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

Beer & Chili Cheese Dip

Game day is a great occasion to enjoy some delicious beer and cheese dip! Here’s a simple recipe to help you make a tasty beer and cheese dip for your festivities as the games kick off.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable or grapeseed oil
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tbsp (15 ml) taco seasoning, or to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) milk, plus more if needed
1 cup (250 ml) lager beer
2 cups (500 ml) shredded cheddar
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
½ jalapeño, sliced
1 bag tortilla chips, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground beef and gently break apart using a wooden spoon to create mince. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes and add taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a 9-in (23 cm) cast iron skillet, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Add milk and beer and cook a few minutes until thick. Add cheddar and whisk to combine. If mixture is too thick, add a small amount of milk to thin.
  3. Serve dip warm topped with ground beef mixture. Garnish with green onions, cilantro and jalapeño, and serve with tortilla chips.
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Drink Pairings

Shallot Tarte Tatin

This is an elegant side dish that could also be a main served with a side salad goes well as a Thanksgiving side dish. The combo if caramelized shallot, gruyere and pastry is a classic combo.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
1 × 1 lb (450 g) package frozen puff pastry, defrosted according to package directions
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
1 lb (450 g) shallots, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
3 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and stems discarded, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar reduction
¼ cup (60 ml) Gruyère

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Unroll puff pastry and cut to fit a 10-in (25 cm) round cast iron pan. Poke holes all over with a fork and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
  2. Melt butter in pan. Sprinkle sugar all over butter. Lay shallot rounds in a single layer on bottom of pan. Sprinkle with thyme leaves, drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with Gruyère. Lay pastry round on the shallots and press it down.
  3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes, place serving platter on top of pan and invert it. Garnish with more thyme leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Drink Pairings

Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Bust out the Brussels this Thanksgiving! Try these cheesy, crispy sprouts once and you won’t make them any other way ever again! The sprouts can be boiled up to two days ahead of time. Make sure to dry them out well to help them crisp up.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 lbs (900 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add sprouts and return to boil, then turn heat down to medium and cook 10 minutes, or until sprouts are tender.
  2. Drain and cool sprouts. Once cool, crush sprouts with a heavy-bottomed pot until flattened. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip sprouts and sprinkle with Parmesan. Roast another 10 to 15 minutes, or until Parmesan has browned. Transfer to a serving platter.
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Drink Pairings

Savoury Pull-Apart Bread

The exact origins on monkey bread are unclear. It is believed to be named as such based on the way it is eaten, people using their hands to pull apart pieces like the way a monkey would eat. It’s more commonly created using brown sugar and cinnamon. Here is a fun take on a savoury version! Great for an entertaining appy!
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8
5 tbsp (75 ml) butter, divided
3 × 12 oz (340 g) tubes biscuit dough
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh or dried curly parsley
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cooked bacon
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh jalapeño
¼ cup (60 ml) shredded cheddar
½ cup (125 ml) ranch dip, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
  2. Grease a 9 or 10-in (23 or 25 cm) Bundt pan with 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter.
  3. Remove biscuit dough from packaging. Place on a cutting board and cut each tube into 1-in (2.5 cm) rounds. There should be 5 rounds per tube. Form each round into a ball using your hands.
  4. In a heatproof bowl, place remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter, garlic and parsley. Microwave on high for 30 seconds or until butter has melted. In another bowl, place bacon, jalapeño and cheddar.
  5. Roll half the dough balls in bacon mixture. Roll other half in butter mixture to coat. Place dough balls in Bundt pan, alternating flavours until they are all in pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove from oven and allow to rest 10 minutes. Serve with ranch dip.
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Drink Pairings

Palak Paneer served with Garlic Naan

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach (palak) and Paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The spinach is blanched, pureed and cooked with spices, creating a vibrant green gravy. Cubes of Paneer are added for a creamy texture and protein. It’s a nutritious and flavourful vegetarian delight that exudes cozy fall comforts.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
2 tbsp (30 ml) ghee
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced ginger
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
2 tsp (10 ml) garam masala
½ tsp (2.5 ml) turmeric
red pepper chili flakes, to taste (optional)
1 × 10.5 oz (300 g) bag fresh spinach, chopped and blanched
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
1 × 8 oz (225 g) package paneer, cubed
4 cups (1 L) basmati rice, cooked, to serve
Garlic Naan, recipe follows (optional)
GARLIC NAAN
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, melted
1 clove garlic, minced
4 pieces naan

