Balsamic & Fig Glazed Ham

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Surprise everyone this Christmas with a Balsamic & Fig Glazed Ham recipe from the chef Stefano Faita. The glaze is so good, you may just want to make a double batch so you have enough for leftovers too. Recipe serves 18 to 20 people.

INGREDIENTS
Balsamic and Fig Glaze
1 cup chopped fresh figs, stems removed
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. chopped rosemary
1 cup white wine
1 cup water

1/3 to 1/2 cup honey

Baked Ham

20 pound fully cooked, smoked whole ham, bone-in

Water, as needed for roasting pan

PREPARATION

Balsamic and Fig Glaze

1. Add figs, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, white wine, water and 1/3 cup honey to saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally until mixture thickens, about 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and adjust for sweetness, adding more honey, if needed. Divide mixture in half, using half for brushing on to ham. Reserve remaining half for serving with ham.

Baked Ham

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Fit rack in roasting pan.

2. If needed, remove skin off the ham and trim any excess fat. With a sharp knife, diagonally score ham in a diamond pattern.

3. Place ham on a rack fitted in a roasting pan. Add enough liquid to come about 1/2-inch up the sides of the pan. Cover and bake until internal temperature reaches 100 to 110 degrees F., about 2 hours, adding more water if pan starts getting dry.

4. Increase heat to 400 degrees F. Uncover. Brush lightly with glaze. Continue baking uncovered, glazing every 15 to 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 130 to 140 degrees F., about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

5. Tent with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Serve with remaining Fig and Balsamic Glaze.

Chef Tips: If you can’t find fresh figs, substitute with 1/2 cup dried figs that have been stemmed and then purée the glaze before using.

[recipe as seen in: cbc.ca]

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Stefano's Quick Beef Stew

Want to try something different, delicious and hearty? Try this warm and delicious recipe perfect for family dinner. Using beef tenderloin, carrots, onions and fresh rosemary this recipe will the favourite of the family. Total time 40 minutes. 

INGREDIENTS
1 pound beef tenderloin or strip loin steaks, cut into cubes
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed
2 tbsp. butter
1 small onion, diced
3 tbsp. chopped pancetta
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 sprigs rosemary or 1 tbsp. chopped rosemary
Pinch hot pepper flakes, optional
1 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tbsp. to 3 tbsp. flour
1/2 cup red wine
2 1/2 cups beef stock
2 carrots, sliced
10 to 12 mini potatoes, skin on, scrubbed and cut in half or quarters
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tbsp. chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Season cubes of beef with salt and pepper.

2. Heat large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tbsp. olive oil and 2 tbsp. butter. When oil is hot, add beef in batches, browning on all sides, about 5 minutes. (Don’t overcook the beef.) Transfer to plate.

3. Add 1 tbsp. olive oil if pan looks dry. Add onions, pancetta, celery, garlic, rosemary and hot pepper flakes. Cook until veggies are soft and lightly golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add flour. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in red wine let reduce for 2 to 3 minutes. Add stock, carrots, potatoes and bay leaf.

5. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low. Cook until carrots and potatoes are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Add beef and any juice back to pan, peas until both are heated through. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Finish with chopped parsley. Remove bay leaf before serving.

[recipe as seen in: cbc.ca]

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Turkey breast with Fresh Mozzarella stuffing

This delicious turkey breast fill with fresh mozzarella is perfect for Thanksgiving Day or Christmas, is easy and nutritious. Ideal for lunch, dinner or for your lunchbox. Surprise the family with your chef skills for a unforgettable yummy evening!

INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup (75 mL) pine nuts
1/2 cup (125 mL) quinoa
1 apple, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 pinch of ground cinnamon
6 oz (180 g) Fresh Mozzarella, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 lb (1 Kg) turkey breast, skinless and boneless
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups (750 mL) kale, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) flour
1/2 cup (125 mL) 18% cooking cream

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375oF (190oC).

2. In an oven-safe dish, toast pine nuts for 5–7 minutes or until golden.

3. In a saucepan, cook quinoa in salted boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water. Drain again. In a bowl, mix quinoa, apple, onion, cinnamon, pine nuts and Fresh Mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cut turkey breast in half lengthwise, without cutting all the way through, and open up like a book. Place turkey breast in an oven-safe dish. Place stuffing on bottom half and close top half so stuffing is secured inside. Hold in place with toothpicks or string.

5. Pour in broth, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
6. Place kale around turkey breast, cover and continue cooking for 30 minutes.
7. Remove cover and cook for 15 more minutes until turkey is golden.

8. Pour broth into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix flour with cream, then add mixture to saucepan. Stirring with a whisk, allow to thicken until creamy.

9. Slice and serve turkey and kale topped with sauce.









[recipe & photo belongs to: dairygoodness.ca]

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Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Squares

October and November is the month of the pumpkin, and what better way to show your baking skills, than with delicious (and good looking!) Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Squares. Perfect for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert or just a nice Sunday evening.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup packed light brown sugar

⅓ cup cool unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Pumpkin Cheesecake:

½ package brick cream cheese, at room temperature

¾ cup sugar

1 cup pure pumpkin purée

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 whole egg, at room temperature

1 egg yolk

Cheesecake Swirl:

¼ package brick cream cheese, at room temperature

1 ½ tablespoons sugar

1 egg yolk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment so that the paper comes up the sides of the pan.

