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
Tag Archives recipes
The wait is over – fresh fruit and produce season is here
In our gardens and farmers markets, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables are now available. We have waited all year to grasp the fresh flavours that cannot be replicated at any other time. Outside my door I have fresh peas, right out of the pod, a juicy tomato right off the vine or the sweet taste […] Read more
Fresh blueberries have a lot going on this time of year
So what’s in season? The answer is many summer fruits, but my favorites are vitamin C rich berries for their juiciness, taste and outstanding food value. Deep-coloured blueberries land in my shopping basket because I always try to choose what is fresh and somewhat local. Blueberries protect us from free radicals and inflammation and are […] Read more
Looking to stay hydrated? Try watermelon this summer
A challenge we all face throughout the hot days of summer is keeping our bodies hydrated. We have to make sure we drink enough water and choose foods with high water content — the ones that are juicy. We need to hydrate from the inside out with food and drink. This will ensure that we […] Read more
Barbecue is an ideal way to enjoy the great taste of beef
Serving up amazing local beef on the grill is a great way to celebrate Canada Day. There are two choices for the fuel for barbecue: gas or charcoal. Gas is convenient and heats up in a matter of minutes, but you can’t beat charcoal for the heat needed to get a good hard sear. When […] Read more
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
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
First garden offerings of the year make for a divine spring
Spring weather, the scent of freshly mowed grass, budding trees and blooming flowers make the great outdoors a pleasure. The only thing we require are spring showers to keep everything growing and refreshed — fingers crossed. Each year, I look forward to the tastes offered by the first garden offerings of the season. They are […] Read more
Mushrooms are a hearty and flavourful addition to meal
In addition to being tasty, mushrooms are hearty and flavourful. Specialty mushrooms, such as shiitakes, oysters, enoki, morels and chanterelles, are now often found in regular grocery stores.
Looking for a special Mother’s Day? Start in the kitchen
Ask any mother what she would like for a Mother’s Day gift and she will say home cooking. Plan a breakfast, lunch or family hearty dinner with these recipes.
