Bloody Mary Minestrone

Shake up your soup repertoire this fall with this fun take on minestrone. If you plan to store the soup for a few days, cook the pasta separately according to package directions and add it to the soup just before serving. You can pair this Minestrone with Castello Di Gabbiano Cavaliere D’oro Chianti.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil or vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 poblano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
6 cups (1.5 L) homemade or low-sodium chicken stock
1 × 28 oz (796 ml) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 × 28 oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup (125 ml) Stoli Vodka
2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) ditalini pasta, shells or elbow noodles
2 cups (500 ml) chopped hearty greens (such as kale, Swiss chard or collard greens)
2 × 14 oz (398 ml) cans cannellini beans
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared horseradish
salt, to taste
fresh celery leaves or flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, carrots and peppers. Cook, stirring often, until onions start to become translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  2. Stir in stock and tomatoes. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in vodka, Worcestershire and sugar. Return soup to a simmer and let cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in pasta. Continue simmering, uncovered, until pasta is al dente and veggies are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in greens, beans, lemon juice and horseradish and let cook another minute longer, until greens wilt slightly. Season with salt.
  5. Divide soup among serving bowls, sprinkle with celery leaves and serve with a lemon wedge to squeeze over soup if desired.
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Drink Pairings

Butternut Squash Pilsner Mac & Cheese

Nothing hits the spot on a crisp fall day like a soul-soothing bowl of creamy mac and cheese. In this decadent adult version, we have created a creamy cheese sauce using four types of cheese and have added butternut squash and pilsner beer for an extra layer of earthy depth in the final dish. Serve this Mac & Cheese with Josh Cellars Chardonnay or Parkside Dawn Pilsner.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
½ medium butternut squash (about 1 lb/450 g)
4 tbsp (60 ml) unsalted butter, divided, plus more to butter skillets
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) dry mustard 
1 cup (250 ml) Parkside Dawn Pilsner
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
4 oz (110 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
2 oz (60 g) aged Gruyère, shredded
2 oz (60 g) goat’s cheese, crumbled
½ cup (125 ml) freshly grated Parmesan, divided
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb (450 g) cavatappi pasta 
½ cup (125 ml) panko bread crumbs
1 tsp (5 ml) fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Butter four 6-in (15 cm) cast iron skillets and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
  2. Scoop out seeds from butternut squash and discard or reserve for another use. Place squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and roast until point of a knife or fork easily pierces squash skin and flesh, about 45 minutes. Keep oven on. Let squash sit at room temperature until cool enough to handle, then scoop out softened flesh and place in a medium bowl. Discard skins. Mash flesh with a fork or potato masher until a thick paste forms. Set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter. Add shallots and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle flour and dry mustard overtop before stirring well into onion mixture, then let cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Stir in pilsner and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes. Add milk, cream, cheddar, Gruyère, goat’s cheese, ¼ cup (60 ml) Parmesan and 1 cup (250 ml) mashed butternut squash (reserving remaining squash for another use), stirring until well incorporated and cheeses have melted. Purée sauce with an immersion blender or blend in a blender until smooth. Taste and season as desired with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook cavatappi pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions.
  5. Meanwhile, melt remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, then transfer to a medium bowl and mix with remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) Parmesan, panko and thyme. Set aside.
  6. Drain pasta, return to saucepan and stir in reserved cheese sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Divide sauced pasta among skillets. Top with a generous sprinkle of panko mixture before transferring skillets on baking sheet to oven. Bake until panko is lightly browned and cheese sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.
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Drink Pairings

