Tag: recipes

Local Brew Pub Cooks up Pork for PTSD Event

Posted on by Admin

Richard Spilsted and his son, Patrick co-operate their restaurant/pub Beer Factory Inc. out of St. Albert, AB. I was fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of meeting these fine gentlemen who volunteered to feed us at a Charity event up by Edson this past weekend known as Got Your Six. GY6 is a yearly rifle shooting event that supports those whom suffer from PTSD. A very worthy cause, please check it out.

These talented chefs cooked up a back country style BBQ whole pork dinner accompanied with all the fixin’s for the competitors, military & first responders at the event.

 

In addition this fabulous meal, Patrick was kind enough to share with me some of the simple ingredients he uses in his pork rub. So if you plan to barbecue some Alberta pork, try adding these spices.

HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR BBQ PORK…
Paprika
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground up Italian seasoning
No salt or sugar because it dries out the meat

Barbecue for approximately 5 – 1/2 hours at 160-200 degrees.

Alberta pork

Alberta pork

As you can see from my photos, this pork was well prepared and perfectly tender and juicy. The seasoning I felt was just right, enough to enhance the flavour of the meat itself. Also offered was an in- house BBQ sauce that was simply fantastic. I found it to have a touch of sweetness, just enough to compliment the savouriness of the spiced pork. I was told there were a few other secret ingredients that may involve their own special brew. For this, you will need to go pay them a visit… which I would highly recommend.

We were also treated to an assortment of delicious fresh salads (pictured below) and corn on the cob. A feast I am certain everyone would agree, was amazing. I may have gone back for seconds… possibly even thirds!

 

Pork Dinner Alberta Pork First responders

Beer Factory Inc.  is located in St. Albert, AB. where they offer craft beer, a full menu and catering services. You can find these guys on Twitter and on Facebook. If your in the Edmonton – St. Albert area, be sure to check them out.

Thanks again guys for such a fantastic meal!

 

Recipe: Peanut Butter, Bacon and Banana Pancakes

Posted on by Dan Clapson

Banana bacon pancakes

You’ve been in a pancake batter slump for awhile now, eh? I hear you! Whenever I want some weekend breakfast inspiration, I look to Yellow Door Bistro inside Hotel Arts. This restaurant is famous for its morning menus and, most notably, their monthly feature pancakes.

This delicious recipe, courtesy of chef Quinn Staple, is an ode to Elvis’ favourite sandwich, peanut butter, banana and bacon. Whip up a batch of these this weekend and I guarantee your family and friends will forever be thankful.

Banana Bacon Pancake Batter

What you’ll need…

1 cup egg whites

½ cup egg yolks

¼ cup melted butter

¼ cup milk

½ cup pureed banana

8 strips of crispy bacon, chopped finely

½ cup sugar

2 cups sifted all purpose flour

2 tbsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

Directions:

Mix egg yolk, milk, banana puree and chopped bacon together.

In a separate bowl milk sugar, flour, baking powder and salt together.

Mix wet ingredients into dry.

Use a whisk to whip egg whites until they turn white and form soft peaks (you can use a stand mixer for this stage as well).

Gently fold egg whites into batter.

Once the egg whites are incorporated pour butter into batter and gently mix.

Grease a large pan with canola oil and heat on medium-high heat.

Pour desired sized pancakes onto the pan.

Once bubbles appear on the edges of the pancakes flip them and cook for another 2 minutes.

Banana caramel sauce

Peanut butter caramel sauce

What you’ll need…

1 cup sugar

¼ water

1 cup 35% cream

½ cup peanut butter

2 banana’s small diced

Directions:

Combine sugar and water in a medium pot. Over medium heat cook sugar until the water evaporates and sugar turns to an amber colour.

Remove the caramel from any heat and very carefully pour in cream.

(note: be careful as the caramel will split and expand)

Allow the caramel to cool for 5 minutes. Add peanut butter and mix till smooth. Add diced banana and set aside until ready to serve.

To serve:

Once the pancakes are cooked plate as many pancakes are desired on a plate, pour banana caramel sauce on top and garnish with a crispy piece of bacon.

Recipe: Breakfast Nachos with Bacon

Posted on by Admin

Who doesn’t love nachos? This hearty and nutritious dish is sure to be enjoyed with family or friends. And well, it’s just perfect any mealtime!

Sweet potatoes are loaded with antioxidants and quite high in Beta Carotene. (a precursor to Vitamin A) They are also prized for being low on the glycemic index meaning they help to slow the release of glucose in the blood. So for anyone wanting to get healthier this year, you should consider adding this delicious root veggie to your meal  plan.

Breakfast Nachos

What You Need

1-2 Large sweet potatoes
1 Large onion
1 sweet bell pepper
1 zucchini
1/2 package of Alberta pork bacon
2 farm fresh eggs (or more if desired)
1 cup eggs whites (for a lighter version)
small block of quality cheese (I used old white cheddar)
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley
Salsa

What To Do

  1. Chop veggies (you can use whatever you have on hand) and slice sweet potato into thin slices. Set veggies aside for now and arrange potato slices on parchment paper lined baking sheet as you would nachos. Sprinkle them lightly with olive oil. Bake at 375 F for approximately 20 mins depending on thickness.
  2. While the potatoes are baking, chop bacon and add the veggie mixture to a medium sized fry pan. Sauté for about 10 mins on med heat or until bacon is cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Scramble eggs along with egg whites and lightly fry in the same pan used for cooking veggies and bacon. Do not overcook.
  4. Remove the potatoes from the oven while arranging the veggies along with the eggs on to the potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese if desired. Bake again for a couple minutes, enough to melt cheese.
  5. Remove and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with your favourite salsa. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy:  Wildheart Fitness & Nutrition

 

Recipe: Charred Cabbage with Chinese Sausage

Posted on by Dan Clapson

Seared cabbage and pork sausage recipe

There are many vegetables that aren’t used too readily at home, but one of the most commonly overlooked veggies on the market would have to be green cabbage. If you’re not into making your own sauerkraut or big batches of borscht, chances are that you haven’t picked up a cabbage in awhile. Well, I’m here to tell you that there is a lot of wondrous things you can do with this extremely inexpensive, widely available piece of produce.

Charring the cabbage at a high temperature in the oven gives it an amazing flavour boast (much like well-roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts) and the serves crispy Chinese sausage along with it makes this dish extra awesome.

What you’ll need…

1/2 medium green cabbage (approximately 1/2″ sliced)

2 tablespoons canola oil

salt and pepper (to season)

3 Chinese pork sausages (thinly sliced)

1/4 cup sambal oelek

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place cabbage on a large baking sheet and drizzle with canola oil. Season liberally with salt and pepper and let roast in oven for 30 minutes.

Remove sheet from oven, add sliced Chinese sausage and let roast for another 15 minutes.

Turn to high broil and cook until portions of cabbage began to blacken, about 10 minutes or so.

Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Place sambal oelek, syrup and vinegar into a medium bowl and stir to combine.

Transfer cabbage and sausage to a serving platter, drizzle chili maple mixture over-top and serve.

Serves 3-4

Total prep and cook time…1 hour