LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2020

Inside scoop from page 19

4 1/2 cups (1.125 L) water 1 lb (455 g) dried spaghetti, preferably Italian 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano, plus more for serving 2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, cold, diced 1 In a large, heavy-duty stainless steel pot, heat oil and garlic over medium heat. When garlic starts to sizzle, cook until soft, but not brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes to coat in oil then add basil leaves, salt, pepper and water. Raise heat to high. When it comes to a boil, break spaghetti in half and add to pot. When it returns to a boil, reduce heat a notch so it boils steadily but not violently. Cook and stir with tongs occasionally at begin- ning, then constantly near end, until pasta is al dente and liquid has been reduced to a sauce, about 10 minutes. 2 Remove pot from heat. Gradually stir in Parmigiano followed by butter. Taste for salt. Divide among 4 warmed, shallow bowls and garnish with more cheese and basil leaves.

OLD HICKORY Light and refreshing, yet boldly flavoured, this lesser known New Orleans aperitif is a yin-yang of dry and sweet vermouth spiced up with two kinds of bitters. It’s the perfect pre-dinner cocktail for anyone who doesn’t drink spirits. 1 1/2 oz dry vermouth 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

ONE-POT SPAGHETTI AL POMODORO Cooking dried pasta right in the pot with the sauce is an Italian technique embraced by North American cooks who are obsessed with one-pan tricks. The starch released by the spa- ghetti creates a rich, silky consistency similar to that of risotto. 3 tbsp (45 mL) extra virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 lb (455 g) very ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks 2 sprigs basil, leaves removed, plus more leaves for garnish 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) fine sea salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste

2 dashes orange bitters Lemon twist to garnish

1 Place vermouths and bitters in a chilled lowball glass. Add enough ice to come above liquid. Stir in glass until ice cold, about 25 sec- onds. Add a few more ice cubes, if necessary. Squeeze lemon twist over drink and place in glass.

Makes 1 drink

Serves 4

SHOP ONLINE AT LCBO.COM

135 

FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2020