Baked Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

This Baked Cinnamon Raisin French Toast has a rich, almost bread pudding-like texture. If you can’t find cinnamon raisin bread, use your favourite sliced bread (a brioche would be perfect) and add your own cinnamon and raisins to the custard mixture. Prepping this the night before and baking it in the morning of serving means you can have French toast without all the work! Try pairing this recipe with Baileys Deliciously Light or Kim Crawford Prosecco
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter, room temperature, for dish
5 eggs
3 cups (750 ml) half-and-half cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 loaf sliced cinnamon raisin bread
1 cup (250 ml) pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
icing sugar, for garnish
maple syrup, for garnish and to serve

Instructions

  1. Butter a 9 x 13-in (3.5 L) casserole dish. Set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix eggs, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Dip a piece of bread into egg mixture and place standing up in casserole. Repeat with remaining bread until casserole is full. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
  3. The next morning, preheat oven to 350 F (175 C) and set oven rack to centre position. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while oven is heating.
  4. Bake casserole for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes.
  5. Garnish with pecans, icing sugar and syrup. Serve with more maple syrup.
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Drink Pairings

Pear Streusel Pie

Indulge in the perfect twist on a classic holiday pie. Familiar flavours like graham crackers, cinnamon and pears come together to make a crunchy slightly sweet dessert to end a holiday meal. Best served warm alongside some ice-cream and or whipping cream. Try pairing this recipe with Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose or Bottega Moscato Petalo il Vino.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
1½ cups (375 ml) pecans
1½ cups (375 ml) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) butter, melted
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
6 medium pears (Red Anjou or Bosc), halved and cored
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
½ lemon, juice only
vanilla ice cream, to serve
CRUMB TOPPING:
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) butter, room temperature
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Spray with cooking spray a 9-in (23 cm) tart pan with removable base.
  2. In a food processor, blend pecans into small crumbs. Add graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, butter and salt and pulse to combine. Using your hands, press mixture into base and sides of tart pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and just set. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
  3. Thinly slice pears and place in a large mixing bowl. Add flour, granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Layer pears evenly on base of tart shell in a circular design.
  4. To make Crumb Topping, in a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, salt and cinnamon. Using a fork or your hands, mix to incorporate dry ingredients into butter. It should look a bit dry and crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly onto pears.
  5. Increase oven temperature to 375 F (190 C) and bake pie for 25 to 30 minutes, until pears are tender and topping is golden brown. Allow pie to cool before slicing and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Drink Pairings

Chocolate Hazelnut Mille Feuille

Fererro Rocher chocolates have long been associated with the holidays. A mix of hazelnut and milk chocolate make them insanely irresistible. For this dessert, we have paired them with a similar flavour profile – Nutella buttercream! Add some beautiful puff pastry for a light but decadent showstopper of a dessert. Try pairing this recipe with Spicebox Chocolate Whisky and Carolans Irish Cream.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (1 L) icing sugar
¾ cup (180 ml) Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
⅓ cup + ¾ cup (260 ml) whipping cream, divided
1 egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
1 sheet puff pastry (about 12 × 15‑in/30 × 38 cm), thawed
6 Ferrero Rocher chocolates
8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) chopped roasted, unsalted hazelnuts

