Roasted Baron O’Beef served with Port Wine Shallot Sauce

A feast for the eyes and for the palate, a Roasted Baron O’beef that is sure to delight a crowd. This trusted recipe represents comfort, tradition, and celebration, while the Port Wine Shallot Sauce adds a touch of luxe you and your guests deserve this holiday season! Try pairing this recipe with Black Hills Bona Fide 2021 or Barolo Fontanafredda.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
3 tbsp (45 ml) grainy Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt, plus more to season sauce to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to season sauce to taste
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) smoked paprika
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
5 lbs (2.3 kg) beef top round or sirloin, room temperature
1 large onion, cut into quarters
2 medium carrots, cut into about 2-in (5 cm) chunks
3 stalks celery, cut into about 2-in (5 cm) pieces
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
1 cup + 3 tbsp (295 ml) water, divided
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cups (500 ml) beef stock
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped shallots
2 cups (500 ml) ruby port wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare marinade in small bowl by mixing mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika and 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Rub remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over surface of beef. Rub marinade over surface of beef. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator overnight or at least 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before roasting.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position.
  3. Scatter onions, carrots, celery, garlic and bay leaf evenly in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup (250 ml) water over vegetables. Place marinated beef, fat-side up, on top of vegetables and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce oven to 325 F (160 C) and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 125 F (52 C) for rare (about 1 hour more) or 145 F (63 C) for medium (about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes more).
  4. Transfer roast to a large platter and loosely cover with foil. Allow to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, to make sauce, add thyme and beef stock to vegetables in roaster and bring to a low boil over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Using a strainer, carefully drain stock into a heatproof bowl. Discard vegetables.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for about 1 minute. Add port, increase heat to high and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until liquid reduces slightly. Add strained stock and cook for another 5 minutes on medium heat.
  7. In a small bowl, make a slurry with cornstarch and remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) water. Slowly add to port sauce and stir until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Transfer to gravy boat.
  8. Carve beef as desired and place on serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve alongside port sauce.
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Drink Pairings

Honey & Blue Cheese Madeleines

Elegant savoury Madeleines are addictively fluffy, salty and cheesy. These iconic shell-shaped cakes offer a convenient make-ahead option, freezing beautifully and easily thawing and warming in a 325°F (170°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Try pairing this recipe with Riesling St Urbans Hof Mosel Old Vines or Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Icewine 2016.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 15 madeleines
¾ cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
¾ tsp (4 ml) baking powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black or pink pepper
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid honey
6 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, melted, warm but not hot, plus more for greasing moulds
½ cup (125 ml) crumbled firm blue cheese (such as a Danish blue)
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh sage leaves

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk eggs, sugar and honey until pale in colour and mixture falls in a ribbon, about 2 minutes.
  3. Remove bowl from stand mixer. With a rubber spatula, fold in flour mixture until just incorporated. Add butter in 3 or 4 additions and fold into batter until well combined. Gently fold in blue cheese and sage. Transfer batter to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Prepare madeleine moulds by brushing liberally with extra melted butter and popping madeleine pan in freezer while oven preheats.
  5. Spoon batter into moulds until three‑quarters full. Bake until golden brown around edges and puffed, 8 to 11 minutes. Unmould straightaway by turning baked madeleines out onto a clean surface. Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be frozen for up to a month before being thawed and warmed for 10 to 15 minutes in a 325 F (160 C) oven.
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Drink Pairings

