Sausage & Mushroom Sticky Rice
This is a classic sticky rice preparation. The rice is cooked, then stir-fried with aromatic Chinese sausages, dried shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp. Pair with Toscana Tenute Rossetti Governo or Pinot Noir Diora La Petite Grace 2020Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) chicken stock powder
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
1 pinch white pepper
1 pinch salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 ml) dried shrimp, soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, drained and finely chopped
4 Chinese sausages, diced
8 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, drained and diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) Pagoda 8-Year-Old Shaoxing Rice Wine
2 cups (500 ml) glutinous rice, rinsed and cooked according to package instructions
sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken stock powder, sesame oil, white pepper and salt. Set aside.
- Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil, then stir-fry shrimp and Chinese sausages for 30 seconds. Add shiitake mushrooms and green onions and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cooking wine and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add rice, then mix in sauce. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Drink Pairings
Crab Salad with Prosecco Béarnaise
Tender, sweet BC Dungeness crabmeat paired with rich Prosecco-spiked Béarnaise sauce is a match made in heaven. Perfect for a special occasion to celebrate with friends and family. Pair this crab salad with Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut, Louis Roederer Collection, or Taittinger Brut Réserve.Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lemon, cut in half
1 navel orange, cut in half
salt, to season water and salad
2 lbs (900 g) whole Dungeness crab (about 1½ cups/375 ml cooked, picked crabmeat)
½ bunch asparagus (about 8 oz/225 g), cut on bias into 1½-in (4 cm) pieces
10 oz (280 g) nugget potatoes
1 grapefruit or 2 blood oranges, peeled and segmented
½ cup (125 ml) frisée, endive or arugula leaves, small tender ones only
½ lemon, juice only
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prosecco Béarnaise Sauce, make ahead, recipe follows
fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish
finely sliced fresh chives, for garnish
Maldon salt or flaky sea salt, to finish
Prosecco Béarnaise Sauce
¾ cup (180 ml) Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut, plus more as needed
¼ cup (60 ml) white wine vinegar
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 sprig + 1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh tarragon, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) whole black peppercorns
¾ cup (180 ml) ghee or clarified butter
3 egg yolks
⅛ tsp (a pinch) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot with enough water to cover crab and place over high heat. Add lemon and orange halves to stockpot, squeezing first to extract juices. Add enough salt that water tastes like the ocean and bring to a boil. Add crab and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, then cool crab under cold running water until cool enough to handle. Pick meat from legs, claws and just inside body where legs are connected. Discard shells and remaining parts.
- In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove and cool under cold running water to stop cooking. Add potatoes to saucepan and cook until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool just enough to handle, then cut into quarters.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine asparagus, potatoes, citrus segments, frisée, lemon juice and olive oil. Toss until well coated and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, toss crabmeat with ¼ cup (60 ml) Prosecco Béarnaise Sauce.
- Spread about ¼ cup (60 ml) Béarnaise sauce onto a large serving plate and pile dressed potato-asparagus mixture on top. Arrange small piles of dressed crabmeat on top of salad and finish with remaining Béarnaise sauce. Garnish with a few fresh tarragon leaves, chives and a sprinkle of Maldon salt. Alternatively, arrange ingredients evenly among 4 smaller plates for individual servings.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine Prosecco, vinegar, shallots, tarragon sprig and peppercorns. Cook to reduce until ¼ cup (60 ml) liquid remains. Strain and transfer to a non-reactive Pyrex or metal bowl.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring ghee to 130 to 140 F (54 to 60 C) on a digital thermometer.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 2-in (5 cm) water to a simmer.
- To bowl with Prosecco reduction, add egg yolks, chopped tarragon and cayenne pepper. Set bowl above simmering water and, whisking constantly, cook until slightly thickened and frothy, 3 to 4 minutes, taking care not to let mixture get too hot to avoid curdling.
- Transfer bowl to countertop, placing a clean tea towel underneath to secure bowl in place. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in warm ghee until emulsified. If sauce becomes too thick, add more Prosecco, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, as needed. Finished Béarnaise should be a pourable consistency but hold its shape for a second when run through with a whisk. Can be made up to 2 hours ahead and stored in a clean, insulated travel mug with lid closed.
