August Endeavors

Good sources and resources are always important

As promised I am posting a bit about canning and preserving as well as some recipes which can be found here on the Canning and Preserving Tidbits Page. I also give a quick rundown on canning basics. I recommend the Benardin books on canning as well as the Canadian Living magazine/website which has a few good articles on canning. As always, Willams-Sonoma has excellent articles and pictures you should check out. Just throw any one of those names into your google search bar and you’ll be good to go.

Garlic is now in!!

Went to my favourite Farmer's Market around here, Thomas Brothers, a U-Pick, We-pick establishment whose produce I have shared with you many times before. They have a wide variety of goods for sale from in-season fruits and veg, homemade jams, jellies and pickles, baked goods as well as a few 'grocery' store products. Every year we get our P & C corn and our baskets of tomatoes from there--already picked! I'm not that devoted... I have posted a list of nearby farm markets for those living in Southern Ontario or plan to be visiting soon.

                                                                                

Yummy, yet frustrating to prep, pearl onions are almost gone

Lovely new cherry tomatoes described as 'port wine and chestnut'

August 15 - 19, 2012

I would like to draw everyones attention to a Canadian carver of much acclaim and gaining more globally, Steve Kenzora of Youngs Point, Ontario near Lakefield, north of Peterborough. He has been a part of many carving competitions and events in Australia, Ontario and soon the UK in something called the English Open. His Nordic and Native flavoured carvings have a large impact upon your senses when viewed finished as well as when you watch the carvings in progress. Here's a link to a video on YouTube.

There is a charity event "Wildlife in Buckhorn" taking place in Buckhorn, Ontario that features various chainsaw carvers from everywhere. This will take place for charity with 25% of the proceeds to go to ChildCancer so of course they need your support. An auction occurs on the last day where you can go home with one of the pieces the carvers have been working on during the event. If you are looking for somewhere to go on the 15-19 of August, head up to the Kawarthas and surrounds; beautiful, fun and now a treat for the senses at the Wildlife in Buckhorn Power Sculpting and Chainsaw carving show.

I'll hopefully have a chance to complete the review of a book I have been reading called Cool Cuisine by Laura Stec as well as a few recipe reviews from the book. I thought of preparing three versions of one recipe--one straight from the book, one tweaked my way and the last one as cheaply and conveniently as I can come up with...while doing it the healthy, sustainable way, of course.

Happy Weekend, people--get out there and enjoy yourselves!