Caramelized Onion & Rosemary Shortbread

Shortbread, a classic holiday cookie offering but with a twist. These Caramelized Onion and Rosemary Shortbread takes a more savoury approach making them hors d’oeuvre worthy. A great make tip when making these ahead is to roll the dough out and refrigerate between pieces of parchment paper for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply cut dough out in desired shapes, bake and enjoy alongside your favourite holiday cocktail. Try pairing this recipe with Cabernet Sauvignon Meiomi or Chardonnay Bread and Butter 2019.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves
1 tbsp + ½ cup (140 ml) unsalted butter, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) grapeseed oil
½ large yellow onion, diced
⅛ tsp (a pinch) kosher salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) icing sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 cup + 2 tbsp (280 ml) all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter and the oil over medium. Add onions and salt and cook, stirring often, until translucent and starting to caramelize, 5 to 10 minutes. Add granulated sugar and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions caramelize further, 4 to 6 minutes longer. Deglaze pan with red wine vinegar and cook until all liquid has cooked off. Transfer onions to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a medium bowl with a handheld mixer, or in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream remaining ½ cup (125 ml) butter and the icing sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add rosemary, flour and cooled onions. Combine on low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Turn dough out onto a large piece of parchment and press together with your hands. Top dough with another large piece of parchment and roll dough to just under ½-in (1.25 cm) thick. Transfer dough from parchment to a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
  5. With a 2½-in (6.25 cm) scalloped round cookie cutter, cut out cookies from chilled dough and divide rounds evenly among prepared baking sheets. Place baking sheets in refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking, 1 tray at a time, until edges are just barely golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Allow shortbread to rest on tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely to room temperature. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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Drink Pairings

Turkey Brie Bites

Wrapped in golden puff pastry these bite-sized Turkey Brie wonders are teeming with flavour favourites! Turkey, cranberry and Brie are a tried, tested and a true trifecta of flavours that are sure to delight every holiday celebration. Better make extra batches as you and your guests won’t stop at one! These can also be frozen and re-heated for any surprise holiday visitors. Try pairing this recipe with Pinot Noir Hahn Monterey 2020.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 24 bites
2 cups (500 ml) shredded or finely diced cooked turkey
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
2 × 14 oz (397 g) packages puff pastry, thawed
½ cup (125 ml) cranberry jelly
9 oz (250 g) block brie, chilled, cut into 24 slices about 1¼-in (3 cm) wide and ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Maldon sea salt, for garnish
chopped fresh parsley or fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
  3. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, cut pastry into 4 portions. Roll each portion to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 2¾-in (7 cm) round cookie cutter, cut 24 pastry circles. Repeat using a 3-in (7.5 cm) cookie cutter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Spread a single layer of 2¾-in (7 cm) pastry circles on prepared baking sheet, 2-in (5 cm) apart. Spoon about 2 tsp (10 ml) turkey mixture in centre of each circle, followed by about 1 tsp (5 ml) cranberry jelly and a slice of brie.
  5. Lightly brush edge of each pastry circle with water and cover with a 3-in (7.5 cm) pastry circle. Press edges to seal. Using a fork, poke holes in centre of each pastry puff and crimp edges. If desired, use a 2¾-in (7 cm) round cookie cutter with scalloped edges to trim outer edge of each circle. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  7. In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and water until blended. Brush surface lightly with egg wash and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with sprinkles of Maldon sea salt and fresh herbs.
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Drink Pairings

Cranberry & Bacon Jam Pinwheels

With holiday party season upon us, look no further for an impressive nibble to offer guests at your next soirée. The Cranberry and Bacon Jam will make more then you need for this recipe, but it is delightful wrapped up as a hostess gift or served alongside a cheese board. This recipe also easily scales up should you find you need to bake for a crowd. Simply increase the amount of puff pastry, goat cheese and pecans needed. Try pairing this recipe with Ruffino Prosecco Rose or Bartier Bros Rose 2022.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 pinwheels
Cranberry & Bacon Jam, make ahead, recipe follows
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package puff pastry, thawed
4 oz (110 g) goat’s cheese, room temperature
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup (60 ml) pecans, roughly chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by making Cranberry & Bacon Jam.
  2. When ready to assemble and bake pinwheels, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
  3. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour before laying out puff pastry. Roll pastry into a 7 × 14-in (18 × 35 cm) rectangle and cut into 8 squares about 3½-in (9 cm) each.
  4. Divide pastry squares among prepared baking sheets. Working with 1 square at a time, place 1 tsp (5 ml) goat’s cheese at centre of each square. Top with 1 tsp (5 ml) Cranberry & Bacon Jam. With a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits in each corner to about ¼-in (0.6 cm) from filling. Bring every other corner up into centre to form a pinwheel design and press lightly to secure into filling. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.
  5. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely at room temperature. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Drink Pairings

Pesto Trees

These Pesto Trees are simply irresistible! Warm, buttery layers of puff pastry laced with umami-rich pesto and cheese will delight every palate. These skewered “trees” are perfect for guests to nibble and mingle at any festive cocktail party or open-house. They freeze well so make a few batches and stash’em away! Try pairing this recipe with Sauvignon Blanc Oyster Bay.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 24 pesto trees
1 × 14 oz (397 g) package puff pastry, thawed, chilled
½ cup (125 ml) basil pesto
3 tbsp (45 ml) shredded Asiago
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
24 wooden appetizer skewers

