kitchen rap

• on the chopping block… Cookware Sale on Now!
• in the spotlight… Christmas Baking
• product review…


- Cookie Presses     - Easy Release Baking     - Whipped Cream Dispenser/Dessert Whipper     - Cheesecake Pans     - Holiday Bundt Pans     - Stand Mixers     - Blenders     - Cocktail Parties     - Mandolines

- Bamboo Cutting Boards and Utensils     - Pizza Stones     - Teapots     - Saucepan Stirrer     - Ceramic Knives     - Recipe Organizers     - Holiday Entertaining     - Magnetic Spice Boards     - Pot Racks

• Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh's Invitation to Dine
• from Kathleen's recipe box... Shrimp Dumplings with Coriander
• from Kathleen's recipe box... Lamb Shanks with Fava Bean & Rapini
• from Kathleen's recipe box... White Purée Avalon
• from Kathleen's recipe box... Pan Forte di Siena
• publishing and subscription information

Cuisinart Classic Collection	Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless	Cuisinox Elite	Calphalon One
Calphalon One Non-Stick	Swiss Diamond Non-Stick	Mauviel Copper	Le Creuset

Click here for more information regarding each of these lines and sale pricing.

View our complete list of Christmas baking supplies.

Christmas cake pans   Christmas tree $14.00 each info Christmas tree (step-by-step) $8.00 each info stand-up gingerbread house $18.00 each info Santa Claus $15.00 each info snowflake $14.00 each info snowman face (step-by-step) $10.50 each info stand-up snowman $15.00/set info	mini cake and cookie pans mini gingerbread boy pan, 6 cavities $15.00 each info mini snowman pan, 6 cavities $15.00 each info petite Christmas tree pan, 12 cavities $15.00 each info petite gingerbread boy pan, 9 cavities $15.00 each info gingerbread boy giant cookie pan $8.00 each info Christmas tree giant cookie pan $8.00 each info Christmas tree cookie treat pan, 6 cavities $12.00 each info snowman cookie treat pan, 6 cavities $12.00 each info star cookie treat pan, 6 cavities $12.00 each info
cookie cutters Christmas trees, nested set of 4 $7.50/set info gingerbread boys, nested set of 4 $7.50/set info snowmen, nested set of 4 $8.50/set info stars, nested set of 4 $7.50/set info snowflakes, nested set of 4 $7.50/set info snowflakes, 5 cutters $10.00/set info snowflakes, 3 cutters + 2 cutouts $9.50/set info snowflakes, 5 cutters + 3 cutouts $13.50/set info linzer set, 7 pieces $12.00/set info linzer Christmas set, 7 pieces $12.00/set info	cookie cutters Christmas set, 8 cutters $9.50/set info Christmas set, 10 cutters, tin box $16.00/set info Christmas set, 15 cutters $19.00/set info mini Christmas set, 6 cutters $5.50/set info gingerbread set, 6 cutters $9.50/set info ornament set, 6 cutters $9.50/set info snowman set, 7 cutters $9.50/set info Christmas set, copper, 12 cutters $30.00/set info mini Christmas set, copper, 6 cutters $13.50/set info
cupcake and cookie stencils Christmas cookie stencils, set of 5 $4.75/set info Christmas tree cookie cutter & stencil $3.50/set info gift cookie cutter & stencil $3.50/set info gingerbread boy cookie cutter & stencil $3.50/set info snowman cookie cutter & stencil $3.50/set info star cookie cutter & stencil $3.50/set info	cake and cookie sprinkles Christmas tree mix sprinkles, 2.5 oz $3.50 each info gingerbread boy mix sprinkles, 2.5 oz $3.50 each info snowflake mix sprinkles, 2.5 oz $3.50 each info Christmas sparks, 2.5 oz $3.50 each info sprinkle assortment, 4 varieties $9.00 each info sprinkle assortment, 6 varieties $10.00 each info
baking cups gifts galore pack of 50 standard or 75 mini $2.75/pack gingerbread boys pack of 50 standard or 75 mini $2.75/pack jolly Santa pack of 50 standard or 75 mini $2.75/pack snowflake pack of 50 standard or 75 mini $2.75/pack snowman pack of 50 standard or 75 mini $2.75/pack plaid pack of 50 standard $2.75/pack red & green pack of 72 candy cups $2.75/pack holly pack of 200 candy cups $6.25/pack	chocolate and lollipop moulds Christmas truffles, 12 cavities $4.00 each info gift truffles, 13 cavities $4.00 each info gingerbread, 12 cavities $4.00 each info bulbs lollipop, 9 cavities $4.00 each info Christmas tree lollipop, 6 cavities $4.00 each info gifts galore, 11 cavities $4.00 each info Santa Claus lollipop, 9 cavities $4.00 each info snowflakes lollipop, 9 cavities $4.00 each info Winter wonderland lollipop, 8 cavities $4.00 each info
treat and party bags Christmas trees, pack of 20 $3.00/pack info gifts galore, pack of 20 $3.00/pack info gingerbread, pack of 20 $3.00/pack info jolly Santa, pack of 20 $3.00/pack info snowflakes, pack of 20 $3.00/pack info	chocolate & candy kits candy kit $12.00 each info chocolate lollipop kit $12.00 each info hard candy lollipop kit $17.00 each info Christmas tree candy box kit $20.00 each info gummy candy kit $10.00 each info
coloured icings   food colour markers $7.00/pack info ready-to-use cookie icing, red/green/white $7.00 each info food colour spray, red/green/white $6.00 each info	icing decorations gifts, 9 pieces $4.00/pack info gingerbread, 12 pieces $4.00/pack info Santa, 12 pieces $4.00/pack info snowflakes, 11 pieces $4.00/pack info snowmen, 11 pieces $4.00/pack info

