Upside-Down Beet Tart with Oranges & Greens

Taking inspiration from the viral TikTok trend, these tarts only look fancy. Using ready to roll puff pastry and store-bought steamed beets this recipe comes together in a snap and is perfect any time of the day. Once you master the upside-down tart technique, experiment with other seasonal fillings for a whole new taste profile. Great as an appetizer or as a meal itself.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
1 large egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
1 × 14 oz (398 g) package puff pastry
¼ cup (60 ml) liquid clover honey
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) fresh thyme leaves
1 × 8 oz (225 g) package ready-steamed beets, drained and patted dry with paper towel
2 tsp (10 ml) finely grated orange zest
1 × 10 oz (300 g) wheel brie
2 oranges, zest and fruit
3 to 4 cups (750 ml to 1 L) mixed greens
1 tbsp (15 ml) good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling if desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water to create an egg wash. Set aside.
  3. On a floured work surface, roll out puff pastry to a rectangle roughly 3½ × 5½-in (9 × 14 cm). Cut into 6 rectangles (don’t worry if they’re not perfect).
  4. Using prepared baking sheet, drizzle honey on parchment paper in 6 dots and spread with the back of a spoon into a rectangle a little smaller than puff pastry. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme leaves.
  5. Thinly slice beets and shingle over honey, taking care to place beets so they will be covered by the puff pastry rectangles. Sprinkle orange zest over beets. Slice brie and place a couple slices on each beet pile. Place a rectangle of puff pastry on top of each beet pile and let edges of puff pastry rest on parchment paper. Either press edges of puff pastry onto parchment paper or crimp with tines of a fork to gently seal edges.
  6. Brush tops of puff pastry with egg wash and bake until deep golden brown and puffed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let tarts sit on baking sheet for 10 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, using a knife, cut away pith from each orange. Segment oranges between white membranes and place segments into a large bowl. Drizzle any additional orange juice into bowl as well. Add mixed greens, a good pinch of salt and 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
  8. Using a thin spatula, gently lift tarts off baking sheet, turn over and place on serving plates. Serve with orange segments and greens. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and enjoy.
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Drink Pairings

Pear & Radicchio Salad with Cranberry Dressing

This aesthetic salad is the perfect addition to any meal this autumn. Featuring a cranberry dressing, that offers a harmonious blend of fruity and zest. It will not only elevate this salad but leave you with surplus to be enjoyed on top your next salad adventure.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
2 medium heads radicchio
2 Bosc pears, cored and sliced into thin wedges
4 or 5 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds
1 cup (250 ml) packed mixed baby greens
Cranberry Dressing, make ahead, recipe follows
Herb-Crusted Cheese Balls, make ahead, recipe follows
¼ cup (60 ml) pine nuts, toasted
CRANBERRY DRESSING
3 tbsp (45 ml) dried cranberries
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly boiled water
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid clover honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and ground white pepper, to taste
HERB-CRUSTED CHEESE BALLS
8 oz (227 g) ricotta cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated Parmesan
4 oz (113 g) blue cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp (45 ml) bread crumbs, plus extra if needed
1 tsp (5 ml) pink peppercorns, roughly crushed
1 cup (250 ml) flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Remove any wilted outer leaves from radicchio before roughly chopping or tearing leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large serving bowl along with pears, radishes and greens. Drizzle with about 3 tbsp (45 ml) dressing and toss to combine. Drizzle with more dressing if desired, then garnish with cheese balls and toasted pine nuts.
  2. CRANBERRY DRESSING
  3. In a blender, add cranberries, boiled water, honey, vinegar, mustard and olive oil. Let sit for 5 minutes, allowing cranberries to soften slightly. Blend, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of blender, until dressing is smooth and pink, about 3 minutes. If dressing is too thick, thin with 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water. Season to taste with salt and white pepper, blending again to incorporate. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Makes about ½ cup (125 ml)
  5. HERB-CRUSTED CHEESE BALLS
  6. In a medium bowl with a wooden spoon, stir together ricotta and cream cheese until well combined. Add Parmesan, blue cheese and bread crumbs. The mixture should hold its shape, so add more bread crumbs if it seems too soft.
  7. In a small bowl, stir together pink peppercorns and chopped parsley.
  8. Roll tablespoons of cheese mixture into balls and then roll each ball in parsley mixture to coat. Transfer cheese balls to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
  9. Makes 20 cheese balls
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Drink Pairings

