Ever had a vision of what Northwestern Ontario Cuisine should be? Well Tim Matthews does. English born and classically trained in the culinary arts, Tim landed in Thunder Bay in 1980 and never looked back. He now presides over the culinary program at Confederation College and with the help of some local culinary talent, local business and a whole slew of very energetic and talented students from Confederation College he has managed to make one more of his goals a reality.
Tim Matthew's Debut Cookbook
“Producing a cookbook to showcase the North was a real experience.” Says Tim “and so many people had a hand in it.” Flavours of Northwestern Ontario is an intriguing look into the perspective of a Northwestern Ontario Chef and his counterparts and it draws inspiration from local ingredients, classical cuisine, Aboriginal influence, and of course a brigade of culinary students at the college.
It certainly proves that although some outside regions may view us as an unlikely source for culinary innovation, Northwestern Ontario really does have a lot to offer. Unique fusions of cuisine and a variety of cooking techniques leap from the pages into the fire and will really give your hibernating taste buds a shake. All of the ideas have been very flavourfully combined to produce some great original recipes that will exponentially increase the yummy factor at your next meal.
Although the project was a year and a half in the making the story really doesn’t end there. The book is full of recipes of varying skill levels, big bold smashmouth flavours and great cooking tips that will help you to bring TASTITUDE to your plate. Some really great photography that’s sure to inspire your plate presentation dominates the glossy pages and brings life to the neighbouring recipes.
This entire project was created as a non-profit venture to support the Confederation College Culinary Program and all of the proceeds are helping to teach the next generation of aspiring chefs the solid foundations they’ll need in their quest for flavour greatness. So whether you’re a vegetarian or an angler it’s definitely worth checking out.
Flavours of Northwestern Ontario can be picked up at any one of a myriad of locations in Thunder Bay but for all of the worldwide web foodies out there you'll have to visit the College's website.
For more information on the book, the program or upcoming dinner events at the college you can also feel free to call 1.807.475.6536 or log on to the college website at www.confederationc.on.ca.
Chocolate Citrus Mousse
Flavours of Northwestern Ontario
(Confederation College, 2006)
- 4 oz semi sweet chocolate
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 oz juice
- 2 oz Grand Marnier
- ½ cup whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks (half cup)
- 4 egg whites, whipped to stiff peaks
Method:
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler
- Whip in the egg yolks until they are smooth
- Stir in Grand Marnier and orange juice
- Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture
- Fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture
- Pour into serving dishes and allow chilling for two hours.
- Decorate with whipped cream, chocolate bits and an orange slice.
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