paper towel. Using a very sharp carving knife, slice salmon as thinly as possible. If not using right away, place slices between pieces of parchment paper and store in refrigerator until ready to use, no longer than a day.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest, rice vinegar and olive oil until well combined. Stir in chives, season to taste with salt and set dressing aside.
- Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave cucumber and zucchini into wide ribbons, stopping when you reach the seeds. Toss in a large bowl with 1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared dressing and let sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, shave cantaloupe into ribbons.
- To serve, arrange several slices of salmon in a single layer on chilled serving plates and drizzle with some of the dressing.
- Toss cantaloupe ribbons with marinating cucumber and zucchini ribbons before placing a tangle of salad atop each plate of salmon. Garnish with salmon roe (if using), a shower of micro greens and an extra drizzle of dressing. Serve immediately alongside thin slices of toasted pumpernickel bread, if desired.
Drink Pairings
SPICY TOMATO PASTA BAKE WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS
Ingredients
Serves 8 and makes about 30 meatballs
MEATBALLS:
1½ cups (375 ml) unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
4 oz (120 g) turkey bacon
2 leeks, white part only, washed, minced
4 shallots, minced
1½ lbs (750 g) ground turkey
1 lb (500 g) turkey sausages, casings removed, crumbled
2 cups (500 ml) grated Grana Padano cheese
4 large eggs, whisked
1 handful chopped flat-leaf parsley
½ cup (125 ml) chopped fresh basil
½ tsp (2 ml) sea salt
½ tsp (2 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
SPICY SAUCE:
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
6 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1½ cups (375 ml) white wine
4 x 28 oz (796 ml) cans plum tomatoes
2 tsp (10 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
1½ cups (375 ml) loosely packed sliced basil
1 cup (250 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
PASTA:
454 g package rigatoni or rotini pasta
1 large or 2 medium-sized balls fresh
bocconcini cheese, cut into ¼-in (0.5 cm) slices
Instructions
- To make MEATBALLS: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Spread bread crumbs over a baking sheet and toast, stirring once or twice, until golden, 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool; then transfer to a large bowl.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add oil, bacon, leeks and shallots and sauté until soft and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Once cooled, add leek mixture, ground turkey, turkey sausages, grated cheese, eggs, parsley, basil, salt and red pepper flakes to toasted bread crumbs and mix thoroughly with hands until well combined. Form into Ping-Pong-sized meatballs and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. When finished rolling, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Remove meatballs from refrigerator and bake until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- To make SPICY SAUCE: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add oil, then garlic. When fragrant, add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine, tomatoes and red pepper flakes, breaking up tomatoes with a fork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat with lid ajar, simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in basil and parsley.
- Place meatballs in a large saucepan over low heat and add half the Spicy Sauce. Fold in to combine. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Cook Pasta according to package instructions, or to al dente, in salted boiling water. Drain and mix in remaining sauce.
- Divide pasta mixture into 8 ovenproof individual serving dishes or a large serving casserole lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Top with meatballs and sauce. Arrange sliced cheese on top and bake in 375 F (190 C) oven until bubbly and cheese has melted, 10 to 15 minutes.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED RACK OF LAMB WITH GRAPE SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 8
GRAPE SAUCE:
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
1 shallot, finely minced
2 cups (500 ml) seedless red grapes
2 cups (500 ml) Tawny Port
2 cups (500 ml) low sodium chicken broth
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary leaves
½ tsp (2 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
ROASTED LAMB:
½ cups (125 ml) seedless red grapes
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped green olives
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 small garlic clove, minced
8 oz (250 g) ground lamb
½ tsp (2 ml) salt, plus extra
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground pepper, plus extra
2 frenched racks of lamb, each with 8 bones (about 4 lbs (2 kg) total)
2½ cups (625 ml) Panko bread crumbs
¼ cup (40 ml) olive oil, divided
½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
¼ cup (40 ml) Dijon mustard, divided
BEAN SALAD:
1½ cups (375 ml) dried Great Northern beans or dried cannellini beans
1 each, bay leaf and sprig fresh thyme
½ small yellow onion
¾ lb (340 g) green beans, trimmed
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
⅓ cup (75 ml) fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
½ cup (125 ml) green olives, pitted and chopped
Instructions
- To make GRAPE SAUCE: In a large saucepan, warm oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until softened. Add remaining ingredients. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Allow sauce to reduce to 2⅓ cups (575 ml). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before blending until smooth. Strain back into saucepan through a fine mesh sieve and set aside. Sauce may be refrigerated for 3 days.