Drink Pairings
Cava Poached Lobster with Saffron Butter
Ring in the New Year with a touch of elegance. Gently poached, tender lobster is enhanced by the subtle, aromatic flavour of saffron-infused butter. Go ahead, treat yourselves. Pair the poached lobster dish with Varias Cava Genui Brut Nature, Louis Roederer Collection, or Taittinger Brut Réserve.Ingredients
Serves 2
2 cups (500 ml) Varias Genuí Cava Brut Nature, plus more as needed to cover
2 cups (500 ml) water
1 stalk celery, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices
½ cup (125 ml) sliced fennel, a few fronds reserved for garnish
½ yellow onion, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) dice
½ lemon, cut into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) slices
1 tsp (5 ml) whole black peppercorns
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 dried bay leaves
2 × 6 oz (170 g) lobster tails
8 × 3- to 4-in (7.5 to 10 cm) long baby carrots, thicker ones sliced in half lengthwise
1 bunch radishes, larger ones sliced in half
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) snap peas
Saffron Butter, make ahead, recipe follows
finely sliced fresh chives, for garnish
lemon wedges, to serve
toasted focaccia or crusty baguette, to serve
SAFFRON BUTTER
2-finger pinch saffron (about 25 threads)
¼ cup (60 ml) Varias Genuí Cava Brut Nature
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
⅛ tsp (a pinch) Spanish smoked paprika
½ cup (125 ml) butter, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a saucepan large enough to fit lobster tails but narrow enough that tails can be submerged, combine Cava, water, celery, fennel slices, onions, lemon slices, peppercorns, salt and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off burner. Cover and let cool to room temperature, then strain. Rinse saucepan and pour strained liquid back in.
- Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along back of each lobster tail, leaving tail end intact. Look for any dark veins along tail meat and remove if present. Set lobster tails aside.
- Bring poaching liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Blanch carrots for 4 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Blanch radishes for 1 minute and transfer to plate with carrots.
- Add lobster to saucepan, adding a splash more Cava to cover if tails aren’t fully submerged. Bring up to a boil, then remove from heat and cover with a lid. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then remove lobster tails and cut in half lengthwise along precut line. Reserve ½ cup (125 ml) poaching liquid.
- In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add blanched carrots, blanched radishes and thyme and toss until everything is well coated. Transfer to oven and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until vegetables are lightly browned. Return to stovetop over medium-high heat and add snap peas and reserved ½ cup (125 ml) poaching liquid. Reduce liquid by about half, then add lobster tails and 3 tbsp (45 ml) Saffron Butter. Remove from heat and gently stir until butter is emulsified into broth.
- Divide among 2 shallow bowls, pouring any remaining sauce over lobster tails. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds, sliced chives and another dollop of Saffron Butter. Serve with lemon wedges and toasted focaccia for soaking up sauce.
- To make Saffron Butter, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine saffron threads and Cava and simmer until Cava is almost completely reduced. Stir in whipping cream and paprika and continue to simmer until volume is reduced by about half. Transfer to a small mixing bowl and let cool to room temperature, then stir in butter until smooth. Can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using.
Drink Pairings
Honey Walnut Prawns
Battered prawns are tossed in a sweet mayonnaise and served with candied walnuts. This dish is extremely addictive! Serve with Wild Goose Pinot Gris.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
¼ cup (60 ml) walnuts
¼ cup (60 ml) Japanese mayonnaise
3 tbsp (45 ml) sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
½ cup (125 ml) water, plus more as needed
1 egg
1 lb (450 g) peeled and deveined prawns
vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt honey. Add walnuts and mix well. Transfer walnuts to lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, just until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, break walnut pieces apart and set aside.
- To make sauce, in a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, condensed milk, lemon juice and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Set aside.
- To make batter for prawns, in a separate medium bowl, combine ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, flour, cornstarch, water and egg. Mix until smooth and consistency of heavy cream; add more water if necessary. Set aside.
