1 tbs butter
1 3/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 tbs sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup milk
Position oven rack in upper third of overn and preheat to 450F. Place a heavy, 9" cast iron skillet inside.
Whisk together the cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until froths. Whisk in buttermilk and milk. Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk until just blended.
Add butter to hot pan. Pour in batter all at once. Bake until top is browned and centre is fim when pressed, 20 minutes.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Christmas spritz cookies
½ pound butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar on medium speed until mixture is fluffy and pale. Add egg yolks and vanilla and combine well. Add about 2/3 of the flour and beat until blended. Transfer dough to a clean work surface and knead in the remaining flour. Place in a clean bowl and chill, covered, for 30-40 minutes. Following the manufacturers’ directions for your cookie press, press cookies onto Silpat-lined baking sheets. Decorate with coloured sugars, chopped maraschino cherries and other holiday cookie decorations. Bake at 350F for 9 minutes, until cookies are barely beginning to turn golden around the edges (it should be almost imperceptible). Let set a few minutes, then transfer to cooking racks to cool completely.
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar on medium speed until mixture is fluffy and pale. Add egg yolks and vanilla and combine well. Add about 2/3 of the flour and beat until blended. Transfer dough to a clean work surface and knead in the remaining flour. Place in a clean bowl and chill, covered, for 30-40 minutes. Following the manufacturers’ directions for your cookie press, press cookies onto Silpat-lined baking sheets. Decorate with coloured sugars, chopped maraschino cherries and other holiday cookie decorations. Bake at 350F for 9 minutes, until cookies are barely beginning to turn golden around the edges (it should be almost imperceptible). Let set a few minutes, then transfer to cooking racks to cool completely.
grilled naan
2/3 cup warm water
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbs plain yogurt
¼ cup vegetable oil, plus more to oil grill
1 tbs minced garlic
In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast and sugar until yeast is dissolved. Set aside in a warm place for 10 minutes for yeast to proof.
In another large bowl, sift together flour and salt three times. Add to yeast mixture, along with yogurt and 2 tbs of the vegetable oil. Mix with a fork to bring ingredients together, then turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a large oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place to rise for 90 minutes, until doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough and knead for about 5 minutes. Divide into sixths and roll each out into 8-inch rounds. Combine remaining oil with minced garlic.
Preheat and lightly oil grill. Brush one side of each naan with garlic oil and place 2-3 at a time, oiled side down, on hot grill surface. Cook 2-3 minutes, until puffy and lightly-browned. Brush uncooked side with more garlic oil and turn over to finish cooking. Repeat with remaining naans.
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbs plain yogurt
¼ cup vegetable oil, plus more to oil grill
1 tbs minced garlic
In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast and sugar until yeast is dissolved. Set aside in a warm place for 10 minutes for yeast to proof.
In another large bowl, sift together flour and salt three times. Add to yeast mixture, along with yogurt and 2 tbs of the vegetable oil. Mix with a fork to bring ingredients together, then turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a large oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place to rise for 90 minutes, until doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough and knead for about 5 minutes. Divide into sixths and roll each out into 8-inch rounds. Combine remaining oil with minced garlic.
Preheat and lightly oil grill. Brush one side of each naan with garlic oil and place 2-3 at a time, oiled side down, on hot grill surface. Cook 2-3 minutes, until puffy and lightly-browned. Brush uncooked side with more garlic oil and turn over to finish cooking. Repeat with remaining naans.
turkey cristo sandwiches
8 slices white artisan bread such as French
4 large eggs
2tbs cream
100 grams each smoked & roast turkey breast slices
4 slices each Gouda and Cheddar
butter
salt/pepper
Butter bread and make four sandwiches with turkey and cheese. Trim crusts off sandwiches and cut each in half.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small baking dish. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture on all six sides. Place on a lightly-buttered or oiled griddle set over medium-high heat. Cook sandwiches on all sides until the egg is cooked and just barely browned. Serve immediately.
4 large eggs
2tbs cream
100 grams each smoked & roast turkey breast slices
4 slices each Gouda and Cheddar
butter
salt/pepper
Butter bread and make four sandwiches with turkey and cheese. Trim crusts off sandwiches and cut each in half.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small baking dish. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture on all six sides. Place on a lightly-buttered or oiled griddle set over medium-high heat. Cook sandwiches on all sides until the egg is cooked and just barely browned. Serve immediately.
chicken with-a-kick pizza
for the dough
¾ cups warm beer
1 ½ tsp sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbs olive oil
¾ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp chilli flakes
2 cups plus 2 tbs flour
2 tsp cornmeal
½ cup pizza sauce
½ pound mozzarella
1 large roasted chicken breast, sliced
½ cup banana pepper rings
½ cup crumbled feta
In a large bowl, whisk together beer, sugar and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to proof. When mixture is foamy, add oil, salt and chilli flakes. Add flour and mix with a fork to bring together. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface, knead for about five minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
Place in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap, set aside in a warm place for 90 minutes, until doubled. Punch down and return to a floured surface. Knead a few times. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Place on a pizza stone that’s been preheated in a 375F oven and sprinkled with cornmeal.
Spread sauce on dough. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella, chicken, peppers, feta, then remaining mozzarella. Bake 17 minutes, until cheese begins to brown.
¾ cups warm beer
1 ½ tsp sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbs olive oil
¾ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp chilli flakes
2 cups plus 2 tbs flour
2 tsp cornmeal
½ cup pizza sauce
½ pound mozzarella
1 large roasted chicken breast, sliced
½ cup banana pepper rings
½ cup crumbled feta
In a large bowl, whisk together beer, sugar and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to proof. When mixture is foamy, add oil, salt and chilli flakes. Add flour and mix with a fork to bring together. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface, knead for about five minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
Place in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap, set aside in a warm place for 90 minutes, until doubled. Punch down and return to a floured surface. Knead a few times. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Place on a pizza stone that’s been preheated in a 375F oven and sprinkled with cornmeal.
Spread sauce on dough. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella, chicken, peppers, feta, then remaining mozzarella. Bake 17 minutes, until cheese begins to brown.
Indonesian Butternut “Knockoff” Soup
3 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded
1 tbs curry paste
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tbs canola oil
1 tsp whole coriander
1 tsp whole chilli flakes
2 tsp whole fenugreek
1 whole anise pod
1 tsp whole fennel seeds
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tbs ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 clove garlic, pressed
3 tbs brown sugar, or to taste
3 cups water
3 cups V-8 juice
2 (400 ml) cans coconut milk
½ bunch spinach, washed and chopped
salt/pepper
Peel and remove seeds from squash. Cut flesh into large cubes. Combine curry paste with 1 tbs oil. Toss together with squash. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Roast at 375F for ½ hour. Meanwhile, grind whole spices. Thoroughly combine with pre-ground spices. Heat 1 tbs oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they become translucent. Add spices and cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Place roasted squash in pot with onions. Cover with 3 cups water and V-8 juice; bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in coconut milk. Using a hand blender, puree soup until smooth. Return to temperature. Stir in brown sugar and chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
When spinach is soft, serve soup over basmati rice or with slices of artisan bread.
Notes: Grind whole spices in a blade-model coffee grinder, but be sure it gets designated it for spices only. Adjust amount of brown sugar depending on how sweet the squash is.
1 tbs curry paste
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tbs canola oil
1 tsp whole coriander
1 tsp whole chilli flakes
2 tsp whole fenugreek
1 whole anise pod
1 tsp whole fennel seeds
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tbs ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 clove garlic, pressed
3 tbs brown sugar, or to taste
3 cups water
3 cups V-8 juice
2 (400 ml) cans coconut milk
½ bunch spinach, washed and chopped
salt/pepper
Peel and remove seeds from squash. Cut flesh into large cubes. Combine curry paste with 1 tbs oil. Toss together with squash. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Roast at 375F for ½ hour. Meanwhile, grind whole spices. Thoroughly combine with pre-ground spices. Heat 1 tbs oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they become translucent. Add spices and cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Place roasted squash in pot with onions. Cover with 3 cups water and V-8 juice; bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in coconut milk. Using a hand blender, puree soup until smooth. Return to temperature. Stir in brown sugar and chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
When spinach is soft, serve soup over basmati rice or with slices of artisan bread.
Notes: Grind whole spices in a blade-model coffee grinder, but be sure it gets designated it for spices only. Adjust amount of brown sugar depending on how sweet the squash is.
chicken pot pie with biscuit crust
2 tbs butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
½ medium red pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, sliced
8 medium mushrooms, quartered
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
meat from one whole roasted chicken, shredded
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock, hot
½ cup half and half cream
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
In a very large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook until vegetables are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook for another two minutes, stirring constantly. Add hot chicken stock, whisking until liquid is smooth and simmering. Add mushrooms, pepper, peas and chicken and continue simmering for about 20 minutes to cook flour. Add cream. Season to taste. Transfer to a large casserole dish or several individual dishes. Top with biscuit crust. Bake at 400F until crust is golden brown.
for the biscuit crust:
2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ cup cold butter
1 large egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter. Make a well in centre of mixture. Add milk and egg. Bring together with a fork until just combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times. Roll out to cover baking dishes.