Masala Pasta Bake

This is a twist on a classic dish that anyone can easily prepare at home. If you cannot get your hands on ground Kashmiri chili powder, simply combine smoked ground paprika with a little bit of ground cayenne pepper. A quick and easy mid-week meal for all to enjoy as the weather gets cooler.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package fusilli
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil, plus extra for greasing baking dish
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 × 5.5 oz (156 ml) can tomato paste
1 cup (250 ml) water
1¼ tsp (6 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
½ tsp (2.5 ml) turmeric
2 tsp (10 ml) Kashmiri chili powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
1 cup (250 ml) sour cream
1 cup (250 ml) coarsely grated Gouda, plus an extra ½ cup (125 ml) for topping
1 cup (250 ml) coarsely grated cheddar, plus an extra ½ cup (125 ml) for topping
1 cup (250 ml) chopped collard green leaves or kale leaves
2 cups (500 ml) cubed roast chicken
3 tbsp (45 ml) roughly chopped cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta 2 minutes less then package directions indicate for al dente. Drain and set aside. Set pot back on stove without cleaning, for use later in recipe.
  2. In a large skillet, heat grapeseed oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant before adding tomato paste, water, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder and salt. Cook until mixture starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Place butter in reserved pasta cooking pot and set over medium heat. Once butter has melted, whisk in flour and cook, continuously whisking for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until sauce starts to thicken, stirring often. Whisk in sour cream before gradually stirring in 1 cup (250 ml) each Gouda and cheddar a handful at a time, letting cheeses melt slightly into mixture before adding next handful. Once incorporated, stir in tomato masala mixture from skillet along with collard greens. Let cook 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring often. Fold in pasta and roast chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. (Pasta may be served at this point with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro and an extra sprinkling of cheese, if desired.)
  4. To bake pasta, preheat oven broiler.
  5. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-in (3.5 L) ovenproof baking dish. Transfer pasta to baking dish and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup (125 ml) each cheese. Broil until cheese melts, about 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This twist on a classic uses Luxardo Maraschino instead of the classic maraschino cherries. The cake itself is nice and soft from the addition of sour cream, full fat Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8
½ cup + 6 tbsp (215 ml) butter, divided, plus more for buttering pan
1 cup (250 ml) golden sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) Luxardo Maraschino Originale, divided
½ × 1 medium sized pineapple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1½ cup (375 ml) cake and pastry flour
1¼ tsp (6 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream, room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) milk, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¾ cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 360 F (180 C). Butter sides of a 9-in (23 cm) round cake pan.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (125 ml) butter with golden sugar and 2 tbsp (30 ml) Luxardo Maraschino, and cook until sugar has dissolved. Pour butter and sugar mixture into bottom of cake pan and spread evenly. Arrange pineapple slices on bottom of pan and put in refrigerator to set.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt, and set aside. In a separate medium bowl, mix remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) Luxardo Maraschino, sour cream, milk and vanilla extract, and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, with a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat remaining 6 tbsp (90 ml) butter on high until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. With mixer on medium, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down bowl periodically. Mix until fully combined.
  6. Turn mixer to low and mix in dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with liquid ingredients and mixing after each addition just until incorporated. You will start and end with dry ingredients. Do not overmix. Scrape down bowl as needed.
  7. Remove cake pan from refrigerator and pour cake batter into it. Smooth out with a spatula.
  8. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in centre comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. Cool cake at room temperature until no longer warm. Run a knife around edge of cake. Place a flat serving platter or plate on top of cake pan and, in one quick motion, flip it upside down and remove pan.
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Drink Pairings

Sour Granny

Capturing the naturally refreshing sour character of the BC Granny Smith apple, this tart cocktail highlights this variety as the star of the show. For even more apple character, infuse the vodka with Granny Smith apple peels for a few days prior to mixing the cocktail.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1
1 small Granny Smith apple, cored, thinly sliced
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
1½ oz (45 ml) NÜTRL Vodka
½ oz (15 ml) Falernum*

Instructions

  1. Chill a martini glass in freezer for 5 minutes. Reserve 1 or 2 apple slices for garnish and toss rest of apple slices in a cocktail shaker with lime juice to prevent browning, then muddle thoroughly. Add vodka, Falernum and cubed ice and shake vigorously, then fine strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with apple slices.
  2. *To make Falernum, to a blender, add 1½ cups (375 ml) water, 1 tsp (5 ml) cloves, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime zest (about 10 limes), 4 tsp (20 ml) chopped ginger and 1 cinnamon stick. Pulse to chop ingredients, then add to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to 140 F (60 C), about 5 minutes. Add 1½ cups (375 ml) granulated sugar and stir to dissolve. Strain while hot, then add to a heatproof bottle and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Falernum is also available online and at specialty stores.
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Pumpkin Pie Cake