Instructions

  1. In a large metal bowl and using a handheld mixer, mix butter until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add icing sugar 1 cup (250 ml) at a time until entirely incorporated. Mixture may be a bit dry, but that’s okay. Add Nutella, vanilla, salt and ⅓ cup (80 ml) whipping cream. Continue to mix until buttercream is a light colour and has no lumps. Place into a large piping bag and set aside until ready to use.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  3. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg and milk.
  4. Lay puff pastry onto a cutting board and cut into 3 equal rectangles about 5-in/12.5 cm wide. Using a pastry brush, brush top of pastry with a light layer of egg mixture.
  5. Place pastry onto a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool. (If pastries have puffed up unevenly, gently press down on them while still warm so they are more even.)
  6. Place 1 rectangle of pastry onto a flat serving plate. Pipe little dollops of Nutella buttercream around outside of pastry. Place 2 dollops in centre as well (this will help pastry from caving in with weight). Place a second layer of pastry on top and repeat previous step. Place final layer of pastry on top and decorate top with remaining buttercream. Place a chocolate on all four corners of cake as well as 2 in centre.
  7. Place dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat remaining ¾ cup (180 ml) cream until just about to simmer. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir to combine; it should be a smooth chocolate ganache. Drizzle desired amount of chocolate overtop cake and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
  8. To serve, use a serrated bread knife to cut into 1- to 2-in (2.5 to 5 cm) slices. Serve at room temperature (do not refrigerate).
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Drink Pairings

Roasted Baron O’Beef served with Port Wine Shallot Sauce

A feast for the eyes and for the palate, a Roasted Baron O’beef that is sure to delight a crowd. This trusted recipe represents comfort, tradition, and celebration, while the Port Wine Shallot Sauce adds a touch of luxe you and your guests deserve this holiday season! Try pairing this recipe with Black Hills Bona Fide 2021 or Barolo Fontanafredda.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
3 tbsp (45 ml) grainy Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt, plus more to season sauce to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to season sauce to taste
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) smoked paprika
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
5 lbs (2.3 kg) beef top round or sirloin, room temperature
1 large onion, cut into quarters
2 medium carrots, cut into about 2-in (5 cm) chunks
3 stalks celery, cut into about 2-in (5 cm) pieces
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
1 cup + 3 tbsp (295 ml) water, divided
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cups (500 ml) beef stock
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped shallots
2 cups (500 ml) ruby port wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare marinade in small bowl by mixing mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika and 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Rub remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over surface of beef. Rub marinade over surface of beef. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator overnight or at least 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before roasting.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position.
  3. Scatter onions, carrots, celery, garlic and bay leaf evenly in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup (250 ml) water over vegetables. Place marinated beef, fat-side up, on top of vegetables and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce oven to 325 F (160 C) and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 125 F (52 C) for rare (about 1 hour more) or 145 F (63 C) for medium (about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes more).
  4. Transfer roast to a large platter and loosely cover with foil. Allow to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, to make sauce, add thyme and beef stock to vegetables in roaster and bring to a low boil over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Using a strainer, carefully drain stock into a heatproof bowl. Discard vegetables.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for about 1 minute. Add port, increase heat to high and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until liquid reduces slightly. Add strained stock and cook for another 5 minutes on medium heat.
  7. In a small bowl, make a slurry with cornstarch and remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) water. Slowly add to port sauce and stir until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Transfer to gravy boat.
  8. Carve beef as desired and place on serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve alongside port sauce.
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Drink Pairings

Honey & Blue Cheese Madeleines

Elegant savoury Madeleines are addictively fluffy, salty and cheesy. These iconic shell-shaped cakes offer a convenient make-ahead option, freezing beautifully and easily thawing and warming in a 325°F (170°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Try pairing this recipe with Riesling St Urbans Hof Mosel Old Vines or Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Icewine 2016.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 15 madeleines
¾ cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
¾ tsp (4 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black or pink pepper
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid honey
6 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, melted, warm but not hot, plus more for greasing moulds
½ cup (125 ml) crumbled firm blue cheese (such as a Danish blue)
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh sage leaves

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk eggs, sugar and honey until pale in colour and mixture falls in a ribbon, about 2 minutes.
  3. Remove bowl from stand mixer. With a rubber spatula, fold in flour mixture until just incorporated. Add butter in 3 or 4 additions and fold into batter until well combined. Gently fold in blue cheese and sage. Transfer batter to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Prepare madeleine moulds by brushing liberally with extra melted butter and popping madeleine pan in freezer while oven preheats.
  5. Spoon batter into moulds until three‑quarters full. Bake until golden brown around edges and puffed, 8 to 11 minutes. Unmould straightaway by turning baked madeleines out onto a clean surface. Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be frozen for up to a month before being thawed and warmed for 10 to 15 minutes in a 325 F (160 C) oven.
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Drink Pairings