A cookie press lets you easily make homemade spritz cookies in a variety of decorative shapes. The cookie dough is placed inside the barrel of the press, the desired disc is placed on the end, and the dough is squeezed out into the selected shape or pattern. The battery-operated presses can also be used to decorate desserts, make hors d'oeuvres, stuff pastries and pastas, and create beautiful food presentations (such as twice-baked potatoes).

	Wilton Comfort Grip	Wilton Cookie Max	Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra	Wilton Cookie Master Plus	Bonjour Cookie Factory
Style	trigger	pump	pump	battery	battery
Barrel	polycarbonate	polycarbonate	stainless steel	polycarbonate	2 polycarbonate (regular and jumbo)
Discs	12 plastic	12 plastic	10 aluminum	12 aluminum	15 regular + 10 jumbo plastic
Tips	--	--	--	4	10
Recipe booklet	•	•	•	2 (sweet and savoury)	•
Special features			attached disc storage case		interchangeable barrel for making jumbo cookies
Price	$22.00   info	$29.25   info	$40.75   info	$66.50   info	$50.00   info

For perfect results every time, most recipes recommend that cake pans be greased and floured. Wilton offers two products which simplify this process: cake release and Bake Easy spray. Squeeze the cake release ($6.50) from the bottle and brush over the bottom and sides of the pan with a pastry brush or paper towel. Bake Easy ($5.00) is a non-stick spray which is sprayed onto the pan (unlike Pam or similar products, Bake Easy contains lecithin to prevents sticking); it's excellent for Bundt-style pans which have intricate designs. Even non-stick pans will benefit from a light spray of Bake Easy.

For easy release of your holiday cookies, breads and rolls, or other foods, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, non-stick baking liner, or a silicone baking mat.