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
½ medium red pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, sliced
8 medium mushrooms, quartered
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
meat from one whole roasted chicken, shredded
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock, hot
½ cup half and half cream
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
In a very large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook until vegetables are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook for another two minutes, stirring constantly. Add hot chicken stock, whisking until liquid is smooth and simmering. Add mushrooms, pepper, peas and chicken and continue simmering for about 20 minutes to cook flour. Add cream. Season to taste. Transfer to a large casserole dish or several individual dishes. Top with biscuit crust. Bake at 400F until crust is golden brown.
for the biscuit crust:
2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ cup cold butter
1 large egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter. Make a well in centre of mixture. Add milk and egg. Bring together with a fork until just combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times. Roll out to cover baking dishes.
pumpkin pie
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbs all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
2 tbs maple syrup
4 large eggs
1 cup whipping cream
2 9-inch pie crusts
In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, flour, salt and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, maple syrup, eggs and cream. Thoroughly fold dry mixture into wet. Pour pie filling into unbaked pie shells. Place pies on a large baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 450F. Reduce heat and continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes, or until centres are set. Let cool completely before serving. Serve unaccompanied, with vanilla ice cream, or cinnamon whipped cream.
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbs all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
2 tbs maple syrup
4 large eggs
1 cup whipping cream
2 9-inch pie crusts
In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, flour, salt and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, maple syrup, eggs and cream. Thoroughly fold dry mixture into wet. Pour pie filling into unbaked pie shells. Place pies on a large baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 450F. Reduce heat and continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes, or until centres are set. Let cool completely before serving. Serve unaccompanied, with vanilla ice cream, or cinnamon whipped cream.
broccoli-stuffed cannelloni
1 tbs butter
¼ medium onion, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups broccoli, chopped, cooked, cooled
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
1 ½ tbs ranch dressing
cannelloni shells, cooked
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until onion is soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta and eggs. Add onion, cooked broccoli and ½ of the Monterey Jack. Stuff mixture into cannelloni or manicotti shells.
Combine tomato sauce with ranch dressing. In a glass baking dish, spread ½ of the tomato sauce mixture. Arrange filled cannelloni in the dish, then cover with remaining sauce and Monterey Jack. Bake at 350F until sauce is hot and bubbly and cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
¼ medium onion, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups broccoli, chopped, cooked, cooled
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
1 ½ tbs ranch dressing
cannelloni shells, cooked
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until onion is soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta and eggs. Add onion, cooked broccoli and ½ of the Monterey Jack. Stuff mixture into cannelloni or manicotti shells.
Combine tomato sauce with ranch dressing. In a glass baking dish, spread ½ of the tomato sauce mixture. Arrange filled cannelloni in the dish, then cover with remaining sauce and Monterey Jack. Bake at 350F until sauce is hot and bubbly and cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
apple upside-down cake
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup butter at room temperature
1 ½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 ¾ cups sifted flour
1 tbs baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together sugar and butter. Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla. Add to butter/sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Fold into wet mixture in thirds, beating until smooth, being careful not to over-mix.
for the apples:
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbs ground cinnamon
¾ cup chopped pecans
4 large apples, cored, peeled, sliced
(I used Galas)
Add melted butter to a 13”x9”x2” glass baking pan. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir into melted butter in pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Arrange apple slices over the nuts and cover with cake batter. Bake at 350F for about 50-55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for just 5 minutes. Loosen edges with a knife. Cover cake pan with a large baking sheet or platter and carefully turn
2/3 cup butter at room temperature
1 ½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 ¾ cups sifted flour
1 tbs baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together sugar and butter. Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla. Add to butter/sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Fold into wet mixture in thirds, beating until smooth, being careful not to over-mix.
for the apples:
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbs ground cinnamon
¾ cup chopped pecans
4 large apples, cored, peeled, sliced
(I used Galas)
Add melted butter to a 13”x9”x2” glass baking pan. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir into melted butter in pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Arrange apple slices over the nuts and cover with cake batter. Bake at 350F for about 50-55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for just 5 minutes. Loosen edges with a knife. Cover cake pan with a large baking sheet or platter and carefully turn
Potato Risotto
3 medium red, 3 medium gold potatoes
(chopped to small dice, slightly undercooked)
1 tbs butter
1 shallot, finely diced
½ cup pine nuts
1 cup dry white wine
1 ½ cups whipping cream
2 tbs basil pesto
½ cup asiago cheese
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
In a very large saucepan or pot (a stainless steel wok also works well), melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and pine nuts. Sautee for 3 minutes. Add wine and simmer to reduce by 3/4. With a wooden spoon, stir in whipping cream. Bring mixture back up to a simmer and allow to cook until it’s reduced by ¼. When reduced, add cooked potatoes. Continuing to simmer, stirring frequently, but gently, until saucy. Stir in pesto and asiago. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
(chopped to small dice, slightly undercooked)
1 tbs butter
1 shallot, finely diced
½ cup pine nuts
1 cup dry white wine
1 ½ cups whipping cream
2 tbs basil pesto
½ cup asiago cheese
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
In a very large saucepan or pot (a stainless steel wok also works well), melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and pine nuts. Sautee for 3 minutes. Add wine and simmer to reduce by 3/4. With a wooden spoon, stir in whipping cream. Bring mixture back up to a simmer and allow to cook until it’s reduced by ¼. When reduced, add cooked potatoes. Continuing to simmer, stirring frequently, but gently, until saucy. Stir in pesto and asiago. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
French Leek and Onion Soup
1 tbs canola oil
2 medium sweet onions, sliced
2 small leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
2 tbs tomato paste
2 cups Pinot Noir or Merlot
6 cups home-made beef stock
1 tbs brown sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
8 slices French baguette, toasted
¾ cup grated old white cheddar
Add oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and leeks to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally and watching carefully to prevent the onions from scorching. Continue to stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, until onions are a deep brown. Stir in tomato paste and continue cooking, uncovered, scraping the bottom of the pot often, for about 5 more minutes.
Add wine. When it begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until reduced by 90%. Add beef stock. Bring up a boil, then simmer for about ½ hour. Add sugar, vinegar and seasoning.
Ladle hot soup into 4 French Onion Soup bowls. Top with toasted slices of baguette and grated white cheddar. Place bowls on a baking sheet and into a 450F oven until cheese is bubble and just beginning to brown.
2 medium sweet onions, sliced
2 small leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
2 tbs tomato paste
2 cups Pinot Noir or Merlot
6 cups home-made beef stock
1 tbs brown sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
8 slices French baguette, toasted
¾ cup grated old white cheddar
Add oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and leeks to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally and watching carefully to prevent the onions from scorching. Continue to stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, until onions are a deep brown. Stir in tomato paste and continue cooking, uncovered, scraping the bottom of the pot often, for about 5 more minutes.
Add wine. When it begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until reduced by 90%. Add beef stock. Bring up a boil, then simmer for about ½ hour. Add sugar, vinegar and seasoning.
Ladle hot soup into 4 French Onion Soup bowls. Top with toasted slices of baguette and grated white cheddar. Place bowls on a baking sheet and into a 450F oven until cheese is bubble and just beginning to brown.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
lunch muffins with ham, zucchini and cheddar
(makes 12 muffins)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
¼ cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup chopped ham (or turkey bacon)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the centre. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together milk, oil and egg. Pour liquid mixture into the dry and bring together with a fork just to moisten ingredients. Gentle fold in cheese, zucchini and ham.
Oil the cups of a regular-sized muffin pan. Divide batter evenly between the twelve muffin cups. Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes, until a tester inserted into the centre of the muffins comes out clean. Let cool and set in pan for about 5 minutes then transfer muffins to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container, or make a double batch and freeze.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
¼ cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup chopped ham (or turkey bacon)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the centre. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together milk, oil and egg. Pour liquid mixture into the dry and bring together with a fork just to moisten ingredients. Gentle fold in cheese, zucchini and ham.
Oil the cups of a regular-sized muffin pan. Divide batter evenly between the twelve muffin cups. Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes, until a tester inserted into the centre of the muffins comes out clean. Let cool and set in pan for about 5 minutes then transfer muffins to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container, or make a double batch and freeze.
Wilma Duffy's cornmeal buns
(makes 2 ½ dozen)
4 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (reduced by ½ from original recipe)
1tbs active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water
1 tbs sugar
approx. 7-8 cups flour
In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring 4 cups of water, salt and cornmeal to a boil, whisking constantly. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue whisking vigorously for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup sugar and butter until melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup warm water and 1 tbs sugar. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to proof. Once the yeast has bubbled, stir into cooled cornmeal mixture. Transfer to a very large mixing bowl. Using a stiff wooden spoon, stir in flour until mixtures begins to come together. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead several minutes to form a soft, elastic dough. Return to a clean, very large, oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 ½-2 hours, or until doubled. Punch down and knead a few times on a floured surface. Form dough into 2 ½ oz buns, place on Silpat-lined baking sheets. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled. Bake at 350F for 12-14 minutes, until lightly-browned on top.
4 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (reduced by ½ from original recipe)
1tbs active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water
1 tbs sugar
approx. 7-8 cups flour
In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring 4 cups of water, salt and cornmeal to a boil, whisking constantly. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue whisking vigorously for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup sugar and butter until melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup warm water and 1 tbs sugar. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to proof. Once the yeast has bubbled, stir into cooled cornmeal mixture. Transfer to a very large mixing bowl. Using a stiff wooden spoon, stir in flour until mixtures begins to come together. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead several minutes to form a soft, elastic dough. Return to a clean, very large, oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 ½-2 hours, or until doubled. Punch down and knead a few times on a floured surface. Form dough into 2 ½ oz buns, place on Silpat-lined baking sheets. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled. Bake at 350F for 12-14 minutes, until lightly-browned on top.
peach sour cream ice cream
4 large ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
2 tbs fresh-squeezed lime juice
6 large egg yolks
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups table cream (18% MF)
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup sour cream
1 tbs vanilla
In a blender, puree peaches together with lime juice. Push through a fine sieve and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks with sugar until mixture is thickened and pale yellow. Set aside.
