Cocktails and Mezes Series - #1

These are not your typical charcuterie or appetizer platters, nor are these the kind of cocktails we are seeing trending on socials right now.  This is a creative and modern way to taste and learn about traditional Middle Eastern ingredients.

In these Mixing and Mezes culinary adventures, you will create the following drinks and small plates and learn how the different flavours can mix together in a fun and creative way.

Mixing:

Cinnamon Saffron Sangria (non-alcoholic option available)

Mezes:

Grape leaf, pecan stuffed figs
Pistachio, cardamom, goat cheese bruschetta
Clove, barberry, aleppo, pickled egg
Tahini, date and cashew puff pastry pide (Turkish bread)
Roasted garlic, spinach, balsamic borek (light savoury pie)
Grape, pomegranate, zaatar, feta salad

Borani Laboo (Yoghurt and beetroot dip)

This yoghurt, beetroot dip caters to all the senses.  A vibrant colour that pleases the eyes as well as the tastebuds.  Serve as a side dish or as dip with crackers or bread.

Baghali Polo ba morgh (can be made vegetarian)

(Saffron marinated chicken with Persian dill and fava bean rice) 

This is a colorful fragrant dish, the mixture of fluffy rice, aroma of dill, and the texture of bean will leave you wanting more, especially if you pair it with that delicious juicy chicken.  This dish is a traditional favourite and a must have at any gathering.

Vegetarian Series - #1

Fatima has curated a selection of vegetarian menus that reflects traditional dishes in a creative way.  There are many vegetarian dishes in the Middle East, and in this first menu Fatima has included a very traditional dish:  Persian Jewel Rice.

Persian Jewel Rice

A traditional and visually appealing rice dish that is served at weddings, engagement parties and other celebrations.  

Sumac Marinated Okra

Okra is a vegetable with a lot of history and has traveled across the world. Widely used in the Middle East, India (it is believed to have originated around 12 B.C in Ethiopia) and Southern States but not so much on the west coast.  Fatima will show you how to cook and prep okra and it will be roasted in a tomato and garlic sauce.

Cauliflower Tahini

Served with cilantro and a home made fig balsamic vinaigrette

Cocktails and Mezes Series - (Custom Menu)

These are not your typical charcuterie or cheese boards, nor are these the kind of cocktails we are seeing trending on socials right now.  This is a creative and modern way to taste and learn about traditional Middle Eastern ingredients.

In these Mixing and Mezes culinary adventures, you will create the following drinks and small plates and learn how the different flavours can mix together in a fun and creative way.

Mixing:

Persimmon cardamom on the rocks (non-alcoholic option available)

Mezes:

Baked Brie with date, dukkah spice and saffron
Zaatar, sumac and orange blossoms pickled egg
Fig and saffron jam
Orange blossom marinated gouda slices
Date, almond, baby mozzarella baklava

Butter Chicken (vegetarian option: tofu or paneer) with Paratha (Indian flatbread)

Gurjyote's butter chicken recipe is passed down from  his Grandmother.   It is made with marinated roast chicken and a creamy tomato sauce with a blend of fresh ginger, garlic and toasted fenugreek leaves.

You will have the opportunity to learn and make traditional Indian bread (a.k.a paratha or roti) alongside Gurjyote while he shares stories and tips. 

A perfect Sunday morning with the family; learning about Indian cooking and culture.

Ohukaiset (Finnish Pancakes) and Strawberry Compote

Ohukaiset goes by a variety of names and are traditionally a dessert. They are similar to crepes but much darker and have butter and sugar in them and are cooked in a plett pan. The goal when making ohukaiset is to get super lacey edges, but I prefer them thicker. They are commonly served with strawberry jam or compote, whipped cream or ice cream. My memory of these little pancakes is my Granny cooking dozens of these for my brothers and I at the lake. She would patiently cook 7- 3” pancakes at a time in a plett pan and create stacks and stacks of them, only for us to devour them in minutes.

I have paired the classic strawberry compote with the pancakes for this menu but I suggest getting into the Nordic spirit of local, in season produce or the tradition of foraging and pick some of your own local and in season berries instead. This might take a bit more time but I promise you’ll reap rewards in satisfaction and taste.

More than Brunch Series-#1

These are not your typical Persian breakfasts, however they do include the different elements that you may find on an Iranian breakfast table:  milk, cheese, eggs, maybe lentil soup and nuts (for protein sources),  bread, fruits, vegetables, honey and jams (sources of complex and simple carbohydrates).

Fatima has created playful brunches, showing you in some, more than one way to cook an egg.  

Saffron, chocolate, balsamic Labneh (Persian yogurt)
challah french toast

Rose, cherry, apple baked feta

Persian Shole Zard (cardamom, saffron, rose, almond rice pudding)

Fava bean, oregano, eggs, pita bread

Joulutorttu 

Joulutorttu is a wintertime classic for me. These cookies would start showing up nestled between the pulla and spice cookies on the dessert plate at family dinners from mid-November onward. These little star shaped cookies are often made with a puff pastry type of dough, filled with a plum jam and served with Christmas dinner; slightly sweet and best served warm, they are very "moorish" in their own way.

To go with these cookies we will have a glass of glögi. This beverage is a spiced or mulled wine served with a few almonds and raisins at the bottom of the glass, and if you¹re a part of my family, an extra shot of vodka thrown in your cup before the first sip.  

Chicken Vindaloo (vegetarian option: soy nuggets) with Basmati Rice

A great opportunity to learn a family recipe from Gurjyote and hear some stories and chef tips.  You will join Gurjyote online in "GJ's Kitchen" his commercial kitchen where he runs his tiffin delivery and catering business.   Chicken Vindaloo requires some prep ahead of time to marinate the chicken overnight, but we will provide you with everything you need to know well in advance.  

Learn about Indian cooking and culture, a great family activity for a Sunday morning!