The Shire Winter Picnic
Nestled among elegant pine trees, beneath the Remarkable Mountain Range in the alpine resort that is Queenstown, NZ, lies a small log cabin. Just metres away is the stunning Lake Wakatipu, renowned for its pure water and beauty.
It is here that family from a nearby locality gathered in the middle of winter, to appreciate the breath-taking scenery and enjoy a rustic meal that was cooked entirely by, or on, flame.
The day began early, collecting pine cones for the fires and dusting off the hand carved wooden tables. A fairy-tale-like mist rose up from the lake as the sun began to rise, and the temperature started to crawl up from minus 8 degrees C!
The menu was a celebration of simple foods, made with love. Pumpkin soup given a new dimension with the apple and spice. Roast vegetables brought to life with a citrus-y quinoa salad.’A warming whisky made utterly beautiful with the sweet pecan mix.
Despite the biting chill in the air, the atmosphere was one of warmth and contentment, as the dishes came off the fire and the family soaked in the scenery and company.
On the Menu
Next time the winter cold is getting to you, embrace it and bring some warmth back with these recipes. And don’t forget to comment on any you try! These recipes can be viewed by El Gusto Premium members.’
Pulled Peking Duck | View the Recipe
This is a seriously fast and easy way to pack insanely complex, warming and beautiful flavour into store-bought confit duck. You will need to roast the duck first while creating the delicately-spiced reduction, which ends up with a gorgeous marmalade-meets-mulled-wine flavour and unique glossy texture. When cooked and cooled, it can be stored and served cool on charcuterie boards (or Snack Trays) or with a slaw for a nutrient-rich and delicious lunch.
Roast Winter Vegetable & Quinoa Salad | View the Recipe
A forgiving and hearty salad that can be used as a side for a wintery dinner, or on its own as an easy and nourishing lunch.’ Quinoa is high in dietary fiber and protein. The protein and fiber found in quinoa can make you feel fuller, which will make you less likely to binge on unhealthy foods, while the naturally colourful chimichurri and beets are packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Spiced Pumpkin & Apple Soup | View the Recipe
This recipe can easily be tweaked to be made gluten and dairy free. Simply ensure your vegetable stock is GF, or better still, home made, and replace the sour cream with coconut yoghurt or coconut cream, or omit altogether. Serve with crispy toasted ciabatta or GF bread.
Smoked Pecan Whisky Old-fashioned Cocktail’| View the Recipe
Notes from the bartender:
The old-fashioned cocktail was the original cocktail, becoming the rage in the 1800s. This classic cocktail is typically made using any spirit, sugar and aromatic bitters. This has allowed bartenders to create thousands of variations of the classic cocktail, some adding fruit, flavoured tinctures and herbs.
One of my favourite variations of this cocktail is the Smoked Pecan. I have chosen an aged, smoky whisky and aromatic bitters, and swapped out the sugar for my homemade pecan syrup. I used a smoke gun to blast the ingredients in the shaker with a final hit of old-fashioned smoke before serving over ice. This step isn’t necessary if you are using a very smoky whisky but it’s great for added effect and flavour.
Check out the recipe give it a go. Try creating your own old-fashioned cocktail. Add in fruit, swap the spirit or even come up with your own syrup recipe to create an original. The old-fashioned is a very forgiving cocktail so don’t be shy.
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