Caramelized Onion & Rosemary Shortbread

Shortbread, a classic holiday cookie offering but with a twist. These Caramelized Onion and Rosemary Shortbread takes a more savoury approach making them hors d’oeuvre worthy. A great make tip when making these ahead is to roll the dough out and refrigerate between pieces of parchment paper for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply cut dough out in desired shapes, bake and enjoy alongside your favourite holiday cocktail. Try pairing this recipe with Cabernet Sauvignon Meiomi or Chardonnay Bread and Butter 2019.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves
1 tbsp + ½ cup (140 ml) unsalted butter, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) grapeseed oil
½ large yellow onion, diced
⅛ tsp (a pinch) kosher salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) icing sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 cup + 2 tbsp (280 ml) all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter and the oil over medium. Add onions and salt and cook, stirring often, until translucent and starting to caramelize, 5 to 10 minutes. Add granulated sugar and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions caramelize further, 4 to 6 minutes longer. Deglaze pan with red wine vinegar and cook until all liquid has cooked off. Transfer onions to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a medium bowl with a handheld mixer, or in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream remaining ½ cup (125 ml) butter and the icing sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add rosemary, flour and cooled onions. Combine on low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Turn dough out onto a large piece of parchment and press together with your hands. Top dough with another large piece of parchment and roll dough to just under ½-in (1.25 cm) thick. Transfer dough from parchment to a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
  5. With a 2½-in (6.25 cm) scalloped round cookie cutter, cut out cookies from chilled dough and divide rounds evenly among prepared baking sheets. Place baking sheets in refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking, 1 tray at a time, until edges are just barely golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Allow shortbread to rest on tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely to room temperature. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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Drink Pairings

Turkey Brie Bites

Wrapped in golden puff pastry these bite-sized Turkey Brie wonders are teeming with flavour favourites! Turkey, cranberry and Brie are a tried, tested and a true trifecta of flavours that are sure to delight every holiday celebration. Better make extra batches as you and your guests won’t stop at one! These can also be frozen and re-heated for any surprise holiday visitors. Try pairing this recipe with Pinot Noir Hahn Monterey 2020.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 24 bites
2 cups (500 ml) shredded or finely diced cooked turkey
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
2 × 14 oz (397 g) packages puff pastry, thawed
½ cup (125 ml) cranberry jelly
9 oz (250 g) block brie, chilled, cut into 24 slices about 1¼-in (3 cm) wide and ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Maldon sea salt, for garnish
chopped fresh parsley or fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
  3. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, cut pastry into 4 portions. Roll each portion to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 2¾-in (7 cm) round cookie cutter, cut 24 pastry circles. Repeat using a 3-in (7.5 cm) cookie cutter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Spread a single layer of 2¾-in (7 cm) pastry circles on prepared baking sheet, 2-in (5 cm) apart. Spoon about 2 tsp (10 ml) turkey mixture in centre of each circle, followed by about 1 tsp (5 ml) cranberry jelly and a slice of brie.
  5. Lightly brush edge of each pastry circle with water and cover with a 3-in (7.5 cm) pastry circle. Press edges to seal. Using a fork, poke holes in centre of each pastry puff and crimp edges. If desired, use a 2¾-in (7 cm) round cookie cutter with scalloped edges to trim outer edge of each circle. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  7. In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and water until blended. Brush surface lightly with egg wash and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with sprinkles of Maldon sea salt and fresh herbs.
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Drink Pairings