Instructions

  1. Line 1 large and 1 small baking sheet with parchment.
  2. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, cut pastry in half. Roll 1 half of puff pastry to ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Cut an 8 × 12‑in (20 × 30 cm) rectangle, reserving excess pastry. Spread half of the pesto all over surface of rectangle. Sprinkle half of the Asiago evenly over top. Cut along shorter edge into twelve 1 × 8-in (2.5 × 20 cm) strips. Repeat with second half of puff pastry and remaining pesto and Asiago to yield a total of 24 strips.
  3. Fold each strip in a zigzag manner, shortening turns as pastry builds upwards, to create a narrow treetop. Insert a wooden skewer through layers of pastry. Place on large baking sheet 2-in (5 cm) apart and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill pastry dough completely.
  4. Roll out reserved pastry trimmings to ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 1¼-in (3 cm) flower- or star-shaped cookie cutter, cut 24 pastry pieces. Place on small baking sheet about 1-in (2.5 cm) apart and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  5. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  6. In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and water until blended. Lightly brush flower- or star‑shaped pastry with egg wash and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until pastry is flaky and golden. Allow to cool on rack.
  7. Lightly brush skewered pastry trees with egg wash and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until pastry is flaky and golden at edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Gently pierce a small pastry flower or star on top of each pesto tree before serving.
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Drink Pairings

Spinach Feta Rolls

These soft rolls are lined with a savoury spinach, dill, green onion and feta filling. If you crossed a spinach pie with a cinnamon roll, you'd get these! These are a perfect bun to start your morning if you don’t want something sweet. Easy to whip up the night before to have them ready for New Years brunch. Try pairing this recipe with Four Winds Featherweight IPA or Motts Clamato Caesar Original
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk, warmed
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
2 × ¼ oz (7 g) envelopes instant yeast
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, divided
6 cups (1.5 L) all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping
3 tsp (15 ml) kosher salt, divided
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped fresh dill
1 lb (450 g) frozen spinach, thawed, drained and excess water squeezed out
1 lemon, zest only
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried oregano
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
12 oz (340 g) cubed feta
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp (30 ml) whipping cream

Instructions

  1. In bowl of a stand mixer, combine milk, sugar and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until yeast has dissolved and is bubbly.
  2. Add butter, 1 egg, flour and 1 tsp (5 ml) salt. Mix with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, 3 to 5 minutes. If you do not have a mixer, mix and knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer dough to a clean bowl and cover with a damp tea towel. Let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 hour, or place in refrigerator and let rise overnight.
  4. While dough is rising, make filling. In a small frying pan over medium heat, sweat green onions and garlic in olive oil. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Add dill, spinach, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt, lemon zest, pepper, oregano, sour cream, remaining egg and feta and mix well. Check seasoning and adjust, then set aside.
  5. Once dough has risen, roll out to an 11 × 18-in (28 × 45 cm) rectangle.
  6. Spread spinach mixture evenly on dough. Tightly roll into an 18-in (45 cm) log. Place log on a baking sheet and set in freezer for about 10 minutes to slightly chill dough and make it easier to handle.
  7. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment.
  8. Remove log from freezer and lay on a cutting board. Cut into 12 even slices. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. If making ahead, add cut slices to baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, take out while oven preheats.
  9. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C) and set oven rack to centre position.
  10. Once rolls have risen, mix egg yolk and whipping cream and brush onto rolls. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.
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Drink Pairings