In a medium-large pot over medium-low heat, bring milk and cream to a simmer. Very gradually whisk into egg yolk mixture, then return entire mixture to pot and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Do not let mixture come to a boil. Strain into a clean bowl and place bowl in a cold water bath, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes down to room temperature. Stir in peach mixture, sour cream and vanilla. Cover and chill until thoroughly cold.
Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions.
2 tbs fresh-squeezed lime juice
6 large egg yolks
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups table cream (18% MF)
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup sour cream
1 tbs vanilla
In a blender, puree peaches together with lime juice. Push through a fine sieve and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks with sugar until mixture is thickened and pale yellow. Set aside.
In a medium-large pot over medium-low heat, bring milk and cream to a simmer. Very gradually whisk into egg yolk mixture, then return entire mixture to pot and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Do not let mixture come to a boil. Strain into a clean bowl and place bowl in a cold water bath, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes down to room temperature. Stir in peach mixture, sour cream and vanilla. Cover and chill until thoroughly cold.
Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions.
"eat more chicken" burgers
400g ground chicken
1 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
¼ cup chopped “Walla Walla” sweet onion
1 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tsp Mexican seasoning
kosher salt/freshly ground pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, herbs and onion. Blend in breadcrumbs and egg. Season and form into patties. Cook under a broiler, or on a gas grill, until thoroughly cooked but still moist. Serve with fresh local field tomatoes and lettuce, Armstrong or other cheddar from the Interior, on onion rolls from your local baker.
1 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
¼ cup chopped “Walla Walla” sweet onion
1 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tsp Mexican seasoning
kosher salt/freshly ground pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, herbs and onion. Blend in breadcrumbs and egg. Season and form into patties. Cook under a broiler, or on a gas grill, until thoroughly cooked but still moist. Serve with fresh local field tomatoes and lettuce, Armstrong or other cheddar from the Interior, on onion rolls from your local baker.
plum kuken
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¾ cup butter
1 cup milk
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla
about 8 black plums
3-4 tbs brown sugar
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowls, whisk together milk, egg and vanilla and pour over crumbs. Bring mixture together with a fork just to moisten; do not over mix. Spread batter into a prepared 18by13-inch baking sheet. Slice plums and toss in brown sugar. Arrange over batter. Bake at 350F for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Where to find it: For fruit wines to go with the plum kuken, visit Elephant Island Orchard Wines in Naramata (www.elephantislandwine.com).
¾ cup sugar
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¾ cup butter
1 cup milk
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla
about 8 black plums
3-4 tbs brown sugar
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowls, whisk together milk, egg and vanilla and pour over crumbs. Bring mixture together with a fork just to moisten; do not over mix. Spread batter into a prepared 18by13-inch baking sheet. Slice plums and toss in brown sugar. Arrange over batter. Bake at 350F for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Where to find it: For fruit wines to go with the plum kuken, visit Elephant Island Orchard Wines in Naramata (www.elephantislandwine.com).
thai-rubbed salmon with peach pico de gallo
for the Pico de Gallo
1 ripe peach, peeled, pitted and diced
1 ripe white nectarine, pitted and diced
1 tbs finely-diced red onion
½ Anaheim pepper, seeded and finely diced
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs rice wine vinegar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
Toss peach, nectarine, onion and pepper together with oil and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate while preparing the salmon.
for the salmon:
1 large wild sockeye salmon fillet
drizzle of oil
2 tsp Spicy Thai Rub
from Maple Leaf Spices
2 tbs maple or brown sugar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
Slice salmon fillet into four servings. Season salmon with salt, pepper. Rub with sugar, then Thai spices. Drizzle with oil. Place, skin side up, on a hot BBQ. Cook about 2 minutes, turn over, and cook about another two minutes, until salmon begins to flake apart. Serve with peach Pico de Gallo and grilled vegetables.
Where to find it: Email info@mapleleafspices.ca or visit http://www.mapleleafspices.com/ for information on your nearest retailer.
1 ripe peach, peeled, pitted and diced
1 ripe white nectarine, pitted and diced
1 tbs finely-diced red onion
½ Anaheim pepper, seeded and finely diced
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs rice wine vinegar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
Toss peach, nectarine, onion and pepper together with oil and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate while preparing the salmon.
for the salmon:
1 large wild sockeye salmon fillet
drizzle of oil
2 tsp Spicy Thai Rub
from Maple Leaf Spices
2 tbs maple or brown sugar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
Slice salmon fillet into four servings. Season salmon with salt, pepper. Rub with sugar, then Thai spices. Drizzle with oil. Place, skin side up, on a hot BBQ. Cook about 2 minutes, turn over, and cook about another two minutes, until salmon begins to flake apart. Serve with peach Pico de Gallo and grilled vegetables.
Where to find it: Email info@mapleleafspices.ca or visit http://www.mapleleafspices.com/ for information on your nearest retailer.
raspberry lemonade spritzers
1 pound fresh raspberries
2-3 tbs sugar
2 litres lemonade
1 litre chilled club soda
ice
In a medium bowl, gently toss raspberries together with sugar. Set aside for 1 hour, or refrigerate for up to a day. Divide berries into up to 10 glasses and fill with ice. Fill glasses 2/3 to the top with ice cold lemonade, then top with chilled club soda.
For Homemade Lemonade:
6-7 lemons
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
2 litres water
Zest one lemon and juice all lemons. In a medium pot, combine sugar and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium and continue simmering for about 4 minutes, until reduced to about ¾ cup. Stir zest and lemon juice into syrup. When completely cooled, stir mixture into 2 litres of ice cold water.
2-3 tbs sugar
2 litres lemonade
1 litre chilled club soda
ice
In a medium bowl, gently toss raspberries together with sugar. Set aside for 1 hour, or refrigerate for up to a day. Divide berries into up to 10 glasses and fill with ice. Fill glasses 2/3 to the top with ice cold lemonade, then top with chilled club soda.
For Homemade Lemonade:
6-7 lemons
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
2 litres water
Zest one lemon and juice all lemons. In a medium pot, combine sugar and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium and continue simmering for about 4 minutes, until reduced to about ¾ cup. Stir zest and lemon juice into syrup. When completely cooled, stir mixture into 2 litres of ice cold water.
chicken salad nicoise
breast meat from whole roasted chicken, shredded
1 lb baby red and white potatoes
¾ cup freshly-shelled peas
3 garden fresh carrots, thinly sliced
¼ each small red and orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup nicoise or other black olives, sliced
3 tbs capers
1 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
For the dressing, whisk together:
1 tbs basil pesto
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp cider vinegar
3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt/fresh-ground pepper
In a large pot, cover potatoes with salted water. Bring to a boil; cook until tender to the tip of a knife. Slice cooled potatoes into thin wedges. Meanwhile, lightly cook peas in boiling, salted water. Drain potatoes and let cool. Drain and rinse peas under cold, running water to cool. In a large bowl, combine potatoes and peas with chicken, carrots, peppers, onion, olives, capers and basil. Toss with dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with egg slices.
1 lb baby red and white potatoes
¾ cup freshly-shelled peas
3 garden fresh carrots, thinly sliced
¼ each small red and orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup nicoise or other black olives, sliced
3 tbs capers
1 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
For the dressing, whisk together:
1 tbs basil pesto
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp cider vinegar
3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt/fresh-ground pepper
In a large pot, cover potatoes with salted water. Bring to a boil; cook until tender to the tip of a knife. Slice cooled potatoes into thin wedges. Meanwhile, lightly cook peas in boiling, salted water. Drain potatoes and let cool. Drain and rinse peas under cold, running water to cool. In a large bowl, combine potatoes and peas with chicken, carrots, peppers, onion, olives, capers and basil. Toss with dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with egg slices.
cinnamon pull aparts
Dough:
¼ cup sugar
¾ cup warm water
¾ cup warm milk
1 tbs active dry yeast
¼ cup butter, melted
large egg, lightly beaten
½ tsp salt
4 ½ cups flour
In a medium bowl, combine sugar, water, milk and yeast. Proof for 10 minutes. Stir in butter, egg and salt. Add flour and bring together with a fork until dough begins to form. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead for about 7 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place into a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place to rise for 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead a few times.
In a medium bowl melt:
½ cup butter
In a medium bowl combine:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
To make pull aparts, pull off and shape small balls of dough. Dip each in the melted butter, then roll in the sugar mixture. Arrange dough balls into a prepared bundt pan. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes, until doubled in size. Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes.
Optional: Add ½ cup chopped pecans and/or ½ cup chopped apples to the recipe.
¼ cup sugar
¾ cup warm water
¾ cup warm milk
1 tbs active dry yeast
¼ cup butter, melted
large egg, lightly beaten
½ tsp salt
4 ½ cups flour
In a medium bowl, combine sugar, water, milk and yeast. Proof for 10 minutes. Stir in butter, egg and salt. Add flour and bring together with a fork until dough begins to form. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead for about 7 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place into a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place to rise for 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size. Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead a few times.
In a medium bowl melt:
½ cup butter
In a medium bowl combine:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
To make pull aparts, pull off and shape small balls of dough. Dip each in the melted butter, then roll in the sugar mixture. Arrange dough balls into a prepared bundt pan. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes, until doubled in size. Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes.
