Lavender is a hit with the thousands of visitors who tour the 18 farms that grow the plant in Washington state’s Sequim area during the region’s annual Lavender Weekend. Most farms offer a U-pick option.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Lavender not just for making soap — try it in the kitchen

Sequim, Washington, (pronounced squim) is the second largest lavender producing region in the world. Only Provence, France, produces more. This is quite an accomplishment, considering lavender was only introduced in the 1970s. With the dairy farms shuttering and the local economy sliding, residents met to discuss a revitalization. They were set to put Sequim on […] Read more

Apricot jam has many uses, both sweet and savoury, in addition to being delicious on toast.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Great to enjoy the fruits of the Okanagan Valley’s labours

The Okanagan, in the southern interior of British Columbia, is fondly known as Western Canada’s fruit basket. With today’s quicker, modern highways and mountain passes, many families make a fruit-picking expedition to the Okanagan every summer. The tree fruit industry in B.C. has about 400 commercial growers who farm about 15,000 acres of apples, pears, […] Read more


Be ready for happy hour with this smoked salmon appetizer. | Sarah Galvin photo

Food Day Canada encourages us to eat Canadian cuisine

Twenty years ago Food Day Canada was established through the Parliament of Canada. It is celebrated on the first Saturday every August. Anita Stewart, a broadcaster, food writer and activist who has been called the “patron saint of Canadian cuisine,” worked tirelessly to make this a reality. She championed chefs and home cooks alike, traversed […] Read more

Serving a packed lunch on a picnic table elevates the simple meal.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Selecting the right dishes is key for a successful picnic

Picnic spots are chosen for ambience. Throwing down a blanket beside water with wonderful views and nearby trees for shade makes casual picnics special. You should select foods that transport well and are prepared in advance. But keep it simple. Take hydrating beverages like water, iced tea or lemonade. Use a good quality cooler or […] Read more



Scrambled eggs on top of a piece of rye bread toast with garnish and several strips of bacon on a plate.

Make something special this year for your favourite father

Preparing breakfast or breakfast for dinner is a nice way to show Dad you love him. Simple comfort food never disappoints. Take your bacon and eggs to the next level with these recipes and ideas. The best scrambled eggs This is a recipe for a single serving. Multiply all ingredients by the number of people […] Read more

Toronto blueberry buns.

Blueberries offer a bonanza of taste and healthy eating

Blueberries have been labeled as a superfood because of their many health benefits. They are packed with anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation, and are powerful antioxidants important in heart and brain health. Anthocyanins are also responsible for the dark, rich colour of the berry. Every handful of blueberries contains iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and […] Read more


A charcuterie featuring many different colourful types of meats.

Grab a plate of whatever you like

Casual meals are the best meals over the busy summer months. They can be as simple or complicated as you make them. They are also a good way to use bits and pieces of ingredients in the refrigerator and pantry. Plan to have lots of tongs, wooden picks and small forks available to keep guests […] Read more