Red Wine Pasta

Look no further for a quick and impressive meal perfect for a cozy date night or simply a chilly Thursday evening. To make this pasta more substantial, cooked slices of fennel sausage are a delicious addition. We recommend pairing this Red Wine Pasta with Côtes Du Rhône Famille Perrin Réserve or Salentein Portillo Uco Valley Vegan Pinot Noir.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6 
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large shallot, finely diced
kosher salt, to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) red pepper chili flakes
1 × 750 ml bottle Salentein Portillo Uco Valley Vegan Pinot Noir
1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
¼ cup (60 ml) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more to serve
chopped fresh parsley leaves or chopped fresh baby arugula leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
  2. In a large, high-sided skillet, combine oil, garlic, shallots, a good pinch of salt and red pepper chili flakes. Place skillet over medium heat and, stirring occasionally, cook until garlic and shallots are softened and translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Slowly pour in red wine, taking care as wine may splatter. Increase heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a boil.
  3. Meanwhile, season boiling water generously with salt. Add spaghetti, bring back to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Transfer spaghetti to skillet with red wine sauce and cook, stirring occasionally with tongs, until spaghetti is bright red and al dente and most of wine has been absorbed, 4 to 8 minutes. Stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  5. Divide pasta among serving plates before topping with chopped parsley or arugula and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve immediately.
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Drink Pairings

Guinness & Oyster Sauce Pot Roast

Comforting Sunday roast with an unexpected savoury twist. Rich and malty Guinness mingles with luxurious oyster sauce and exotic spices. This is like a warm hug from a faraway friend. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon or Guinness Draught.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6 
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck or bottom blade roast
2 large carrots, cut into 1½-in (4 cm) pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1½-in (4 cm) pieces
1 yellow onion, diced small
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (250 ml) fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
1-in (2.5 cm) knob fresh ginger, sliced ⅛-in (0.3 cm) thick
1 × 440 ml can Guinness Draught
2 cups (500 ml) low-sodium beef stock
⅔ cup (160 ml) oyster sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark soy sauce
4 whole cloves
3 dried bay leaves
2 whole star anise
1 stick cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) black peppercorns
1 lb (450 g) Yukon Gold nugget potatoes
3 tbsp (45 ml) cornstarch
chopped green onions, for garnish
chili-garlic oil, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil. Add beef and brown on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker along with carrots and celery.
  2. To same skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil and sauté onions, garlic, mushrooms and ginger until softened and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in Guinness, scraping up any brown bits stuck to bottom of pan, then transfer to slow cooker along with beef stock, oyster sauce and dark soy sauce.
  3. With a small piece of cheesecloth, prepare a sachet of cloves, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon stick and black peppercorns. Tie tightly with butcher’s twine and add to slow cooker.
  4. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. Add potatoes and adjust slow cooker temperature to high. Cook until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft, another 2 to 3 hours. Can also be cooked in 300 F (150 C) oven, covered, for 3½ to 4 hours, with potatoes added after first 2 hours.
  5. Transfer beef, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms to a serving dish.
  6. Strain cooking liquid into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with just enough water to make a thin paste, then whisk this into simmering broth. Pour thickened gravy over roast or serve on side.
  7. Serve garnished with lots of chopped green onions and chili-garlic oil on side.
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Drink Pairings

Chicken Adobo-au-Vin

A French bistro classic with a Pinoy twist. Umami-rich notes of mushroom and soy are brightened with a hit of red wine vinegar and loads of freshly cracked pepper. For best flavour, we recommend See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir save the rest for a glass with your meal or pair with Fort Berens Riesling.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6 
2 cups (500 ml) See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir, divided
⅓ cup (80 ml) red wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) dark soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) light soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) coarsely cracked black peppercorns
5 bay leaves, fresh if available
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
10½ oz (300 g) tocino*
2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil, plus more as needed
8 cremini mushrooms, quartered
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) brown sugar
sliced green onions, for garnish
steamed white rice, to serve
* Tocino is a sweet, cured, Filipino-style pork bacon available at most Asian grocers.