Optional: Add ½ cup chopped pecans and/or ½ cup chopped apples to the recipe.
roasted vegetable and steak salad
(serves 2)
2 striploin steaks, grilled medium rare
1 cob of corn, husked
10 garlic scapes, trimmed
10 green beans, trimmed
2 carrots, peeled, quartered lengthwise
6 baby beets, trimmed
6 baby turnips, trimmed
butter lettuce
1 large ripe tomato
3 tbs canola oil
2-3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
artisan bread
Boursin cheese
Toss all vegetables, except lettuce and tomato, together with canola oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt/pepper. Place beets and turnips in a medium roasting pan. Roast at 350F for 15 minutes. Add corn and carrots, continue roasting another 15 minutes. Add beans and garlic scapes, continue roasting another 15 minutes. Return vegetables to bowl. Slice corn kernels from cob. Toss vegetables with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season to taste. Divide roasted vegetables over beds of butter lettuce. Top with tomatoes and grilled steak. Serve with slices of artisan bread spread with Boursin cheese.
Where to find it: Garlic scapes are the green parts of a garlic plant. With a short season, they’re mild and taste like a cross between garlic, green beans and asparagus. Look for them at your local Farmer or produce market.
2 striploin steaks, grilled medium rare
1 cob of corn, husked
10 garlic scapes, trimmed
10 green beans, trimmed
2 carrots, peeled, quartered lengthwise
6 baby beets, trimmed
6 baby turnips, trimmed
butter lettuce
1 large ripe tomato
3 tbs canola oil
2-3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
artisan bread
Boursin cheese
Toss all vegetables, except lettuce and tomato, together with canola oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt/pepper. Place beets and turnips in a medium roasting pan. Roast at 350F for 15 minutes. Add corn and carrots, continue roasting another 15 minutes. Add beans and garlic scapes, continue roasting another 15 minutes. Return vegetables to bowl. Slice corn kernels from cob. Toss vegetables with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season to taste. Divide roasted vegetables over beds of butter lettuce. Top with tomatoes and grilled steak. Serve with slices of artisan bread spread with Boursin cheese.
Where to find it: Garlic scapes are the green parts of a garlic plant. With a short season, they’re mild and taste like a cross between garlic, green beans and asparagus. Look for them at your local Farmer or produce market.
california wraps
4 10-inch sundried tomato tortillas
1 cup cooked basmati rice
4 oz roasted chicken breast, shredded
1 large ripe avocado, sliced
2-inch piece English cucumber, diced
½ medium ripe tomato, diced
¼ medium red pepper, finely diced
1/8 medium red onion, finely sliced
3 oz feta, crumbled
2 tbs light mayonnaise
½ tsp basil pesto
kosher salt/fresh cracked pepper
Warm tortillas on a flat griddle just to soften them. In a small bowl, combine mayo and pesto. Spread over the centre of tortillas. Start layering ingredients, also in the centre of the tortilla, starting with basmati rice, shredded chicken and avocados, followed by the cucumber, tomato, red pepper, onion and feta. Season lightly with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Fold down top and bottom corners of tortilla, then pull one side of wrap tightly over the filling. Roll up firmly to form a neat wrap that’s easy to hold.
1 cup cooked basmati rice
4 oz roasted chicken breast, shredded
1 large ripe avocado, sliced
2-inch piece English cucumber, diced
½ medium ripe tomato, diced
¼ medium red pepper, finely diced
1/8 medium red onion, finely sliced
3 oz feta, crumbled
2 tbs light mayonnaise
½ tsp basil pesto
kosher salt/fresh cracked pepper
Warm tortillas on a flat griddle just to soften them. In a small bowl, combine mayo and pesto. Spread over the centre of tortillas. Start layering ingredients, also in the centre of the tortilla, starting with basmati rice, shredded chicken and avocados, followed by the cucumber, tomato, red pepper, onion and feta. Season lightly with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Fold down top and bottom corners of tortilla, then pull one side of wrap tightly over the filling. Roll up firmly to form a neat wrap that’s easy to hold.
mocha angel food cake
½ cup sifted cake flour
½ cup cocoa
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tbs very finely ground coffee
½ tsp salt
12 large egg whites (cold)
1 tbs water
1 tbs fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla
Sift together flour, cocoa, ¾ cup of the sugar, coffee and salt 3 times. In a very large bowl, using an electric mixer on low, beat together egg whites, water, lemon juice, cream of tartar and vanilla for one minute. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating until the mixture is about 5 times the volume and foamy (about 1 ½ to 3 minutes). Gradually beat in, one tbs at a time, the remaining ¾ cup of sugar. Do not beat stiff, but rather until soft peaks form that bend over at the tips.
Sift the flour/cocoa mixture, about ½ cup at a time, over the egg whites, gently folding it together, until it’s all been added and there are no pockets of the dry ingredients visible. Scrape batter into an ungreased 9 or 10-inch Angel Food pan with a removable bottom and level with a spatula. Bake at 350F for about 35 minutes, until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean. Invert pan to cool for at least 1 ½ hours by setting the centre tube over the neck of a wine bottle or balancing pan edges on four glasses.
To remove from pan, slide a knife with a thin blade around the pan edges. Gently remove the outer piece of the pan and remove the cake from the tube section. Let cake cool completely on a rack.
½ cup cocoa
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tbs very finely ground coffee
½ tsp salt
12 large egg whites (cold)
1 tbs water
1 tbs fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla
Sift together flour, cocoa, ¾ cup of the sugar, coffee and salt 3 times. In a very large bowl, using an electric mixer on low, beat together egg whites, water, lemon juice, cream of tartar and vanilla for one minute. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating until the mixture is about 5 times the volume and foamy (about 1 ½ to 3 minutes). Gradually beat in, one tbs at a time, the remaining ¾ cup of sugar. Do not beat stiff, but rather until soft peaks form that bend over at the tips.
Sift the flour/cocoa mixture, about ½ cup at a time, over the egg whites, gently folding it together, until it’s all been added and there are no pockets of the dry ingredients visible. Scrape batter into an ungreased 9 or 10-inch Angel Food pan with a removable bottom and level with a spatula. Bake at 350F for about 35 minutes, until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean. Invert pan to cool for at least 1 ½ hours by setting the centre tube over the neck of a wine bottle or balancing pan edges on four glasses.
To remove from pan, slide a knife with a thin blade around the pan edges. Gently remove the outer piece of the pan and remove the cake from the tube section. Let cake cool completely on a rack.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Turkey Vegetable Chilli
4 tbs canola oil
¼ lb extra lean ground turkey
½ large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1-2 Serrano chillies, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 sage leaves, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
19oz can mixed beans, drained
28oz can diced tomatoes
3 tbs chilli powder
1 tbs taco seasoning
1 tbs cumin
kosher salt/fresh-ground pepper
Heat 2 tbs oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook until browned. Remove turkey with and set aside. Into the same pot, add the remaining 2 tbs oil. Add onions and sauté until they begin to soften. Add the remaining vegetables, along with sage. Cook until vegetables are slightly softened. Add chicken stock, beans, tomatoes and turkey. Bring to a simmer, then lower temperature to medium. Continue to cook for about 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with chilli powder, taco seasoning, cumin and salt and pepper.
¼ lb extra lean ground turkey
½ large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1-2 Serrano chillies, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 sage leaves, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
19oz can mixed beans, drained
28oz can diced tomatoes
3 tbs chilli powder
1 tbs taco seasoning
1 tbs cumin
kosher salt/fresh-ground pepper
Heat 2 tbs oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook until browned. Remove turkey with and set aside. Into the same pot, add the remaining 2 tbs oil. Add onions and sauté until they begin to soften. Add the remaining vegetables, along with sage. Cook until vegetables are slightly softened. Add chicken stock, beans, tomatoes and turkey. Bring to a simmer, then lower temperature to medium. Continue to cook for about 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with chilli powder, taco seasoning, cumin and salt and pepper.
Lemon Meringue Pie
prepared pie crust baked in a 9” pie plate
1 ¼ cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
pinch salt
1 1/3 cup water
2/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
4 tsp finely grated lemon zest
4 large eggs yolks (reserve whites)
3 tbs butter, cut into small pieces
In a medium pot, whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt. Thoroughly whisk in water and lemon juice, then the zest and egg yolks. Place over medium heat and, whisking constantly, bring to a simmer. Add butter and continue to cook for 1 minute. Scrape into prepared pie crust and cover with plastic wrap.
For the meringue: Squeeze 1 tsp lemon juice into a large glass or metal bowl, then add 4 egg whites (2/3 cup). Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat whites until soft peaks form. Continue beating, while very gradually adding ½ cup sugar, until stiff peaks form.
Remove plastic wrap and spread the meringue over the top, sealing it to the edges of the crust. Back at 325F for 15-20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate.
1 ¼ cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
pinch salt
1 1/3 cup water
2/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
4 tsp finely grated lemon zest
4 large eggs yolks (reserve whites)
3 tbs butter, cut into small pieces
In a medium pot, whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt. Thoroughly whisk in water and lemon juice, then the zest and egg yolks. Place over medium heat and, whisking constantly, bring to a simmer. Add butter and continue to cook for 1 minute. Scrape into prepared pie crust and cover with plastic wrap.
For the meringue: Squeeze 1 tsp lemon juice into a large glass or metal bowl, then add 4 egg whites (2/3 cup). Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat whites until soft peaks form. Continue beating, while very gradually adding ½ cup sugar, until stiff peaks form.
