Archives for 2012

13 November 2012 Canadian Brown Sugar Pie (Quebec Tarte au Sucre)

Canadian Brown Sugar Pie (Quebec Tarte au Sucre)

November 13, 2012 By
Tarte au Sucre

Tarte au Sucre

The Canadian brown sugar pie is a very traditional pie served in eastern Canada, specifically Quebec, around the holidays called ‘tarte au sucre’. My Grand-Mother always made a few sugar pies and froze them to have them on hand for the holidays. It reminds me a bit of pecan pie filling, minus the nuts, but smoother and firmer in texture. If you’re from Indiana, you may know this dish as Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie.

I know mile-high pies usually get all the love, but this brown sugar pie is baked in an 8″ pie plate, making it a somewhat thin pie. It’s definitely sweet and a small piece goes a long way!!! Believe it or not, vanilla ice cream is served with the pie to ‘cut through the sweetness’!  

Be sure to place the sugar pie on a baking sheet as you put it in the over to prevent spills.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp. butter, softened
  • 1 tbs. flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. maple extract
  • 2 – 8″ pie crusts

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  2. Bring the condensed and whole milks, brown sugar and butter to a simmer over medium heat in a heavy saucepan. When small bubbles form at the surface, cook for 2 minutes, whisking occasionally.
  3. In a small cup/bowl, stir the maple extract, the flour and 2 tablespoons of hot mixture to form a paste. Add this paste to hot mixture and whisk to fully incorporate.  Cook until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour the sugar mixture into an un-baked pie crust and cover with a second crust.
  5. Bake until browned, about 25 minutes. 

Serve with vanilla ice cream at room temperature or warm. The pie keeps well wrapped in foil for up to a week (not that it’ll last that long). You could also bake the pie, cool it and wrap in several layers of plastic wrap then foil and freeze for a month.

Yields 8 servings.

Filed Under: Canadian, Desserts Tagged With: , ,
12 November 2012 2007 Weingut von Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte Riesling Spatlese

2007 Weingut von Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte Riesling Spatlese

November 12, 2012 By

Had the pleasure of sampling this outstanding wine paired with butternut squash risotto recently. In the glass, it is honey yellow and leggy.

On the nose, it is bold and offers peach, clementine and tropical fruit flavors.

In the mouth, it has a chewy texture and Asian pear and Meyer lemon flavors with a superb balance and nice level of acidity. Finish is long and honeyed.

91 points Wine Spectator.

Pairings: Spicy dishes, pork.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Riesling

Region: Saar, Germany

Price: $18

Filed Under: Germany, Riesling, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
11 November 2012 Slow Cooker Quebec Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Quebec Baked Beans

November 11, 2012 By

I have written about Quebec Baked Beans in the past and about how my maternal Grand-Mother fixed this traditional breakfast dish for the family. Last night, I decided to try to make the beans in the slow cooker and they turned out amazing!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried white beans
  • 1/2 pound salt pork, cut into  1″ cubes
  • 1 medium onion, peeled
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. each salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Place the beans in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water then cover with foil.  Place the saucepan in the refrigerator at least 12 hours.
  2. Rinse the beans in a colander under cold water.
  3. Place the cubed salt pork in the bottom of a 3-5 quart slow cooker (Crockpot). Top the pork with the rinsed beans. Tuck the onion into the beans. Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over the beans and pork.
  4. Add water to the slow cooker to cover the beans by an inch. Simmer on LOW for 8-10 hours.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Canadian, Pork, Sides Tagged With: , , ,
6 November 2012 Go Vote!

Go Vote!

November 6, 2012 By

Happy Election Day to my fellow Americans. Whichever way you lean, don’t forget to vote!

Filed Under: Other Neat Things
31 October 2012 Top 10 Spooky Halloween Wines

Top 10 Spooky Halloween Wines

October 31, 2012 By

Photo by Michael David Winery

Know all of you will need a Halloween-appropriate wine after the trick-or-treating is over!

