Chef Jenna Pillon’s #TasteofThursday recipe

Arctic Char with Herb Gnocchi and Beet & Fennel Relish

 

Herb Gnocchi Recipe

140g all purpose flour

500g yukon gold or russet potatoes

2 egg yolks

5g salt

5g chopped parsley

5g chiffonade basil

Method:

Poke potatoes with a knife or fork (about 10 times per potato)

Bake potatoes in oven at 350F for 45mins to an hour (until soft on the inside)

Break the potato in half and force pulp through a strainer or tami

Sprinkle the salt over the potatoes and make a well in the center

Sprinkle with flour and add the egg yolks.

Cut the mixture together till it holds and is no longer sticky.

Roll out to the diameter of a dime and cut into 1″ pieces, spread on a parchment lined sheet pan and freeze. Blanch from frozen. Once cooled, sear in a medium heat pan until golden brown.

Beet and fennel Relish

20ml grapeseed oil

200g sliced onion

100g shaved fennel

100g grated red beet

50ml white wine

100ml apple cider vinegar

60g granulated sugar

Water (to cover)

5ml salt

Measure and prepare all ingredients.

Sweat onions in a pot for 10mins on medium heat.  Add in fennel, beet and cook for 5mins.

Deglaze with white wine and add remaining ingredients. Cook until tender, 30mins and liquid has reduced. Taste and season if needed.

Roasted Arctic Char

We order 1 lb fish from the Artic Char farm in Oliver Delica Sea Fish Co.

Once the fish is cleaned, we place lemon slices, parsley, salt and pepper inside the fish.   Make a base out of tinfoil to hold the fish upright. Drizzle grapeseed oil and salt on the skin and place in a 450-500F oven, or you can use a BQQ. Cook until meat is firm, roughly 10 mins. If your fish is larger it will take more time.

Using a tablespoon, run the spoon along the bones on both fillets to remove bones and enjoy.

 

Executive Chef Jenna Pillon

Born and raised in Salmon Arm, BC, Jenna realized her passion for food as a young girl and started cooking professionally in high school. Jenna has led a distinguished career in the Okanagan working with some of the top chefs in the valley, moving to take on the role as Restaurant Chef at Terrafina in 2014. Jenna’s competitive nature, hard work and talent won her 1^st place at the 2012 Canadian National Junior Culinary Challenge in Halifax, she went on to place 2^nd in Las Vegas at the Hans Bueschkens Young Chef Challenge where she represented Canada, cooking against talented chefs from across North and South America. Jenna finds being a Chef in the Okanagan rewarding in so many ways, but the support, collaboration and harmony of working with fellow chefs throughout the valley is what she really loves. Ultimately this is what will give our culinary industry in the Okanagan longevity.

Facebook:  Jenna Pillon

Instagram: jennapillon_jp

 

Terrafina is located in the former Hester Creek tasting room that has been re-designed by award winning designer Judith Park of Vancouver, BC.

Terrafina’s 47 seat restaurant provides an intimate setting with the old brick features, existing wooden pillars and iron chandelier inside. With an additional 24 seats on our patio that is surrounded by gardens and covered with lush vines, it not only captures the recognizable character of Hester Creek Estate Winery but a setting much like you would find in a villa overlooking the hills in Tuscany.

Meaning ‘from the earth’, our friendly Tuscan inspired menu will have you arriving as guests, but leaving as friends. Comfortable Old World charm with an injection of New World approach inspires everything from Terrafina’s décor to the way we prepare our pizza dough and present our traditional Antipasto platter. Whether on a wine tour with a group or an intimate dining experience Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery will lay the setting in true Tuscan style.

Open from March thru December we pride ourselves on capturing the true essence of the Okanagan’s seasons. From the abundance of the local fruit and produce to the extensive varietals of the local vineyards we aim to bring the best of the seasons to the table throughout your dining experience.

Facebook:           Terrafina Restaurant

Twitter:                @terrafinaresto