proof whisky, 100th Grey Cup, Vol. 110

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Happy US Thanksgiving! Don't forget to skip off work today to watch the 86th Macy Day Parade.
Thinking of getting the bros (or sisters) together on Sunday for the 100^th Grey Cup in Toronto? We have a couple of hot new recipes to take you through halftime.

the smokin’ gun  1 oz pepper-infused proof whisky • 1/2 oz tomato juice • 1 dash liquid smoke

Pour all ingredients into a shot glass. Knock it back.

 

And, if you want to make it to the end of the game

the smokin’ mary  1 1/2 oz pepper-infused proof whisky • 4 - 5 oz tomato juice • 1 dash liquid smoke

Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled glass. Stir and garnish with pickled pepper.

 

If you are more sweet than savoury, here’s a little twist on the rye & coke

the smoke & coke 2 oz proof whisky • 5 oz coca-cola • dash of liquid smoke • lemon wedge for garnish

Add proof whisky to a tall glass filled with ice. Add the coca-cola and liquid smoke and stir. Garnish with lemon wedge and pepper. (http://www.tasteofwoodland.com) (we picked up the smoke at McEwan's)

 

pepper-infused proof coarsely slice one jalapeno pepper. (or other pepper of choice) Remove seeds. Add to a new bottle of proof whisky. Let sit 4-12 hours. (depending on how many taste buds you want remaining afterwards – you can taste it after 4 hours) Try a variety of peppers, depending on the heat and flavours that you like. We also like smokiness of the chipotle pepper.

 

choose your heat  (we’ve listed these from mildest to hottest)

bell peppers, which can be red, yellow, green or orange, aren't hot peppers. They are very common sweet peppers.

cherry pepper (also known as pimento peppers) are heart-shaped and are about four inches long and three inches wide. These peppers are actually very mild. Cherry peppers are perhaps best known to be the red filling that can typically be found inside of olives.

ananheim pepper is another mild type of pepper. This pepper is usually maroon in color and has a long, skinny body. Relative to the rest of this list, this pepper is not very hot.

jalapeno pepper is one of the most common types of peppers in North America. Many people like this type of pepper because of its spicy yet not overwhelming taste. Jalapeño are usually either red or green and are about two to three inches long. These peppers, when used sparingly, add just the right amount of spicy flavor to most Mexican dishes. The chipotle pepper is actually a smoked or dried jalapeño pepper.

serrano pepper is similar to the jalapeño in its look, but this pepper is much hotter. This pepper is usually small (around two inches) and green in color. As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the Serrano pepper, the hotter it will taste.

cayenne pepper is another hot pepper that is popular with those looking to add heat to food. Red in color, the Cayenne pepper is generally dried and used in powder form.

tabasco pepper is used to make Tabasco sauce. If you've ever tasted how hot Tabasco sauce is, you won't be surprised to learn how hot the Tabasco is. The actual pepper is less than two inches long and can be green, red, yellow or orange in color.

thai pepper Grown in Thailand and neighboring countries, the Thai pepper is a type of pepper that can be classified as "very hot". These peppers are sure to leave your taste buds wanting relief. The Thai pepper is one of the smallest peppers, measuring in at less than an inch. It's used in many spicy Thai dishes.

rocoto pepper While Rocoto peppers look somewhat like bell peppers, it can be dangerous to get the two mixed up. While bell peppers aren't hot at all, the Rocoto pepper is extremely hot. This pepper is about the size of a bell pepper but is rounder and is typically only red or green.

habanera chili pepper The Habanero chili is recognized as the hottest. This pepper, which can be any color from green to yellow to pink, is usually only around three centimeters in length. 

ghost pepper Also known as Naga Jolokia, this pepper is literally the hottest pepper in the world. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the Ghost pepper in 2006. If you get your hand on a Ghost pepper, be sure to be extremely careful because one seed from this pepper will have your mouth burning for up to thirty minutes.

 

Try serving something other than pizza or subs this year. These empanadas are great because they are make ahead, versatile and easy to eat if your guests do not want to leave the La-Z-Boys.

empanada dough 1 cup milk • ½ cup melted butter • 2 2/3 all-purpose flour • 1 ½ tsp baking powder • ½ tsp kosher salt

Whisk together milk and melted butter in a bowl. In a second bowl, sift all dry ingredients. Pour butter mixture in with dry mixture and stir with wooden spoon. If sticky, add a little extra flour. Batter should not be sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or overnight. When filling is ready and cooled, remove dough from fridge. Roll out and cut into 3” - 4” rounds. Scoop 1 - 2 tbsp of filling in centre. Brush edge with beaten egg yoke and fold in half. Crimp edges with fork. Place on baking sheet and brush with egg yoke. Cook for 25 minutes or until golden brown at 350 degrees.

spicy chicken empanadas 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 yellow onion, diced • 1-2 small chiles, chopped (remove seeds) • 1 tablespoon paprika • 1 teaspoon cumin • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded • 1/2 cup sliced green olives • 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped • 1 tablespoon water • salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in onions, chilies, paprika, cumin and honey. Sauté for 10 minutes until onions become translucent. Add in chicken, olives, eggs, water and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 30 minutes before adding to empanada dough circles.

Fill empanada dough with 2-3 tablespoons of mixture for small and 1/4 cup mixture for large empanadas. Bake at 350º F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Makes filling for 16-20 small or 10 large empanadas.

We made the spicy chicken, but you can try beef, squash, black beans and cheddar, chorizo and manchego, bacon and egg or many other recipes. (www.epicurious.com)

 

And if baking is not your thang, head over to M & M Meats for your nibblies. They have just launched a Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Shooter. (www.mmmeatshops.com)

Join proof whisky, starting tonight, at Steam Whistle Brewery for a weekend-long party!! From November 23 thru to November 25, meet and mingle with CFL Legend CONDREDGE HOLLOWAY as he plays host to a Star-Studded line-up of CFL greats, including TONY GABRIEL and WARREN MOON, who will be making his ONLY SCHEDULED appearance in Toronto. More special guests will be announced daily. 

Steam Whistle, proof whisky and William cider will be served . For updates (255 Bremner Blvd, Steam Whistle Brewery  http://www.hollowayandfriends.com) (www.steamwhistle.ca)

Afterwards, head downtown for more festivities at the 100th Greycup Celebration.

The 100th Grey Cup Festival is excited to announce a line-up of free concerts taking place on the OLG Stage smack in the middle of all of the action at the TELUS Street Festival.  With over 20 bands performing over three days from Friday, November 23 – Sunday, November 25, the Festival Committee is thrilled to give back to the fans and the City of Toronto by presenting such a high calibre of talent, including OUR LADY PEACE!! Grey Cup Lineup!

The Canadian Football League is offering a diverse mix of performers for the halftime show of the 100th Grey Cup. Teen heart-throb Justin Bieber, singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, pop-rock group Marianas Trench and pop star Carly Rae Jepsen will perform at halftime of the league's championship game Nov. 25 at Rogers Centre, the CFL announced Saturday. Country artist Johnny Reid and rocker Burton Cummings will headline a special kickoff show before the game. (www.cbc.ca)

 

Weekend Forecast:

Saturday: Variable cloudiness and a high of 2 degrees

Sunday: Scattered flurries and a high of 2 degrees