Triple gold medalist Marnie McBean and Chef Tom Brodi of the Ritz's Toca restaurant cook up a braised beef dish for Gold Metal Plates, a culinary fundraiser supporting Canada's Olympic team.

Braised Beef Cheeks with Beer

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef cheeks, sinew and silver skin removed
• 1 L beer
• 1 L beef stock
• 1 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 2 bay leafs
• 1 cup flour for dusting
• Salt and fresh black pepper
• 4 springs of thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Directions:

1. Place the cheeks and vegetables in a non-reactive container with the beer and marinate for 18 - 24 hours. More flavour develops the longer the beef is marinated.
2. Remove the cheeks from the liquid and pat dry. Strain the vegetables and pat dry.
3. Bring the beer to a boil and skim off any impurities.
4. Pre-heat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Season the cheeks and dust with flour.
5. Sear the beef in a medium to high heated pan, until golden brown, and transfer the cheeks to a braising vessel.
6. When all the cheeks are seared turn the heat down low and add the vegetables to the pan to sauté.
7. Deglaze the pan with some of the beer and add the vegetables to the braising vessel.
8. Cover the contents of the braising vessel with the skimmed beer and the beef stock, add the herbs. Cover with parchment paper -- the mixture tends to float to the top.
9. Braise the cheeks in a 325°F (162°C) oven until tender (about 4 hours), or until the cheeks are fork-tender.

Soft Semolina

Ingredients

• 2 L chicken stock
• 1 cup semolina
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp each ground cumin and salt
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Thunder Oak Gouda
• 20 mL truffle oil
• 250 grams favorite mushrooms
• 1 bunch of chives chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. In a heavy saucepan bring the chicken stock to boil.
2. Add the salt and whisk in the semolina. Cook over low heat for about 20 - 30 minutes, stirring often, until the grains are soft.
3. Fold in the lemon zest and the mushrooms.
4. Finish with truffle oil and the cheese.
5. Serve immediately. Serves 4.