Roasted Pears
4 pears
3/4 cup (180 mL) brown sugar
1 vanilla bean
Pinch salt
Pinch cinnamon
1 3/4 Tbsp (25 mL) Pernod, or 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground anise
Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Peel, core, and cut each pear into 6 wedges. Mix pear wedges with all remaining ingredients and spread on baking sheet. Place in oven for approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Flip pears and bake for another 6 minutes or until browned. Do not overcook pears. Cool at room temperature.
Chocolate Chantilly Cream
2 cups (500 mL) whipping cream (35 percent)
4 oz (113 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 oz (113 g) milk chocolate, chopped
Bring cream to a boil and then pour slowly over the chopped chocolate in a bowl while mixing to create a smooth texture. Place the mixture in the fridge for 12 hours.
Maple Streusel Crumble
1/4 lb (125 g) salted butter
1/2 cup (125 mL) maple sugar (or brown)
1/3 cup (30 mL) ground walnuts
1 cup (250 mL) flour
Preheat oven to 310 F (155 C). Rub all ingredients together until crumbly. Spread on greased baking tray and bake in oven for 12 minutes or until cooked. Be sure to mix several times during baking to ensure even baking. Let cool at room temperature and store in sealed container to keep the crunchiness.
To serve: Whip the cold chocolate cream until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe chocolate cream into martini glasses. Place warmed pear wedges on top of chocolate cream. Sprinkle with maple streusel crumble. Serves 6.
source: "A taste of Eden", from alive #317, March 2009
Enjoy the zippy tang of sherry vinegar, popular in Spanish cooking, and the briny taste of capers in this zesty take on roasted cauliflower. Serve as a tapas side or on a charcuterie board accompanied by a selection of Spanish meats, cheeses, and olives. The smaller, the better The smaller you cut garlic, the more oils you’ll release, providing additional flavour. Looking to achieve more subtle flavour? Slice your garlic rather than crushing it.
Braising these hearty beans not only changes their texture but leaves them creamy and satisfying. Using a savoury broth with saffron for braising provides the traditional Spanish flavour, similar to a paella. This dish is served as a shared side, but it could also be served with rice and vegetables as a delicious stand-alone dinner or as a satisfying nourish bowl. Swap your spirits Try substituting vermouth for white wine in this recipe, if you have some on hand. It’s a great alternative to wine and will last much longer in your cupboard. An added perk? You can save that nice wine for sipping.
With Spain’s expansive coastlines and multiple islands, seafood is a staple of the cuisine. This quick and easy prawn dish will add a pop of protein and a wonderful smokiness to your tapas-style lineup. Sustainable seafood When choosing prawns (or any seafood), opt for sustainable varieties that recognize and even reward sustainable fishing practices. As an important protein in many cultures, seafood, caught sustainably, helps contribute to healthy oceans < and > healthy communities.
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.