Crusted Rack of Lamb

Served as an impressive main, this deceivingly easy-to-prepare Crusted Rack of Lamb recipe is sure to delight every guest at your festive table! It can also be served as a hearty appetizer with your favourite mint sauce or jelly. Try pairing this recipe with Black Sage Shiraz.

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8 (2 to 3 ribs each)
4 tsp (20 ml) salt, divided
2 tsp (10 ml) pepper, divided
2 racks of lamb (about 2 lbs/900 g each), excess fat trimmed
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
1¼ cups (310 ml) panko bread crumbs
2 tsp (10 ml) onion powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2½ tbsp (37.5 ml) olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest
⅓ cup (80 ml) Dijon mustard
mint sauce or mint jelly, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and 1 tsp (5 ml) pepper. Season all sides of lamb generously with this mixture. Set aside.
  3. In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil on high heat until it starts shimmering. Fry both racks, fat-side down first, 2 to 3 minutes, until well browned. Turn racks over and continue frying for another 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, carefully move racks to fry sides as well, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to rest on a plate.
  4. In a large skillet or frying pan, combine panko, onion powder, thyme, garlic, olive oil, 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and 1 tsp (5 ml) pepper. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until light golden. Transfer to a large, shallow dish big enough for a whole lamb rack. Mix in parsley and lemon zest.
  5. Brush lamb on all sides with mustard. Dip each rack into prepared panko mixture to coat all sides. Place on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until internal temperature of lamb reaches 130 to 135 F (54 to 57 C). Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. Serve alongside your favourite mint sauce or mint jelly.
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Drink Pairings

Spirited Halo Halo

Tagalog for “mix-mix,” halo-halo is a traditional Filipino dessert that’s a party in a glass. The icy treat gets its name from a concoction of sweet ingredients in interesting flavours and textures topped with shaved ice and evaporated or condensed milk. If you don’t have a shaved ice maker, you can simply crush ice into a fine powder in your blender. Look for halo-halo ingredients in your local Asian market or online. Pair this recipe with Captain Morgan Mango Mai Tai.

Ingredients

Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) small sago pearls
4 cups (1 L) water
1½ cups (375 ml) unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup (60 ml) sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup (60 ml) evaporated milk
2 mangoes, peeled, pitted and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 cup (250 ml) quartered or diced strawberries
⅓ cup (80 ml) drained palm seeds
4 tbsp (60 ml) Don Papa Rum, plus more if desired
4 to 6 cups (1 to 1.5 L) shaved ice
ube ice cream or pandan ice cream
leche flan (purchased), cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, cook sago pearls in water according to package directions. Drain, then place warm in a medium bowl with coconut milk, stirring well to separate pearls. Set aside and let cool to room temperature. Coconut sago can be made up to this point and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, warm gently over low heat to bring to room temperature.
  2. In a small bowl or glass measuring jug, stir condensed milk and evaporated milk. Set aside.
  3. In 4 tall glasses, layer sago pearls, mango pieces, dragon fruit pieces, strawberries and palm seeds. Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient. Pour at least 1 tbsp (15 ml) Don Papa Rum into each glass. Add shaved ice to fill each glass, taking care to leave some room for toppings. Top ice with 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk mixture before topping everything off with a scoop or two of ice cream and some leche flan. Halo halo is best enjoyed right away.
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Drink Pairings

Devilled Eggs with Bourbon-Glazed Bacon

Bacon and eggs are a classic pairing at breakfast. Here we apply this lovely combination to a deviled egg that can be enjoyed any time of day. Try pairing this recipe with Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky.

Ingredients

Serves 24 devilled eggs
12 large eggs
5 tbsp (75 ml) mayonnaise
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dry mustard
2 pieces Bourbon-Glazed Bacon, very finely chopped, plus extra finely chopped for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¾ cup (180 ml) finely shredded white cheddar, divided
24 quail eggs
fresh chives, finely sliced, for garnish
Bourbon-Glazed Bacon:
¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
2 tbsp (30 ml) light brown sugar
12 slices thick-cut bacon