	Chef's Select	Regency Wraps	Regency Wraps	SiliconeZone	Pantec	Silpat
Product	parchment paper	parchment paper circles	non-stick baking liner	silicone baking mat	silicone baking mat	silicone baking mat
Size	15" wide × 16½ foot roll	8" diameter 9" diameter 10" diameter 12" diameter	13" × 17"	9" × 12" 11¾" × 16¾" 14" diameter	11" × 16½"	11½" × 16½"
Cut to fit	•	•	•		•
Uses	once	once	hundreds	thousands	thousands	thousands
Price	$6.00/roll   info	$5 - $8 (pack of 24)   info	$12.00   info	$15.25 - $24.25   info	$25.00   info	$29.75   info

With a whipped cream dispenser, it's easy to whip up plain or flavoured whipped cream for filling or topping desserts, sundaes, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Just pour whipping cream and the desired flavouring into the canister, twist on a charger, shake, and press the handle to dispense perfectly blended cream. The whipped cream lasts up to two weeks when stored in the dispenser in the refrigerator. 500 mL dispensers are available in white ($75, includes one charger) or brushed aluminum ($95, includes 10 chargers); packs of 10 chargers are $13.

Cheesecake Pans

For your holiday cocktail party or dessert tray, make bite-size cheesecakes, tartlets, or hors d'oeuvres using Chicago Metallic's new mini cheesecake pan ($37.50). The pan has 12 round cavities, each 2" diameter, with removable bottom discs which lift out to allow you to easily release the contents without disturbing the sides. For larger servings, individual cheesecake pans with removable bottoms are available from 6" to 14" diameter ($12.00 - $33.50).

Holiday Bundt Pans

NordicWare's newest addition to its family of Bundt pans is the holiday tree, a 10-cup capacity non-stick tube pan in the shape of 8 Christmas trees decorated with ornaments and a train set winding around the base ($41). The detailed design needs only a dusting of icing sugar "snow" to decorate it. Another option is the snowflake cake pan, a 9" × 14" rectangular cake pan embossed with snowflake imprints which will turn even the simplest cake into a holiday treat ($41).

Stand Mixers

For everyday baking tasks - and especially during the holiday season - a stand mixer makes it easier to whip cream and egg whites, knead bread dough, cream butter and sugar for cookie dough or cake batter, and even mash potatoes. You may be able to perform these tasks without a stand mixer, but once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

	Jenn-Air Attrezzi	KitchenAid Artisan	KitchenAid Pro 5 Plus	KitchenAid Pro 600
Style	tilt head	tilt head	bowl lift	bowl lift
Wattage	400 watts	325 watts	475 watts	575 watts
Bowl	tempered glass	stainless steel	stainless steel	stainless steel
Bowl capacity	4½ qt/4.3 L	5 qt/4.7 L	5 qt/4.7 L	6 qt/5.7 L
Planetary mixing action	•	•	•	•
Speeds	10 + pause	10	10	10
Accessories   - flat beater   - whisk   - dough hook   - pouring shield	• • •	• • • •	• • spiral sold separately	• • spiral •
Colours	5 bases/7 bowls	11	5	7
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Special features	elegant glass bowl detachable power cord	attachment hub	attachment hub	attachment hub
Price	$550   info	$400   info	$595   info	$725   info

Blenders do more than simply blend - they purée, emulsify, crush ice, and grind. They help prepare a variety of foods from smoothies to soups, pesto to salad dressings, and of course your favourite bar drink.

	Cuisinart SmartPower	Cuisinart SmartPower Premier	KitchenAid Ultra Power	Waring Professional	Breville Moda Bar	Breville Moda	L'Equip R.P.M.	Jenn-Air Attrezzi
Wattage		600 watts		390 watts	500 watts	500 watts	900 watts	500 watts
Jar	glass	glass	glass	glass	stainless steel	glass	polycarbonate	glass
Jar capacity	40 oz/1.25 L	50 oz/1.5 L	40 oz/1.25 L	40 oz/1.25 L	34 oz/1.0 L	44 oz/1.3 L	59 oz/1.75 L	72 oz/2.1 L
Speeds	5 + pulse + crush	2 + pulse + crush	5 + pulse	2	2 + pulse	2 + pulse	variable	5 + pulse + crush
Crushes ice	•	•	•	•	•	•	•	•
Blade	4-way	4-way	4-way	4-way	4-way	6-way	4-way	4-way
Colours	white	• brushed stainless • matte black	7	stainless steel	stainless steel	stainless steel	brushed metal	5 bases/ 7 jars
Warranty	3 years	3 years	1 year	5 years (motor)	1 year	1 year	6 years	1 year
Special features					assist plug with centre hole	assist plug with centre hole	• 20000 RPM tachometer • tamper stick	• elegant glass jar • auto off • detachable power cord
Price	$87.50   info	$130   info	$165   info	$190   info	$150   info	$140   info	$200   info	$325   info

