Saturday, 25 July 2015

Strawberry Basil Mojito


Strawberry Basil Mojito

                Ingredients                   Yield: 1 glass
  • 5                    Basil Leaves
  • 1                    Strawberry
  • 1                    Lime, juiced
  • 15ml (1Tbsp) Strawberry Coulis
  • 60ml (1/4c)   Rum
  • 250ml (1c)     Club Soda
  • 250ml (1c)     Ice
  • Basil Sugar
                 Instructions
  1. To make basil sugar combine a few leaves of basil with a bit of sugar in a mortar and pestle and crush together.
  2. Rim the glass by taking a lime wedge and running it along the rim of the glass and then dip it in the basil sugar.
  3. Crush basil leaves in hand and add to the glass.
  4. Add strawberry coulis, lime juice, and rum to the glass.
  5. Add the ice and fill the rest of the glass with club soda.
  6. To garnish make a strawberry spiral by hulling the strawberry and cutting in a spiral motion without going through the centre of it.
  7. Serve and enjoy!
Check out the video!

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

White BBQ Sauce


White BBQ Sauce

               Ingredients           Yield: 250ml (1c)
  • 200ml (3/4c+2Tbsp)  Oil (canola)
  • 1                                 Egg Yolk
  • 5ml (1tsp)                   Cayenne Hot Sauce                              (Frank's/Tabasco)
  • 10ml (2tsp)                 Mustard
  • 10g (2tsp)                   Mustard Seeds
  • 10                               Black Peppercorns
  • 1                                 Lemon, juiced
  • 30ml (2Tbsp)             Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 20ml (1Tbsp+5ml)     Corn Syrup (sugar can be substituted)
                Instructions
  1. Combine egg yolk, mustard, and lemon juice and mix together with whisk or stick blender.
  2. Next blend in mustard seeds and peppercorns so they break down a bit.
  3. Start to add in half of the oil slowly while mixing at the same time to form an emulsion.
  4. Once it gets thick, mix in corn syrup, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
  5. Add in the rest of the oil while mixing.
  6. Season to taste with salt, hot sauce, and corn syrup as it should be a balance of sweet, acidic, savoury, and heat.
Check out the video!

Saturday, 18 July 2015

Mushroom Onion Ragu


Mushroom Onion Ragu

                Ingredients              Yield: 375-500ml (1 1/2-2c)
  • 100g  (1 box) Mushrooms, quartered                                 (variety of your choosing)
  • 1 pkg            Dried Mushrooms, chopped    (rehydrated in the 250ml of water)
  • 250ml (1c)    Mushroom Stock (The leftover water from rehydrating the mushrooms)
  • 1 large          Onion, julienned
  • 2 sprigs         Thyme
  • 60ml (1/4c)   Red Wine
  • 30g (2Tbsp)   Butter
  • 30ml (2Tbsp) Heavy Cream
                Instructions
  1. In a saute pan, combine butter with a little bit of cooking oil on medium high heat and start to caramelize the mushrooms.
  2. Once the mushrooms have started to caramelize add in the onions and caramelize them too.
  3. Once both mushrooms and onions are well caramelized, deglaze the pan with the red wine. Also add in the mushroom stock and thyme. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the thyme sprigs after the 5 minutes is up and add cream to the sauce.
  5. Season to taste and enjoy!
Check out the video!

Thursday, 16 July 2015

Green Cauliflower and Spinach Puree


Green Cauliflower and Spinach Puree

                Ingredients             Yield: 250ml-375ml (2c-2 1/2c)
  • 1 head             Cauliflower, core removed
  • 1 handful         Spinach
  • 250ml (1c)       Heavy Cream
  • 375ml (2 1/2c) Milk
  • 10g (1 1/2tsp)  Baking Soda
                Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of water up to a boil and add in baking soda.
  2. While waiting for the water to boil, place the cauliflower in a pot with the cream and milk. Also, bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer once it has come to a boil.
  3. Once the water has come to a boil add the spinach and blanch for 15 seconds or until it is a bright green colour. Remove from the water and set off to the side. Squeeze out any extra liquid from the spinach once it has cooled.
  4. Once the cauliflower has cooked remove it from the cooking liquid and place it in a blender with the spinach with a little bit of the cream and milk mixture.
  5. Blend until smooth adding more milk and cream as necessary and seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Check out the video!

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Mojito


Mojito

                Ingredients                   Yield:  1 serving
  • 60ml (1/4c)   Rum, golden, white or dark
  • 250ml (1c)     Club Soda
  • 30ml (2Tbsp) Lime Juice (1 Lime)
  • 10+ leaves     Mint
  • 250ml (1c)     Ice Cubes
  • 15g (1Tbsp)   Brown Sugar
                Instructions
  1. Muddle mint and brown sugar in the bottom of a highball glass.
  2. Add in lime juice and stir to dissolve sugar.
  3. Add in ice.
  4. Pour the rum over the ice and fill the rest of the cup with the club soda.
  5. Serve with a lime wedge!
Check out the video!

Monday, 13 July 2015

Creamy Polenta


Creamy Polenta

               Ingredients                   Yield: 8+ servings
  • 1.5L (6c)       Water
  • 360g (2c)       Polenta
  • 125g (1/2c)   Cream Cheese
  • 2g (1Tbsp)     Fresh Thyme, chopped
  • 125ml (1/2c) Heavy Cream
  • 125ml (1/2c) Milk, not always neccessary
  • 60g (1/2c)     Parmesan, grated
                Instructions
  1. Bring all water to a boil in a large pot. Season with salt.
  2. Whisk the polenta into the boiling water, leaving on medium-high heat to come back up to a boil.
  3. Add in thyme. Continue to whisk while at a boil and cook until the corn is not crunchy. (Cooking time will vary depending on the grind of the cornmeal).
  4. Once cooked, add in cream cheese and Parmesan and stir until melted.
  5. Thin to desired consistency with the cream first. Use milk if needed.
  6. Check the seasoning and serve while hot!
Check out the video!

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Cherry Jam


Cherry Jam

                Ingredients            Yield: 180ml (3/4c)
  • 100g (3/4c) Cherries, pitted
  • 50ml (1/4c) Water
  • 50g (1/4c)   Granulated Sugar
                 Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients into a small pot on high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  2. Cook for 5-10 minutes at least so most of the water evaporates. (15-20minutes for a thicker syrup).
  3. Cool down and enjoy!
Check out the video!