The Twelve Days of Cheesemas

How one ingredient takes the fear out of holiday cooking

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - 'Tis the season to be jolly?  Ricotta be kidding me! 

'Tis the season to be cheesy…because nothing makes holiday entertaining easier than cheese. 

The Twelve Days of Cheesemas - Easy holiday recipes made with cheese. (CNW Group/Tre Stelle)

From appetizers to entrees to desserts, cheese makes the holidays better – which is why Tre Stelle brought together 12 cheese-loving Canadians to create the ultimate holiday menu, called The 12 Days of Cheesemas.

Each dish was tasted and approved by top chef Kendall Collingridge (Founder Bar, Toronto) and Montreal's culinary luminary, Bob Le Chef - who scored each dish based on taste, holiday appeal and ease of preparation.

"Tasting these dishes proved that you don't have to be a professional chef to cook with cheese.  It's so easy and makes every dish a winner," said Kendall.

Bob agreed with Kendall and offered some sage advice, "Cooking with cheese is a great way to get creative in the kitchen to bring new flavours to the holiday food table that guests will love - but just remember one thing, no double dipping."

Each chef loved all the recipes, but awarded their Tre Stelle three star cooking award to one recipe.  For the full list of recipes and the two winning dishes, please see below. Chees-on's Greetings. 

Star Dish Award Winners

1. "It's the Most Wonderful Pie with Paneer" [Puff Pastry Samosas]
   By Tiffany (@TiffanyInToronto)
   Stuffed with paneer and traditional Indian spices and served with a fresh pepper raita, these crispy golden puff pastries are destined to be the star dish of your holiday buffet. They certainly were for Chef Kendall who gave these light and crispy samosas top marks.
   
   
2. "Feta La La La La La La La Spread" [Savoury Feta Spread]
   By Nancy Bordeleau (@nancybordeleau)
   Deck the halls with boughs and wows! This show-stopping addition to your cheese board is festively adorned with sprigs of rosemary, dried cranberries, and slivered almonds – a feast for the eyes and a treat for the tummy! Bob Le Chef spread some love and gave this the Star Dish award.
   
   
   Sides, Salads, and Spreads
   
   
3. Santa's Super Sustainer [Pasta Salad with Bocconcini]
   By An Tran (@mtlfoodsnob)
   Brimming with tasty flavours of arugula, pesto, cherry tomatoes this substantial salad tossed with hearty tortellini and fresh bocconcini pieces couldn't be simpler to make – and keeps holiday spirits high and tummies filled.
   
   
4. "We Three Ingredients" [Caprese Salad]
   By Jenn Eppachan (@goldismyneutral)
   It doesn't get any simpler – or more delicious than this! The colours of the season unite in a perfectly balanced blend of mild bocconcini balls, fresh basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes. Bursting with flavour and a cinch to make, this salad is a welcome addition to any holiday table.
   
   
5. "Mozza Around the Christmas Greens"  [Mozzarella & Fresh Fig Salad]
   By Marie-Eve Laforte (@marieevel)
   This gorgeous salad is Christmas on a plate. A symphony of seasonal colours with snowy mozzarella, ruby pomegranate seeds, bronze figs, green pistachios, and candy cane beetroot! 
   
   
6. "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas…dip" [Herbed Ricotta Spread]
   By Christina Mychaskiw (@styleapotheca)
   Cool, creamy snow-white ricotta is the perfect vehicle to carry the vibrant flavours of fresh tarragon, mint and parsley. Spread atop crackers or flatbreads and topped with a cherry tomato, it's an easy to make crowd pleaser. Start to serve in less than 15 minutes.
   
   
   Entrées
   
   
7. "Feta Navidad" [Mac & Cheese with Feta]
   By Shaun Proulx (@therealshaunproulx)
   Crumbled feta is a scrumptious addition to this quintessential holiday comfort food.
   
   
8. "Curry Up, Santa" [Paneer Curry]
   By Eve-Lyne Auger (@lafraicheleinsta)
   Curry in a hurry? You bet. This warmly spiced Indian dish, loaded with Paneer is quick to make and will have guests rushing for the table!
   
   
9. "I saw Mozza Stuffing Pasta Shells" [Mozzarella Chicken Conchiglie]
   By Artemis Nayeb (@artemis.muse)
   The holidays are no time for half-measures and these jumbo pasta shells, stuffed with sautéed chicken and peppers and baked with loads of gooey mozzarella are guaranteed to feed – and please – a crowd. Kid-friendly too!
   
   
   Desserts
   
   
10. Blitzen's Blintzes (Ricotta-filled Blintzes w/Apple, Pear, and Walnut Compote)
    By Dustin Gilman (@foodguymtl)
    Rudolph may guide the sleigh, but Blitzen's light-as-air crepes will beat a path to your buffet table. Filled with fresh ricotta and adorned with a rich fruit and nut compote, this beautifully simple dessert is a real treat for the eyes – and for your guests' taste buds.
    
    
11. Christmas-amisu [Holiday Tiramisu]
    By Manon Lapierre (@lapetitebette)
    This doddle of a dessert made with mascarpone, cocoa, and kirsch-soaked cherries is a festive send-up of a classic Tiramisu infused with the unmistakeable flavours of the season.
    
    
12. "Oh by Gosh, by Golly…It's Time for Mascarpone and Honey" [Mascarpone Honey Cups]
    By M.J Elle (@themjelle)
    Nothing was heard but the clinking of spoons and mmm's of delight! Guests will be speechless over how adorable these one-cup wonders are. Sweet and rich mascarpone drizzled with fresh honey and topped with a variety of seasonal splendours like fresh figs, candied nuts, and boozy fruits!

High-res photos and detailed recipes of each dish are available for download here

SOURCE Tre Stelle

Media Contact: For detailed recipe instructions or to arrange an interview with any of the cooks, please contact Evangeline PR: Simon Hancock, [email protected], 416-889-4962; Amanda Taylor, [email protected], 647-280-5714