Here are ten spooky Halloween wines to uncork on October 31st:

  1. 2010 Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot ($12) – Columbia Valley, Washington.
  2. 2009 Bogle Phantom ($14) – Yolo County, California.
  3. 2008 7 Deadly Zins ($15) – Central Valley, California.
  4. 2005 Dracula Syrah ($16) – Paso Robles, California.
  5. 2010 Ghost Hill Cellars “The Spirit of Pinot Noir” Dry Rosé ($18) – Willamette Valley, Oregon.
  6. Ash Hollow Legends 2009 Headless Red ($18) – Walla Walla Valley, Washington.
  7. 2009 Owen Roe Sinister Hand ($28) – Columbia Valley, Washington.
  8. 2009 Twisted Oaks River of Skulls ($35) – Calaveras County, California.
  9. 2007 Slaughterhouse Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon ($50) – Napa Valley, California.
  10. 2009 Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon ($55) – Napa Valley, California.

Have a ghoolishly great day!

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
31 October 2012 Pot Roast 101

Pot Roast 101

October 31, 2012 By

When cooler weather comes, the thought of a comforting dish, like a pot roast, sounds very appealing. Conversely, the thought of spending hours slaving over a hot stove does not sound in any way appealing. Here is a simple pot roast recipe that slow cooks in the oven, tastes rich and hearty and is a breeze to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 (3-pound) boneless chuck roast (London broil)
  • 1 tsp. each salt and pepper
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 large carrots, cut on the diagonal in 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work best)
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans beef broth

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. In a heavy Dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Sprinkle the roast with salt and pepper. Add the roast to pan and sear on both sides for 3 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the roast from pan, turn the heat to medium, add the remaining oil and sauté the onion and carrots for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add the thyme and bay leaves to the vegetables then place the roast over the vegetables in pan. Pour the wine and the broth in pan, cover, transfer the roast to the oven and simmer for 3 hours.
  5. Serve with mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles or white rice.

Serves 6.

Filed Under: American, Beef, Entrees, Vegetables Tagged With: , ,
29 October 2012 Gooey Triple Chocolate Brownies

Gooey Triple Chocolate Brownies

October 29, 2012 By

At my place of employment (my work that pays the bills), there is a mad rush at the end of each month to ship as much merchandise as possible to boost up our revenue dollars. The team of guys who pull the equipment off the shelves, pack it and ship it, work hard to make sure commitments are met. Since I cannot help with the physical things they do, I always bake the guys something to give them the extra rush they need to get the job done. This month, the treats are these decadent brownies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (8 Tbsp.) butter
  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup good quality cocoa powder ( I use Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder)
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a microwaveable bowl, melt the butter for 30 seconds. Add the unsweetened chocolate and the cocoa powder and microwave for one minute, stirring after 30 seconds. If the chocolate is not fully melted, cook for an additional 30 seconds. Set aside.
  3. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on medium speed until thick and pale yellow, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the melted chocolate and the vanilla to the egg mixture and beat for one minute. Add the flour and beat for 15 seconds, until just incorporated. Add the chocolate chips and stir by hand to combine.
  6. Pour the brownie batter in the prepared pan and bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until brownies are set but still a bit moist in the center of the pan. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Makes 16 brownie squares.

Filed Under: American, Chocolate, Desserts Tagged With: , ,
28 October 2012 Butternut Squash and Porcini Mushroom Lasagna

Butternut Squash and Porcini Mushroom Lasagna

October 28, 2012 By

In the fall, I get inspired to prepare dishes that reflect the season and the autumn harvest. An ingredient I love to use during this time of year is butternut squash. From Butternut Squash and White Asparagus Bisque to Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Bacon in Sage and Danish Blue Cheese Sauce to the following recipe, Butternut Squash and Porcini Mushroom Lasagna, there are countless ways to prepare comforting dishes using this orange-fleshed fruit (yes, I said fruit).

Filling Ingredients:

  • 3-pound butternut squash, peeled, cut in half below the “neck”, seeds removed, cut into thin circles and half-moons using a mandoline or a sharp knife
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1-pound package of fresh Porcini mushrooms, sliced (could use any wild mushrooms)
  • 1 pound whole-milk Ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh sage

Other Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. butter, softened
  • ½ stick butter
  • 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • Generous pinch of ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp. each salt and pepper
  • 6-ounce package of fresh lasagna sheets (see refrigerated pasta section)
  • 2 cups grated Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Butternut Squash Layer

Filling Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°.
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. Place squash slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat then sauté the mushrooms for about five minutes, stirring a few times. Allow to cool to room temperature.
  4. Mix the Ricotta, Parmesan, egg and sage in a large bowl. Set aside.