Cranberry & Bacon Jam Pinwheels

With holiday party season upon us, look no further for an impressive nibble to offer guests at your next soirée. The Cranberry and Bacon Jam will make more then you need for this recipe, but it is delightful wrapped up as a hostess gift or served alongside a cheese board. This recipe also easily scales up should you find you need to bake for a crowd. Simply increase the amount of puff pastry, goat cheese and pecans needed. Try pairing this recipe with Ruffino Prosecco Rose or Bartier Bros Rose 2022.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 pinwheels
Cranberry & Bacon Jam, make ahead, recipe follows
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package puff pastry, thawed
4 oz (110 g) goat’s cheese, room temperature
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup (60 ml) pecans, roughly chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by making Cranberry & Bacon Jam.
  2. When ready to assemble and bake pinwheels, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
  3. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour before laying out puff pastry. Roll pastry into a 7 × 14-in (18 × 35 cm) rectangle and cut into 8 squares about 3½-in (9 cm) each.
  4. Divide pastry squares among prepared baking sheets. Working with 1 square at a time, place 1 tsp (5 ml) goat’s cheese at centre of each square. Top with 1 tsp (5 ml) Cranberry & Bacon Jam. With a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits in each corner to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) from filling. Bring every other corner up into centre to form a pinwheel design and press lightly to secure into filling. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.
  5. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely at room temperature. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Drink Pairings

Pesto Trees

These Pesto Trees are simply irresistible! Warm, buttery layers of puff pastry laced with umami-rich pesto and cheese will delight every palate. These skewered “trees” are perfect for guests to nibble and mingle at any festive cocktail party or open-house. They freeze well so make a few batches and stash’em away! Try pairing this recipe with Sauvignon Blanc Oyster Bay.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 24 pesto trees
1 × 14 oz (397 g) package puff pastry, thawed, chilled
½ cup (125 ml) basil pesto
3 tbsp (45 ml) shredded Asiago
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
24 wooden appetizer skewers

Instructions

  1. Line 1 large and 1 small baking sheet with parchment.
  2. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, cut pastry in half. Roll 1 half of puff pastry to ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Cut an 8 × 12‑in (20 × 30 cm) rectangle, reserving excess pastry. Spread half of the pesto all over surface of rectangle. Sprinkle half of the Asiago evenly over top. Cut along shorter edge into twelve 1 × 8-in (2.5 × 20 cm) strips. Repeat with second half of puff pastry and remaining pesto and Asiago to yield a total of 24 strips.
  3. Fold each strip in a zigzag manner, shortening turns as pastry builds upwards, to create a narrow treetop. Insert a wooden skewer through layers of pastry. Place on large baking sheet 2-in (5 cm) apart and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill pastry dough completely.
  4. Roll out reserved pastry trimmings to ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 1¼-in (3 cm) flower- or star-shaped cookie cutter, cut 24 pastry pieces. Place on small baking sheet about 1-in (2.5 cm) apart and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  5. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  6. In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and water until blended. Lightly brush flower- or star‑shaped pastry with egg wash and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until pastry is flaky and golden. Allow to cool on rack.
  7. Lightly brush skewered pastry trees with egg wash and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until pastry is flaky and golden at edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Gently pierce a small pastry flower or star on top of each pesto tree before serving.
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Drink Pairings

Maple Pancake

Imagine that your dreamy brunch pancakes were topped with whipped cream and maple syrup while you sipped on a delicious coffee. The following cocktail conveniently combines all these favourite flavours in the form of Canadian Whisky, Cabot Maple Cream Liqueur and espresso for a tasty flavour experience.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1
2 oz (60 ml) Cabot Trail Maple Cream
¾ oz (22 ml) Canadian Club Classic 12-Year-Old Whisky
½ oz (15 ml) espresso
whipped cream, maple syrup and coffee beans, for garnish
dollar pancake, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chill a coupe glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine Maple Cream, whisky and espresso. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup and 3 coffee beans. Optionally, also garnish with a dollar pancake.
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