Add a touch of humour to your cocktail party with colourful 3-ply cocktail napkins ($6.50/pack of 20). Each pack is printed with a humourous cartoon saying, including Wine! My favourite dish, Hors d'oeuvres: A French term meaning 'Have more - they're small', and It's a party! Anyone caught dieting goes on the Naughty List.

Simplify your holiday bartending with Wildly Delicious' easy to use cocktail mixes, available in 6 popular varieties: margarita, strawberry & mango daiquiri, peach bellini, and vanilla, sour apple, and chocolate mocha icetini. Simply mix water and liquor with the cocktail mix, blend with ice, and serve. Each cocktail mix ($5) makes 8 drinks. For added colour, rim cocktail glasses with a complementary glass rimmer (10 flavours, $7 each).

An ice crusher is an excellent aid when making cocktails. Hand-crank ice crushers ($26.50 - $90) grind cubed ice into coarse or fine crushed ice for drinks, seafood cocktails, or your buffet platter.

Mandolines

Prepare fruits and vegetables like a professional with a mandoline (vegetable slicer). Mandolines allow you to quickly and uniformly slice fruits and vegetables in a range of thicknesses. Most also enable you to dice or julienne in various widths and create waffle cuts for potatoes.

	Fox Run Craftsmen	Kyocera Slicer	Kyocera Julienne	Benriner
Material	plastic	ABS plastic	ABS plastic	ABS plastic
Blade	stainless steel	ceramic	ceramic	stainless steel
Slicing thickness	adjustable	1 fixed	n/a	adjustable
Julienne widths	3	n/a	1	3
Support	leg	handheld	handheld	handle
Hand guard	•	•	•	•
Special features		5 year warranty	5 year warranty
Price	$11   info	$37.50   info	$37.50   info	$65   info
	Zyliss	Universal	Bron Gourmet	Bron Professional
Material	ABS plastic	stainless steel	stainless steel	stainless steel
Blade	stainless steel	stainless steel	stainless steel	stainless steel
Slicing thickness	4 fixed	adjustable	adjustable	adjustable
Julienne widths	2	3	4	2
Support	leg	leg	handle	leg
Hand guard	•	•	•	•
Special features	storage caddy			additional julienne blade sets available
Price	$65   info	$75   info	$200   info	$250   info

Bamboo is a grass that functions as a single plant, self-propagating as it spreads horizontally underground. It continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself and making it one of the most renewable resources known. Bamboo is not harmed by harvesting and can grow into mature fibre in three to seven years. It is more durable and 16% harder than maple, and a third lighter in weight than oak. Bamboo holds the promise of a sustainable, cost-effective, and ecologically responsible alternative to wood. A beautiful and practical addition to any kitchen, Joyce Chen's bamboo cutting boards are handcrafted from laminated premium bamboo using food-safe materials and techniques. The boards are available in 8 sizes ($9.50 - $60). Burnished bamboo tools are stronger than wood and will not swell, split, or absorb moisture. They are safe for use on non-stick surfaces or in high-heat applications and are dishwasher safe. The bamboo is treated through a special oven-roasting process, resulting in a beautiful honey colour. The tools are available in a range of sizes and styles ($3.50 - $6.75), including 3-piece ($12.50) and 9-piece sets ($35) and a utensil holder ($9).

Pizza Stones

Whether making homemade pizza or baking bread, a pizza (baking) stone distributes the oven's heat evenly and absorbs the moisture from the dough, producing a crisper crust. For best results, preheat the stone for 15 - 20 minutes before placing your dough on the stone. Build your pizza on a pizza peel, and then transfer it to the stone. You can leave the stone in the oven when baking cookies or pies, and place the cookie sheet or pie pan right on the stone to improve the heat distribution. Any pizza stone can break if exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, but thicker stones are more resistant to breakage than thinner ones.

