E TC E TE R A . . . How to Sous Vide
Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender & Processor System
Centini Sauces and Dressings
Ninja are the masters of multi-function appliances and they’ve done it again! The Power Pitcher System is a heavyweight blender in a lightweight body, with one base and three different containers and lids, that acts as a food processor, dough maker, smoothie bowl maker, and crusher. We’ve put it through its paces, and it made the quickest and smoothest hummus, meatballs, cookies, as well as muffins and sesame seed buns – and margaritas! $250 Canadian Tire and good housewares stores. The Food Crayon
It’s true, this ‘crayon’, complete with sharpener, is really a flavour seasoning. Made up of infusions and extracts, plus purées and oils in an agar medium, preservative-free and fridge-stable for up to a year, and in 24 different flavours. On testing, the flavours are balanced, correct, and tasty too, and each are around 120 shavings - perfect for seasoning soups, sauces, and cocktails. Fun, convenient, and a little weird too. Singles ($12), Duos, and 6-crayon format ($65) at specialty food and kitchen shops.
Sapfire Spicy Maple Syrup
Here’s a twist on something truly Canadian! The folks at Ontario’s Dript Gourmet have created a line of maple syrups that go beyond waffles and pancakes. With maple syrup and chili peppers, Sapfire is sure to set your tastebuds tingling. Perfect with salty-topped flatbreads (think pear and gorgonzola, prosciutto and peppers) or drizzled on ice cream. And with fried chicken, you might as well get the waffles, too. You’ll be saying “That’s spicy in a good way, eh?” 236 g $17 driptgourmet.com 40 Culinaire | January/February 2022
Photo courtesy Hungry Couple YYC
Cooking sous vide is one of the big mysteries in the home kitchen. It’s the technique of cooking food very slowly, at low, very precise temperatures in a water bath (often around 68-70º C. If you’re wondering where to start with your new Sous Vide circulator, this might be the best place to find some recipes and answer your questions. From Sous Vide Salmon (p.121) to asparagus (p.179), and even Daylong Duck Leg Confit (p.117), there are plenty of dishes here! Workman Publishing, $25
We know how tough 2020/2021has been for restaurants and we’re always impressed with the resilience and creativity we’ve seen as a result – and Centini is right up there with their Centini Foods range of four superb pasta sauces, six dressings, pizza sauces and antipastos, so you can enjoy the same quality at home as in the restaurant! Bravo proprietor Chevonne Miller-Centini, we’ll find them at Calgary Co-op stores and The Italian Centre Shops. They’re in Central Alberta Co-op stores too! Various prices.
Wilfred’s Bittersweet Orange & Rosemary Aperitif
As the quest for nonalcoholic spirits and mixers continues, a product like this comes along and changes up the whole field. A low sugar, alcohol-free aperitif that is rife with balanced botanicals and a bright citrus flavour. A fine way to make a dry spritz with a little tonic water and ice, or in a virgin cocktail. A rare product that is better in a mixed drink, but still tasty neat. $40
