Food: Spring Fare-Buying, Storing, Cooking

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Spring Fare and Sports Party

Asparagus Gruyere, Asparagus Bread, Asparagus Lemon Rolls, Artichoke and Cheddar Dip, Baby Artichoke Hearts, Potato Salad, Potato-Avocado,Rhubarb Parfaitt,Spinach-Strawberry salad....With spring finally rearing its leafy green head, it’s time to throw off the dreariness of winter in favour of meals inspired by the bountiful return of fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Asparagus

These little spears are often misused by clumsy at-home chefs confused by their tough exteriors. To buy, look for thin, compact stalks that are firm and bruise-free. Once home, cover their tips in damp paper towel and keep in the fridge for up to two days. Before cooking, hold the stalk at the ends in each hand and bend until it snaps at its natural breaking point. Discard the ends and using a paring knife, scrape off any stringy bits. Boil in hot water or use a special asparagus steamer until tender.

Artichokes

Their beautiful pattern of overlaying leaves make artichokes a dazzling spring vegetable to behold, but it’s…

Yield: 4

Ingredients:

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Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Sugar Pecans

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans (50ml)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (30ml)
• 2 tbsp water (30ml)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (15ml)
• 1 tbsp liquid honey(15ml)
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (2ml)
• pinch salt (pinch)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (50ml)
• 4 cups baby spinach (about 4 oz/100g) (1L)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries (250ml)
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced (2)
• 1/4 cup soft black pepper cheese, (50ml)
• such as Boursin or crumbled chevre (optional)

 

Directions:

Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Sugar Pecans

1. Place pecans, sugar and water in a small saucepan set on medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Simmer mixture, stirring occasionally, until golden and pecans are coated, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cool. Crumble and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar with the honey, Dijon and salt. Slowly whisk in the oil until well combined. To serve, divide spinach among salad plates and top with strawberries, kiwis and sugar pecans. Drizzle with vinaigrette and garnish with the crumbled cheese, if using.

   Tip: This salad is delicious with or without the cheese. For variety, a mild blue cheese such as cambozola could be used in place of the black pepper cheese or chevre. You could also cut the amount of strawberries in half, and make up the difference with raspberries or blueberries.

Sports Party Menu

playoff party or get-together for a hockey game, try these from the Editorial Staff of FoodTV.ca

Finger Foods:

• Gingered Chicken Wings
• Barbecue Chicken Wings
• Blue Cheese Dip
• Guacamole
• Fried Mozzarella Sticks
• Volcanic Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

Main Dishes:

• Honey Brown Lager and Maple Mustard Back Ribs
• Spare Ribs in a Beer Sauce
• Sausage and Roasted Tomato Mini Pizza
• Meatball Sub
• Fusion Nachos
• Beer Beef Stew
• Jambalaya
• Snakebite Chili
• Lobster Chili
• Irish Stew

Desserts:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Whoopie Pie

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