- To make ROASTED LAMB: In a food processor, pulse together grapes, olives, rosemary and garlic until well combined. Transfer to a large bowl. Mix in ground lamb, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season lamb generously with salt and pepper. In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over medium-high heat. Add one rack, meat side down, and sear until browned. Set on rimmed baking sheet, meat side up. Repeat with remaining rack. Refrigerate lamb allowing to cool completely. Add chicken stock to pan. Boil until reduced to glaze, scraping up any browned bits. Add to reserved grape sauce.
- Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). In a frying pan, combine breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard. Stir over medium heat until beginning to colour. Set aside.
- Spread each seared rack of lamb with 1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard. Press half of lamb sausage over top of each rack before pressing crumb mixture onto sausage layer. Roast in oven until a thermometer inserted into centre of meat registers 135 F (55 C), about 30 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer lamb to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Pour any juices from baking sheet into sauce. Place sauce over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce and thicken to about 1⅓ cups (325 ml).
Drink Pairings
SALTED CARAMEL BRITTLE SEMIFREDDO WITH WARM FUDGE SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 8
1 cup (250 ml) sugar
¾ tsp (4 ml) sea salt
cooking oil spray
6 large egg yolks
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
Caramel Sugar Garnish* (optional)
WARM FUDGE SAUCE:
5 tbsp (75 ml) whipping cream
2 oz (60 g) dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) corn syrup
Instructions
- To make a salted brittle, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine sugar and sea salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes or until sugar has dissolved and caramelizes. Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheet. Set aside for 10 minutes to set. Use a large sharp knife to coarsely chop the toffee when ready to fold into Semifreddo.
- Spray a 9 x 5-in (2 L) loaf pan2 with cooking oil and line with plastic wrap with a slight overhang.
- Place yolks and sugar in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale, thick and creamy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Remove from heat. Beat for a further 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooled slightly.
- In a chilled bowl, whisk or beat whipping cream until soft peak forms. Fold gently into egg mixture along with half the chopped salted toffee. Pour into prepared pans. Fold over the plastic wrap overhangs to cover. Overwrap with another sheet of plastic wrap and place in freezer for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until set.
- Shortly before serving semifreddo, in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine Warm Fudge Sauce ingredients. Heat over low, stirring until smooth and viscous, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove semifreddo from freezer and set aside for 5 minutes to soften slightly. Turn onto a board and remove plastic wrap. Cut into slices and place on chilled serving plates. Top with Salted Toffee pieces and serve with Warm Fudge Sauce. Decorate with Caramel Sugar Garnish, if desired.
- *To make Caramel Sugar Garnish, in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar with 4 tbsp (60 ml) water. Bring to a boil until a light golden, about 320 F (160 C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. When sugar is pliable, spin it around a wooden spoon handle, or drizzle a design on a lightly greased, foil-lined baking sheet. Be very careful, as syrup will be extremely hot. This garnish should be used within a day or so of making, or store in an extremely airtight container.
Drink Pairings
SEAFOOD CIOPPINO WITH BRAISED FENNEL
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ lb (250 g) fresh chorizo sausage, casings removed
1 large fennel bulb, coarsely diced, about 2 cups (500 ml)
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
½ tsp (2 ml) dried chili flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
1 cup (250 ml) dry white wine
4 cups (1 L) chicken stock (or fish stock)
1 x 28 oz (796 ml) can plum tomatoes and juice, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce (add if not using fish stock)
½ lb (250 g) firm white fish, like halibut or snapper
1 lb (500 g) mussels, rinsed and debearded if necessary
1 lb clams (500 g), rinsed
1 lb (500 g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ lemon
⅓ cup (75 ml) coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed casserole or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and brown, breaking up sausage. Once browned, pour off excess fat. Add fennel and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes. Add onion, reduce heat to medium and sauté until both are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and chili flakes and sauté 2 minutes, stirring until garlic starts to become golden.
- Add tomato paste and mix well. Turn heat to high, stirring constantly, until paste starts to darken, about 3 minutes more.
- Stir in white wine and cook until almost evaporated. Add stock, tomatoes and fish sauce, if using. Reduce heat and bring to a simmer.
- Add fish, simmer a few minutes, then add remaining seafood. Cook until shells have opened and prawns are cooked through.