Love pumpkin pie but want to try a spin on a classic? Or always have trouble with making pastry? This dessert has a soft cake as a base instead of crust that becomes dense and rich. Candied nuts give a crunch and nuttiness, this is perfect served with whipped cream. Bring it to your next fall-inspired dinner. Great for Thanksgiving!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
⅛ tsp (pinch) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
6 tbsp (90 ml) granulated sugar
3 eggs, divided
2 × 19 oz (540 ml) cans pumpkin pie filling
⅔ cup (160 ml) whipping cream, plus whipped cream for serving
1 cup (250 ml) candied pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Butter a 9-in (2.5 L) round springform pan, line bottom with a round of parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and set aside. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, vanilla extract and milk, and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar and 1 egg with an electric mixer on medium until lighter in colour. Fold in dry ingredients, then wet ingredients. Continue folding until combined and no lumps remain. Pour into prepared springform pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  4. While cake is baking, in a large bowl, mix remaining 2 eggs, pumpkin pie filling and whipping cream until combined.
  5. Pour pumpkin pie filling mixture into springform pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until filling has set and a wooden skewer inserted in centre comes out clean.
  6. Let cool completely, then remove from pan. Slice and serve with whipped cream and candied pecans.
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Drink Pairings

Golden Delicious Collins

The BC Golden Delicious apple is recognized for its yellowish-green hue and sweetness, which makes it a favourite for baking, apple sauce and apple butter. This Collins-style cocktail combines apple, lemon, whisky, spiced maple syrup and sparkling apple juice for a vibrant and effervescent drink.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1
½ Golden Delicious apple, cored, thinly sliced
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
1½ oz (45 ml) Crown Royal Apple Canadian Whisky
½ oz (15 ml) Spiced Maple Syrup*
2 oz (60 ml) sparkling apple juice
1 Golden Delicious apple, julienne, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle apple with lemon juice, then add whisky and Spiced Maple Syrup. Add cubed ice and shake gently, then strain into a Collins glass. Top with sparkling apple juice and fill with cubed ice. Garnish with julienne apple.
  2. *To make Spiced Maple Syrup, combine 4 oz (120 ml) maple syrup and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking spice** in a glass jar and microwave until hot, 30 to 60 seconds. Steep and let cool 5 minutes, then fine strain to remove spices. Store unused syrup in refrigerator. ** A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, available prepared in most grocery stores.
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Chocolate Rye Cake

This double rye cake has rye flour and rye whiskey. It’s rich and dense, the rye flour and whiskey add a depth of flavour you won’t find in a regular chocolate cake
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
4 large eggs, room temperature
3½ cups (860 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter, plus extra for buttering pan
1½ cups (375 ml) Dutch process cocoa powder, plus extra, for dusting (optional)
2½ cups (625 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) rye flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
2 tbsp (30 ml) rye whiskey
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
whipped cream, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Butter and flour a 13 × 4 × 4-in (33 × 10 × 10 cm) Pullman loaf pan, set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix eggs, sugar, vegetable oil and butter on high. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, rye flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another medium bowl, whisk whipping cream, milk, rye whiskey and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  4. Add half dry ingredients to egg and oil ingredients and mix on low just until combined. Add half wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Repeat with remaining dry and wet ingredients.
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool to room temperature before removing from pan. Dust with cocoa powder, if using. Serve with whipped cream.
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Drink Pairings

Dark Chocolate Chilli Armagnac Manhattan

You can’t go wrong with chocolate, especially in this spicy Manhattan-inspired drink. Using the fat-washing technique, this cocktail is sure to delight you.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Dark Chocolate-Washed Armagnac*
1 oz (30 ml) Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximénez Sherry
3 to 5 drops chocolate bitters
1 strawberry slice, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Stir ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Strain into a coupe and garnish with strawberry slice.
  2. *To make Dark Chocolate-Washed Armagnac, melt ½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter and 1 cup (250 ml) dark chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix in about ½ tsp (2.5 ml) seeded and chopped Thai (bird’s eye) chili or another red hot pepper or 1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne. Add 450 ml Saint Vivant VSOP Armagnac and stir to blend well. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe container, stirring every so often to make sure the flavour and fat get well integrated. Once mixture is cool, place in freezer to allow solids to harden, then strain through a coffee filter until desired clarity is reached. Will keep in refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
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Butternut Squash & Kale Gratin

Classic flavours with a healthy twist fit for Thanksgiving. Try this gratin this fall for something new, it’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, but also has some kale for a bit of greens.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
⅓ cup + 3 tbsp (125 ml) butter, divided, plus more for greasing baking dish
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk, warmed
2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) grated Asiago, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped curly parsley
¼ cup (60 ml) bread crumbs
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, cut in 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
1 bunch kale, stems removed, thinly sliced and blanched

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Butter a 7 × 11‑in (2 L) baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk until no lumps remain. Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until thick, about 10 minutes. Whisk in ¾ cup (180 ml) Asiago and set bechamel aside.
  3. Melt remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) butter in a heatproof medium bowl, let cool slightly and add remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) Asiago, parsley and bread crumbs. Mix well.
  4. Pour one-third of the bechamel into the baking dish and spread evenly. Lay down half the squash slices and top with half the kale.
  5. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of bechamel. You will have 3 layers of bechamel and 2 layers of vegetables. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over top of bechamel. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until squash is tender, removing foil halfway through baking. Serve warm.
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Drink Pairings

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