SMOKED TROUT DIP
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves Makes 1½ cups (375 ml)
1 lb (500 ml) boneless smoked trout
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
½ lemon, juice only
2 green onions, sliced, green and white parts
Instructions
- In a food processor, place trout, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder and lemon juice. Blend on high for 1 minute or until combined. Add sliced green onions and pulse until combined. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- *If packaging as a gift, be sure to keep refrigerated as long as possible before gifting, and then have recipient refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Drink Pairings
ROSEMARY HUMMUS
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 1½ to 2 cups (375 to 500 ml)
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili flakes, or to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh rosemary, stems removed
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, strain chickpea liquid and set aside for later.
- In a food processor, blend chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, chili flakes and rosemary on high for 2 minutes. Strain in ¼ cup (60 ml) of reserved chickpea liquid and blend until smooth. If needed, add more liquid until desired consistency is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- *If packaging as a gift, be sure to keep refrigerated as long as possible before gifting, and then have recipient refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Drink Pairings
ZA'ATAR CRACKERS
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 12 - 15 cocktails
2 cups (500 ml) flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) water
5 tsp + 2 tbsp (25 ml + 30 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (30 ml) za’atar spice
Maldon salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add water and 5 tsp (25 ml) oil. Using a spatula, mix to form a shaggy dough. With floured hands, bring dough together to form a ball. If dough is too dry, add a few more drops of water. Gently knead dough in bowl for 2 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from refrigerator. Cut a small piece from dough, about the size of a walnut. On a clean, floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the ball as thin as possible into an oval shape. (You should be able to see your hand through it.) Place oval on baking sheet and repeat this step with remaining balls of dough, you should have 12 to 15 balls.
- Place remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) of oil into a small ramekin. Using a pastry brush, brush oil onto each oval, then sprinkle with za’atar spice and Maldon salt.
- Bake until crackers are bubbly and golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Drink Pairings
WINDOW SUGAR COOKIES
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 12 cookies
¾ cup (175 ml) unsalted butter
1½ cups (375 ml) granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
3 cups (750 ml) flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
1½ tsp (7 ml) baking powder
¾ cup (175 ml) thick, good quality raspberry jam
2 tsp (10 ml) minced ginger
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and mix to combine.
- Using a large sieve, sift flour, salt and baking powder into butter mixture. Mix again to combine. Using hands, form dough into a large disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit for 3 minutes. Cut dough in half and roll out one half to form a large circle about ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick. Cut 12 circles. Repeat this step with other piece of dough to make 24 circles in total. Using a 1-in (2.5 cm) wide cookie cutter in a star shape cut out a star shape in the middle of 12 cookies.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine jam and ginger. Using a spoon, scoop roughly 2 tsp (10 ml) jam onto each circle-shaped cookie. Place the star cut-out cookie on top to create a sandwich. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Drink Pairings
RED VELVET WHOOPIE PIES
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 24 cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp (10 ml) red food colouring (optional)
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
2 tsp (10 ml) white vinegar
2 ⅔ cups (650 ml) flour
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder, sifted
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
½ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (250 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
3 cups (750 ml) icing sugar*
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream butter and sugars until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, red food dye (if using), vanilla and vinegar. Beat to combine.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and, using a spatula, mix together to form a dough. Wrap dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Make Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll into 1-in (2.5 cm) sized balls (roughly the size of a golf ball). Place 6 to 8 dough balls on baking sheet evenly spaced apart. Bake until cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and place on a wire cooling rack. Repeat this step until all cookies are done. Allow to cool completely before icing.
- To assemble, using a piping bag or zip-top bag, cut tip of bag to release icing. Place a tablespoon-sized dollop of icing onto 1 cookie bottom. Using another cookie (flat side), press against the icing to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- To make cream cheese frosting, In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together butter, cream cheese, vanilla and salt. Add icing sugar 1 cup (250 ml) at a time, waiting until sugar is completely mixed in before adding more. Place into a piping bag or zip-top bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
Drink Pairings
MATCHA TREES
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 18 - 20 trees
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup (175 ml) icing sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) matcha tea powder (unsweetened)
1¾ cups (425 ml) flour, plus more for rolling
1 cup (250 ml) white chocolate chips
1 tsp (5 ml) coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together butter, sugar, salt and matcha powder until fluffy and pale green, about 3 to 5 minutes. Using a spatula, add flour and combine to form a dough. Using hands, mould dough into a 1½-in (3.75 cm) thick disk. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Place on a lightly floured dry working space. Dust top of dough lightly with flour and, using a rolling pin, roll dough into a large ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick circle. Continue to dust surface of dough if rolling pin begins to stick.
- Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many cookies as you can. Transfer onto lined baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes. Place on a wire cooling rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch excess chocolate. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips and coconut oil for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. If chocolate needs to melt more, microwave for another 20 seconds.
