Ah March. It’s that time of year when we’re all a little confused. Temperature fluctuations have us wondering will we get one last snow fall? Is it too early to put away the snow boots? What vegetables could possibly be in season right now? Why haven’t I started my ‘summer diet’ yet? And the list goes on. Like all of you, we’re ready for winter to wrap it up! But since it’s not quite grilling season just yet here are some of our favourite wintery recipes that you can use for early spring entertaining until it’s time to finally brush off the grill.
Winter Pesto Why does basil and summer pesto get all the attention? The tables are turning with these AMAZING ideas for both the traditional Italian sauce and what it can be paired with! We can’t lie, basil pesto served on linguine and topped with parmesan cheese will always hold a place in our hearts, but we’re also confident that your guests will be both shocked, intrigued and then completely satisfied by these tasty twists on the classic dish. [Courtesy of Bon Appetit]http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/winter-pestos
Brussel Sprout and Arugula Salad with Walnuts Before salads are taken over by the fresh citrus flavours associated with the warmer months we highly recommend you take this wintery side dish for a taste test. Warm Brussel sprouts and walnuts paired with peppery arugula, all tossed in this cider based vinaigrette with make a perfect starter or side no matter what the temperature is outside! [Courtesy of Williams Sonoma] http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/brussels-sprout-and-arugula-salad-with-walnuts.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH
Beef Stew in a Red Wine Sauce For those chilly nights, that are more than likely inevitable this month no matter how hard we wish for warmer weather, there’s this delicious Beef Stew recipe. Chunks of tender flat iron, simmering in the robust red wine sauce are sure to leave you and your guests feeling warm, happy and content. Another appealing factor of this recipe is that it is perfect for making ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your guests and less in the kitchen. Leftovers? Perfect for freezing! (We’re pretty sure anything red wine based is appropriate all season round anyways). [Courtesy of Food & Wine] http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beef-stew-in-red-wine-sauce
Flourless Chocolate Cake A favourite used in our own catering kitchen, flourless chocolate cake is the ultimate winter sweet treat. Like our beef stew recipe with the red wine, we’re firm believeres that chocolate actually is a ‘all season’ flavour, but top this cake with winter berries and fresh cream and it will exude a winter flare that fruity treats like strawberry tarts or lemon merigue pie could never pull off.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/flourless-chocolate-cake-recipe.html
