Negroni Pavlova Wreath
This showstopping edible pavlova wreath is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table. The bitter notes of Negroni-soaked oranges and tart pomegranate arils perfectly balance the sweetness of the pavlova, offering a delightful burst of flavour in every bite. Pair this pavlova with Campari Negroni or Glayva.Ingredients
Serves 10-12
6 large egg whites, room temperature
½ tsp (2.5 ml) cream of tartar
1½ cups (375 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) distilled white vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
6 tbsp (90 ml) Campari Negroni
⅓ cup (80 ml) light brown sugar
4 oranges, divided
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) skim milk powder (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) pomegranate arils
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
icing sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 F (120 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Trace a 9-in (23 cm) diameter circle on parchment. Trace a 4½-in (11.25 cm) diameter circle in centre of larger circle. Turn parchment over so food does not directly touch traced circles. Set aside.
- In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine eggs whites and cream of tartar. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, a couple of tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vinegar and vanilla and whisk on medium-high until fully incorporated.
- Dollop big spoonfuls of meringue onto parchment in a ring shape, using traced ring as a guide. Using back of a spoon, create small indents in each dollop of meringue.
- Bake meringue until ring easily lifts off parchment, about 1½ hours. Turn oven off and allow meringue to cool in oven with door closed.
- While pavlova cools, make Negroni-soaked oranges. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir Campari Negroni and brown sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer and reduce until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, wash 2 oranges well and thinly slice into rounds. Using a paring knife, cut away peel and pith of remaining 2 oranges. Working over a small bowl to catch any juice, cut between membranes to release orange segments. Place orange slices and segments into saucepan with warm Negroni syrup. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Just before ready to serve, place whipping cream and milk powder (if desired) in a large bowl (the milk powder helps stabilize whipping cream so it can hold lovely swoops without weeping). Using a whisk, whip to firm peaks.
- Place pavlova wreath on a serving platter. Dollop whipped cream over wreath, then garnish with Negroni-soaked orange slices and segments, pomegranate arils and toasted pistachios. Garnish with a dusting of icing sugar (if desired) and serve immediately. Any leftover Negroni syrup may be served alongside for guests to spoon over their portion.
Drink Pairings
After 8 Fizz
Celebrate the season with this festive and indulgent cocktail that blends the refreshing bite of peppermint with the smooth sweetness of chocolate. Topped with Codorníu Cava for a bubbly finish, this cocktail is crowned with a decadent swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, making it the perfect treat for holiday gatherings.Ingredients
Serves 1
¾ oz (22 ml) Luksusowa Vodka
¾ oz (22 ml) McGuinness Crème de Cacao Liqueur
¼ oz (7.5 ml) McGuinness Peppermint Schnapps
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) Codorníu Cava Clasico Brut
whipped cream and shaved chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, crème de cacao, schnapps and lemon juice. Add ice and shake for 5 to 7 seconds. Pour over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass, then top with Cava until ½-in (1.25 cm) from top. Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
Featuring
Move That to Tomorrow
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, sometimes it is important to take a moment to reflect and move the to-do list to tomorrow. Savour the moment with this festive spin on a classic mimosa, elevated with grenadine and rosemary.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) fresh orange juice
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
2 dashes Angostura bitters
4 oz (120 ml) Ruffino Lumina Prosecco
orange wheel and fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a Collins glass, stir orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine and Angostura bitters to combine. Add ice and top with Prosecco. Garnish with orange wheel and rosemary sprig.
Featuring
Snowy Nights
A French 75 is a classic and elegant cocktail, perfect for holiday entertaining. This rendition is elevated by substituting the traditional Simple Syrup with a homemade Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup to add a unique and aromatic flavour profile, sure to impress at any festive gathering.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Beefeater London Dry Gin
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup*
Cinzano Prosecco, to top
lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice and Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup. Add ice and shake for 5 to 7 seconds. Pour into a flute glass, top with Prosecco and garnish with a lemon twist.
- *To make Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup, in a saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) water and 1 stick cinnamon (and ½ tsp/2.5 ml red pepper chili flakes, if you dare). Bring to a boil and continue boiling until volume is reduced by half. Remove from heat and add ½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar and 2-in (5 cm) piece lemongrass, chopped. Stir to dissolve sugar. Cool to room temperature, then remove solids and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Makes enough for 10 to 12 cocktails.