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (250 ml) red wine, vinegar, dark and light soy sauces, cracked black pepper, bay leaves and chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate, refrigerated, for 3 to 4 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). 
  3. In a small saucepan with salted boiling water, blanch tocino for 3 minutes, separating pieces that stick together. Strain and cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick strips. Set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towel; reserve marinade. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, warm coconut oil. Working in batches and starting skin-side down, brown chicken on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside on a plate.
  5. To same pan, add tocino and cremini mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes, adding a bit more coconut oil if needed. Add onions and garlic and continue cooking until onions have softened, then sprinkle with flour and stir. Deglaze with remaining 1 cup (250 ml) red wine, loosening any browned bits stuck to pan. Pour in reserved marinade, brown sugar, browned chicken and any accumulated juices and bring to a simmer.
  6. Transfer to oven and cook, covered, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) when probed with a meat thermometer at thickest point, about 30 minutes.
  7. Using a slotted spoon, arrange chicken on a serving dish, then top with tocino, onions, mushrooms and sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with plenty of steamed rice to soak up juices.
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Drink Pairings

Gochujang Bolognese

Spicy, rich and deliciously funky gochujang comes together with classic additions of tomato, red wine and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Monte Antico Toscana and Gray Monk Pinot Gris make great drink pairings with this Gochujang Bolognese.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves about 6 cups (1.5 L) 
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
1 lb (450 g) extra-lean ground beef
8 oz (225 g) ground pork
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1-in (2.5 cm) knob fresh ginger, finely minced
2 medium carrots, cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) dice
½ yellow onion, cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) dice
1 stalk celery, cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) dice
¼ cup + 1 tbsp (75 ml) gochujang paste
1 cup (250 ml) Monte Antico Toscana 
1 × 28 oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes
3 cups (750 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
2 tsp (10 ml) white pepper
2 fresh bay leaves
10 to 12 shiso leaves or fresh basil leaves, shredded 
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
cooked pasta or steamed rice, to serve
finely sliced green onions, for garnish
freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, warm 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil. Add ground beef and pork and cook, breaking up any large chunks, until nicely browned. Drain meat in a colander to remove excess fat. Set aside.
  2. To same pan over medium heat, add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, sesame oil, garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds. Add carrots, onions and celery and cook until onions have softened, about 5 minutes. Add gochujang and stir well until gochujang begins to caramelize. Deglaze with Monte Antico Toscana and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Add browned meat back to pan along with crushed tomatoes, stock, white pepper and bay leaves. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, until sauce has thickened and meat is tender, about 2 hours. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or stock as needed.
  4. To finish, remove bay leaves, add shiso and season to taste. Serve tossed with pasta of choice or over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with finely sliced green onions and lots of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days or in freezer for up to 6 months.
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Drink Pairings

Peek-a-BOO!

Garlicky marinated bocconcini, rich salty prosciutto and a splash of Pimiento-Gin Sauce—keep your eyes on these tasty canapés or you might miss out. Serve this appetizer with 19 Crimes Bride Of Frankenstein Red Blend.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 20 canapés
BOCCONCINI
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to cover
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) white wine vinegar
1 small sprig fresh rosemary
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 × 7 oz (200 g) tub cherry bocconcini, halved
10 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
10 pimiento-stuffed green olives, halved crosswise
PIMIENTO-GIN SAUCE
3 tbsp (45 ml) diced pimiento peppers, drained
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
2 tbsp (30 ml) Bombay Sapphire Sunset Gin
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Spanish smoked paprika
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. To make the bocconcini, in a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, garlic, vinegar, rosemary and salt. Add bocconcini halves and toss until well coated. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and pour in more olive oil to cover. Seal jar and marinate, refrigerated, for a minimum of 24 hours and up to 3 days.
  2. Remove bocconcini from marinade and pat dry. Wrap each piece with a half slice of prosciutto and top with a slice of pimiento-stuffed green olive. Leftover marinade can be used to make a vinaigrette, pesto or pasta dish.
  3. Garnish a serving tray with a splatter of Pimiento-Gin Sauce and arrange wrapped bocconcini as desired.
  4. To make the pimento-gin sauce, in a blender, combine all ingredients except oil and purée until smooth. While on high speed, slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Drink Pairings