Instructions

  1. In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, heat ghee. Add onions and sauté 5 minutes until translucent. Add ginger and garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Add spices, chili flakes, if using, spinach and cream. Cook another minute while stirring. Allow to cool slightly and transfer to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and return to skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. In another skillet on medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Add cubed paneer and fry on each side for about 1 minute or until golden brown. Add paneer into spinach sauce and bring to temperature. Set aside while preparing Garlic Naan, if using. Serve warm with basmati rice and warm naan.
  3. To make Garlic Naan, mix butter and garlic in a small bowl.
  4. In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, toast each piece of naan for 1 minute on each side. Brush one side of each piece with butter mixture. Serve warm alongside palak paneer and basmati rice.
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Drink Pairings

Basque Cheesecake with Roasted Grapes & Red Wine Caramel Sauce

Basque cheesecakes have surged in popularity, and it is easy to see why. A dreamy, creamy cheesecake that does not need to be babied with a water bath, is not too sweet and has an extra boost of flavour thanks to a deeply toasted, caramelized top. Drizzle with a red wine caramel sauce and your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 12
4 ½ x 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 ⅔ cups (400 ml) granulated sugar
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
6 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla bean paste
2 lbs (900 g) red grapes, on the vine
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
2 tsp (10 ml) liquid clover honey
RED WINE CARAMEL SAUCE (make ahead, recipe follows)
½ vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
1 cup (250 ml) red wine
1⅓ cups (325 ml) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) water
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C). Line a 10-in (3 L) springform pan with 2 large pieces of parchment paper that overlap in the middle, pressing and creasing to fit snugly in pan and leaving at least 2-in (5 cm) of overhang around all edges. Set aside.
  2. In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine cream cheese and sugar. Begin beating on low and gradually increase to high, beating until mixture is smooth and creamy, 4 to 6 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together whipping cream and flour until mostly smooth, about 2 minutes. Add to cream cheese mixture. Beat on low just until incorporated. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating on medium-low until combined after each addition. Add vanilla bean paste and beat on low until just combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan and level with a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon.
  4. Bake cheesecake until top is very dark brown and centre is still very jiggly, about 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, allowing cheesecake to cool completely to room temperature in pan, about 3 hours. Chill, uncovered, at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.
  5. About an hour before serving, preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
  6. Remove cheesecake from refrigerator, remove sides of pan, place cheesecake on a cake plate and carefully peel back parchment paper. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  7. Line a rimmed baking sheet or a 9 × 13-in (23 × 33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. Place grapes on parchment, drizzle with orange juice and honey and gently toss. Roast in oven until grapes just start to split, about 15 minutes. Set grapes aside to cool slightly for 10 minutes.
  8. Serve slices of cheesecake topped with warm grapes and a drizzle of Red Wine Caramel Sauce.
  9. Any leftover cheesecake may be refrigerated, uncovered, for up to 3 days.
  10. RED WINE CARAMEL SAUCE
  11. Scrape vanilla seeds into a small saucepan, then add vanilla pod and red wine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until wine is reduced to about ½ cup (125 ml), about 10 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and discard vanilla pod.
  12. In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil without stirring, washing down any sugar crystals that form on side of pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water, until syrup turns pale golden. Continue to cook, swirling pan occasionally, until deep golden. Remove pan from heat and carefully pour red wine reduction down side of pan into caramel. Take care, as it will steam and sputter. Return saucepan to medium-low heat and stir continuously until caramel is smooth and has thickened slightly, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter. Set aside or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  13. Makes about 2 cups (500 ml)
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Drink Pairings