Instructions

  1. Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with about 1-in (2.5 cm) water. Place saucepan on stove and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and cover with lid. Let sit for 11 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs from pan and place in a bowl of ice water. When cool enough to handle, peel eggs, then cut eggs in half horizontally. Slice a bit off bottom of each egg white half so it sits flat and doesn’t tip over.
  2. Scoop yolks out of halved eggs and place yolks in a medium bowl along with mayonnaise, paprika, dry mustard and Bourbon-Glazed Bacon pieces. Mix well with a fork until combined and smooth. If too thick, add water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer filling to a piping bag, if desired, and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. To make a crispy cheesy quail egg garnish, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 heaping tsp (7 ml) shredded cheddar in a small pile. Let melt and crisp slightly, about 1 minute. When cheese starts to look lacy, crack a quail egg on top and fry until whites are firm and yolk is still sunny, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet and continue cooking remaining cheddar and quail eggs.
  4. Pipe or spoon reserved filling evenly into cup of each egg white. Top with a crispy cheesy quail egg, some Bourbon‑Glazed Bacon bits and some chives. Serve and enjoy.
  5. Bourbon-Glazed Bacon:
  6. With oven rack in middle position, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
  7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk bourbon, maple syrup and brown sugar to make a glaze.
  9. Arrange bacon in a single layer on foil-lined baking sheet. Brush half the glaze mixture evenly over 1 side of bacon. Reserve remaining bourbon glaze.
  10. Bake brushed bacon for 8 minutes. Flip bacon pieces and brush with remaining bourbon glaze. Return bacon to oven and cook for another 25 to 30 minutes, flipping bacon every 5 minutes, until bacon is crisp and glaze is golden brown and bubbling.
  11. Let bacon cool on pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a parchment-lined plate to cool slightly before serving or using. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, warm in a 300 F (150 C) oven.
  12. Serves 6
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Drink Pairings

Ube-Glazed Mochi Doughnuts

A delicious cultural mash-up, these fluffy Ube-Glazed Doughnuts have a pleasant chew and are dipped in a vibrant ube glaze. If you are looking for doughnuts in a hurry, skip the shaping and simply fry bite-sized balls before glazing. Pair this recipe with Ruffino Moscato D’asti or Baileys Almande Almond Beverage.

Ingredients

Serves 8
2 cups (500 ml) sweet rice flour, divided
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, divided
½ cup (125 ml) tapioca starch
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
vegetable oil, for frying, plus more for shaping doughnuts
1½ cups (375 ml) icing sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) 2% milk
¼ to ½ tsp (1 to 2.5 ml) ube extract (available at Filipino grocery stores and online)
2 oz (60 g) white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Start by making mochi doughnuts. In a microwave-safe bowl, use a fork to stir ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet rice flour and ¼ cup (60 ml) milk. Microwave on high for 15-second intervals, stirring between cooking times, until a sticky dough forms, 30 to 45 seconds in total. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk remaining 1¾ cups (430 ml) rice flour, remaining ½ cup (125 ml) milk, tapioca starch, sugar, salt and baking powder. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk egg and melted butter. Set aside.
  3. To dry ingredient bowl, add cooled mochi dough and egg mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough comes together. Continue to knead dough in bowl until smooth and only slightly sticky. Dough should be able to hold its shape. Add a little more rice flour as needed.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan to come 2-in (5 cm) up sides. Fit saucepan with a deep-frying thermometer and heat oil over medium until thermometer registers 350 F (175 C).
  5. Cut a large piece of parchment into eight 4-in (10 cm) squares and set aside.
  6. To shape doughnuts, lightly oil your hands and divide dough into 8 equal portions. Working with 1 portion of dough at a time, divide portion into 8 pieces and roll into balls. Arrange 8 balls in a circle on a parchment square, making sure balls are touching. Transfer parchment with doughnut ring to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat rolling and shaping process to make 7 more doughnut rings.
  7. Working with 1 doughnut ring at a time, carefully pick up a parchment square and lower it, paper-side down, into oil. Fry for about 45 seconds, then carefully remove parchment with tongs and discard. Continue to fry doughnut until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Take care not to flip too early or doughnut may break apart. Carefully transfer to a rack and let cool. Repeat cooking process with remaining doughnuts.
  8. While doughnuts cool, make glaze. In a medium bowl wide enough to dip doughnuts into, whisk icing sugar, milk and desired amount of ube extract. Adjust consistency as desired with milk, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time.
  9. Dip tops of doughnuts in glaze, letting excess drip back into bowl, and return to rack. Let sit until glaze is set, about 15 minutes.
  10. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler. Drizzle over doughnuts and let white chocolate set for 15 minutes. Doughnuts are best eaten the same day they are made.
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Drink Pairings

Matcha Coconut Crêpe Cake

This striking Matcha Coconut Crêpes Cake will be a welcome finale to any springtime meal. A captivating fusion of delicate crêpes and luscious coconut mascarpone cream, this delightful dessert offers layers of thin, green-tea-infused crêpes. Please take note to use coconut cream and not coconut milk in this recipe. Consider pairing this recipe with Choya Uji Green Tea Umeshu or Amarula Plant-Based Cream Like Liqueur.