The "Brown Betty" style of earthenware teapot is said to make the best pot of tea in the world. The classic shape of the teapot causes the tea leaves to be gently swirled around as boiling water is added, producing a rich, full flavoured brewed pot of tea. Available in 2, 6, or 10 cup capacities ($9 - $17.50).

Universal's polished stainless steel teapots have a modern rounded design and a removable infuser basket for holding and straining loose tea leaves. Available in 12 - 50 ounce sizes ($23 - $40) with matching creamer, sugar bowl, and coffee pots.

The Bodum Assam teapot is a practical and easy to use tea maker which infuses the delicious aromas of your preferred tea and you can tell at a glance when the tea is at the desired strength. The teapot is made from heat resistant borosilicate (laboratory) glass with a unique tea press strainer and an ABS plastic handle. Available in 16, 32, or 48 ounce capacities ($35 - $50).

Saucepan Stirrer

The StirChef saucepan stirrer is a battery-operated, cordless unit which stirs sauces, soups, puddings, risotto, and any dish that calls for continuous stirring, allowing you to spend time preparing other dishes, entertain, or look after the kids. The stirrer operates either continuously or on an intermittent basis, stirring the food for 12 seconds and then waiting 12 seconds before stirring again. The StirChef stirs from the bottom of the pan up, for greater consistency, and the steady speed will not splatter food. Specially designed heat-resistant paddles reach into the corners of the pan on every sweep. Spring-loaded arms adjust to fit 1½ to 4½ quart saucepans from 6"Dia to 8½"Dia and the stainless steel shaft adjusts to reach the bottom of any pan. StirChef folds up easily to store in your kitchen drawer and batteries are included ($25).

Ceramic Knives

Ceramic knives offer exceptional strength, unparalleled sharpness, and ultra-light weight. And, because ceramic doesn't transfer metal ions to foods, fruits and vegetables won't brown where they've come in contact with the knife blade. Razor sharp blades retain their original sharpness for months or years without sharpening and won't break under normal use. The light weight of ceramic creates a well-balanced knife that is an extension of your hand, gliding effortlessly through even the most difficult tasks. Resin handles provide a highly controlled grip, and the non-stick ceramic blade surfaces make for easy clean-up. Available in a variety of styles with blades from 3" to 6" ($60 - $210). To experience a ceramic blade without the investment required for a knife, try a Y-style ceramic vegetable peeler ($21).

Recipe Organizers

For organizing your collection of favourite recipes, we offer several attractive alternatives. Cardboard recipe file boxes ($22) accommodate 4"×6" recipe cards and have 12 category dividers. For those who prefer a book to a recipe box, the recipe card organizer binder ($22) is the perfect solution. The refillable three-ring binder has pocket pages which each hold 2 standard size recipe cards. You can intersperse photographs with your recipe cards to create a unique keepsake. The lovely self-standing recipe collector ($15.50) has a frame front which holds your favourite 4"×6" photo. The splatter-proof sleeves store recipes or photos for ready access. The recipe collector is great for bridal showers, house warming parties, or sharing favourite holiday recipes with family and friends. Each of the recipe organizers is available in five colourful designs and includes coordinating recipe cards; additional recipe cards and refill pages are also available.

Raclette is a delectable Swiss cheese dish that has been popular for centuries. Its origin dates back hundreds of years to when shepherds tended their herds in the mountains of Switzerland. Supplies were limited and meals consisted of cheese melted by the fire and then scraped off onto potatoes and pickles. From these humble origins, the tradition of raclette was born. This tradition can be enjoyed at home with a tabletop raclette machine ($150 - $180), with variable heat control for melting the cheese and a reversible non-stick grill top which is designed for grilling your favourite foods on one side and crêpes on the other. A hot stone ($60) is available as an accessory for those who prefer grilling on a hot stone.