Featuring
Spiced Gingerbread Cake
’Tis the season for sugar, spice, and everything nice—and this cake embodies that festive spirit beautifully. Filled with a zesty lime rum curd and topped with a luscious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, this dessert is both indulgent and sophisticated, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Feel free to garnish as desired; gingerbread cookies, candied rosemary trees, or sugared cranberries would all be lovely options. Pair this recipe with Wayne Gretzky Cream Liqueur or The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum.Ingredients
Serves 10-12
LIME RUM CURD
5 large egg yolks
1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely grated lime zest
¾ cup + 2 tbsp (210 ml) fresh lime juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
SPICED GINGERBREAD CAKES
¾ cup (180 ml) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pans
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
¾ cup + 2 tbsp (210 ml) whole milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
⅔ cup (160 ml) firmly packed light brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) liquid clover honey
1-in (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, grated
2½ cups (625 ml) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) baking soda
2 tsp (10 ml) ground ginger
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cinnamon
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cloves
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cardamom
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
WHITE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
10½ oz (300 g) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) butter, room temperature
1 tbsp (15 ml) sour cream
½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- To make Lime Rum Curd, in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- Cut butter into cubes and set aside.
- In a shallow sauté pan or large saucepan over medium heat, combine lime zest and juice, rum and sugar and whisk continuously until mixture starts to simmer.
- Still whisking continuously, very slowly pour about three-quarters of lime mixture into egg mixture. Pour now-tempered egg mixture back into sauté pan with remaining lime mixture and set over low to medium-low heat. Cook, whisking continuously, until mixture thickens and reaches 180 F (82 C) on a digital thermometer, about 5 minutes. Take care, as mixture can curdle easily if heat is too high or you stop whisking. Once mixture has reached desired temperature, remove pan from heat and immediately whisk in cubed butter, 1 cube at a time, making sure each piece is fully melted and incorporated before adding next piece. Pour curd into a heatproof jar or bowl and cover with plastic wrap or parchment so that it is touching surface of curd. This will prevent a skin from forming on top of curd. Refrigerate while making cake, or for up to 1 week.
- To make Spiced Gingerbread Cakes, preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Grease two 6-in (15 cm) round cake pans and line with parchment. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, stirring occasionally. Add cream and milk and bring mixture to a hard simmer, stirring constantly. Remove saucepan from heat and set aside.
- In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine eggs and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until pale, about 4 minutes. Add honey and fresh grated ginger and mix until well incorporated.
- Into a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, spices and salt. Add a third of flour mixture to egg mixture and incorporate on low speed until smooth. Add a third of butter mixture and mix in at low speed. Continue alternating between adding dry and wet ingredients to batter while mixing on low speed until well incorporated, taking care not to overbeat.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans, making sure tops sit level. Bake in preheated oven until a cake tester comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes before turning out onto a rack and letting cool completely at room temperature. Cakes can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- While cakes cool, make White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt in microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until chocolate is mostly melted. Stir without further heating until chocolate is completely melted. Let cool until just slightly warm to touch, 80 to 85 F (27 to 29 C) on a digital thermometer.
- In bowl of a food processor fitted with S blade, combine cream cheese, butter and sour cream. Process, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until smooth and creamy. Add cooled, melted white chocolate and pulse several times to incorporate. Add vanilla and pulse until incorporated. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let frosting come to room temperature before using so that it is easier to work with.
- When ready to assemble, level each cake by slicing off cake domes, then cut each cake in half lengthwise to yield 4 cake layers. Use 1 base layer for bottom of cake and second base layer, unsliced side up, for top of cake to avoid crumbs in frosting. Place first cake layer on a cake stand or plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top, smoothing it with a palette knife. Place one-third of frosting in a piping bag fitted with a large plain round tip. Pipe a frosting dam around edge of cake layer, then use a spoon to fill with an even layer of lime rum curd. The frosting dam should stop any curd from escaping out sides of cake. Place second cake layer on top and repeat steps to pipe frosting and spread lime rum curd, then add third cake layer and repeat again. After adding final cake layer, cover top and sides of cake with a very thin layer of frosting and smooth with a palette knife, allowing portions of cake to remain visible and creating a semi-naked cake appearance. Finish decorating as desired. Place cake in refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow frosting to firm up a bit and set cake layers together.