Remove plastic wrap and spread the meringue over the top, sealing it to the edges of the crust. Back at 325F for 15-20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate.
Roasted Potato Salad with Smoked Salmon
12 oz Yukon Gold nugget potatoes, washed
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbs apple cider vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbs capers
6-8 cocktail gherkins, thinly sliced
2 large eggs, hard-boiled, finely chopped
12 oz thinly-sliced smoked salmon
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
In a roasting pan, toss potatoes with ¼ cup of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast potatoes in a 350F oven until tender to the tip of a knife. Let cool slightly, then slice potatoes in half.
Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar together with the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss potatoes with green onions, capers, gherkins and eggs. Dress with olive oil/vinegar dressing. Season to taste. Serve warm with smoked salmon. Refrigerate any leftovers.
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbs apple cider vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbs capers
6-8 cocktail gherkins, thinly sliced
2 large eggs, hard-boiled, finely chopped
12 oz thinly-sliced smoked salmon
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
In a roasting pan, toss potatoes with ¼ cup of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast potatoes in a 350F oven until tender to the tip of a knife. Let cool slightly, then slice potatoes in half.
Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar together with the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss potatoes with green onions, capers, gherkins and eggs. Dress with olive oil/vinegar dressing. Season to taste. Serve warm with smoked salmon. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Chocolate-Drizzled Meringue Macaroons
(makes 18-20)
2 egg whites at room temperature
dash salt
1 tsp lemon juice
¾ cup sugar
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly crushed
melted chocolate for drizzling
With an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites together with salt until foamy. Add lemon juice and continue beating on high, gradually adding the sugar, until a stiff meringue forms. Beat in vanilla. With a rubber spatula, fold in coconut and almonds.
Drop meringues by spoonfuls onto a Silpat-lined baking sheet. Place in a 300F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until dry to the touch. Do not allow to brown. Remove from oven and let meringues cool completely on baking pans until set. Drizzle with melted chocolate, garnish with sliced almonds. Store in an airtight container in a cool, but not cold, place.
2 egg whites at room temperature
dash salt
1 tsp lemon juice
¾ cup sugar
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly crushed
melted chocolate for drizzling
With an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites together with salt until foamy. Add lemon juice and continue beating on high, gradually adding the sugar, until a stiff meringue forms. Beat in vanilla. With a rubber spatula, fold in coconut and almonds.
Drop meringues by spoonfuls onto a Silpat-lined baking sheet. Place in a 300F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until dry to the touch. Do not allow to brown. Remove from oven and let meringues cool completely on baking pans until set. Drizzle with melted chocolate, garnish with sliced almonds. Store in an airtight container in a cool, but not cold, place.
Vanilla Vodka Martini
6 parts Vanilla Vodka
1 part Triple Sec
1 part Martini
whole vanilla beans to garnish
Combine Vodka, Triple Sec and Martini with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with vanilla beans.
Note: Vanilla beans may be saved for use in ice cream or for vanilla sugar (just add beans to a jar of granulated sugar and leave to infuse). Don’t snort. At nearly $7 for two beans, it’s just another side of drinking responsibly.
1 part Triple Sec
1 part Martini
whole vanilla beans to garnish
Combine Vodka, Triple Sec and Martini with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with vanilla beans.
Note: Vanilla beans may be saved for use in ice cream or for vanilla sugar (just add beans to a jar of granulated sugar and leave to infuse). Don’t snort. At nearly $7 for two beans, it’s just another side of drinking responsibly.
Buckwheat Pancakes
1 ½ cups buckwheat flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
½ tsp granulated sugar
5 tbs brown sugar
1 ½ tsp canola oil
1/3 tsp baking soda
3 tbs oat bran
1 tsp cinnamon
In a large bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour and salt.
Dissolve yeast and granulated sugar in water. Proof then combine with flour mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 4 hours, until doubled and fallen.
Add remaining ingredients. Drop batter, about 2 tbs at a time, onto an oiled, heated griddle. Cook until edges begin to bubble. Turn over and cook on the other side. Serve with butter and maple syrup or peanut butter and apple sauce. Makes 1 dozen.
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
½ tsp granulated sugar
5 tbs brown sugar
1 ½ tsp canola oil
1/3 tsp baking soda
3 tbs oat bran
1 tsp cinnamon
In a large bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour and salt.
Dissolve yeast and granulated sugar in water. Proof then combine with flour mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 4 hours, until doubled and fallen.
Add remaining ingredients. Drop batter, about 2 tbs at a time, onto an oiled, heated griddle. Cook until edges begin to bubble. Turn over and cook on the other side. Serve with butter and maple syrup or peanut butter and apple sauce. Makes 1 dozen.
Cornmeal-Dusted Calamari
340gram package frozen calamari rings
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
salt/pepper
canola oil for frying
Thaw calamari under cold water or in the fridge overnight. Pat dry with paper towel.
Combine flour and cornmeal. Gently toss calamari rings in mixture. Place into a sieve and shake gently to remove excess flour. Discard flour mixture.
Fill a medium pot filled half way with canola oil. Place over medium-high heat until temperature reaches 375F. Carefully drop in calamari, frying only about a handful at a time, making sure to separate the rings. Cook for less than a minute, until crispy and golden (not brown). Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while hot. Garnish with finely chopped red pepper and dill. Serve with tzatziki.
Where to find it: Packages of frozen, unseasoned calamari rings are available at Superstore in 340gram packages and are much less fussy to work with than fresh.
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
salt/pepper
canola oil for frying
Thaw calamari under cold water or in the fridge overnight. Pat dry with paper towel.
Combine flour and cornmeal. Gently toss calamari rings in mixture. Place into a sieve and shake gently to remove excess flour. Discard flour mixture.
Fill a medium pot filled half way with canola oil. Place over medium-high heat until temperature reaches 375F. Carefully drop in calamari, frying only about a handful at a time, making sure to separate the rings. Cook for less than a minute, until crispy and golden (not brown). Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while hot. Garnish with finely chopped red pepper and dill. Serve with tzatziki.
Where to find it: Packages of frozen, unseasoned calamari rings are available at Superstore in 340gram packages and are much less fussy to work with than fresh.
Chicken Soup with Grandma Anna's Noodles
2 litres home made chicken stock
1 tbs canola oil
1 tbs olive oil
2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 medium leek, white and light green parts only
halved, washed, sliced
1 medium cooking onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
meat from medium-sized roasted chicken
1 recipe home made noodles
Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables and cook until onions are translucent. Add olive oil, stir. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add chicken meat and noodles and bring back up to a simmer.
Grandma Anna’s Noodles
4 large eggs
4 tbs water
1 ½ tsp salt
3 cups flour
In a large bowl, mix together eggs, water and salt. Add flour. Use a fork to just bring the ingredients together. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead well, incorporating more flour, if necessary, to make a stiff, unsticky dough. Divide into three balls. Roll out each ball into a thin sheet and leave to dry for about an hour. Cut with a sharp chef’s knife into 1 ½ x ¼ inch noodles. Toss in a bit of flour to keep from sticking. Cook in salted boiling water. Rinse with cold water and set aside until ready to be added to the soup.
1 tbs canola oil
1 tbs olive oil
2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 medium leek, white and light green parts only
halved, washed, sliced
1 medium cooking onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
meat from medium-sized roasted chicken
1 recipe home made noodles
Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables and cook until onions are translucent. Add olive oil, stir. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add chicken meat and noodles and bring back up to a simmer.
Grandma Anna’s Noodles
4 large eggs
4 tbs water
1 ½ tsp salt
3 cups flour
In a large bowl, mix together eggs, water and salt. Add flour. Use a fork to just bring the ingredients together. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead well, incorporating more flour, if necessary, to make a stiff, unsticky dough. Divide into three balls. Roll out each ball into a thin sheet and leave to dry for about an hour. Cut with a sharp chef’s knife into 1 ½ x ¼ inch noodles. Toss in a bit of flour to keep from sticking. Cook in salted boiling water. Rinse with cold water and set aside until ready to be added to the soup.
Herb and Proscuitto-Stuffed Veal Chops
Two 7-rib veal racks, Frenched
2 tbs chopped fresh sage leaves
3 tbs chopped fresh leek
300 grams sliced prosciutto, chopped
kosher salt, fresh ground pepper to taste
2 tbs canola oil
To prepare the veal for stuffing, push the straightening steel from your knife block lengthwise through the meat of each rack. Combine sage, leek, prosciutto, salt and pepper. Stuff, using your fingers, into the hole made in the veal racks. Season outside of meat with salt and pepper.
Add oil to a large, heat proof frying pan and place over high heat. When hot, place veal racks into pan, meat side down. Sear meat, turn over and transfer pan to a 400F oven to finish cooking. Remove from oven, cover with aluminium foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with pan drippings and fresh roasted root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, turnips.
Notes: Frenching a rack of veal or lamb is done to remove excess fat and clean off the bones for a polished appearance when plating. Asking your butcher to do this for you will considerably reduce the amount of work to do when getting ready for Easter dinner.
2 tbs chopped fresh sage leaves
3 tbs chopped fresh leek
300 grams sliced prosciutto, chopped
kosher salt, fresh ground pepper to taste
2 tbs canola oil
To prepare the veal for stuffing, push the straightening steel from your knife block lengthwise through the meat of each rack. Combine sage, leek, prosciutto, salt and pepper. Stuff, using your fingers, into the hole made in the veal racks. Season outside of meat with salt and pepper.