- Rinse prawns in cold water, drain and pat dry with paper towel. Season with remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt.
- In a wok or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 4-in (10 cm) oil to 350 F (175 C) on a deep-frying thermometer.
- Dip prawns in batter and deep-fry until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Turn up heat and heat oil to 375 F (190 C). Fry prawns a second time for 60 to 90 seconds. Remove from heat and drain on paper-towel-lined plate.
- Toss prawns in sauce. Place on a serving platter and garnish with candied walnuts, sesame seeds and green onions.
Drink Pairings
Antipasti Wreath
Embrace the joy of holiday entertaining with a stunning antipasti wreath that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Make the recipe your own by swapping out an ingredient or two for your favourite pickled or marinated vegetables, cured meats, or cheeses. Pair this dish with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Madia Torre Zambra or Chianti Classico Riserva Gabbiano.Ingredients
Serves 10 - 12
6 tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) Angelo Provincia di Pavia Pinot Grigio
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) clover honey
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) dried oregano
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried thyme
1 pinch red pepper chili flakes (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
¼ tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 oz (170 g) salami, thinly sliced
2 cups (500 ml) cherry tomatoes
1 × 14 oz (398 g) can artichoke hearts in water, drained and quartered
7 oz (200 g) mini bocconcini
1 × 16 oz (450 g) jar sweet cherry peppers, drained and halved
jarred pepperoncini, drained, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) olives of your choice
20 leaves fresh basil
5 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Start by making dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, wine, lemon juice, honey, oregano, thyme, chili flakes (if desired), garlic, Dijon, salt and pepper until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- When ready to assemble wreath, place salami, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, bocconcini, cherry peppers, pepperoncini, olives and basil into their own separate bowls on a clean work surface. Working with 4-in (10 cm) wooden skewers and mixing and matching ingredients, thread 3 to 5 ingredients onto each skewer. Continue until ingredients are all used up.
- Arrange skewers on a platter in a wreath shape, layering them on top of each other 2 to 3 times. Tuck rosemary sprigs randomly into different spots in wreath. Lightly drizzle wreath with dressing. Serve with additional dressing alongside, allowing diners to season skewers as they please.
Drink Pairings
Fried Sweet & Sour Fish
A whole fish is traditional for Lunar New Year for good luck. In Mandarin, the word for “fish” sounds like “surplus,” so serving a whole fish will mean abundance year after year. We used red sea bream, but you can substitute any similar-sized fish. It is fried until crisp, then covered with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy this dish with Wild Goose Pinot Gris.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil, plus more for shallow frying
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1-in (2.5 cm) slice fresh ginger
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tsp (10 ml) Pagoda 8-Year-Old Shaoxing Rice Wine
¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) rice wine vinegar
½ cup (125 ml) pineapple juice
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) water, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) salt, plus more to season fish
2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch, plus more for dusting fish
3 to 4 lbs (1.4 to 1.8 kg) whole red sea bream, gutted and scales removed
pepper, to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add peppers and onions and stir-fry just until cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove peppers and onions and set aside. Keep garlic and ginger in saucepan and add cooking wine, ketchup, white and rice vinegars, pineapple juice, ¼ cup (60 ml) water, salt, soy sauce and sugar. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch and remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) water. Pour cornstarch slurry into sauce, stirring constantly. Bring sauce back to a boil, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat, mix in vegetables and keep warm until ready to use.
- Dry fish inside and out with paper towel. Using a sharp knife, slit fish down to bone, spacing slits 1-in (2.5 cm) apart from head to tail. Season fish inside and out with salt and pepper, rubbing it into slits.
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed, high-sided saucepan or wok over medium-high heat, making sure pan is large enough to fit fish. Heat 2-in (5 cm) oil to 375 F (190 C) on a deep-frying thermometer.
- Dry fish again well with paper towel. Coat fish on either side with cornstarch, working it into cuts, then dust off any excess.
- Lay fish in hot oil away from you. Fry until golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not move fish during this time; check colour only after 5 minutes. Using 2 spatulas, carefully flip fish and cook on other side for 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through; fish should easily flake with a fork.
