CHOCOLATE GANACHE HEART CAKES WITH RASPBERRY CREAM
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6 small heart shaped cakes
RASPBERRY COULIS:
1 cup (250 ml) frozen or fresh raspberries
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
½ tbsp (7 ml) framboise or orange liqueur
HEART CAKES AND RASPBERRY GANACHE:
1 box Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake
½ cup (125 ml) brewed, hot coffee
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) rum or brandy
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) raspberry preserves
½ lb (250 g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
ICING SUGAR GLAZE:
⅔ cup (150 ml) icing sugar
1½ tbsp (22 ml) homogenized milk
red food colouring
Instructions
- For RASPBERRY COULIS: In a saucepan, cook berries, sugar and liqueur over low heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Using an immersion blender, purée berry mixture. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Set aside, covered, at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Prepare cake mix following manufacturer’s instructions. Pour into a parchment paper-lined 10 x 15-in (25 x 38 cm) jelly roll pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until set. Cool on a rack. Can be made the day before and refrigerated.
- In a bowl, mix together hot coffee, sugar and rum or brandy, until sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
- Cut chilled Devil’s Food Cake with a 3 or 4-in (8 or 10 cm) heart-shaped cookie cutter. Depending on size of your cutter this will make 4 to 6 two-layer cakes. Brush each layer lightly with coffee liqueur syrup.
- Whip ½ cup (125 ml) cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add raspberry preserves and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Fill a pastry bag, fitted with a ¾-in (2 cm) round pastry tip.
- Pipe raspberry cream over half the heart-shaped cakes. Top each with a layer of cake, pressingly down lightly to sandwich. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while ganache is being made.
- To make GANACHE: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat remaining ½ cup (125 ml) cream over medium-low heat until simmering. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate, swirling saucepan to make sure all chocolate is covered by cream. Let sit a couple minutes, then gently whisk until smooth.
- Pour about ½ cup (125 ml) of hot ganache into a shallow bowl and refrigerate for 5 minutes or until slightly firm, but still spreadable. Leave remainder of ganache in pot to keep it pourable.
- With a small spatula, thinly spread refrigerated ganache over sides of cakes, filling the gap between the layers of cake, making them smooth. It is important to have a smooth surface, so there are no bumps when you pour ganache over cakes.
- Set cakes on a cooling rack over a parchment paper-lined pan to catch dripping chocolate. Slowly pour ganache over each cake, starting in middle and working outward. Be sure to check sides as you go. There will be a pool of ganache on parchment. Scrape that up and melt in saucepan to use again. If ganache gets too thick, return pot to stove and heat on very low heat for a few seconds.
- Allow cakes to set at room temperature, about 20 minutes.
- For ICING SUGAR GLAZE: Combine sugar and milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. If too thick, add a bit more milk. If too thin, add more icing sugar. Mixture should be slightly runny. Add a small drop of colouring, to achieve pink or red colour. Transfer glaze into a piping bag with small nozzle attachment and drizzle quickly across top of the Ganache Heart Cakes to form a design. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To serve, place ganache cake on serving plate and drizzle raspberry coulis on or around cake.
Drink Pairings
CRISPY ISRAELI COUSCOUS CAKES AND ARTICHOKE GREEN SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6
COUSCOUS CAKES:
½ tsp (2 ml) saffron threads
1 ⅔ cups (400 ml) Israeli couscous
¼ cup (60 ml) barberries
¼ cup (60 ml) berry sugar
⅔ cup (150 ml) plain Greek full-fat yogurt
2 eggs, lightly whisked
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh chives
⅓ cup (75 ml) crumbled Macedonian or similar creamy goat’s feta
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup (60 ml) clarified butter
SALAD:
8 oz (250 g) mixed salad greens
14 oz (397 ml) can artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry, halved
8 heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled feta, plus extra
⅓ cup (75 ml) minced fresh mint
DRESSING:
3 tbsp (45 ml) full-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh mint
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To make COUSCOUS CAKES: In a mediumsized saucepan bring 2 cups (500 ml) water to a boil, then stir in saffron threads and let rest for 2 minutes. Stir in couscous and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine barberries and sugar. Add ½ cup (125 ml) water and gently simmer to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and strain barberries, discarding liquid. Transfer to paper towel to drain.
- When couscous is tender, transfer to a large bowl and fluff up with a fork. Add yogurt, whisked eggs, chives, crumbled feta, prepared barberries, salt and pepper. Stir together until evenly mixed.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or use a silicon muffin pan. Evenly divide couscous mixture among cups and firmly press down into cups so mixture will hold together after baking. Drizzle with clarified butter. Bake couscous cakes for 15 minutes or until lightly golden and they become slightly crispy. Remove to a rack for a couple of minutes before turning out cakes and serving.
- Meanwhile, to make SALAD: Assemble greens, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, feta, and mint in a large serving bowl. Toss to evenly distribute.
- To make DRESSING: In a blender combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, green onions and chopped fresh mint and whirl until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, place salad onto serving dishes, add couscous cakes, dot plate with dressing, serving extra on side. Season plates with salt and pepper and serve.
Drink Pairings
DUCK BREAST WITH RHUBARB
Ingredients
Serves 4
RICH DUCK SAUCE:
1 whole duck carcass
4 tsp (20 ml) unsalted butter
2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped button mushrooms
½ yellow onion, finely diced
½ celery stalk, finely diced
½ small carrot, peeled and finely diced
2 juniper berries
1 orange, zest only
2 tsp (10 ml) brandy
3 tbsp + 1 tsp (50 ml) port
4 cups (1 L) brown chicken stock
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 tbsp (30 ml) whipping cream
DUCK BREAST WITH VEGETABLES AND RHUBARB:
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (90 ml) water
2 stalks rhubarb, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
2 small red beets, peeled
3 carrots, peeled and cut in half, lengthwise
2 tsp (10 ml) unsalted butter
1 duck breast, boned, skin on
seasonal herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- To make RICH DUCK SAUCE: Chop duck carcass into small pieces. Place in a large, heavy saucepan with butter and fry over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add oil, mushrooms, onion, celery, carrot, juniper berries, orange zest, brandy and port and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, until reduced by half.
- Add chicken stock and thyme sprig and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain sauce and return to saucepan. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until sauce is at desired thickness, or coats the back of a spoon. Stir in cream and remove from heat. Strain with a fine mesh and cover to keep warm.
- To make DUCK BREAST WITH VEGETABLES AND RHUBARB: Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in rhubarb. Set aside and steep for 10 minutes in a low oven set at 200 F (93 C). Then strain rhubarb and reduce the sugar water until syrup. Pour the syrup over rhubarb and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Place beets in a small roasting pan, cover and bake for 20-30 minutes. On a separate roasting sheet, rub carrots with butter and bake for 7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place duck breast fat-side down in a cold, dry, ovenproof frying pan. Sear duck skin over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until skin is golden brown. Drain off rendered fat and save for another use, if desired. Turn breast and sear other side for 30 seconds. Turn breast fat side down again and place pan in preheated oven. Roast for 6 to 8 minutes or until breast is medium rare. Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- To serve, thinly slice duck breast. Place a couple slices on a heated serving plate alongside a couple wedges of roasted beets, a couple pieces roasted carrot and a generous spoon of poached rhubarb. Drizzle with a generous ladle of Rich Duck Sauce and garnish with seasonal herbs.
Drink Pairings
EGGNOG BREAD PUDDING WITH CARAMEL SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 9
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1 cup (250 ml) water
1 cup (250 ml) white sugar
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) butter, cubed and chilled
SPICED WHIPPED CREAM:
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) white sugar
1 pinch nutmeg
2 pinches cinnamon
BREAD PUDDING:
4 apples, peeled and cubed
⅛ cup (25 ml) unsalted butter
3 eggs
3 cups (750 ml) eggnog
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
½ tsp (2 ml) orange extract or 1 tsp (5 ml) orange zest
⅓ cup (75 ml) white sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes
2 tbsp (15 ml) powdered sugar
CRANBERRY COMPOTE:
1 x 1-in (2.5 cm) cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 x 2-in (5 cm) piece orange zest
1 x 2-in (5 cm) piece lemon zest
2 cups (500 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup (250 ml) white sugar
Instructions
- To make CARAMEL SAUCE: In a saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium-high heat. Continue to cook sugar until it dissolves, boils, then turns dark brown. Remove from heat and add ⅓ of the cream. The caramel will boil and rise in the pot, be careful. Add remaining ingredients, whisking to mix. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
- To make SPICED WHIPPED CREAM: In a chilled bowl, whisk cream, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon until soft peaks form. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.
- To make BREAD PUDDING: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C) and butter a 9-in (23 cm) square cake pan. Sauté apples in butter over medium heat just until the apples are tender. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix eggs, egg nog, vanilla and orange extract, sugar, maple syrup and salt. Add bread and mix. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add apples and mix again.
- Place bread mixture in cake pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean. Let cool completely, then sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with Caramel Sauce. Serve with Spiced Whipped Cream and Cranberry Compote.
- To make CRANBERRY COMPOTE: Tie the cinnamon stick, cloves and citrus zests in a piece of cheesecloth. Place cranberries, sugar and spices in a medium-sized heavybottomed saucepan. Cook over medium-heat for about 20-25 minutes. When the cranberries burst and release their juices, continue to cook until thick and sticky, like a jam. Cool and serve.
Drink Pairings
FARRO AND SHRIMP SALAD WITH SPARKLING VINAIGRETTE
Ingredients
Serves 6
SPARKLING VINAIGRETTE:
¼ cup (60 ml) semi-dry sparkling wine
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid honey
¼ cup (60 ml) grapeseed oil
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
FARRO AND SHRIMP SALAD:
3 cups (750 ml) water
1½ cups (375 ml) uncooked farro
3 cups (750 ml) semi-dry sparkling wine
1 dried bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh parsley
1 strip of lemon zest, cut using a vegetable peeler
1 lb (500 g) large shrimp, deveined but with shell still on, size 16/20
3 ears of corn, husk removed
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tsp (10 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
2 cups (500 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil, roughly chopped
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh mint, roughly chopped
Instructions
- To make SPARKLING VINAIGRETTE: In a blender combine sparkling wine, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, honey, ¼ cup (60 ml) grapeseed oil, extra-virgin olive oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper. Dressing may be made 2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
- To make SALAD: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add farro, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool. Farro can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- While farro is cooking, prepare shrimp. In a large saucepan, stir to combine 3 cups (750 ml) sparkling wine with bay leaf, parsley and lemon zest and a good pinch of salt. Bring just to a boil over mediumhigh heat. Remove from heat, add shrimp and cover. Allow shrimp to steep in liquid until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove shrimp and drain well. Refrigerate until cool before peeling and discarding shells. Keep shrimp refrigerated until ready to assemble salad.
- When ready to assemble, preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush corn with grapeseed oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill corn, turning frequently, about 5 to 8 minutes. Set corn aside to cool for a minute before spreading with butter. Combine smoked paprika with chili powder and sprinkle over buttered corn cobs.
- Place cooked farro in a large serving bowl and toss with ¼ cup (60 ml) Sparkling Vinaigrette. Add tomatoes, basil, cilantro and mint. Cut kernels off cobs and add to salad before gently tossing everything together. Top salad with poached shrimp and an additional drizzle of dressing. Serve Farro and Shrimp Salad with additional vinaigrette alongside, if desired.
