Bacon and Apple-Stuffed Barbecue Pork Loin
Presentation is everything when it comes to your Thanksgiving spread, and this elegant stuffed roast, brushed with an apple and Dijon glaze, is absolutely stunning.
Presentation is everything when it comes to your Thanksgiving spread, and this elegant stuffed roast, brushed with an apple and Dijon glaze, is absolutely stunning.
This turkey is full of flavour thanks to the brine and smoke. Cooking on the barbecue not only allows you to smoke the bird but also keeps your oven free for other dishes. For best results, do not use a bird larger than 13 lb (6 kg) on the barbecue. You'll need about 2-1/2 cups applewood chips; be sure to soak them in water for an hour before using.
Tourtiere is the creme de la creme of pies. Lightly spiced and herbed, this pork pie is especially anticipated for Christmas Eve celebrations, but it's equally tasty throughout the holidays and winter months. Tourtiere is completely make-ahead, delicious when turkey or chicken take over for pork and perfectly complemented by a tangy relish such as chili sauce.
Smoking turkey with applewood chips imparts a subtle sweet flavour that will make your meal extra special. If you love a strong smoky aroma, opt for a more potent wood, such as hickory. Always read the label before buying a turkey; for this recipe, you'll want an unseasoned bird, as turkeys labelled "seasoned" have already been salted.
Comfort food at its finest, this classic creamy casserole packs buttery herb-flecked pastry and rich savoury chicken in every delightful bite.
My inspiration for the recipe began with an amazing cheese course I had at a dinner party at my sister's house. Rosemary honey drizzled on sharp cheese on a gourmet cracker. Divine! I knew my recipe had to have a rosemary honey component (and lucky for me I had overwintered a rosemary plant from my garden.) Thyme honey, my alternate choice and made the same way, was also delicious. I also wanted to focus on local prairie ingredients...you can't find lemons or olive oil here so I didn't put any in my recipe! I love risotto and thought it a good way to bring the sharp cheese into the recipe. I don't like the constant stirring of the usually method so tried local grains baked instead. The oats are creamy and the barley still has slight bite so it is a great combination. A friend who was sampling my recipe stated, "the risotto was a real surprise, the star of the show." I choose pickerel because it is a local prairie fish, is quite mild, and blends nicely with the other flavours. Rainbow trout also works nicely. The carrots and parsnips were grown locally and the rosemary honey just brings out the flavours wonderfully. To serve: Scoop a generous portion of risotto onto plates. Place an array of vegetables to the side of risotto, then top with a half fillet of pickerel. Drizzle with remaining rosemary honey and garnish with sprig of parsley. Excellent with any British Columbia Meritage or Pinot Grigio Note: If you have any leftover risotto, it is delicious for breakfast with crispy bacon on the side!
Come winter or late fall, there is nothing like sharing a savoury meat pie from Abitibi with family and friends. Commonly called tourtière, cipaille or tourte, there seem to be as many recipes as there are amateur of this hearty fare. The tourte, the bird that gave it its name, is unfortunately extinct, but the tradition of this delectable, easy to prepare in advance dish, is very much alive. Deer, caribou, moose, bear, boar and especially hare make it a very special treat. The fortunate cook, who has hunters in the family or generous friends to donate a little game, is blessed. Even more, if they are willing to help deboning and dicing the meat. However, it can also be prepared with farm raised deer, caribou, boar, rabbit and adding shoulder or loin of pork, as some game is very lean. The important thing to remember is (that the recipe calls for) half part game, preferably a variety of three different kinds, to half part diced potatoes. With some home-made tomato ketchup and a nice green sassy salad, like chicory with old style mustard and cider vinegar dressing, the hostess can sit back and enjoy the hunters' long tales.
