We were excited to learn that Western Manitoulin Community Garden has been selected as 1of 5 finalists for David Suzuki Foundation Future Ground Prize sponsored by the Desjardins Group. This contest highlights existing, citizen-led initiatives within Ontario that have had a positive impact on the environment and local communities. To win, Western Manitoulin Community … [Read more...]
Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze
One of the greatest things about living on an island is that we have access to fresh fish. A favourite of ours is salmon. Manitoulin Island is a fisherman's paradise. The fish you can catch depends on the time of year, and which lake you are fishing at. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fishing enthusiast, or whether you like fishing from the shore, the dock or … [Read more...]
Hasselback Potatoes – Another Family Favourite
I married a beef farmer. He loves his meat and potatoes. He really loves his meat and potatoes. This means I've got to pull out all my favourite potato recipes, as well as be on the look out for new recipes to try! I have been seeing Hasselback Potatoes on all of my social media networks. In fact, I'd be pretty hard pressed to go online and not come across photos and … [Read more...]
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Though time was not something I had much of this Summer, my garden was surprisingly prolific. We are still picking tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber and green beans halfway through October! I won't mask my feelings of shock. My garden pretty much went untended and we still had a bountiful harvest. I've been making chocolate zucchini brownies and chocolate zucchini cake since … [Read more...]
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake
We grow a lot of fruits and veggies on our farm. I usually plant enough to sustain our family through the Summer, Fall and Winter months. This year, I didn't freeze as much as I wanted to, because life just got really crazy busy. I was looking at the fruits and vegetables I have in my freezer and we're already down to our last bag of rhubarb and our last four bags of … [Read more...]
Fresh from the Farm: Healthy Fundraising for Ontario Schools #FreshFromFarm15
Healthy eating and healthy living are very important to our family. We grow a good portion of our food on our farm and for the food we do not grow, we try to buy locally as much as possible. For me, making sure our six year old knows where her food comes from and how it is grown are also very important. Little One is involved in all aspects of food production from … [Read more...]
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam with Maple Syrup
Walking through the garden on an early Summer morning, my feet wet from the morning dew and my skin being kissed by the morning sun, I made my way to our strawberry patches. There's just something about picking strawberries fresh from the strawberry patches that evokes childhood memories and innocence. I often feel as though I'm transported back to when I was a child and … [Read more...]
Quick and Easy Garlic Scape Pesto
Before I share with you my garlic scape pesto recipe, let me begin with a story. When I was in university, a friend of mine and I were deep in conversation one night, discussing everything from written works like The Iliad and Beowulf to the art work of Kandinsky, Dali, Cézanne and van Rijn. Oh! To be young and full of thoughts and ideas bursting to be heard. Conversations … [Read more...]
Harvest Vegetable, Beef and Rice Soup
We had a great harvest season and have a few remaining squash, beets, and carrots from the garden. With the weather and temperature making it feel a lot like Winter already, it's time for Harvest Vegetable, Beef and Rice Soup! Thank goodness we're a soup-loving family! I've included two versions: One to make in your dutch oven or heavy pot and one that can be made in … [Read more...]
Savoury Zucchini Bake
With this being harvest season on the farm, I've been spending hours in the garden and in the kitchen! In fact, I'm starting to feel like Mr. Fredricksen from the Disney movie, Up! when he gets out of bed and stretches his back. Being hunched over in the garden for hours sure does a number on my back. I must be getting old! With all the zucchini we get every year, I have … [Read more...]
3 Easy Patio Dining Recipes #GayLeaFoods
Hooray! It's June and we've been taking advantage of the fabulous weather! Nothing cheers me up like sunny days, blue skies, patio dining and entertaining loved ones on our farm. Hubby manning the grill, Little One happily bouncing on her trampoline...absolute perfection. June and the end of the school year signals lots of family time! I get really excited about spending … [Read more...]
Butternut Squash Gnocchi #LMDConnector
Winter months for me mean comfort foods and keeping warm! Stews, chili, soups...all favourites in our home this time of the year. As soon as the weather gets cooler and the air crisp, I go into soup and stew-making mode! One of our favourites is curried butternut squash soup inspired by my trusty Moosewood Vegetarian Cookbook (my cooking 'bible' when I was in college and … [Read more...]
Zucchini Marmalade #LMDConnector
It definitely feels like Fall with the crisp, cool air in the morning and the bountiful harvest from the garden. Fall is one of my favourite seasons because a) there are no pesky bugs! b) I love the cool, comfortable evenings, c) I love being able to wear jeans and a sweater, d) The Fall fashions are displayed in stores and magazines (need I say more?), and d) It's time to use … [Read more...]
Homemade Potato Chips
We don't eat much junk food in this house, but every now and then we do get a hankering for some potato chips. I'm not a fan of overly sweet things, but I do like some savoury snacks once in a while. One of my biggest vices (if we do get the occasional treat) is Lays Original chips. If you've chatted with me on Twitter, you may have once or twice gotten caught up in a … [Read more...]
Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti #recipe
Little One loves her veggies. She simply inhales them. Her favourites are vegetables that are green, orange, or red. Except for raw tomatoes. Stewed, roasted, or just cooked tomatoes are fine. She just doesn't like them raw. I won't complain though. I'm just happy she loves her veg! If you ask her what her favourite foods are, she'll say "Beef, cucumber, broccoli, and … [Read more...]