- To serve, season to taste, squeeze lemon, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Drink Pairings
RASPBERRY AND LEMON CHAMPAGNE CAKE
Ingredients
Serves 12
3¾ cups (925 ml) all purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) baking powder
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon zest
2¼ cups (560 ml) granulated sugar
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
2¼ cups (560 ml) Champagne or sparkling white wine
1½ cups + 2 tbsp (405 ml) unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
2 x Swiss Buttercream
1 cup (250 ml) raspberry jam, divided
gel food colouring in 4 different colours
fresh raspberries, for garnish
SWISS BUTTERCREAM
1 cup (250 ml) egg whites, about 8 eggs
2½ cups (625 ml) granulated sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Lightly grease two 8-in (1.2 L) round cake pans with oil or butter and line bottom of each with a circle of parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
- In another bowl, using fingers, rub together lemon zest and sugar until well incorporated.
- In a third bowl, whisk together eggs, Champagne, butter and vanilla extract. Add lemon sugar and stir to combine. Pour over flour mixture and whisk together until smooth. Divide batter evenly among prepared cake tins and bake until a wooden skewer inserted in center of each comes out clean, about 80 minutes. Allow cakes to cool in tins for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, make one recipe of Swiss Buttercream (recipe follows).
- When cakes have cooled, cut each in half horizontally to make four layers. Set aside nicest layer for top of cake. Place one layer on a cake board or platter and spread ⅓ of raspberry jam over it. Pipe or spread about 1 cup (250 ml) buttercream over jam. Repeat layering cake, jam and buttercream two more times. Position top cake layer and adjust as needed to ensure it is straight. Thinly spread remaining buttercream over entire cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make another recipe of Swiss Buttercream. Divide buttercream into five bowls. Tint 4 of the bowls of buttercream using gel food colouring to creating a gradual colour transition, leaving one the natural colour.
- Place cake on a turntable before starting to decorate. Take a large dollop of the lightest colour buttercream and place on top of cake. Smooth out with a small offset spatula, allowing some to hang over edge of cake.
- Place darkest colour in a piping bag fitted with a large, plain round tip. Starting at the bottom of cake, pipe a ring of buttercream around cake. Add next colour to piping bag and pipe another ring or two around cake. Continue layering buttercream, in gradually lightening shades, into piping bag and piping around cake until top of cake is reached. If buttercream become too streaky with different colours, feel free to use a clean piping bag between colours. Don’t worry about this step being perfect, simply aim to get an even amount of buttercream on all sides of cake.
- Once cake is covered in bands of coloured buttercream, begin smoothing out. Start by holding a large offset spatula perpendicular to turntable. Rotate turntable holding spatula still just against buttercream to create an even coating. Make sure to completely clean your spatula every time turntable stops rotating. Take knife and continue to smooth out buttercream. Place knife lightly on cake with bottom edge touching turntable. As before, move turntable, not knife, rotating cake. Again, clean knife each time turntable stops rotating. If there are any holes or blemishes, carefully fix with some buttercream in corresponding colour. Smooth out top edge of cake with a small offset spatula and refrigerate cake for 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, transfer cake to a platter or cake stand and allow to reach room temperature, at least 1 hour. Garnish with fresh raspberries, if desired, and serve.
- To make SWISS BUTTERCREAM: In a large, heatproof bowl, whisk together egg whites and sugar. Place bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure base of bowl does not touch water. Continue to whisk until mixture registers 160 F (70 C) on an instant-read thermometer or until sugar dissolves. Immediately pour into bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment and beat until a glossy meringue forms that holds stiff peaks and is at room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- Beat in vanilla extract until well incorporated. With mixer running at medium speed, add butter one cube at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all butter has been incorporated, beat in salt. Buttercream should be thick, creamy and smooth. If not, place an ice bath under bowl of stand mixer while running.
- Use buttercream immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container. To use refrigerated buttercream, allow to reach room temperature before beating until smooth and spreadable. For best flavour and consistency, buttercream is best eaten at room temperature.