Turkey Legs with Onion Redcurrant Jus & Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for an easy recipe for Thanksgiving, this is it! It’s not only easy but so delicious. Redcurrant jelly in the jus gives hints of traditional cranberry sauce. And once you make these Mashed Potatoes, it will be the only way you do them—they’re so rich, creamy and smooth! Terranoble Casablanca Valley Vegan Pinot Noir Reserva Calliope Figure 8 White make for excellent drink pairings with this dish.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
4 bone-in, skin-on turkey legs
½ lb (225 g) chicken wings
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 large carrot, cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
1 stalk celery, cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
¼ cup (60 ml) St. Rémy VSOP Brandy
2 cups (500 ml) turkey or chicken stock
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, divided
1 cup (250 ml) pearl onions, blanched and peeled
1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) redcurrant jelly
Mashed Potatoes, to serve, recipe follows
MASHED POTATOES
4 large yellow potatoes, scrubbed
¾ cup (180 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 black peppercorns
1 dried bay leaf
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 275 F (135 C).
  2. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed, ovenproof saucepan over medium-high heat. Season turkey legs and chicken wings with salt and pepper. Add vegetable oil to pan and, working in batches, sear turkey legs and chicken wings until golden brown on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Set meat aside.
  3. Add carrots, celery, onions and garlic to pan and sauté over medium heat until soft and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add bay leaves, rosemary, thyme and tomato paste. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Deglaze pan with brandy, then add stock.
  4. Place turkey legs in a single layer in pan. If pan is not large enough, use a baking dish large enough to fit legs. Tuck in chicken wings between legs. There should be about 1-in (2.5 cm) of meat sticking out of liquid. Use water if more liquid is needed. Bring to a simmer, then place in oven for 2 to 2½ hours, or until turkey is tender.
  5. Remove turkey legs from braising liquid and set aside (chicken wings can be discarded at this point). Strain braising liquid into a large bowl or measuring cup and let sit for 15 minutes, or until fat has separated. Remove fat from liquid, reserving fat. Pour liquid back into pan used for braising turkey, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and reduce volume to 2 cups (500 ml).
  6. In a small frying pan over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, then add pearl onions and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove onions from pan and keep warm.
  7. Return frying pan to medium heat and add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter and reserved turkey fat. Whisk in flour until combined. Remove from heat, add a quarter of braising liquid and whisk until smooth. Place this mixture into saucepan with remaining braising liquid and whisk until smooth. Mix in redcurrant jelly and adjust seasoning.
  8. Return turkey legs and onions to saucepan and bring to a simmer until turkey is hot. Serve over Mashed Potatoes.
  9. MASHED POTATOES
  10. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Prick potatoes all over with a fork, then place on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until very soft all the way through (time depends on size of potatoes).
  11. While potatoes are baking, put remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit to infuse.
  12. Cut potatoes in half, scoop out insides and push through a ricer or mash with a potato masher. For extra-smooth potatoes, push riced or mashed potatoes through a fine-mesh strainer. Strain infused cream into potatoes, discarding garlic and herbs. Mix until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
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Drink Pairings