Add oil to a large, heat proof frying pan and place over high heat. When hot, place veal racks into pan, meat side down. Sear meat, turn over and transfer pan to a 400F oven to finish cooking. Remove from oven, cover with aluminium foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with pan drippings and fresh roasted root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, turnips.
Notes: Frenching a rack of veal or lamb is done to remove excess fat and clean off the bones for a polished appearance when plating. Asking your butcher to do this for you will considerably reduce the amount of work to do when getting ready for Easter dinner.
Flax Seed Cottage Bread
3 tsp active dried yeast
1 tbs light brown sugar, packed
½ cup ground flax seeds
4 cups flour
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tsp salt
1 tbs canola oil
In a small bowl, mix together yeast, 1 tsp of the brown sugar and ½ cup of the water. Set aside for 5 minutes to proof. Meanwhile, mix together the remaining water, brown sugar and salt and oil.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and ground flax. Make a well in the centre of the flour and add both of the liquid mixtures. Mix together with a wooden spoon. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes to form an elastic dough. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, then turn over to coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to a warm place for 45 minutes, until dough is doubled.
Punch dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for a few more minutes, then pull away ¼ of the dough. Knead both pieces and form into balls. Place large ball on a Silpat-lined baking tray. Brush lightly with water. Place the smaller ball on top and push finger all the way down through the entire loaf. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes. Sift a little flour over the surface then place in a 375F oven for about 40 minutes, until browned and baked through. Bread should sound somewhat hollow when knocked on. Let cool on a wire rack.
1 tbs light brown sugar, packed
½ cup ground flax seeds
4 cups flour
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tsp salt
1 tbs canola oil
In a small bowl, mix together yeast, 1 tsp of the brown sugar and ½ cup of the water. Set aside for 5 minutes to proof. Meanwhile, mix together the remaining water, brown sugar and salt and oil.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and ground flax. Make a well in the centre of the flour and add both of the liquid mixtures. Mix together with a wooden spoon. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes to form an elastic dough. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, then turn over to coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to a warm place for 45 minutes, until dough is doubled.
Punch dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for a few more minutes, then pull away ¼ of the dough. Knead both pieces and form into balls. Place large ball on a Silpat-lined baking tray. Brush lightly with water. Place the smaller ball on top and push finger all the way down through the entire loaf. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes. Sift a little flour over the surface then place in a 375F oven for about 40 minutes, until browned and baked through. Bread should sound somewhat hollow when knocked on. Let cool on a wire rack.
Trout Almondine
2 whole fillets of trout
1 tsp canola oil
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tbs butter
salt/pepper
Trim, de-scale and de-bone trout. Divide each fillet in two and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add trout, skin side down, alternately pressing down on fillets with a spatula until skin turns golden. Turn over and reduce heat to low to finish cooking. Remove fillets from pan and set aside. Replace pan to element over low heat. Add almonds and stir to toast. When almonds are lightly toasted, add butter and remove from heat. The pan will be hot enough to brown the butter. Serve buttered almonds over fillets.
Notes: Trout Almondine (or Amandine) is one of the most classic and simple ways to prepare trout. As is this recipe, it is nothing more than browed butter and toasted almonds served over thick fillets of the freshest trout. Easy enough, even, to prepare by campfire next to a favourite fishing spot. And a perfect match for green beans.
1 tsp canola oil
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tbs butter
salt/pepper
Trim, de-scale and de-bone trout. Divide each fillet in two and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add trout, skin side down, alternately pressing down on fillets with a spatula until skin turns golden. Turn over and reduce heat to low to finish cooking. Remove fillets from pan and set aside. Replace pan to element over low heat. Add almonds and stir to toast. When almonds are lightly toasted, add butter and remove from heat. The pan will be hot enough to brown the butter. Serve buttered almonds over fillets.
Notes: Trout Almondine (or Amandine) is one of the most classic and simple ways to prepare trout. As is this recipe, it is nothing more than browed butter and toasted almonds served over thick fillets of the freshest trout. Easy enough, even, to prepare by campfire next to a favourite fishing spot. And a perfect match for green beans.
Mock Manicoo Pelou (contributed by Susan Toy of Bequia)
Peanut oil
1/2 cup sugar
6 chicken legs, separated into drumstick and thigh
4 large onions, chopped
4 large heads of garlic, minced
3 tbs ketchup
1-1/2 tsp salt
2 tbs Caribbean curry powder
1/2 cup green seasoning
Hot sauce to taste
Water
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crumbled
2 cups green or brown lentils
1-½ to 2 cups long grain rice
In a large, heavy pot over high heat, add oil (don’t use your best pot). When oil is very hot, but not smoking, add sugar all at once in the centre of the oil. Do not stir, no matter how much you may want to! The sugar and oil will bubble like a volcano, caramelizing the sugar, a process know as "bun-bun" that gives the pelau its distinctive taste. Let bubble and burn until it becomes dark.
Add chicken. Stir until chicken is well-coated with the bun-bun, scraping up all the burned bits on the bottom.
When chicken is coated, add onion, garlic, ketchup, salt, curry powder, green seasoning and hot sauce. Stir well. Add water to cover, along with the bouillon cubes and lentils. Stir and bring it to a boil. Cover and simmer until chicken is very tender, about an hour to an hour and a half. The pot can sit off the heat until you are almost ready to eat, then bring it to a boil again and stir in the rice and more water if necessary; simmer about 20 to 30 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the moisture absorbed. Serves 6 people.
1/2 cup sugar
6 chicken legs, separated into drumstick and thigh
4 large onions, chopped
4 large heads of garlic, minced
3 tbs ketchup
1-1/2 tsp salt
2 tbs Caribbean curry powder
1/2 cup green seasoning
Hot sauce to taste
Water
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crumbled
2 cups green or brown lentils
1-½ to 2 cups long grain rice
In a large, heavy pot over high heat, add oil (don’t use your best pot). When oil is very hot, but not smoking, add sugar all at once in the centre of the oil. Do not stir, no matter how much you may want to! The sugar and oil will bubble like a volcano, caramelizing the sugar, a process know as "bun-bun" that gives the pelau its distinctive taste. Let bubble and burn until it becomes dark.
Add chicken. Stir until chicken is well-coated with the bun-bun, scraping up all the burned bits on the bottom.
When chicken is coated, add onion, garlic, ketchup, salt, curry powder, green seasoning and hot sauce. Stir well. Add water to cover, along with the bouillon cubes and lentils. Stir and bring it to a boil. Cover and simmer until chicken is very tender, about an hour to an hour and a half. The pot can sit off the heat until you are almost ready to eat, then bring it to a boil again and stir in the rice and more water if necessary; simmer about 20 to 30 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the moisture absorbed. Serves 6 people.
Caramelized Ginger Creme Brulees
2 cups whipping cream
1 oz plus 6 tsp candied ginger, finely diced
1 tsp powdered ginger
8 large egg yolks
½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
12 tsp granulated sugar
In a heavy pot, heat cream, candied ginger and powdered ginger, stirring frequently, until it comes almost to a simmer.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together egg yolks and brown sugar until just combined. Gradually stir in the hot cream mixture. Strain through a fine sieve into a large measuring container with a pouring spout.
Place 1 tsp diced candied ginger into each of six 6-ounce custard cups. Fill with custard mixture and place cups in a deep baking dish (cups should not be touching). Fill dish half way up the sides of custard cups with very hot, but not boiling, water. Place dish in oven and turn temperature to 250F. Bake until the brulèes are set, but still shiver in the center when jiggled, about an hour and a half.
1 oz plus 6 tsp candied ginger, finely diced
1 tsp powdered ginger
8 large egg yolks
½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
12 tsp granulated sugar
In a heavy pot, heat cream, candied ginger and powdered ginger, stirring frequently, until it comes almost to a simmer.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together egg yolks and brown sugar until just combined. Gradually stir in the hot cream mixture. Strain through a fine sieve into a large measuring container with a pouring spout.
Place 1 tsp diced candied ginger into each of six 6-ounce custard cups. Fill with custard mixture and place cups in a deep baking dish (cups should not be touching). Fill dish half way up the sides of custard cups with very hot, but not boiling, water. Place dish in oven and turn temperature to 250F. Bake until the brulèes are set, but still shiver in the center when jiggled, about an hour and a half.
Pan-Fried Gluten Cuttlets
2 cups gluten flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup tapioca starch
2 tbs yellow yeast flakes
1 ½ tbs chicken soup base
1 ½ tbs garlic powder
2 tbs soy sauce
1 ½ cups plus 2 tbs cold water
Whisk together first 7 ingredients. Mix soy sauce and water and add to gluten mixture. Bring together with a fork, then turn out onto a work surface. Knead several minutes to form a medium-firm dough. Form into a baguette-shaped roll, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until firm enough to slice.
In a large pot, bring to a boil:
10 cups water
½ cup soy sauce
3 tbs chicken soup base
4 tbs yellow yeast flakes
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
6 whole garlic cloves
1 tsp whole peppercorns
Slice gluten roll into 1 cm thick slices. Place in boiling liquid, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pace a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough canola oil for pan frying. Dredge each gluten slice in flour, beaten egg then seasoned bread crumbs. Pan fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Where to find it: All ingredients can be found at your local bulk foods store.
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup tapioca starch
2 tbs yellow yeast flakes
1 ½ tbs chicken soup base
1 ½ tbs garlic powder
2 tbs soy sauce
1 ½ cups plus 2 tbs cold water
Whisk together first 7 ingredients. Mix soy sauce and water and add to gluten mixture. Bring together with a fork, then turn out onto a work surface. Knead several minutes to form a medium-firm dough. Form into a baguette-shaped roll, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until firm enough to slice.
