Chef Jason Gulliford
Chef Jason Gulliford grew up in the Okanagan Valley. “I gorged on Okanagan fruit for years,” he laughs. “As kids, we used to climb up and eat apples until we almost fell out of the tree.” As you can imagine, his expertise using apples and other fresh fruit comes naturally.
“Apples are real comfort food,” says Jason. “They have a flavour that everyone recognizes. They’re so versatile, they work well into any scenario.” He likes to incorporate one of his favourite apples, the B.C. Brand Granny Smith, into things not normally associated with apples.
Added to turkey stuffing, “they have a firm texture similar to cooked celery” but add a slightly exotic taste.
“Apples are real comfort food … they have a flavour that everyone recognizes. They’re so versatile, they work well into any scenario.”
Cook cranberry chutney adding raspberry vinegar and orange zest; when done, add chopped apples. As the chutney cools, the apples soften a bit. Thanks to its high acidity, this mixture will keep quite a while refrigerated.
For a scrumptious and nutritious dessert (yes… there can be such a thing!), simply slice fresh apples into yogurt. Top with granola and savour the textures and subtle flavours.
According to Jason, “Peach pie in summer is what it’s all about.” Here’s a short list of some spices to try with your next peach concoction:
- traditional apple-pie spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg
- try allspice or the special blend called Chinese 5-spice for a slightly different taste
- anise and fennel also make complementary flavourings
Recipe
Apple/Brie Puffs
This adaptable recipe works great using any quantity—whether for a crowd or just one hungry snacker. It has all the great things: puff pastry, Brie cheese, and fresh Okanagan apples!
- Caramelize thinly sliced onions in a heavy bottom pan until golden brown; use just enough vegetable oil to lightly coat the onions. Cool onions and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Core a B.C. Brand Granny Smith apple, cut into quarters and thinly slice. Cut rounds of prepared puff pastry, 2 to 3 inches diameter.
- Preheat oven to 350º F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, lay out puff rounds. Top each with 2 Tbsp. caramelized onion and 1 or 2 slices of apple.
- Cook until pastry has puffed up and is golden. Remove from oven; add a slice of Brie and return to oven to just soften cheese.
Serve and enjoy!