- Remove fish from oil and drain for 1 minute on a rack. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with vegetables and sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Drink Pairings
After 8 Fizz
Celebrate the season with this festive and indulgent cocktail that blends the refreshing bite of peppermint with the smooth sweetness of chocolate. Topped with Codorníu Cava for a bubbly finish, this cocktail is crowned with a decadent swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, making it the perfect treat for holiday gatherings.Ingredients
Serves 1
¾ oz (22 ml) Luksusowa Vodka
¾ oz (22 ml) McGuinness Crème de Cacao Liqueur
¼ oz (7.5 ml) McGuinness Peppermint Schnapps
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) Codorníu Cava Clasico Brut
whipped cream and shaved chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, crème de cacao, schnapps and lemon juice. Add ice and shake for 5 to 7 seconds. Pour over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass, then top with Cava until ½-in (1.25 cm) from top. Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
Featuring
Move That to Tomorrow
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, sometimes it is important to take a moment to reflect and move the to-do list to tomorrow. Savour the moment with this festive spin on a classic mimosa, elevated with grenadine and rosemary.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) fresh orange juice
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
2 dashes Angostura bitters
4 oz (120 ml) Ruffino Lumina Prosecco
orange wheel and fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a Collins glass, stir orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine and Angostura bitters to combine. Add ice and top with Prosecco. Garnish with orange wheel and rosemary sprig.
Featuring
Snowy Nights
A French 75 is a classic and elegant cocktail, perfect for holiday entertaining. This rendition is elevated by substituting the traditional Simple Syrup with a homemade Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup to add a unique and aromatic flavour profile, sure to impress at any festive gathering.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Beefeater London Dry Gin
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup*
Cinzano Prosecco, to top
lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice and Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup. Add ice and shake for 5 to 7 seconds. Pour into a flute glass, top with Prosecco and garnish with a lemon twist.
- *To make Cinnamon Lemongrass Syrup, in a saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) water and 1 stick cinnamon (and ½ tsp/2.5 ml red pepper chili flakes, if you dare). Bring to a boil and continue boiling until volume is reduced by half. Remove from heat and add ½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar and 2-in (5 cm) piece lemongrass, chopped. Stir to dissolve sugar. Cool to room temperature, then remove solids and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Makes enough for 10 to 12 cocktails.
Featuring
White Wine Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter Maple Bacon Sauce
Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes are one of life’s best comfort foods. Cooking the potatoes in white wine adds an extra layer of complexity to the final dish. While heavenly on their own, mashed potatoes go from simple to spectacular when drizzled with a warm brown butter maple bacon sauce just before serving. Feel free to make the potatoes ahead of time, warming gently over low heat before plating. The sauce should be made just before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with Tom Gore Chardonnay.Ingredients
Serves 4
2.2 lbs (1 kg) Yukon Gold or yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cups + 2 tbsp (530 ml) Tom Gore Chardonnay, divided
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
¾ cup (180 ml) unsalted butter, divided
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
½ cup (125 ml) pecans, roughly chopped
chopped fresh parsley leaves or chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place potatoes and 2 cups (500 ml) wine in a large saucepan. Add as much cold water as needed to cover potatoes completely. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a knife, 18 to 25 minutes. Drain potatoes, discarding cooking liquid, and let cool for a few minutes. Pass potatoes through a ricer or mash using a potato masher or fork.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and ½ cup (125 ml) butter to a simmer. Stir until butter has melted, then beat into mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Set aside, keeping warm.
- Place remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) butter in a small saucepan and melt over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter solids sink to bottom of saucepan and start to turn golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer browned butter to a heatproof bowl and set aside.
- Return saucepan to heat and add bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Return browned butter to saucepan along with maple syrup and remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) wine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 1 minute. Add pecans and continue to cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened and fragrant, another 2 to 3 minutes.
- To serve, place mashed potatoes in a serving dish and drizzle with brown butter maple bacon sauce. Scatter chopped parsley or chives overtop, if desired, and serve immediately.