In a large pot, bring to a boil:
10 cups water
½ cup soy sauce
3 tbs chicken soup base
4 tbs yellow yeast flakes
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
6 whole garlic cloves
1 tsp whole peppercorns
Slice gluten roll into 1 cm thick slices. Place in boiling liquid, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pace a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough canola oil for pan frying. Dredge each gluten slice in flour, beaten egg then seasoned bread crumbs. Pan fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Where to find it: All ingredients can be found at your local bulk foods store.
Apricot Walnut Soda Bread
3 cups all purpose flour
½ cup plus 2 tbs granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ cup plus 2 tbs cold butter
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots
¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. With a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in apricots and walnuts.
In a two-cup liquid measuring cup, measure buttermilk. Add egg and vanilla and blend with a fork. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in buttermilk mixture. Use fork to bring wet and dry ingredients together, just until incorporated.
Turn dough out of bowl onto a floured surface. Knead until dough comes together into a ball, five or six times (dough will be sticky). Pat into a flattened circle, about 7 inches in diameter and 2 ½ inches tall. Transfer to a Silpat-lined baking tray. Bake at 350F for 35 minutes. Turn tray, reduce temperature to 325F, and continue baking for about another 25 minutes, until bread is well browned and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Place bread on a cooling rack to cool completely.
½ cup plus 2 tbs granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ cup plus 2 tbs cold butter
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots
¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. With a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in apricots and walnuts.
In a two-cup liquid measuring cup, measure buttermilk. Add egg and vanilla and blend with a fork. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in buttermilk mixture. Use fork to bring wet and dry ingredients together, just until incorporated.
Turn dough out of bowl onto a floured surface. Knead until dough comes together into a ball, five or six times (dough will be sticky). Pat into a flattened circle, about 7 inches in diameter and 2 ½ inches tall. Transfer to a Silpat-lined baking tray. Bake at 350F for 35 minutes. Turn tray, reduce temperature to 325F, and continue baking for about another 25 minutes, until bread is well browned and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Place bread on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Twice-baked Potatoes
2 large baker potatoes
2 strips bacon
¼ cup cream
2 tbs butter
3 stalks green onion
¼ cup grated extra-old cheddar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
canola oil
Wash and scrub potatoes; pat dry. Rub skins with canola oil and salt and pepper. Pierce eat potato several times with the tip of a sharp knife. Place in a 400F toaster oven and bake for about 70 minutes, until thoroughly hot and tender to the tip of a knife.
Remove potatoes and place bacon in the toaster oven to cook. Slice off the top third (lengthwise) of potatoes. Scoop out insides, leaving enough to support the skins so they can be refilled. Place in a medium bowl.
In the microwave, heat cream together with butter and chives, until butter is melted. Add to potatoes and lightly mash with a potato masher or fork. Thinly slice cooked bacon and add to potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Scoop potato mixture into a large piping bag (does not need to be fitted with a tip, but a star tip is a good choice) and pipe back into potato skins. Sprinkle with cheddar. Lower heat to 350F. Place potatoes back in oven to continue baking for another 15 minutes or so, until cheese is melted and potatoes are thoroughly hot.
2 strips bacon
¼ cup cream
2 tbs butter
3 stalks green onion
¼ cup grated extra-old cheddar
kosher salt/fresh ground pepper
canola oil
Wash and scrub potatoes; pat dry. Rub skins with canola oil and salt and pepper. Pierce eat potato several times with the tip of a sharp knife. Place in a 400F toaster oven and bake for about 70 minutes, until thoroughly hot and tender to the tip of a knife.
Remove potatoes and place bacon in the toaster oven to cook. Slice off the top third (lengthwise) of potatoes. Scoop out insides, leaving enough to support the skins so they can be refilled. Place in a medium bowl.
In the microwave, heat cream together with butter and chives, until butter is melted. Add to potatoes and lightly mash with a potato masher or fork. Thinly slice cooked bacon and add to potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Scoop potato mixture into a large piping bag (does not need to be fitted with a tip, but a star tip is a good choice) and pipe back into potato skins. Sprinkle with cheddar. Lower heat to 350F. Place potatoes back in oven to continue baking for another 15 minutes or so, until cheese is melted and potatoes are thoroughly hot.
Chocolate Molten Cakes
(makes 6 individual cakes)
4 oz butter
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
2 tbs granulated sugar
1 large whole egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tbs strong coffee
2 tbs all-purpose flour
4 tbs finely chopped walnuts
In a double boiler, whisk butter and chocolate together with sugar until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together coffee with egg and egg yolk. Whisk into chocolate mixture. Fold in flour and walnuts.
In order to release the cakes after baking, use either disposable muffin moulds that have been cut apart or a silicone muffin tray that allows the cakes to be gently loosened. If using disposable metal trays, spray insides with cooking spray. Divide batter between six regular-sized muffin moulds. If using a silicone tray, place on a baking sheet and into a 400F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, less if batter is still hot, until cakes are just set on the tops. To serve, gently release cakes onto serving plates. Serve with warm, sweetened raspberries or accompaniment of your choice. Cakes will ooze molten chocolate when cut into.
Where to find it: Look for silicone baking pans in department stores such as Superstore. They’re inexpensive and naturally non-stick, without any of the hazards of some other non-stick bake ware.
4 oz butter
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
2 tbs granulated sugar
1 large whole egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tbs strong coffee
2 tbs all-purpose flour
4 tbs finely chopped walnuts
In a double boiler, whisk butter and chocolate together with sugar until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together coffee with egg and egg yolk. Whisk into chocolate mixture. Fold in flour and walnuts.
In order to release the cakes after baking, use either disposable muffin moulds that have been cut apart or a silicone muffin tray that allows the cakes to be gently loosened. If using disposable metal trays, spray insides with cooking spray. Divide batter between six regular-sized muffin moulds. If using a silicone tray, place on a baking sheet and into a 400F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, less if batter is still hot, until cakes are just set on the tops. To serve, gently release cakes onto serving plates. Serve with warm, sweetened raspberries or accompaniment of your choice. Cakes will ooze molten chocolate when cut into.
Where to find it: Look for silicone baking pans in department stores such as Superstore. They’re inexpensive and naturally non-stick, without any of the hazards of some other non-stick bake ware.
Cherry-pistachio Turkish Delight
2 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups cold water
½ tsp cream of tartar
2 tbs kirsch
½ cup cornstarch
½ cups coarsely chopped, unsalted pistachios
icing sugar
In a medium pot, combine sugar, 1 cup of water, cream of tartar and kirsch. Place over medium-high heat and stir until mixture begins to boil.
In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine cornstarch and remaining cold water. Slowly stir into hot sugar mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, over medium-low for 20-30 minutes until it reaches 248F (or “firm ball” stage) on a candy thermometer. If the mixture begins to caramelize before this, remove from heat and proceed with recipe.
Remove from heat and fold in pistachios.
Pour Turkish Delight mixture into a small, lightly-oiled (toaster oven-sized) jellyroll pan or pie plate and set aside at room temperature for several hours or overnight to cool and set up. Also try silicone ice cube trays as moulds.
When thoroughly cooled, release Turkish Delight onto a cutting board dusted with icing sugar. With a large, sharp knife, cut into cubes and roll each one in a dish with more icing sugar.
Notes: This recipe is softly sweet and gooey. Simpler recipes that use gelatine are available, but this is closer to the original. It’s easy to play with the flavours by using different liqueurs or juices. For a traditional taste, try rosewater in place of the kirsch. Any variety of nut or dried fruit may be used in place of the pistachios.
1 ½ cups cold water
½ tsp cream of tartar
2 tbs kirsch
½ cup cornstarch
½ cups coarsely chopped, unsalted pistachios
icing sugar
In a medium pot, combine sugar, 1 cup of water, cream of tartar and kirsch. Place over medium-high heat and stir until mixture begins to boil.
In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine cornstarch and remaining cold water. Slowly stir into hot sugar mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, over medium-low for 20-30 minutes until it reaches 248F (or “firm ball” stage) on a candy thermometer. If the mixture begins to caramelize before this, remove from heat and proceed with recipe.
Remove from heat and fold in pistachios.
Pour Turkish Delight mixture into a small, lightly-oiled (toaster oven-sized) jellyroll pan or pie plate and set aside at room temperature for several hours or overnight to cool and set up. Also try silicone ice cube trays as moulds.
When thoroughly cooled, release Turkish Delight onto a cutting board dusted with icing sugar. With a large, sharp knife, cut into cubes and roll each one in a dish with more icing sugar.
Notes: This recipe is softly sweet and gooey. Simpler recipes that use gelatine are available, but this is closer to the original. It’s easy to play with the flavours by using different liqueurs or juices. For a traditional taste, try rosewater in place of the kirsch. Any variety of nut or dried fruit may be used in place of the pistachios.
Mushroom-peppercorn sauce for chicken
1 tsp butter
½ medium onion, finely diced
1 tsp canola oil
8 large white mushrooms, sliced
1 tbs green peppercorns, drained
½ cup white wine
½ cup whipping cream
salt/pepper
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent and soft. Add oil to a separate pan over high heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sear for a few minutes, turning once, until they begin to brown. Transfer mushrooms to pan with onions. Add peppercorns and white wine; simmer until liquid is reduced by three quarters.