- To serve, slice cake with a clean, sharp knife that has been warmed under hot water. Wipe blade clean after each slice.
Drink Pairings
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
There’s something beautifully comforting about twice-baked sweet potatoes, especially when they’re dressed up with a few simple yet indulgent toppings. The natural sweetness of the potatoes becomes a delightful canvas for crispy pancetta, the earthy crunch of toasted pecans and the fragrant whisper of fried sage. Each spoonful offers a satisfying blend of flavours and textures that’s perfect for a cozy winter’s night when you crave warmth and richness. Serve this dish with Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay or Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel.Ingredients
Serves 6
3 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and pricked a few times with a fork
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tbsp (30 ml) whipping cream
1 clove garlic, minced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, lightly whisked
3 oz (85 g) diced pancetta
12 leaves fresh sage
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until easily pierced with a knife, 40 to 50 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- If baking stuffed potatoes right away, increase oven temperature to 425 F (220 C); if stuffing to bake later, turn off oven and then preheat to 425 F (220 C) before baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out flesh into a mixing bowl, making sure not to tear skins. Set skins aside on lined baking sheet.
- To bowl with sweet potato flesh, add butter, whipping cream and garlic. Mash with a fork or potato masher until well incorporated and smooth. Season with a good pinch of both salt and pepper, then add egg and stir to fully incorporate into mixture. Scoop sweet potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe mixture back into skins. Stuffed potatoes can be covered and chilled at this point for up to 6 hours.
- Bake filled sweet potato halves until tops are lightly puffed and golden brown, 15 to 25 minutes. Potatoes that have been chilled will take longer.
- Meanwhile, add diced pancetta to a small, cold frying pan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Keep any accumulated fat in frying pan over medium heat.
- Working in small batches, drop sage leaves into frying pan. Take care, as any remaining fat in pan will sputter and pop. Let sage crisp for 2 to 4 seconds before removing to paper-towel-lined plate with pancetta. Repeat with remaining sage.
- Top potatoes with a sprinkle of pancetta, crumbled sage and toasted pecans. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
Chili Oil Noodles
Noodles are served during Lunar New Year to represent long life—just be sure to slurp up a noodle without cutting or biting it, or you’ll cut the long life short! These chili oil noodles are a quick and tasty addition to your Lunar New Year feast. This noodle dish is best enjoyed with Wild Goose Pinot Gris or Diora La Petite Grace Pinot Noir.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) dark soy sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) Chinese (Chinkiang) black vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) tomato paste
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh ginger
2 tbsp (30 ml) red pepper chili flakes
1 tbsp (15 ml) chili powder
1 tsp (5 ml) Szechuan peppercorns
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package dried knife-cut wheat noodles, cooked according to package instructions
1 Thai (bird’s eye) chili, thinly sliced, for garnish
fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar and tomato paste. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until hot (just under smoking point). Remove from heat. Add garlic, ginger, chili flakes, chili powder, peppercorns, cumin and sesame seeds. Mix to combine. Add sesame oil and sauce from step 1 and mix to combine.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine noodles and sauce until noodles are well coated, then transfer to a serving platter and garnish with Thai chilies and cilantro.
Drink Pairings
Stir-Fried Pea Tips with Pork
Stir-fried greens are a must in any feast. We’re using pea tips here, which are the tender leaves of a pea plant. If you can’t find pea tips, substitute any other Asian green vegetable, such as bok choy or gai lan. Blanching times will vary depending on the vegetable used. Enjoy this recipe with Wild Goose Pinot Gris or Toscana Tenute Rossetti Governo.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1 lb (450 g) pea tips
2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch
2 tsp (10 ml) water
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
2 strips Chinese cured pork belly or thick-cut bacon, roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 thin slices fresh ginger
2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) chicken stock powder
2 tsp (10 ml) Pagoda 8-Year-Old Shaoxing Rice Wine
sliced chilies (such as red serrano peppers), for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large saucepan with heavily salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add pea tips and blanch for 30 seconds, until just wilted. Transfer pea tips to ice water to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Set aside.
- In a wok or large saucepan over medium heat, render pork belly in oil until golden brown but not completely crisp, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Increase heat to high. Add pea tips, oyster sauce, chicken stock powder and cooking wine. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant. Mix cornstarch slurry, then add to pan. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, until sauce has thickened and everything is nicely coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced chilies.