Drink Pairings
CHICKEN AND PORK SATAYS
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
3 tbsp (45 ml) canola oil
1 stalk lemongrass, dry leaves removed, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves
1 red Thai chili pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) curry powder
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
1 tbsp (15 ml) light soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) palm or brown sugar
¼ cup (50 ml) coconut milk
1 to 1½ lbs (500 to 750 ml) combination of chicken breast, thighs or pork, cut into thin 1 x 3-in (2.5 x 7.5 cm) strips
SATAY SAUCE:
¼ cup (50 ml) canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
½ tsp (2 ml) dried red chili flakes, or to taste
3 kaffir lime leaves or zest of 1 lime
½ tsp (2 ml) curry powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped lemongrass
1½ cup (375 ml) coconut milk
1 x 2-in (5 cm) cinnamon stick
2 tsp (10 ml) tamarind paste
1 to 3 tbsp (15 to 45 ml) fish sauce, or to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) palm or brown sugar
3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice
1 cup (250 ml) chunky peanut butter
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for the meat into a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Separate chicken and pork in two bowls and divide marinade and pour on top. Mix well to combine and marinate for 2 hours.
- Thread meat onto skewers and place on barbecue or grill, turning occasionally, until cooked.
- To make SATAY SAUCE: Heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, red chili flakes, kaffir lime leaves, curry powder and lemon grass.
- Sauté 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant and onions start to soften.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Be careful sauce does not stick to bottom of saucepan. Makes 1½ cups (375 ml)
Drink Pairings
COCONUT LEMONGRASS SEAFOOD SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 4
DRESSING:
½ stalk lemon grass, pounded
1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
½ cup (125 ml) coconut milk
2 tsp (10 ml) sugar
½ thai chili, minced (optional)
½ lime, juice only
SALAD:
2 tbsp (30 ml) salt
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2-inch (5 cm) piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
1 lime, halved
1 lb (500 g) spot prawns, heads and shells removed
1 lb (500 g) scallops, muscle removed
2 cups (500 ml) mixed greens
½ English cucumber, sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ bunch cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- To make DRESSING: In a medium-sized saucepan, add lemon grass, fish sauce, coconut milk and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off heat and add chilli. Cool sauce. Once cooled, remove lemon grass and add lime juice. Set aside.
- To make SALAD: Bring a medium-sized saucepan of water to a boil and add salt, garlic and ginger. Squeeze lime into water. Prepare a bowl of ice water and keep it by the pot.
- Add prawns and turn heat down to low, the water should be at barely a simmer. Poach prawns just until they are cooked, about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove prawns and immediately put in ice bath. Once the prawns are cool, remove from ice water, drain and dry them.
- Bring saucepan of water back to a boil and repeat process with scallops. They will take about 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the size of the scallops.
- To assemble: Mix 1 tbsp (15 ml) dressing with prawns and scallops. Set aside. Pour a pool of the remaining dressing on your serving platter. Layer greens, cucumber and tomatoes over the dressing. Add prawns and scallops on the vegetables and garnish with cilantro.
Drink Pairings
CRÊPES WITH ORANGE LIQUEUR SAUCE
Ingredients
Serves 2
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
⅓ cup (75 ml) cold water
3 tbsp (45 ml) melted unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
½ tsp (2 ml) kosher salt
1 cup (250 ml) fresh orange juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated orange zest
¾ cup (175 ml) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
¼ cup (60 ml) orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Triple Sec or Cointreau
1 orange, peeled and segmented for garnish
Instructions
- Combine milk, flour, eggs, water, melted butter and salt in blender and process until smooth, about 5 seconds. Transfer to covered container and refrigerate for 2 hours, up to 2 days.
- Heat an 8-in (20 cm) non-stick frying pan or crêpe pan over medium heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Brush bottom and sides of pan very lightly with melted butter. Butter should sizzle. Remove pan from heat, tilt pan slightly and pour 2 tbsp (30 ml) batter into pan (or enough batter to cover bottom of pan). As batter is poured, rotate pan to swirl batter evenly over bottom before returning it to heat. Cook until underside is spotty and golden brown, about 30 seconds. Flip and cook about 30 seconds longer. Transfer crêpe to a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining crêpe batter, brushing pan with butter as needed.