Drink Pairings
SAUCY CHICKPEA BURGERS IN FRESH PITAS
Ingredients
Serves 6
CHICKPEA BURGERS:
2 x 19 oz (540 ml) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
zest from 1 lemon
2 tsp (10 ml) hot curry powder
1 tsp (5 ml) each ground cumin and sea salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground turmeric
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced fresh cilantro
½ cup (125 ml) Panko bread crumbs, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
frizzy endive leaves, tomatoes and sunflower
sprouts, for garnish
CREAMY LEMON TAHINI SAUCE:
1 large garlic clove, smashed and minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
¼ cup (60 ml) Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
⅛ tsp (0.5 ml) cayenne pepper
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini paste
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh chives
HOMEMADE PITA BREAD:
1 cup (250 ml) lukewarm water
2 tsp (10 ml) active dry yeast
½ tsp (2 ml) granulated sugar
2¼ cups (560 ml) unbleached all-purpose
flour, divided, plus extra for rolling
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for oiling bowl
Instructions
- To make CHICKPEA BURGERS: In a food processor with a metal blade combine chickpeas, garlic, zest and seasonings. Pulse until chickpeas are finely chopped. Add onion, cilantro and half the bread crumbs. Continue to pulse just until mixture is like coarse cookie dough. Taste and add more seasonings as desired. Refrigerate for 1 hour for mixture to slightly firm. Place remaining bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Shape chickpea mixture into 6 burgers about ¾-in (2 cm) thick and roll in bread crumbs. Place burgers on a plate in single layer. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Can be refrigerated for several hours or frozen.
- In a food processor with a metal blade, combine TAHINI SAUCE ingredients, except for chopped chives. Whirl until smooth and creamy. Add chives and pulse briefly to blend. Pour into tightly sealed container and refrigerate until ready to use. Can be refrigerated for a couple of days. Simply shake well before serving.
- To make HOMEMADE PITA BREAD: In a large mixing bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast and sugar. Stir to blend. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour. Whisk together and place bowl, uncovered, in a warm, draft-free place until yeast has bloomed and is frothy, about 15 minutes.
- Add salt, olive oil and 2 more cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour. With the flat beater from electric mixer, beat mixture on medium-high until blended. Add a little more flour if dough is too sticky. Remove beater and replace with dough hook. Continue to blend on low with dough hook for 2 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest mixture for 10 minutes. Then continue to knead with electric dough hook for 2 more minutes. Shape dough into a ball and place in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen cloth. Place in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 475 F (245 C). Place a heavy-duty baking sheet in oven on bottom rack.
- To make pita, punch dough down and divide into 6 equal-sized balls. Place on a tray, cover with a damp cloth, and leave at room temperature for 10 minutes. Keeping balls covered, remove 1 ball of dough at a time and press into a disk. On a lightly floured surface, roll disk out to an 8-in (20 cm) circle. Round will shrink slightly during baking. Carefully transfer round of dough to hot baking sheet in oven. Bake for 2 minutes. Dough will puff up. Using tongs, gently flip and bake 1 more minute. It should be pale and slightly speckled. Transfer to a clean, dry kitchen cloth and cover with kitchen cloth. Repeat process with remaining balls of dough. Best served same day.
- Heat a little olive oil in a large, nonstick frying pan. Add 2 chickpea burgers and fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until patties are golden and piping hot, adding more oil if necessary. Keep warm on a plate in oven while frying remaining burgers.
- To serve, line pitas with frizzy lettuce. Place chickpea burger on top. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, halved, sunflower sprouts and a drizzle of Creamy Lemon Tahini Sauce.
Drink Pairings
RHUBARB AND LIME TARTS
Ingredients
Serves 8
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (75 ml) icing sugar
½ cup (125 ml) finely grated, sweetened, desiccated coconut
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) chilled unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar, divided
4 large egg yolks
2 cups (500 ml) finely chopped rhubarb
¼ cup (60 ml) water
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
¼ cup (60 ml) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
fresh mint leaves, for garnish
finely grated lime zest, optional, for garnish
LIME MERINGUE DOTS:
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
⅛ tsp (0.5 ml) cream of tartar
pinch salt
½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly grated lime zest
Instructions
- In food processor fitted with steel blade attachment pulse together flour, icing sugar, coconut, salt and butter until mixture is sandy in texture. Add egg and pulse until dough just comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Divide chilled pastry into 8 equal portions. Working with 1 ball of dough at a time, roll out on a lightly floured work surface to ¼-in (0.5 cm) thickness. Line a 3-in (8 cm) fluted tart tin with removable base with pastry, pressing into corners. Trim excess pastry from rim and place on baking tray. Repeat with remaining dough. Freeze for 20 minutes. Line pastry shells with rounds of parchment paper and fill with pastry weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove parchment paper and pastry weights before placing back in oven until golden brown, 7 minutes. Cool pastry shells in their tins on baking tray, on wire rack.