Ingredients

Serves 12
2⅔ cups (660 ml) whole milk
6 tbsp (90 ml) water
6 eggs
6 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, melted
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
5 tsp (25 ml) vanilla extract, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) good-quality matcha powder, plus more for garnish coconut oil, for cooking crêpes
2 cups (500 ml) canned coconut cream (thick, creamy part only, no coconut water)
2 cups (500 ml) mascarpone
¼ cup (60 ml) icing sugar, plus more for whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
toasted coconut ribbons, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine milk, water, eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, sugar, 4 tsp (20 ml) vanilla and matcha powder and blend until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Transfer to a jug or mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
  2. When ready to cook crêpes, remove batter from refrigerator and give it a light whisk. It should have consistency of whipping cream. If too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water to thin it out.
  3. Heat a 7-in (18 cm) non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. When warm, lightly grease with coconut oil, wiping off any excess with paper towel. Pour in enough batter to thinly coat bottom of pan, about 3 tbsp (45 ml). Tilt pan so entire bottom surface is coated with a thin layer of batter. Let cook for about 2 minutes. Crêpe is ready to flip when bubbles appear on surface and edges look dry. Flip with a spatula and cook for a further 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and cover with a tea towel. Repeat with remaining crêpe batter. You should end up with about 20 crêpes. Crêpes can be made ahead; just stack cooked crêpes between sheets of waxed paper and store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  4. While crêpes cool, in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk coconut cream and mascarpone at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add icing sugar and remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla. Whisk until well combined, thick and creamy, another 1 to 2 minutes. Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes.
  5. To assemble cake, place first crêpe on a serving plate and spread about 1½ to 2 tbsp (22.5 to 30 ml) cream mixture into a thin layer before placing a second crêpe on top. Repeat, layering crêpes and cream and ending with a final crêpe on top, until all crêpes have been used up. Lightly cover with plastic wrap or a cake dome and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, whip cream and 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) icing sugar until stiff peaks form. Dollop on top of cake, sprinkle with toasted coconut ribbons and finish with a dusting of matcha powder. Slice with a serrated knife and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Fried Devilled Eggs with Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns

This fun take on a deviled egg offers a deliciously crunchy twist on the classic and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Crowned with a decadent vodka-poached spot prawn tail, this nibble has a distinct West Coast twist. Try pairing this recipe with Tito's Vodka.

Ingredients

Serves 24 devilled eggs
14 large eggs, divided
vegetable oil, for frying
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) finely diced dill pickles
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely diced fresh chives
1 serrano pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)
kosher salt, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (375 ml) panko bread crumbs
¾ cup (180 ml) finely crushed butter crackers
Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns, for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows
fresh dill fronds, for garnish
Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns:
1 cup (250 ml) vodka
1 cup (250 ml) water
2 lemon slices, each about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) black peppercorns
24 spot prawns, peeled and deveined

Instructions

  1. Place 12 eggs in a large saucepan and cover with about 1-in (2.5 cm) water. Place pan on stove and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and cover with lid. Let sit for 11 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs from pan and place in a bowl of ice water. When cool enough to handle, peel eggs, then cut eggs in half horizontally. Slice a bit off bottom of each egg white half so it sits flat and doesn’t tip over.
  2. Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan to come 2-in (5 cm) up sides. Fit saucepan with a deep-frying thermometer and heat oil over medium heat until thermometer registers 350 F (175 C).
  3. Meanwhile, scoop yolks out of halved eggs and place yolks in a medium bowl along with mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, chives and serrano pepper, if using. Mix well with a fork until combined and smooth. If too thick, add water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt. Transfer filling to a piping bag, if desired, and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Place flour in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, stir panko and crushed crackers. In a third bowl, whisk remaining 2 eggs.
  5. Working with a couple of egg white halves at a time, dredge egg whites in flour, then whisked eggs and finally panko-cracker mixture, shaking off any excess after each addition. Repeat until all egg whites have been breaded.
  6. Working with a couple of breaded egg whites at a time, carefully add to hot oil and fry, turning once or twice, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and lightly season with salt. Transfer fried egg whites to a cooling rack to prevent them from getting soggy, and repeat until all have been fried.
  7. Pipe or spoon reserved filling evenly into cup of each fried egg white. Top with a Vodka-Poached Spot Prawn and a dill frond or two.
  8. Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring vodka, water, lemon slices, salt and peppercorns to a bare simmer. Add spot prawns and cook until opaque and pink, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and, with a slotted spoon, transfer spot prawns to a plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Enjoy as is or as part of a dish. Makes 24 prawns.
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Drink Pairings

Beet & Currant Canapé

Beet and Currant Canapés make perfect for a delightful nosh. With guests assembling their bites from ingredients arranged on a serving platter, this recipe makes for an easy appetizer. Be sure to start this recipe at least one day ahead as the yogurt will need time to thicken into a creamy spread. Try pairing this recipe with Dirty Laundry Hush Rosé or Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois.

