November 2011
 
     


Chili Peppers
Jalapeño, Serrano, Thai, Ancho, Chipotle... .so many chilies to choose from. Which chilies go with which dishes? Join us on November 7th for The Chili Pepper class! Covering dishes from Thailand, India, Italy and the Southwestern USA and Mexico, Chef Patrick will test and challenge your tolerance for heat in this spiced up cooking class. But have you ever asked yourself: Chili peppers, are they always savoury or can they be sweet? And really, wouldn't they be amazing with chocolate? Keep reading and you'll soon find out.
  
In November, there are some outstanding items to look for from the Gourmet Guide available at The Compleat Cook. The fall sale will include a great selection from Henckels, Zwilling & Staub available at the store and for special order. Miyabi knives will also be available for special order. 

November is also the time to come in and add to your Sophie Conran collection. Our special Fall Promotional piece is now in - the mini casserole (available in white) is specialy priced at $14.99 (reg $31.99). Enjoy the month and we look forward to seeing you in soon!
 
In preparing for the big entertaining season ahead, come to the Complimentary Henckels Knife Sharpening on Thursday, November 24th, 6pm-8pm. Bring your straight edged knives to be hand sharpened by a Henckels expert!
 
 
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Sweet)


     
2 1/4 cups
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp
cream of tartar
1 tsp
baking soda
1/2 tsp
coarse salt
1 cup
unsalted butter, room temperature
2 3/4 cups
sugar
2
large eggs
2 tsp
cinnamon
1/2 tsp
cayenne chile powder
 
Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down side of bowl. Add eggs and beat to combine. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined.

In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and chile powder (if using). Using heaping tablespoons, form balls of dough and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place, about 3 inches apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are set in center and begin to crack, about 10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cookies cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to racks to cool completely. (Store in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)
 
     
 

Spiced Mixed Nuts (Savoury)


     
2 1/2 cups
mixed nuts - any combination of whole almonds, cashews, macademia nuts, peanuts, pecan halves or walnuts
1 1/2 tbsp
melted salted butter
3 1/2 tbsp
dark brown sugar
2 tsp
ancho chile powder
1/2 tsp
cayenne pepper
1 tsp
pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp
maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp
coarse kosher salt
1 cup
mini-pretzels, broken up slightly
 
Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Spread out the nuts on top of a Silpat baking liner* on a baking sheet and toast in the oven, stirring occasionally and checking frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix butter, sugar, spices and maple syrup in a medium bowl.

When nuts are done, empty them into the bowl, followed by salt and pretzels. Toss to coat, then turn back out onto the silpat. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring twice. Remove from oven and let cool.

These are good slightly warm, but if you cool them completely they'll last for a week in an airtight container.

*Silpat baking liners are available at The Compleat Cook in a variety of sizes
 
 
November 2011 Specials
  
 
 

 

Gourmet Guide
A Selection of Culinary Gifts
From Around the World

Special promotions on: 
MIYABI - Knives (special order only)
Henckels - Cookware, Knives, Flatware,
Kids Flatware, Steak Sets
Staub - Cast Iron & Stoneware
 
 

 

Sophie Conran
Mini-Casserole

It's that time of year again for the very special Sophie Conran collection. Come in for a Sophie Conran Mini-Casserole, specially priced at:

$14.99 Reg. $31.99

• Oven to table
• Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer safe
• Holds approximately 2 1/2 cups

 
 
 
     
 
Complimentary Henckels Knife Sharpening Clinic

Join us on Thursday, November 24th 6pm-8pm for a FREE knife sharpening clinic put on by the experts at Henckels!  Bring 2-3 of your straight-edged Henckels knives in for a complimentary hand sharpening by Henckels experts! No appointment necessary.
 
 
Chef Alex Rodas - National Chef Competition Finalist

We'd like to congratulate Calgary's Chef Alex Rodas & Compleat Cook instructor (Tapas, 'Stand Up' Holidays) for reaching the National Championship Chef's Competition for Milestones Restaurants! 

The journey began with each Milestones Restaurant having an in store battle to select a team of three competitors.  Chef Alex and his team triumphed through Battle Bacon (Crispy Pancetta Salad, Chicken Ballotine with Smoked Bacon Sauce,  and Alex's personal favourite - Bacon Ganache), Battle Fruit (Pan Seared Halibut with Blood Orange Beurre Blanc) and Battle Chicken  (Chicken Sliders on Ciabatta with Cranberry Mustard  and  Chicken a l'Orange with Blood Orange and Ginger Sauce) to reach the National Championships. 

Alex and his teammates now set their eyes on the National Championships on November 10th representing Alberta against BC and Ontario. We hope that Celebrity Judge Kevin Brauch (Food Network's Iron Chef America) will decide their cuisine will reign supreme and that their dishes will be represented across Canada in Milestones' next Inspirations Menu!   

Join Alex at his next class 'Stand Up' Holidays on Wednesday, November 30th.

  
 

Fall 2011 Cooking Class Schedule
Please call (403) 253-4831 or (403) 278-1220 for registration.


  
 
 
Braising
Tuesday, November 1st
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Sean De Carle
$75/person

This slow-cooking method delivers rich taste and tender meats & vegetables - the best part of cool weather is the food that goes along with it.
The Chili Pepper
Monday, November 7th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Chef Patrick Dunn
$85/person

Jalapeno, Serrano, Ancho... so many to choose from. Patrick will challenge your heat tolerance with dishes from around the world.
Thai One On!
Monday, November 14th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Chef Patrick Dunn
$85/person

Patrick will demystify the wonderful ingredients synonymous with the Thai cuisine and put them into a variety of amazing dishes.
Comfort Food Classics
Wednesday, November 16th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Chef Marty Carpenter
$80/person

Nothing beats Alberta beef for being the "king of the comfort foods"! Prime rib cap stuffed with mushrooms sound good? A night of learning all about beef and how to warm up the Fall.
Basic Knife Skills
Monday, November 21st
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Chef Patrick Dunn
$80/person

Join this hands-on class featuring Henckels knives. Learn how proper knife skills, knife maintenance and a good set of knives set the stage for success in cooking.
Gluten Free for the Holidays
Wednesday, November 23rd
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Chef Kerry Bennett of Care Bakery
$80/person

Gluten free classics for the holidays. Let Chef Kerry show you that 'stuffing' and other treats don't have to be off limits.
Last Minute Healthy Dinners
Tuesday, November 29th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Sean De Carle
$75/person

Discover how to create healthy and impressive meals with fresh ingredients and pantry staples.
No more last minute trips to the drive-thru!
NEW 'Stand-Up' Holidays
Wednesday, November 30th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Chef Alex Rodas
$80/person

Holiday appetizers with the wow factor! Bring the Tapas spirit of entertaining to your home this holiday season.

 

  
 
Main Course Salads II
Tuesday, December 6th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Sean De Carle
$75/person

There's a world beyond Iceberg! Transform simple side salads into amazing main courses with an array of fresh and delicious ingredients.
Indian with Indu
Thursday, December 8th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Indu Sharma
$75/person or $175/series of 3

From main dishes to desserts and seasoning blends, Indu creates delicious vegetarian dishes inspired by fragrant spices and fresh herbs.
Vegetarian Dishes
Tuesday, December 13th
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Sean De Carle
$75/person

Hearty and delicious foods that will satisfy the heartiest appetites. Awaken your taste buds to a whole new way of cooking.

 
 
Looking for a fun evening with a group of friends or a unique team building opportunity?

We do private classes! Please inquire at 403-253-4831 for more information.
 
Look for a brand new lineup of outstanding classes for the Winter/Spring of 2012 in our December newsletter!