Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cookbook

by Jennifer Schell Lirag $45

Jim Wyse, founder of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, has a philosophy in everything to “get it right first time”, and it’s stood him very well in the thirty years since he sketched his vision for a winery on a napkin in 1994.

And it follows through to this cookbook, it’s their first and we love everything about it. There are 15 threecourse menus, one for each Burrowing Owl wine (plus a holiday menu) with recipes from Midge Wyse, the primary cook for the family, to pair perfectly with each (or you can mix and match as you like), and notes from daughter Kerri. We love that they’ve included tips on wine pairing, and suggested some really chill, family favourite albums as music pairings too!

We’re no strangers to these wines, and luckily always have several on hand to try with the recipes. I’m spoiled for choice between starting with the viognier recipes (p.61) of Grilled Peaches, Burrata, and Smoked Trout Paté; Apricot Coconut Chicken Curry; and Spanish Almond Cake; or the pinot noir recipes (p.91) of Wild Mushroom Crostini; Cedar-Planked Salmon with Chili Rub; and Chocolate Cake… but then the cabernet franc menu (p.123) of Stuffed Mussels and Venison Bourguignon is calling my name too… decisions, decisions!

And when you see the beautiful photos accompanying each recipe, honestly you could start anywhere with any wine, and be very happy. Burrowing Owl did it again Jim! burrowingowlwine.ca/shop.