Fondue creates an opportunity to sit down with friends or family to enjoy a leisurely, congenial meal. Ease of preparation and unique flavours and ingredients are some of the elements that have combined to make fondues a key food trend in recent years. Fondue sets are available with ceramic, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron pots in a variety of styles ($50 - $170). Cuisinart has also introduced an electric fondue pot with adjustable temperature control ($65).

Magnetic Spice Boards

Magnetic spice boards are functional and show off the beautiful array of colours and textures of the spices, enhancing the decor of any space rather than adding to the clutter. Stainless steel spice shakers protect the potency and flavour of the spices, and have the visual appeal that make them ideal for anyone who likes to cook, values an organized kitchen, or simply has an eye for beautiful things. The clear twist-and-shake tops and magnetic bottoms make these shakers easy to use and put back without any hassle. The stainless steel panels are easily mountable on just about any wall, making them ideal for any kitchen. Available with 5, 12, or 20 spice tins ($64 - $288).

Pot Racks

Ceiling or wall-mounted pot racks are a beautiful way to display and store your cookware, utensils, and decorative accessories. A hanging pot rack can be placed above a kitchen island or counterop; wall-mounted bar and utensil racks may be mounted above the countertop for easy access to pots and utensils, or hang two or three down a wall for maximum storage. They may also be used for hanging items in the laundry room, bedroom, or garage. Pot racks are available in a range of colours and styles to blend into most décors.

I think of November as the start of the serious dining season. This is the time of year when I start dreaming of inviting friends over to dinner, not necessarily with a great deal of formality but with a more thought-out approach to the seasonal food and the dishes themselves. We do it throughout the year, certainly, with summer grills and picnics, spring brunches and the like, but somehow everything takes on a more substantial feel in the colder months. Now is the time that I start to consider the idea of full menus again, complete with special aperitifs, amuse geule -- those little dainties that set up our palate for the wonderful dishes to come - a first course, main, cheese course if applicable, the best wines to suit each course and a special sweet to end the evening. I think about flowers, candles, napkins and music, about all those lovely little touches that make a meal more memorable. So here is a winter menu for special dining that will be appropriate right now or anytime during the upcoming holiday season.

Until next time, cook and eat with love,

Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh

Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh is a Toronto-born food writer whose work has appeared in major Canadian newspapers and magazines. She it the author of seven cookbooks: Rustic Italian Cooking, The Global Grill, The Sticks & Stones Cookbook (with Ted Reader), The Wine Lover Cooks (with Tony Aspler), Great Potatoes: A Cook's Guide to Over 150 Delicious Recipes, A Year in Niagara: The People and Food of Wine Country, and New Celtic Cooking (with Ted McIntosh)

Shrimp Dumplings with Coriander

Plan on serving a couple of these sumptuous little pot-sticker-like dumplings to your guests when they first sit down at the table. If you like, plate them on a wee bed of shredded lettuce or frisée and drizzle the wonderful, dark sticky sauce over them. These can be made ahead of time, set on a baking sheet sprinkled with a little cornstarch, covered with plastic wrap, and cooked at the last minute. Vary the filling using fresh salmon or scallops, or a combination if you wish.

1. Using a sharp chef's knife, chop shrimp finely on a cutting board, blending in egg white as you chop. (Alternatively, you can use a food processor, but do not over-process; the shrimp must retain their texture.)
2. Using a dough scraper or broad edge of a knife, transfer chopped shrimp to a bowl. Add chestnuts, onions, coriander, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, sherry, hot sauce and salt; stir to combine well.
3. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, hot sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, coriander, onions and salt. Whisk once or twice to blend well. Set sauce aside.
4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Sprinkle a little cornstarch on a baking sheet (or use parchment paper). Arrange wonton skin on a dry work surface. Place 2 tsp (10 mL) of filling on each. Brush edges with a tiny bit of water. Fold skins over, press edges together to seal, then press the two ends together and pinch to seal, using a bit more water if necessary. Transfer dumplings to the baking sheet, making sure they do not touch.
5. Once the water has come to a boil, add a little salt. Add dumplings to the boiling water in batches, if necessary, to prevent overcrowding. Stir once. Dumplings will begin to bob to the surface after about 1½ minutes. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon to a colander.
6. When all dumplings have been cooked, plate as described above passing additional sauce at the table.