2. For the crust, using a food processor, pulse the flour and brown sugar together, then cut in the butter until evenly blended (the mixture will be dry and crumbly). Alternatively, this base can be made by hand, blending the butter into the flour and sugar using a pastry cutter. Press this into the prepared pan and bake it for about 18 minutes, until it turns just a little brown at the edges. Cool while making the filling.

3. Beat the cream cheese to soften and then beat in the sugar. Add the pumpkin and stir until smooth. Switch to a whisk and add in the flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Whisk in the egg and egg yolk and set aside.

4. For the cheesecake swirl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and then beat in the sugar. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla until smooth.

5. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake onto the cooled crust. Either spoon or pipe the cheesecake swirl on top and use a bamboo skewer to create pretty swirls. Bake for about 30 minutes until, like a cheesecake, the filling is set at the edges but still has a little jiggle at the centre. Cool the squares to room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.

6. The squares will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

[recipe & photo belongs to: foodnetwork.ca]

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Best-ever mashed potatoes

Get ready for a delicious recipe of mashed potatoes, this side dish goes well with any lunch or dinner. Perfect for Thanksgiving Day, Holidays and any other celebration. What you're waiting for? try the best-ever mashed potatoes! 

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS 
5 lb. russet or Yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 cup half and half cream
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped chives (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel and cut potatoes into large, even-sized pieces. Place in a large pot. Cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until very tender, 25 to 30 min. Drain well.

2. Pour cream into a large measuring cup or small saucepan. Whisk in Dijon, salt and pepper. Add butter. Heat in the microwave or on stovetop until hot, but not boiling.

Place drained potatoes back in pan over warm (but off) burner to evaporate excess moisture. Mash until very smooth. Stir warm cream mixture, then pour into potatoes. Fold or stir to evenly mix. Taste and season with more salt, if you like. Serve garnished with chives, if using.

NOTES FROM THE CHEF
Starchy potatoes such as russet, and creamy varieties such as Yukon Gold, yield the best texture.

















 Originally published in the Walmart Live Better Fall 2013 issue / Photo: John Cullen

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Mini pumpkin scones with cinnamon cream cheese glaze

Autumn / Fall is here! and is the perfect for bake with pumpkin, give it a try! start with this delicious Mini pumpkin scones with cinnamon cream cheese glaze. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Autumn, Christmas or any season! 

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Makes: 20 scones

INGREDIENTS
For scones:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-in. cubes
1/4 cup non-hydrogenated margarine
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin purée

For glaze:
1/2 pkg cream cheese at room temperature (about 125 g)
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp hot water

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Stir flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar in a large bowl. Lightly mix in the butter and margarine using a pastry cutter or fork. Stop mixing when it resembles a coarse meal; do not overwork.

2. Add pumpkin purée and stir until fully combined. Line your counter with a piece of parchment paper. Turn out dough onto parchment and press out until it is an even 1-in. deep.

3. Cut into 4-in. by 4-in. squares, then cut again diagonally to form rectangles. Bake for 10 to 12 min, or until golden. Remove to a rack to cool slightly.

4. Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer in a large bowl until fluffy. Mix icing sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Add the cinnamon-sugar mixture to cream cheese and beat until fluffy. Add water and continue to beat until smooth and creamy. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside until ready to use. Drizzle glaze over warm scones and serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Originally published in the Walmart Live Better Back to School 2013 issue / Photo: John Cullen

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Apple coffee cake with maple-caramel

If your new to baking, this recipe Apple coffee cake with maple-caramel is delicious and perfect for celebrations; Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas. It taste delicious and it looks amazing.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time:1 hour 20 minutes
Makes:8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS
butter for baking pan
2 apples (we used Pink Lady and Gala)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sour cream

TOPPING
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup brown sugar
pinch salt
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup chopped, roasted and salted cashews

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour the inside of a Bundt pan or angel food cake pan

2. Peel, core and grate apples. Set aside.

3. Stir flour with baking soda, salt and spices. Set aside.

4. Beat butter with sugars using an electric mixer until creamy, about 2 min. Add eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in one-third of flour mixture just until blended, then half of sour cream. Repeat additions, ending with flour mixture. Stir in grated apple.

5. Spoon batter into pan, smoothing the top. Bake in centre of oven until golden and a tester inserted into centre of cake comes out clean, 50 to 55 min. Cool in pan on a rack for 10 min, then invert cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Combine maple syrup, sugar and salt in a small pot over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 min. Add whipping cream and bring back to a boil. 

7. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until caramel is thick and deep golden, 10 to 12 min. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

8. Drizzle cooled cake with topping and sprinkle with cashews before serving.

Originally published in the Walmart Live Better Fall 2013 issue / Photo: Vince Noguchi 

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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes goes well with anything! Perfect with chicken, meat or fish, this creamy recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving and Fall, it makes the perfect warm combination for a delicious meal. Easy to make, side-dish and yummy-licious!

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Recipe makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 medium head garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Drizzle garlic with olive oil, then wrap in aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and chop. Stir in butter, milk, salt and pepper.

4. Remove the garlic from the oven, and cut in half. Squeeze the softened cloves into the potatoes. Blend potatoes with an electric mixer until desired consistency is achieved.

[recipe & photo credit: allrecipes.com]

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