Ingredients

Serves 15 canapés
1 cup (250 ml) full-fat plain yogurt
1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared horseradish
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 large red beets
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
1 orange
6 tbsp (90 ml) dried currants
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
kosher salt, to taste
15 seeded crackers or rye crackers
fresh dill fronds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Line a fine-mesh strainer with 3 layers of cheesecloth. Place strainer over a bowl, ensuring it does not touch bottom of bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk yogurt, horseradish and mustard. Pour mixture into lined strainer. Cover with plastic wrap and let strain in refrigerator for at least 5 hours and up to 12 hours.
  3. With oven rack in middle position, preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
  4. Place each beet on a piece of foil. Pour 1 tbsp (15 ml) water over each beet before sealing foil tightly and placing each parcel on a baking sheet. Bake until beets can be easily pierced with a knife, 40 to 55 minutes. Open packets and let beets cool at room temperature until they can be easily handled.
  5. Peel orange with a vegetable peeler to get thick strips of orange peel, taking care not to get too much white pith. Julienne peel strips and set aside. Juice peeled orange into a small saucepan.
  6. Bring orange juice to a boil over high heat. Stir in currants, then remove from heat and set aside to allow currants to cool to room temperature.
  7. Peel beets and dice small. Place in a medium bowl and add soaked currants (along with any extra orange juice in pan), julienned orange peel and nuts, if desired. Season with salt.
  8. When ready to serve, place strained yogurt in a serving bowl, beet and currant mixture in a second bowl, crackers in a third and dill fronds in a fourth. Let guests assemble their own canapé by spreading a little yogurt on a cracker, topping with beet and currant mixture and garnishing with a sprig or two of dill. Enjoy immediately.
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Drink Pairings

Bloody Mary Devilled Eggs with Mezcal-Marinated Olives

Elevate your traditional deviled eggs with this unique twist. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe combines the rich flavours of a Bloody Mary, with the smoky essence of Mezcal-marinated olives. Try pairing this recipe with Fandango Mezcal.

Ingredients

Serves 24 devilled eggs
12 large eggs
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) tomato paste
1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared horseradish
2 tsp (10 ml) Tabasco sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) celery seeds
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) Old Bay seasoning
celery leaves, for garnish
Mezcal-Marinated Olives, for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows
Mezcal-Marinated Olives:
½ cup (125 ml) mezcal
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon
1 cup (250 ml) Castelvetrano olives
1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
2 sprigs fresh oregano
In a liquid measuring cup, whisk

Instructions

  1. Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with about 1-in (2.5 cm) water. Place pan on stove and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and cover with lid. Let sit for 11 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs from pan and place in a bowl of ice water. When cool enough to handle, peel eggs, then cut eggs in half horizontally. Slice a bit off bottom of each egg white half so it sits flat and doesn’t tip over.
  2. Scoop yolks out of halved eggs and place yolks in a food processor along with mayonnaise, tomato paste, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice and celery seeds. Pulse until well combined and smooth. If too thick, add water, 1 tbsp
  3. (15 ml) at a time, to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer filling to a piping bag, if desired.
  4. Place Old Bay seasoning on a small plate. Press inside surface of egg whites into seasoning, then place coated-side up on a serving platter. Pipe or spoon filling evenly into cup of each coated egg white. Top each with a celery leaf and a Mezcal-Marinated Olive.
  5. Makes 24 devilled eggs.
  6. Mezcal-Marinated Olives:
  7. Using a vegetable peeler, peel 4 long strips of lemon peel.
  8. In a 2-cup (500 ml) Mason jar or airtight container, layer olives, garlic, oregano and lemon peel. Slowly pour mezcal mixture overtop, just until olives are submerged. You may or may not need full amount of mezcal mixture. Seal jar or container and allow to marinate in refrigerator for at least 48 hours and up to 1 week.
  9. Enjoy olives on their own or as part of a charcuterie or cheese board. Marinated olives can be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
  10. Makes 1 cup (250 ml)
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Drink Pairings

Buttered Radish Tartine with Vanilla Sea Salt

Presenting a delightful twist on the classic, these Buttered Radish Tartines highlight the quality of each ingredient, given the simplicity of the small list. Opting for a higher-fat, European-style butter works particularly well as the sweetness harmonizes with the sharpness of the radishes. Pro tip: create homemade vanilla sugar, burying the leftover vanilla bean pod in a cup of granulated sugar and leave to infuse for a week. Try pairing this recipe with Bartier Bros. Rosé or Les Fleurs Du Mal Côtes De Gascogne.