Drink Pairings
Fried Ravioli with Beer Ranch Sauce
Get ready to kick your game day spread up a notch with a dish that scores big on taste. We’re talking crispy, golden pockets of cheesy goodness that are practically begging to be dunked in a creamy, beer-infused ranch dip. This combo is the ultimate play for your taste buds, perfect for munching while you cheer on your team. Pair fried ravioli with Asahi Super Dry 0.0%, Phillips Iota Hazy IPA, or Superflux Happyness West Coast IPA.Ingredients
Serves 6
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
2 to 3 eggs
1½ cups (375 ml) bread crumbs
1 cup (250 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 tsp (10 ml) dried Italian herb seasoning
1 × 12 oz (340 g) bag refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli, thawed and patted dry if necessary
vegetable oil, for frying
BEER RANCH SAUCE
¼ cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
½ cup (125 ml) full-fat sour cream
¼ cup (60 ml) Parallel 49 Craft Pale Ale
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
2 tsp (10 ml) dried dill
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To prepare Beer Ranch Sauce, In a medium bowl, whisk yogurt, sour cream, beer, garlic powder, onion powder and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For ravioli, line up 3 shallow bowls. In first bowl, place flour. In second bowl, whisk eggs until thoroughly beaten. In third bowl, whisk bread crumbs, Parmesan and Italian herb seasoning.
- Working with 1 ravioli at a time, dredge in flour mixture, taking care to tap off excess flour. Dip in egg and let excess drip off. Press into bread crumb mixture to coat thoroughly, then place on a rimmed baking sheet. Coat remaining ravioli.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, heat at least 2-in (5 cm) oil to 375 F (190 C) on a deep-frying thermometer. Line a clean baking sheet with paper towel.
- Working in batches, deep-fry ravioli, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to lined baking sheet to drain while continuing to fry remaining coated ravioli.
- Once all are fried, transfer ravioli to a serving platter with a bowl of Beer Ranch Sauce alongside for dipping.
Drink Pairings
Blooming Quesadilla with Guacamole Sauce
This recipe elevates the classic quesadilla into a fun, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds. Convenient handheld pockets of melted cheese and seasoned chicken, all beautifully fanned out and ready for dipping. Enjoy alongside Ole Cocktail Co Margarita Mocktail or Cabron Cantarito.Ingredients
Serves 10
3 cups (750 ml) shredded roasted chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
1 cup (250 ml) store-bought taco sauce or salsa of choice
16 to 18 (6-in/15 cm) flour tortillas
3 cups (750 ml) shredded Monterey Jack
3 cups (750 ml) shredded sharp cheddar
Guacamole Sauce, to serve, recipe follows
fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
GUACAMOLE SAUCE
2 large avocados, pitted and peeled
½ cup (125 ml) fresh cilantro leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice, plus more to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Place a 4-in (10 cm) ramekin in centre of prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Place a 4-in (10 cm) ramekin in centre of prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir shredded chicken, diced bell peppers, green onions, chopped jalapeños and taco sauce until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Cut each tortilla in half. Add about 2 tbsp (30 ml) each Monterey Jack, cheddar and chicken mixture to each tortilla half, spreading almost to edges. Roll tortillas into cones, starting from cut edge and making sure not to push ingredients out of tortilla.
- With about 13 tortilla cones, create a ring around ramekin on prepared baking sheet, placing cones seam-side down and with points of cones facing centre, touching ramekin. Sprinkle some Monterey Jack and cheddar over this layer. Repeat with remaining cones to make 2 more layers, finishing with rest of Monterey Jack and cheddar. Remove ramekin from centre of ring.
- Bake until cheese is melted and edges of tortillas are crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. You can make Guacamole Sauce while blooming quesadilla bakes.
- For Guacamole Sauce, in pitcher of a blender, combine avocados, cilantro, tequila, lime juice, cumin and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides of pitcher as needed. Season with more salt and lime juice, if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Carefully transfer blooming quesadilla to a serving platter. Add Guacamole Sauce to ramekin used to shape blooming quesadilla before baking. Place in centre of quesadilla ring before garnishing quesadillas with cilantro and sliced green onions. Best served while still warm.