Makes 6 - 8 servings

Lamb Shanks with Fava Bean & Rapini

In the Apulian region of southern Italy, the fava bean purée and rapini included here would be served first on their own, followed by the lamb and its sauce teamed with boiled potatoes. However you choose to serve it, this is an outstanding preparation. Plan to make the bean purée the day before. To save time and effort, buy skinned, dried fava beans. Simply rinse, cover with cold water and bring to a boil; turn heat off and let stand 1 hour. Purée and proceed with recipe as described in step 3.

1. In a casserole or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over high heat. Add lamb shanks and sear until they are browned. Add carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, rosemary, salt and pepper; continue cooking for a few minutes. Add wine and cook for 5 minutes to allow alcohol to evaporate. Add half of the stock and simmer, covered, for 1½ hours over very low heat.
2. Meanwhile, make the fava purée: pull outer skin off each fava bean. Place peeled beans and garlic in a saucepan, add fresh water to cover and cook until tender, about 1 hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. When foam stops apearing, add salt; stir beans occasionally with a wooden spoon to help them break up. Keep some water boiling to add to the beans as they cook to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the beans are completely cooked, mash them to a purée with the olive oil. (Alternatively, put them through a food mill or into a food processor and blend with olive oil until smooth.) Season to taste.
4. When meat is tender, carefully remove it to a warm serving platter; cover and set to one side. Keep lamb warm. Bring liquid to a boil and cook until reduced by one-third (about 1 hour). Add butter and season to taste. Strain liquid through a fine sieve into a small saucepan; keep warm.
5. In a skillet heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped, blanched greens and a little salt and pepper; sauté until slightly wilted.
6. To serve, place one scoop of bean purée and greens in the centre of a rimmed pasta plate. Top with one lamb shank and pour the juices around the vegetables. Serve immediately.

White Purée Avalon

This is such an understated moniker for such an elegant side dish. My friend Chef Chris McDonald of Toronto's Avalon restaurant features this satin-smooth root vegetable purée with his fabulous bone-in sirloins. While the original recipe included white turnip, I decided to pump up the potato content a bit. Either way, this dish is also wonderful with any number of rustic stew-like preparations.

1. Place the celeriac in a large pot of boiling, salted water and cook for 15 minutes. Add the potatoes, garlic, leek and onion. Cook at a slight boil until all the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain the vegetables and return them to the pot.
2. Combine the beans with the vegetables. In portions, pass the mixture through a large, fine sieve using a wooden pestle or similar tool to push it through (alternatively, use a food mill - but not a food processor - to purée the vegetables.)
3. Wipe the pot clean and return the purée to it. Reheat the purée over medium heat, stirring rapidly and constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Remove from the heat and add the butter, stirring until it is fully incorporated. Serve the purée at once.

Serves 4 - 6

Pan Forte di Siena

This lovely Italian sweet translates as strong bread even though it really is a very special dense confection from the beautiful city of Siena. It must be served in ultra thin slices and I like to arrange overlapping slices of it on a serving dish drizzled with a little thinned custard or cream. The addition of chocolate is not traditional but delicious nonetheless. This makes a lovely gift at Christmas, too. Make it even more special by serving with your favourite Canadian icewine. You will need a 9" (23 cm) springform cake pan, lined with parchment paper for this recipe.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200C).
2. In a bowl, stir together hazelnuts, almonds, apricots, pineapple, peel and citron. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients into the nut-fruit mixture and blend well.
3. In a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in a microwave), melt chocolate. In a heavy saucepan, combine honey and sugar; to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add honey mixture and melted chocolate to the nut-fruit mixture; combine well with a wooden spoon. Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth down with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 20 - 30 minutes or until firm to the touch but still a little soft in the centre. Cool completely before thinly slicing. (The cake firms up as it cools.) Store in an airtight container.

Serves 6 - 8