Ingredients

Serves 16 tartines
1 vanilla bean
½ cup (125 ml) fleur de sel or coarse grey sea salt
12 to 15 small round, red radishes
1¼ cups (310 ml) unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature
16 slices baguette, toasted

Instructions

  1. Split the vanilla bean pod, scrape out and reserve seeds using tip of a paring knife. Reserve empty vanilla pod for another use.
  2. Pour salt into a medium bowl and add vanilla seeds. Using your fingertips, blend salt and vanilla seeds until seeds are well dispersed. Place in an airtight container and set aside at room temperature. Salt will keep indefinitely.
  3. Using a sharp paring knife, cut away roots and leafy tops from radishes, forming perfectly round spheres. Wash and thoroughly dry radishes.
  4. Place softened butter in a large bowl and use a rubber spatula to fold in radishes.
  5. Lightly oil a 3¼ × 5¾-in (2-cup/500 ml) mini loaf pan with vegetable oil and line with plastic wrap, allowing for at least 2-in (5 cm) overhang on all sides. Press and pull wrap as needed to eliminate air bubbles. Transfer radish butter to pan and spread it evenly to edges while packing it down firmly.
  6. Smooth top and tap pan on counter to remove any air bubbles. Wrap overhanging plastic wrap overtop butter and refrigerate until very firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
  7. When ready to serve, use plastic wrap to lift butter out of loaf pan and transfer to a work surface. Remove plastic wrap. Using a very sharp knife, cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Any leftover butter can be wrapped in parchment and stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  8. Place each slice of butter on a piece of toasted baguette and garnish with a sprinkling of vanilla sea salt. Serve and enjoy.
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Drink Pairings

Roasted Leek & Kale Galette

If you're lucky enough to find wild ramps in early spring, be sure to keep that secret close to your chest. If not, don't despair; young, tender spring leeks will gladly take the spotlight in this rich and decadent Roasted Leek and Kale Galette.

Ingredients

Serves Makes one 10-in (25 cm) galette
PASTRY
230 g (about 1½ cups/375 ml, spooned) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
60 g (about ⅓ cup/80 ml) cold shortening, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes
80 g (about ⅓ cup/80 ml) cold butter, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes
⅓ to ½ cup (80 to 125 ml) ice-cold water
ROASTED LEEKS
2 leeks or ramps (wild leeks)
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
¼ tsp (1 ml) each salt and pepper
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp (30 ml) cold butter, cubed
LEEK & KALE MIXTURE
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 cup (250 ml) chopped leeks or ramps (wild leeks), white parts only
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp (5 ml) each salt and pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
1 bunch kale, chopped with stems removed
8 oz (225 g) mascarpone
1 lemon, zest only
2 eggs, each lightly beaten in own bowl

Instructions

  1. To make Pastry, in a medium mixing bowl, sift flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in shortening and butter until they are pea-sized pieces. Gently mix in cold water a little at a time until dough comes together to form a ball. You may not need full amount of water. Shape into a slightly flattened disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. To make Roasted Leeks, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Remove root ends and green tops from leeks and wash well to remove any dirt. Cut into ¾-in (2 cm) rounds, place in a bowl and gently toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, tuck in thyme sprigs and cubed butter and add a splash of water. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until leeks have softened and bottoms are nicely caramelized. Set aside.
  3. To make Leek & Kale Mixture, in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, melt butter and add leeks, thyme, salt and pepper. When leeks have softened, 6 to 8 minutes, add garlic and chopped kale and continue to cook until kale has cooked down and reduced in volume. Remove from heat and mix in mascarpone, lemon zest and 1 beaten egg. Cool slightly before assembling galette.
  4. Raise oven temperature to 400 F (200 C).
  5. On a piece of parchment cut to a 12‑in (30 cm) circle, sprinkle a bit of flour and roll out pastry to a 14-in (35 cm) circle. There will be a slight overhang.
  6. Evenly spread leek and kale mixture in centre of dough, leaving a 2-in (5 cm) space around edge. Gently press roasted leeks into mixture, caramelized-side down.
  7. Brush outer edge of dough with about half of second beaten egg, then begin to fold outside edges inwards, gently pinching dough together every couple of inches where pastry overlaps. Brush outer rim of dough with remaining beaten egg. Carefully slide parchment onto a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until pastry is golden and crisp.
  8. Let sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
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