Recipes by Geri Harper of The McNeil House.

Tables and Decorations by Darren J. Lazarenko Creative Design, Burlington, ON

Photos by Don Pye of Studio Source photography

THE McNEIL HOUSE
Hospitality…reinvented
bed & breakfast
culinary classes

10499 Islington Ave. Kleinburg, Ontario
905.893.0035

The McNeil House is a cosy historic 175-year-old farmhouse that was moved 20 years ago from Rutherford Rd. to its present location, to restore its unique charm.

Meet and eat with Geri Harper who has traveled, lived and catered around the world for three decades.  Her lively, interesting conversation and high end catering services have entertained diplomats, visiting dignitaries and wealthy entrepreneurs worldwide from South America,
the Middle East, Europe and Canada.

Join her in a cooking class and perhaps breakfast after spending the night in one of the two romantic suites in this lovely home.  Be sure to browse in the shops of Kleinburg, and transport yourself into the pages of a fairy tale!

HARVEST CHICKEN PIE

1 3-lb. roasted chicken, de-boned and diced
1 red pepper, seeded and diced
4 leeks, washed, sliced and parboiled
1 red onion, peeled and chopped, lightly sautéed
4 oz. sharp flavoured cheese, ie. old cheddar
1 ½ cups 2% milk
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 tsp. mustard
1/3 cup white wine
3 heaped tsp. cornstarch
1 sheet flaky pastry

Mix the cornstarch with a little milk to form a paste, add the remaining milk and heat until thickened. Add the wine, mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the cheese.  Simmer for three minutes.

Place the chicken, onion, red pepper and leeks in a bowl and bind together with the cheese sauce.  Set aside to cool.

Put the mixture into a heatproof baking dish and cover with the flaky pastry sheet.  Trim the edges, brush with an egg, beaten with a little milk.  Bake at 375 degrees F for about 40 minutes until the crust is golden and risen.  Serve with a tossed green salad.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE MOUSSE
serves 6

6 oz. good quality dark (semi-sweet) chocolate
6 eggs, separated
6 tsp. orange concentrate or Grand Marnier

Break the chocolate into a small bowl and melt over a pan of simmering water.  When melted and smooth, add the orange concentrate or liqueur.  Then add the egg yolks, one at a time.  Beat the egg whites (separately) until stiff; fold one spoonful of beaten egg white into the chocolate to loosen it a little, and then fold in the remainder.  Spoon into ramekins or wine glasses and chill.  Decorate with slices of fresh orange and a swirl of cream.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Table settings and outdoor decorations by Darren J. Lazarenko of Creative Design in Burlington Ontario. Photo Gallery below. Photos by Studio Source Photography
darren@djlcreativedesign.com

Everlasting floral arrangements and accessories in photos may be purchased at Primavera Flowers & More Ltd., 174 Woodbridge Ave. in Woodbridge, ON 905.850.7545.

Make a Lasting Impression!  Classes of 10 or more students interested in creating Elegant, Seasonal and Themed Floral & Décor Design Ideas with Darren are held upon request.  Please call 905.331.2722 for bookings and/or more information.