Pork & Shrimp Egg Rolls

Egg rolls, a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine, have a rich history. Originating from southern China, they were created during the Tang Dynasty. Initially known as “Spring Rolls” they featured thin wheat wrappers filled with vegetables and meats.  Now you can try to recreate these tasty snacks at home! Adjust ingredients per dietary needs.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves About 20
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable or grapeseed oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz (450 g) ground pork
3 cups (750 ml) shredded Napa cabbage
1 carrot, grated
1 × 10.5 oz (300 g) bag prawns, raw, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
1 egg
20 egg roll sheets
4 cups (1 L) vegetable or canola frying oil
DIPPING SAUCE
¼ cup (60 ml) sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
1 green onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ginger and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add pork and cook for 5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to gently break apart. Add cabbage and carrot. Sauté for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is cooked and softened.
  2. Add prawns, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and white pepper. Cook another 3 minutes until prawns are cooked. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk egg with 2 tbsp (30 ml) water.
  4. On a clean, dry surface, lay out a few egg roll sheets side by side. Place 2 tbsp (30 ml) of filling in centre of egg roll sheets to form a line. Using a pastry brush or your finger, brush egg mixture onto edges of egg roll sheets. Fold bottom point over filling towards top point. Fold both side points in towards centre. Roll bottom square to top point. Set aside and continue with remaining egg roll sheets and filling.
  5. In a large saucepan, heat oil to 350 F (175 C). Place a few spring rolls in oil at a time. Fry for 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer onto a clean piece of paper towel and allow to cool slightly. Repeat this step until all spring rolls are fried.
  6. To make Dipping Sauce, in a small bowl, mix sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha and sesame oil. Serve alongside spring rolls and garnish with green onions.
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Drink Pairings

Spatchcock Turkey with Sage Brown Butter

Try spatchcocking a turkey this Thanksgiving! Removing the backbone and flattening the turkey out makes for a nice even roast on the bird, and it’s so much quicker! Plus, all of the skin gets nice and crisp. The brown butter adds a nice richness and helps the skin to crisp up. The visual impact adds a fun twist on a classic dinner.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
1 cup (250 ml) butter
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup (250 ml) sage leaves
1 × 8 lbs (3.5 kg) whole turkey
2 tbsp (30 ml) kosher salt, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 carrots, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 onion, quartered
2 stalks celery, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
4 sprigs thyme, for garnish
GRAVY
3 cups (750 ml) turkey or chicken stock
1 bay leaf
reserved turkey backbone and neck from Spatchcock Turkey
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter with garlic over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter starts to brown. If garlic browns first, remove and set aside. Once butter has browned, remove from heat and add sage leaves. If garlic was removed, add back to saucepan and set aside while preparing turkey.
  2. Dry turkey well with paper towels and lay it breast-side down on a large cutting board. Remove neck and giblets and set aside. Using kitchen shears, cut along each side of the backbone to remove it, holding onto the turkey with a clean tea towel or more paper towel so it doesn’t slip while cutting. Once the backbone has been removed, flip turkey over so breast is facing up. Press down hard on breast bone to flatten turkey. Tie legs together with butcher’s twine and tuck wing tips behind breast. Season underside of turkey with 1 tbsp (15 ml) salt and 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pepper.
  3. Place carrots, onion and celery on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Lay turkey on top of vegetables skin-side up. Place turkey neck and backbone on baking sheet. Brush turkey with browned butter and season with the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) salt and 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) pepper. Set aside while oven heats.
  4. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Roast turkey for about 2 hours, basting with butter every 20 minutes, until thigh meat reaches 165 F (74 C). After 1 hour, rotate turkey and remove neck and backbone to make Gravy. Rest turkey for 20 minutes before carving. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve with Gravy.
  5. GRAVY: In a medium saucepan, simmer stock with bay leaf, backbone and neck for 30 minutes. Fine strain and discard bones and bay leaf. In another medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and mix until no lumps remain and flour turns a very light golden brown. Slowly whisk in stock. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add strained drippings from turkey once it has cooked and rested. Check and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with turkey. Makes about 3 cups (750 ml)
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Drink Pairings

Thai Coconut Noodle Soup with Chicken

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and complex flavours, and this simple soup is no exception. The star ingredient, red curry paste, brings a fiery kick that is beautifully balanced by the creaminess of the coconut milk. The result is a velvety broth that is both spicy and soothing, a true comfort food that can be whipped up in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
1 × 14 oz (400 ml) can coconut milk
2 to 4 tbsp (30 ml to 60 ml) Thai red curry paste, or to taste
½ × 14 oz (400 g) package vermicelli or other rice noodle
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, roasted and sliced
3 green onions, sliced
1 cup (250 ml) bean sprouts
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot, bring chicken stock, coconut milk and curry paste to a boil.
  2. In a separate stock pot, bring 4 cups (1 L) water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions. Remove from water and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Divide noodles evenly between 2 serving bowls.
  3. Place sliced chicken over noodles and garnish with green onions, bean sprouts and cilantro. Ladle hot curry broth into each bowl over noodles. Serve hot with limes on side.
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Drink Pairings

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