Trevor Wilkinson is the executive chef at The Roosevelt Room Supper Club in Toronto, where old Hollywood glamour is the inspiration for a menu that has been updated for modern tastes.
Wilkinson says "Growing up, I learned to make stuffing with my mother and grandmother, and over the years I have come to perfect my own variation of their classic recipe. I chose this recipe because it brings back very fond memories of Christmas's past."
He add that it is a holiday favourite, both to make and eat, and it is special because "it's something I only get to eat during family holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving: stuffing covered in gravy, fantastic served as a turkey sandwich slathered in mayo, cranberry sauce and a thick layer of stuffing on a crusty baguette. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do."
Chestnut & Chorizo Stuffing
Yield: approx 4-5 lbs
Ingredients:
2 chorizo sausages
2 shallots sliced
1 bunch fresh sage, chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 of an apple peeled, cored & diced
1/2 of a pear peeled, cored & diced
1 large yam, baked, peeled, cooled & cut medium dice
100g dried cherries flamb�ed in Cognac or Armagnac
1.5 lb chestnuts, roasted and shelled
2oz pine nuts, toasted
1 carrot peeled & diced
2 stalks celery diced
1 large loaf of bread sliced, cubed & dried out (like a crouton)
750ml chicken stock, real chicken stock not canned or dehydrated
150ml white wine
Method
1. Saut� sausages until golden brown in oil & butter & then add shallots, carrots & celery & cook until translucent or about 5-7 minutes
2. Deglaze pan with white wine & reduce liquid by half. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil
3. Take off the heat and add all remaining ingredients. Stir in until all liquid is absorbed. Season to taste (salt and pepper)
4. Spread out on a pan to cool & place in the refrigerator to cool completely before use
This stuffing could be used to fill the following:
1. One large turkey
2. 2 - 3 roasting chickens
3. Multiple small boned out game birds such as quail or squab
For more information on Trevor Wilkinson's creations or the Toy Mountain fundraising costume party on Dec. 19, 2009, please visit www.TheRooseveltRoom.ca .