Assembly Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  2. Generously butter a 13x9x2-inch baking dish using two tablespoons of butter. Set aside.
  3. In a large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir for three minutes, until bubbly but not browned. Add the cream and whole milk and whisk to fully incorporate the flour mixture into the liquids. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 10 minutes, over low heat, whisking frequently.
  4. Add a ladle-full of white sauce to the buttered dish making sure the bottom is covered.
  5. Place two fresh lasagna sheets over the sauce. If the pasta sheets are too long, run them up the sides of the dish for crunchy corners when the lasagna bakes.
  6. Scoop half of the Ricotta cheese mixture over the lasagna noodles, spreading evenly.
  7. Place half of the butternut squash over the Ricotta.
  8. Arrange two more fresh lasagna sheets over the squash.
  9. Add two ladle-full of white sauce over the lasagna noodles.
  10. Sprinkle the sautéed mushrooms over the sauce.
  11. Top the mushrooms with two more fresh lasagna sheets.
  12. Place the last of the butternut squash over the lasagna sheets.
  13. Top the squash with the remaining Ricotta mixture.
  14. Cap the lasagna with the Mozzarella cheese then the Parmesan cheese.
  15. Coat a piece of foil large enough to cover the lasagna with cooking spray. Cover the lasagna with the foil for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, turn the oven to broil and cook the lasagna for an additional 7-10 minutes, until browned. Allow the lasagna to cool for 20 minutes before serving.

Serves eight or six very generously.

Filed Under: American, Cheese, Entrees, Mushrooms, Pasta, Vegetables Tagged With: , , ,
27 October 2012 Bollinger Special Cuvee

Bollinger Special Cuvee

October 27, 2012 By

Bought two bottles of this Champagne last weekend and loved the first one. I popped the second one last night’s for #champagneday, a virtual tasting of all things Champagne.

This Champagne is golden in the glass with tons of tiny bubbles. On the nose, the Bollinger Special Cuvee offers Asian apple and buttered toast notes. In the mouth, it is creamy, rich, well-balanced with a great level of acidity. There are notes of Meyer lemon, ripe pear and toasted almonds. Very nice Champagne showing better than many at twice that price.

93 points Wine Spectator.

Pairings:  Smoked salmon, caviar, poached chicken, lobster, risotto.

Style: Champagne / Sparkling Wine

Grape Type(s): 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier.

Region: Champagne, France

Price: $55

Filed Under: France, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
25 October 2012 2008 Jeff Gordon Cellars Napa Valley Joie De Vivre

2008 Jeff Gordon Cellars Napa Valley Joie De Vivre

October 25, 2012 By

I participated in a virtual tasting last night hosted by Jeff Gordon Cellars featuring its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blend named Joie De Vivre. For those of you who have not taken part in a social media wine tasting, this is what it entails:

  1. Buy a bottle of the themed wine, in this case, 2008 Jeff Gordon Cellars Joie De Vivre.
  2. Gather with friends to share the experience or just put your JPs on and get in front of the computer.
  3. Sip and share your thoughts about the wine with other tasters from around the world. Cool no?

Back to the wine. The Cabernet is from Corbett Vineyards Spring Mountain, the Merlot from Solari Vineyard Calistoga and the Syrah from Page Nord Vineyard Yountville. Only 254 cases were produced, so get your thirsty hands on a bottle if you want to try it.

In the glass, it is dark purple and has me decanting half the bottle for later comparison. The nose is intense with aromas of ripe raspberry and juicy cherry exploding out of the glass. Ripe cherry, juicy stone fruit and dark berries flavors with a spice and smokey finish. The decanted wine has a lovely earthy flavor and the young tannins round up for a smooth mouthful.

Pairings:  Grilled beef, cured meats and cheese platter, pasta with red sauce.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blend

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $61

I am grateful to have been invited to sample this celebrity wine that, as seldom happens, turns out to be quite great.

For additional information about Jeff Gordon Cellars and its wines, visit: www.jeffgordonwine.com.

Cheers, Veronique

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding to my repertoire as it is truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States Tagged With: , , ,
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