Buffalo Chicken Boneyard

Celery, check. Blue cheese, check. Frank’s RedHot, check. All the notes of party favourite buffalo chicken wings are found in this delightfully spooky Halloween Boneyard dip. Pair this appetizer with Chronic Cellars Sir Real Cabernet Sauvignon or Diablo Dark Red.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves enough for a horde of partygoers, or 6-8 people
1 × 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) ranch dressing
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp (110 ml) Frank’s RedHot sauce
¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
⅓ cup + 2 tsp (90 ml) buttermilk
1 tsp (5 ml) Spanish smoked paprika
½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
2 cups (500 ml) shredded cheddar
3 cups (750 ml) diced cooked rotisserie chicken
1 stalk celery, diced small
6 to 8 assorted crackers, for garnish
⅔ cup (160 ml) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh dill, for garnish
pretzel sticks, for garnish
3 to 4 reserved chicken bones from rotisserie chicken, cleaned and dried, for garnish (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled blue corn tortilla chips, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled blue cheese, for garnish (optional)
crackers and sturdy potato chips, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and ranch dressing and beat until smooth. Add Frank’s RedHot, sour cream, buttermilk, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder and mix well. Fold in shredded cheddar, diced chicken and celery until well mixed. Transfer to a 9 × 11-in (23 × 28 cm) serving dish, smooth surface and cool in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  2. To garnish, arrange a few crackers for headstones and sprinkle surface with chopped parsley and dill. Line outside edge of dish with pretzel sticks for fence posts. Arrange a few chicken bones (optional) in front of a couple of headstones and cover with a small mound of tortilla crumbs. Place a few crumbles of blue cheese (if desired) around headstones. Serve with plenty of crackers and sturdy potato chips.
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Drink Pairings

Carrot Hazelnut Crumb Cake with Red Wine Poached Pears

This showstopping carrot cake is moreish and comforting, no icing required. While great on their own, the Red Wine Poached Pears add extra texture to this cake. Also, baking them right into the cake keeps the cake moist and fresh for up to 5 days, making this a great make-ahead dessert. Serve this cake with Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur or Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Noir.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6 poached pears
⅔ cup + ¼ cup (220 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided 
1¼ cups (310 ml) granulated sugar, divided
1⅔ cups (410 ml) all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup (250 ml) shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cardamom
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) hazelnut flour
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
6 Red Wine Poached Pears, room temperature, make ahead, recipe follows
⅓ cup (80 ml) roughly chopped hazelnuts
RED WINE POACHED PEARS
2 cups (500 ml) water
2 cups (500 ml) Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Pinot Noir
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split in half and seeds scraped out
6 small firm Bosc pears or Forelle pears, peeled but not cored

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease base and sides of a 9-in (23 cm) springform pan and line with parchment. Set aside.
  2. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat ⅔ cup (160 ml) butter and 1 cup (250 ml) sugar at medium-high speed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until mixture is very pale and creamy, about 3 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk 1⅓ cups (330 ml) flour, shredded carrots, baking powder, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and salt until well combined.
  4. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) flour mixture to butter mixture and beat until combined. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each. Add remaining flour mixture, hazelnut flour, sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined. Spoon batter into prepared springform pan and smooth out into 1 even layer. Press pears into batter so they are arranged evenly and are standing upright.
  5. Make a quick hazelnut crumb by placing chopped hazelnuts and remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter, ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar and ⅓ cup (80 ml) flour in a medium bowl. Using your hands, rub ingredients together until a coarse crumb forms. Sprinkle crumble over cake, in and around pears.
  6. Bake until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, 60 to 75 minutes. If crumble is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue to bake until cake is done. Cool cake in pan on a rack for 20 minutes, then remove springform collar and parchment (leave base on) and let cool to room temperature on rack.
  7. To serve, transfer cake to a cake plate or cutting board. Cut and serve. Serve reduced pear poaching liquid alongside to drizzle over cake, if desired.
  8. RED WINE POACHED PEARS
  9. In a small saucepan, stir water, wine, sugar and vanilla bean. Warm mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Bring mixture just to a simmer.
  10. Place pears in simmering sugar syrup. To keep pears submerged, place a piece of parchment over them so that it touches poaching liquid. Poaching time for pears will depend on their ripeness. To check pears for doneness, after 8 to 10 minutes, lift them gently from syrup with a slotted spoon and, using a small knife, poke flesh. Pears are done when knife meets little resistance. If not yet done, return pears to sugar syrup and check every 3 to 5 minutes. When cooked to desired doneness, transfer pears to a bowl or plate, trying to keep them standing upright (slicing off a bit of each pear’s bottom helps with this). Let cool completely to room temperature before using.
  11. If desired, to make a syrup, return poaching liquid to stovetop over high heat and boil until reduced by half and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Set aside until needed.
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Drink Pairings

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