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...]
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...]
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...]
Strawberry-licious! #WordlessWednesday w/ Linky
This Summer, our strawberries have been growing like crazy! It's Summertime! These beauties are Strawberry-licious!This said, I've exhausted all my recipes that call for strawberries. Strawberry jams, pies, cakes, smoothies, ice cream...all done over and over. Have you got any interesting and unique recipes that call for strawberries?Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts here! … [Read more...]
Bee-autiful! #WordlessWednesday w/ Linky
It's that time of the year! We've got lots of strawberries in our garden!Strawberry shortcake, strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream...strawberries straight up! I love strawberry season!Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! We'd love to check them out! … [Read more...]
Decorate Your Outdoor Living Space for Under $100! #WalmartFrugalHeroes Challenge
I was issued a challenge. Everyone who knows me, knows I love a good challenge. I'm also a "follow the rules" person. I need to follow the rules. Otherwise, life would be total and utter chaos. It would be like Lord of the Flies. Know what I mean?The challenge: Decorate my outdoor living space for under $100!Whoa!I honestly had reservations about this challenge. I didn't think … [Read more...]
Fresh Vegetables for Spring – What’s in Season
When you live on Manitoulin Island, you quickly become aware of the need (and want) for eating your own fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. We have fabulous grocery stores on the Island, but being able to buy your produce from local Farmers' Markets or grow your vegetables in your own garden do make a big difference when it comes to taste and treading lighter on the Earth.I love … [Read more...]
Grow Mushrooms @mushroomscanada @BTTRVentures
I'm pretty sure friends and family are growing tired of my almost daily Facebook updates on my Grow Your Own Mushrooms! We can't help it! My four year old and I are so excited! I'm so shocked at how quickly our oyster mushrooms are growing! It's amazing!Grow Mushrooms! Your very own mushrooms!Attendees at the Food Bloggers of Canada were all given a Grow Your Own Mushroom Kit. … [Read more...]
NaBloPoMo Day 16: Savoury Treats
Well, this writing a blog post a day for the month of November is proving to be quite the task. With deadlines to be met, running after wayward cattle, trying to teach a toddler that pushing her friends is not nice and that she needs to remember to go to the toilet when she feels like peeing, I'm having difficulty coming up with quality writing material.All you get today … [Read more...]