Salmon Crisps

Delicate and decadent, these impressive Salmon Crisp appetizers are unique little works of art, yet deceivingly easy to make, and oh-so-delicious! Capers offer a staccato of tangy flavours to a creamy dip that balances smoked salmon rosettes in crisp phyllo cups. Serve them at any elegant event, and watch your guests come back for more Try pairing this recipe with Quails Gate Rose.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12 crisps
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 sheets phyllo pastry (about 12 × 16‑in/30 × 40 cm each), thawed
1 × 5.2 oz (150 g) package Boursin cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
¼ cup (60 ml) finely chopped shallots
3 tbsp (45 ml) capers, drained, finely chopped
7 oz (200 g) thinly sliced smoked salmon
fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Using a pastry brush, lightly grease 12 mini muffin cups with oil.
  2. Stack both phyllo sheets together. Using a sharp knife, cut into about 4-in (10 cm) squares, yielding 12 squares per sheet and 24 in total. Gently press 1 phyllo square into each muffin cup. It will naturally crease as it shapes into cup. Brush only the pastry inside of cup with oil, not the part standing over sides. Lightly press another phyllo square into cup and brush similarly with oil, pushing pastry into bottom and sides of muffin cup. Repeat with remaining 11 cups.
  3. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until pastry turns light gold. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in pan. Gently remove each pastry cup and cool completely on a rack. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to use. Can be made up to a day in advance.
  4. In a small bowl, mix Boursin and sour cream until fully incorporated. Mix in shallots and capers. Spoon into a piping bag and cut a small hole, about ½-in (1.25 cm) in diameter, at the tip.
  5. Pipe cheese mixture equally into each phyllo cup. Roll smoked salmon slices into rosettes or fold loosely over cheese filling. Garnish with dill and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Green Olive & Smoked Almond Biscotti

This savoury take on a biscotti is just as at home on a cheese plate as it is next to a glass of wine. With their satisfying crunch, biscotti is an excellent canvas for spices, nuts and strong flavours. Feel free to customize the add in to create your own savoury biscotti creation. Try pairing this recipe with Friuli Pinot Grigio Ruffino Aqua Di.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 30 biscotti
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
1 cup (250 ml) pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano), sliced in half
½ cup (125 ml) smoked almonds
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 large eggs
½ cup + 2 tbsp (155 ml) whole milk, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Line an 8-in (20 cm) square cake pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, olives, almonds, salt, thyme and Parmesan and mix with a wooden spoon. Make a well in centre of mixture, add eggs and milk into well and mix well to combine. If there is lots of flour left in bottom of bowl, add an extra 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk and combine to make a stiff dough.
  3. Press mixture evenly into base of prepared pan. Bake until puffed and just starting to brown around edges, about 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside until cool enough to handle, about another 10 minutes.
  4. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment.
  5. Using a sharp knife, slice cooled cake into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake again until crisp and lightly golden, about another 20 minutes. Transfer biscotti to racks to cool completely before serving. Can be stored, fully cooled, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Drink Pairings

Ornamental Cheese

For this cheery and delicious Ornamental Cheese appetizer, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. It's a great recipe for those who want to prepare a bunch ahead of time and freeze them for your next festive function. Simply unwrap and thaw before serving with crackers. A festive crowd favourite for your next holiday soirée. Try pairing this recipe with Veuve Du Vernay Brut.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 3 cheese ornaments
1 cup (250 ml) goat’s cheese
½ cup (125 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) sun-dried tomato pesto
⅓ cup (80 ml) diced pitted Castelvetrano olives
sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme, to decorate
crackers, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, blend goat’s cheese and cream cheese. Spoon into a large piping bag with about a 1-in (2.5 cm) hole at tip. Set aside.
  2. Lightly grease six 2½-in (6.25 cm) silicone domes. Place a 12-in (30 cm) length of plastic wrap over each dome and press into its sides, leaving remaining hanging over.
  3. Pipe cheese mixture about a third of the way up each dome and smooth surface with the back of a spoon.
  4. Spread 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) pesto on top of cheese in each dome and smooth with the back of a spoon.
  5. Pipe cheese over pesto to fill each dome, leaving ¼-in (0.6 cm) space on top.
  6. Top 3 domes with diced olives, using a third of the olives for each, and gently press surface. Fold overhanging plastic wrap to cover each dome and freeze for 2 hours.
  7. Unwrap surface of all cheese domes. Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture on top of domes without olives. Remove these domes from silicone moulds and discard plastic wrap. Place these domes face down on top of olive surface on other cheese domes, to form 3 globes. Gather plastic wrap lining each bottom dome to cover entire globe. Gently remove from silicone moulds and press domes together. Twist and secure plastic on top and place each globe back into a silicone mould.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  9. Unwrap each globe and decorate with herbs, as desired. Serve with crackers.
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Drink Pairings

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