- To make sauce, in a saucepan, bring orange juice, sugar and orange zest slowly to a boil. Continue to boil mixture, stirring occasionally, until liquid becomes syrupy.
- Whisk in cold butter, piece by piece, until smooth. Remove pan from heat and add liqueur to taste. Serve immediately or keep warm no more than 30 minutes before use.
- To serve, place 3 crêpes on a plate, garnish with orange segments and drizzle with sauce.
- Note: If making crêpes ahead, layer parchment paper between each crêpe and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or double wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Drink Pairings
DESSERT FLATBREAD WITH LEMON-HONEY MASCARPONE CHEESE, BERRIES AND CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
Serves 4
2½ cups (625 ml) all-purpose flour
1 x 7 g package instant or quick-rise yeast
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) warm water, about 130 F (50 C)
olive oil, for brushing
2 cups (500 ml) mascarpone cheese
3 tbsp (45 ml) liquid honey
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 nectarines, pitted, cut into thick wedges and grilled
2 plums, pitted, cut into wedges and grilled
1 cup (250 ml) raspberries
1 cup (250 ml) blueberries
1 cup (250 ml) blackberries
½ cup (125 ml) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
icing sugar and chopped mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl add 2 cups (500 ml) flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in warm water and 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add more flour if needed. Cover and let rest on floured surface 10 minutes. Alternatively, this can be done in an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Brush barbecue grill with olive oil and preheat to 450 F (230 C).
- Roll or press dough into a 12- or 14-in (30 to 35 cm) circle. Or divide dough into 4 small flatbreads and roll out. Spray lightly or brush surface with vegetable oil spray or olive oil and allow dough to rest 10 minutes while barbecue preheats. Place flatbread on the grill, oiled-side down. Cover grill and bake 3 to 7 minutes or until grill marks appear on the underside and it turns golden brown and the top starts to bubble. Brush top of flatbread with olive oil and flip over. Grill until golden brown and dough is just firm, about another 2 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet pan. Close barbecue.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, honey, zest and juice. Spread over pizza and scatter with grilled fruit and berries. Top with chopped chocolate. Transfer sheet pan with flatbread back to the barbecue. Close cover and barbecue, just until chocolate is melted and fruit is warm, about 2 minutes. Dust with icing sugar and garnish with chopped mint before serving.
Drink Pairings
CHICKEN WITH PISTACHIO GREMOLATA
Ingredients
Serves 4
GRILLED CHICKEN:
1 lemon, zest and juice
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 pinch pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on
PISTACHIO GREMOLATA:
¼ cup (60 ml) flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
10 mint leaves, finely chopped
10 basil leaves, finely chopped
½ garlic clove, finely grated
3 anchovies, packed in oil, finely chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) grainy mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) champagne vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted pistachios, roughly chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
CREAMY CANNELLINI BEANS:
1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) butter
1 small leek, white part only, washed and thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 sprigs thyme
½ cup (125 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp (5 ml) champagne vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) white wine, such as Pinot Gris
1 x (398 ml) can cannellini beans, drained
Instructions
- To marinate chicken, in a large mixing bowl combine lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add chicken and evenly coat in mixture. Cover and marinate overnight.
- Meanwhile, prepare PISTACHIO GREMOLATA: In a bowl, mix all ingredients together adding salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
- When ready to cook, bring chicken to almost room temperature, about 30 minutes before cooking. Brush barbecue grill with oil. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- While chicken is resting, prepare CREAMY CANNELLINI BEANS: Heat olive oil and butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add leek, garlic and salt and cook until leek has softened. Add thyme, cherry tomatoes, champagne vinegar, white wine and cannellini beans. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until flavours have blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
- While beans are cooking, grill marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on both sides, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should register 165 F (75 C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- To serve, add a scoop of cannellini beans to a serving plate. Top with Grilled Chicken and Pistachio Gremolata. Serve alongside Grilled Asparagus with Modern Sauce Gribiche, if desired.