- Using a spoon, drizzle chocolate over cookies in a side-to-side motion. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Drink Pairings
ORANGE-THYME SNOWBALLS
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 24 - 28 cookies
1 cup (250 ml) salted butter, room temperature
5 tbsp (75 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 ml) pecan pieces
2 cups (500 ml) flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) orange zest, about 2 large oranges
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves, stems removed
½ cup (125 ml) icing sugar, or more as needed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to mix butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- In a small food processor, pulse the pecan pieces on high until finely ground.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pecan grounds, flour, orange zest and thyme. Add dry ingredients, 1 cup (250 ml) at a time, to butter mixture. Beat mixture on low until no dry flour remains. Using hands, press dough together to form a ball. Tightly wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 365 F (185 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll into 1-in (2.5 cm) balls (roughly the size of a golf ball). Place on baking sheet with at least 1-in (2.5 cm) space between. Bake until cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes with a baking sheet underneath to catch excess icing sugar. Holding a mesh sieve over cookies, place ½ cup (125 ml) of icing sugar in sieve. Gently tap side of sieve to dust cookies generously. Repeat with more sugar, if necessary. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Drink Pairings
CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 18 - 20 cookies
2 eggs
½ cup (125 ml) sunflower oil
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
½ cup (125 ml) cocoa powder, sifted
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) chocolate chips
1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat eggs, oil, vanilla, cocoa powder and granulated sugar until combined, about 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and, using a spatula, stir to combine. Once mixture has formed a dough, mix in chocolate chips. Wrap dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll into 1-in (2.5 cm) balls (roughly the size of a golf ball). Place icing sugar on a plate and roll each ball in it to generously coat. Place 6 to 8 cookies on each baking sheet, leaving space between. Bake until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Drink Pairings
Rosemary Focaccia & Dipping Oils
How about a Do-It-Yourself gift box? Fill your gift boxes with some homemade delicious treats. It’s a gift you can make, pack, pair and share!Ingredients
Serves 1 loaf
ROSEMARY FOCACCIA
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
2 cups (500 ml) warm water
1 x 8 g package instant yeast
4 cups (1 L) flour
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
7 tbsp (105 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, room temperature
1 to 2 sprigs rosemary, stems removed, about 2 tbsp (15 ml)
Maldon sea salt, to taste
Citrus Herb-Infused Oil, to serve, recipe follows
CITRUS HERB-INFUSED OIL
1 cup (250 ml) olive oil
1 orange, zest only
3 sprigs thyme
1 sprig rosemary
1 sprig sage
Instructions
- In a large stainless-steel mixing bowl, whisk together honey and warm water. Add yeast and let sit for 3 minutes. Yeast should float and foam. If not, yeast is inactive and you will need to start again.
- Add flour and salt to water and mix to form a shaggy dough. With floured hands, gently knead dough a few times to form a ball. Set aside.
- Prepare another large stainless-steel bowl. Coat sides of bowl with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Place dough inside bowl and rub top with 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Tightly cover top of bowl with plastic wrap and then with a tea towel. Place in a warm place for 4 hours to rise.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C) and prepare a 11-in x 9-in (28 x 23 cm) non-stick pan. Rub butter on surface and sides of pan.
- Press dough into pan so it is evenly distributed. Cover again and allow to rise for 1 hour. Once risen, poke fingers onto entire surface of dough. Pour remaining 4 tbsp (60 ml) oil over focaccia. Add rosemary and salt. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. If focaccia is still pale after 20 minutes, place under broil on high for 3 minutes or until golden. Rest for 5 minutes on a wire cooling rack and serve with infused oils.
- To make Citrus Herb-Infused Oil, In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add orange zest. Allow to cool completely and transfer to a glass jar. Add herbs and store in a cool dark place for up to one month.
Drink Pairings
GINGER BEE
This cocktail recipe can be prepared as a warm, soothing drink or served refreshingly cold—whichever suits your mood. It features Tanqueray No. Ten Batch Distilled Gin.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
¾ oz (22 ml) Honey Ginger Syrup*
½ oz (15 ml) lemon juice
2½ oz (75 ml) water (if serving hot)
candied ginger, for garnish
Instructions
- To serve cold, in a cocktail shaker, combine gin, Honey Ginger Syrup and lemon juice. Add ice, shake vigorously, then fine strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.
- To serve hot, combine gin, Honey Ginger Syrup, lemon juice and water in a heatproof mug or glass and microwave for 1 minute on high. Garnish both with candied ginger.
- * To make Honey Ginger Syrup, in a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (125 ml) water, ¾ cup (175 ml) honey and 1 tbsp (15 ml) peeled and grated ginger. Simmer until hot, remove from heat to cool. Strain and transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.