LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

SPOTLIGHT ON VEGGIES

White chocolate and carrot juice have a surprising affinity for one another. Throw in some ginger and you’ve got a dessert all your guests will be raving about. Stem ginger is cooked ginger in syrup. It’s available in jars at some large grocers and easily found online. Carrot & Ginger Pots de Crème

3 bars (each 100 g) white chocolate, chopped 1 3/4 cups (425 mL) whipping cream

3 tbsp (45 mL) stem ginger syrup, plus extra to garnish 1/2 cup (125 mL) Carrot Extract (recipe follows) 8 egg yolks, lightly beaten 3 tbsp (45 mL) diced stem ginger 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped or slivered pistachios

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C).

2. Place white chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.

3. Combine whipping cream, syrup and Carrot Extract in a pot and set over medium heat. As soon as it begins to gently boil, pour over chocolate. Whisk until chocolate is melted. 4. Place yolks in a separate large heatproof bowl. Slowly whisk in chocolate mixture. Divide between eight 1/2 -cup (125-mL) ramekins and arrange in a baking tin large enough to hold all ramekins. Pour in water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until set.

5. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days in advance. 6. When ready to serve, garnish each with an equal amount of diced ginger and chopped pistachios. Drizzle each with a little more ginger syrup.

CARROT EXTRACT Add 8 oz (225 g) peeled

[ WHAT TO SERVE ] Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rosé VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 172643, $18.95 This fresh and fruity rosé shows red fruit, herb and citrus notes, which marry perfectly with the dish, and the berry components tame its delicate spice element.

and coarsely grated carrots (about two medium carrots) to a blender along with 1/2 cup (125 mL) water. Blend until liquefied (you may need to scrape down the sides from time to time to get it going). Set a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl and strain extract from solids. Discard solids.

Serves 8

82 FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2022