Into the mushroom and onion mixture, add cream. Increase heat to medium-high to bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Serve over broiled chicken breasts.
½ medium onion, finely diced
1 tsp canola oil
8 large white mushrooms, sliced
1 tbs green peppercorns, drained
½ cup white wine
½ cup whipping cream
salt/pepper
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent and soft. Add oil to a separate pan over high heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sear for a few minutes, turning once, until they begin to brown. Transfer mushrooms to pan with onions. Add peppercorns and white wine; simmer until liquid is reduced by three quarters.
Into the mushroom and onion mixture, add cream. Increase heat to medium-high to bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Serve over broiled chicken breasts.
Curran Drop Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup cold butter
1 cup Half & Half
1 large egg
1 tsp orange zest
¾ cup dried currants
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in centre.
In a second bowl, whisk together Half & Half, egg and orange zest. Pour into well in flour mixture. Bring together with a fork until mixture is just combined, then gently incorporate currants. Because these are drop scones, not rolled out, the mixture should be sticky.
Drop by spoonfuls onto Silpat-lined baking sheets. Bake at 325F for about 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Dust with icing sugar (optional).
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup cold butter
1 cup Half & Half
1 large egg
1 tsp orange zest
¾ cup dried currants
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in centre.
In a second bowl, whisk together Half & Half, egg and orange zest. Pour into well in flour mixture. Bring together with a fork until mixture is just combined, then gently incorporate currants. Because these are drop scones, not rolled out, the mixture should be sticky.
Drop by spoonfuls onto Silpat-lined baking sheets. Bake at 325F for about 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Dust with icing sugar (optional).
Spicy Szechuan Green Beans
½ lb trimmed fresh green beans
1 shallot, finely diced
2 small Serrano peppers, finely sliced
2 tbs canola oil
2 tbs soy sauce
2 tbs Szechuan sauce
fresh ground pepper
kosher salt
Place a large pot of water high heat. When water comes to a boil, blanch beans by adding to water and cooking just until water comes back up to a boil. Drain immediately. This step preserves, and even brightens, the colour of the vegetables.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large wok set over medium high heat. Into hot oil, add shallot and peppers. Sautee lightly, then add beans and toss until heated through. Add soy and Szechuan sauces. Toss to coat beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to dishes and serve immediately. Makes an excellent appetizer served on it’s own, or as a side dish to a main course.
Where to find it: Not all soy sauces are created equal. Real soy sauce is brewed. Buyers beware, imitation soy sauce will have some version of “hydrolyzed soy protein” on the label. Put that one back and look for one that claims to be “naturally brewed”. Both supermarkets and Asian markets often carry both, so always inspect the label.
1 shallot, finely diced
2 small Serrano peppers, finely sliced
2 tbs canola oil
2 tbs soy sauce
2 tbs Szechuan sauce
fresh ground pepper
kosher salt
Place a large pot of water high heat. When water comes to a boil, blanch beans by adding to water and cooking just until water comes back up to a boil. Drain immediately. This step preserves, and even brightens, the colour of the vegetables.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large wok set over medium high heat. Into hot oil, add shallot and peppers. Sautee lightly, then add beans and toss until heated through. Add soy and Szechuan sauces. Toss to coat beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to dishes and serve immediately. Makes an excellent appetizer served on it’s own, or as a side dish to a main course.
Where to find it: Not all soy sauces are created equal. Real soy sauce is brewed. Buyers beware, imitation soy sauce will have some version of “hydrolyzed soy protein” on the label. Put that one back and look for one that claims to be “naturally brewed”. Both supermarkets and Asian markets often carry both, so always inspect the label.
Thai Red Tofu Curry
350 package extra firm tofu
1 stalk lemongrass
1-inch piece ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp sambal oelek
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
3 medium carrots
½ medium red bell pepper
½ medium head cauliflower
2 tbs canola oil
3 tbs red curry paste
2 5.6 oz cans coconut milk
Cilantro to garnish
Cut tofu into cubes. Place in a large bowl. Trim ends off lemongrass. With the back of a chef’s knife, bruise the stalk to release the aroma, then slice thinly. Peel, then thinly slice ginger and garlic. Add to tofu, along with sambal oelek, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss gently and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Chop carrot and red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Divide cauliflower into small florets.
As much as possible, separate tofu from lemongrass; discard lemongrass.
In a large wok over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add curry paste and toss to combine. Add tofu and toss to coat. Toss in vegetables, then add coconut milk and stir to make a sauce. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer until vegetables are just tender. Serve over bowls of jasmine rice. Garnish with cilantro.
1 stalk lemongrass
1-inch piece ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp sambal oelek
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
3 medium carrots
½ medium red bell pepper
½ medium head cauliflower
2 tbs canola oil
3 tbs red curry paste
2 5.6 oz cans coconut milk
Cilantro to garnish
Cut tofu into cubes. Place in a large bowl. Trim ends off lemongrass. With the back of a chef’s knife, bruise the stalk to release the aroma, then slice thinly. Peel, then thinly slice ginger and garlic. Add to tofu, along with sambal oelek, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss gently and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Chop carrot and red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Divide cauliflower into small florets.
As much as possible, separate tofu from lemongrass; discard lemongrass.
In a large wok over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add curry paste and toss to combine. Add tofu and toss to coat. Toss in vegetables, then add coconut milk and stir to make a sauce. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer until vegetables are just tender. Serve over bowls of jasmine rice. Garnish with cilantro.
Pork Rib "Fingers"
700gram rack of back ribs
½ medium onion
1 tbs whole peppercorns
½ tbs dried chilli flakes
3 cloves garlic, smashed
½ cup barbecue sauce
1 tbs Cajun spice
1 tbs fresh ground black pepper
½ tsp salt
Place first five ingredients in a large pot; rack may need to be divided in half in order to fit into the pot. Cover with water. Place over medium heat and bring up to a simmer. Continue to simmer for about 1 ½ hours, until meat is “loose” and nearly falling off the bones. (This step ensures the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. It can be done a day ahead. Just allow the ribs to cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to finish).
Preheat oven to 350F. Slice ribs apart between each bone. In a large bowl, using your hands (disposable gloves are handy), toss ribs together with sauce, thoroughly rubbing it into the meat. Toss together with seasonings. Place ribs in a covered baking dish and put into oven. Immediately reduce heat to 300F. Bake for approximately 1 hour, until meat pulls easily away from the bone.
Notes: If using a spicy, bold barbecue sauce such as Bull’s Eye Hot Southern Cajun, the recipe’s Cajun spice, pepper and salt are redundant and can be omitted. When purchasing rib rack, ask the butcher to remove the tough membrane on the underside of the meat, or plan to do it at home. It peels away quite easily.
½ medium onion
1 tbs whole peppercorns
½ tbs dried chilli flakes
3 cloves garlic, smashed
½ cup barbecue sauce
1 tbs Cajun spice
1 tbs fresh ground black pepper
½ tsp salt
Place first five ingredients in a large pot; rack may need to be divided in half in order to fit into the pot. Cover with water. Place over medium heat and bring up to a simmer. Continue to simmer for about 1 ½ hours, until meat is “loose” and nearly falling off the bones. (This step ensures the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. It can be done a day ahead. Just allow the ribs to cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to finish).
Preheat oven to 350F. Slice ribs apart between each bone. In a large bowl, using your hands (disposable gloves are handy), toss ribs together with sauce, thoroughly rubbing it into the meat. Toss together with seasonings. Place ribs in a covered baking dish and put into oven. Immediately reduce heat to 300F. Bake for approximately 1 hour, until meat pulls easily away from the bone.
Notes: If using a spicy, bold barbecue sauce such as Bull’s Eye Hot Southern Cajun, the recipe’s Cajun spice, pepper and salt are redundant and can be omitted. When purchasing rib rack, ask the butcher to remove the tough membrane on the underside of the meat, or plan to do it at home. It peels away quite easily.
Pistachio "Salad"
1 small pkg Kraft Pistachio pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 can (20oz) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
¼ cup chopped pistachios
Prepare pudding according to package directions, substituting one cup of the milk for whipping cream. Fold in crushed pineapple. Fold in cottage cheese. Scrape into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped pistachios.
1 cup milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 can (20oz) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
¼ cup chopped pistachios
Prepare pudding according to package directions, substituting one cup of the milk for whipping cream. Fold in crushed pineapple. Fold in cottage cheese. Scrape into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped pistachios.
Mulled Wine
1 bottle (3 cups) fruity red wine
1 orange
6 whole cloves
3 allspice berries
6 whole black peppercorns
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
½ cup sugar
¼ cup Triple Sec
With a citrus zester, or very fine grater, zest the bright orange part of the peel only. Using a citrus reamer, juice orange.
In a medium pot, combine orange zest and juice, wine, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon stick, sugar and triple sec. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
Reduce heat to low and allow to barely simmer for about another 30 minutes. Using a canning funnel, pour into a French press to strain and serve. Serve hot, with additional cinnamon sticks for garnish.
1 orange
6 whole cloves
3 allspice berries
6 whole black peppercorns
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
½ cup sugar
¼ cup Triple Sec
With a citrus zester, or very fine grater, zest the bright orange part of the peel only. Using a citrus reamer, juice orange.
In a medium pot, combine orange zest and juice, wine, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon stick, sugar and triple sec. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
Reduce heat to low and allow to barely simmer for about another 30 minutes. Using a canning funnel, pour into a French press to strain and serve. Serve hot, with additional cinnamon sticks for garnish.
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