- In a medium saucepan, stir together rhubarb, ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and water over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until rhubarb is soft, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in lime juice. Transfer hot mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks with ¾ cup (175 ml) sugar. Slowly whisk warm rhubarb mixture into egg mixture. Place mixture back into saucepan and set over medium-low. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula, cook mixture until curd reaches 180 F (85 C), until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until all is incorporated and smooth. Transfer curd to a bowl.
- Dollop curd into tart shells, spreading out with an offset spatula or back of a spoon to create a level surface. Save any excess curd for another use. Place tarts on a baking tray and bake 10 minutes. Cool tarts in their tins on a wire rack to room temperature. Then chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, remove tarts from tins and place on serving plates or a large platter. Garnish each tart with Lime Meringue Dots, small mint leaves and lime zest.
- To make LIME MERINGUE DOTS: Preheat oven to 215 F (105 C). Line baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip egg whites, cream of tartar and pinch of salt at medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. With mixer running, add sugar one tablespoon at a time, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue mixing until egg whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks, about 3 minutes. Fold in lime zest.
- Transfer meringue to a piping bag with a small round tip and pipe ½ -in (1 cm) to ¾ -in (2 cm) dots on prepared baking tray. Bake until outside is crisp and inside is dry yet chewy, 60 minutes. Turn off oven, prop oven door open, and let meringues cool completely, about 2 hours. Meringues should feel dry and lift easily off the parchment paper. Use right away or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Drink Pairings
SPICE-CRUSTED HANGER STEAK
Ingredients
Serves filling for about 12 tacos
2 tbsp (30 ml) coriander seeds
2 tbsp (30 ml) fennel seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) cumin seeds
2 tbsp (30 ml) light brown sugar
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced jalapeño pepper or Fresno chili
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped cilantro
5 garlic cloves minced
3 lbs (1.5 kg) hanger steak
kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a dry frying pan, lightly toast coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cumin seeds until fragrant over medium heat. Transfer to a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder and roughly grind. Transfer to a medium bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
- To spice mixture, add brown sugar, shallots, chili, cilantro and garlic stirring to combine. Rub mixture all over hanger steak and set aside.
- Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil grill and season hanger steak with salt and pepper. Grill to medium rare, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is achieved. Transfer steak to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain before serving.
Drink Pairings
SHRIMP-STUFFED FILLET OF SOLE
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lb (500 g) unpeeled raw shrimp, size 21/25
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) minced yellow onion
¼ cup (60 ml) minced celery
¼ cup (60 ml) minced red bell pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped flat leaf parsley, plus extra for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) fine dry bread crumbs
4 x ¼ lb (125 g) sole fillets
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 lemon slices, divided
SAUCE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
reserved shrimp shells
3 tbsp (45 ml) minced shallots
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
¼ cup (60 ml) cold, unsalted butter
1 tsp (5 ml) chili sauce
Instructions
- Position rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line shallow baking dish with parchment paper, just large enough to hold 4 rolled sole fillets. Set aside.
- Peel shrimp and reserve shells for sauce. Roughly chop shrimp and set aside.
- In a medium-sized frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, when hot add onion, celery and bell pepper. Cook, stirring until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add shrimp, garlic, cayenne pepper and salt and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add parsley. Set aside until cooled, then add bread crumbs and stir to combine.
- Season fish with salt and black pepper. Divide shrimp stuffing evenly among centre of fillets and roll over stuffing so it is enclosed. Top with half the lemon slices. Place side by side in baking dish and bake until fish is just cooked through and lightly golden on top, 25 to 30 minutes.
- While fish is cooking, prepare SAUCE: Melt butter in medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add reserved shrimp shells and cook, stirring frequently, until shells are lightly golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add white wine and cook until almost evaporated, 1 minute. Add stock, cream, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally until liquid is reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes. Strain sauce through a finemeshed sieve, pressing on shells to release as much liquid as possible. Return sauce to saucepan, taste and adjust seasonings as preferred and keep warm until serving.
- When fish is ready, remove from oven and transfer to serving plates. Remove sauce from heat, whisk in cold, unsalted butter and chili sauce and spoon sauce over fish. Garnish with fresh parsley and remaining lemon slices and serve.