LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2020

FRUIT SALADS THAT DAZZLE

This savoury fruit salad gives fragrant melon and crunchy cukes some Latin flair with queso fresco, spicy pumpkin seeds and a zesty lime dressing. If you can’t find queso fresco (a mild, white cheese available at Latin American food shops and select cheesemongers), use ricotta salata or feta instead. SPICED PEPITAS 1/2 cup (125 mL) hulled pumpkin seeds 1/2 tsp (2 mL) extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp (2 mL) smoked paprika 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground chipotle powder Salt to taste SALAD 1/4 cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lime juice 1 tsp (5 mL) agave syrup or honey Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 large ripe cantaloupe (about 2 lbs/1 kg), peeled, seeded 4 mini cucumbers, sliced on bias 1/4-inch (5-mm) thick 4 oz (115 g) queso fresco, crumbled Cilantro leaves to garnish Large lime wedge 1 For the spiced pepitas, place pumpkin seeds in a medium fry- ing pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and beginning to pop, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp (2 mL) olive oil to coat. Add spices and salt, and stir 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container. (Store in a cool, dry place up to 1 month.) CANTALOUPE & CUCUMBER SALAD WITH QUESO FRESCO & SPICED PEPITAS

salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing and gently mix. Ar­ range on a shallow serving platter. Sprinkle with cheese, some pepitas (save the rest for another use) and cilantro. Squeeze lime wedge over salad and serve.

2 For the salad, whisk 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil, lime juice, agave or honey, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl until combined. Set aside. 3 Cut cantaloupe into 3/4-inch (2-cm) wedges. Cut each wedge crosswise into 4 pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl with cu­ cumber. Season to taste with

WHAT TO SERVE

Flavours of cream and hazelnut in this vibrant, slightly off-dry wine reach out to the queso while the wine’s bounti- ful peach, pear and mango aromas are a great match with the cantaloupe. Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc LCBO 253229, $16.30

Serves 6

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SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK