FARMER'S MARKETS ARE A FAVOURITE ACTIVITY OF MINE- FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE

Miss going to Farmer's Markets with Adolph.

But I still find a small local one at Hillcrest Mall that gives me some good fresh Ontario and Canadian produce.

 

Cherries from BC. Tasted like the ones I would pick at my parents' home in West Kelowna. They had two cherry trees in their backyard.

Peaches from Ontario. Tomatoes and celery from a farm in Southern Ontario.

Shabatura Produce from Windham Centre Ontario.

Cheese from a company from Barrie at the Meat, sausage and cheese booth.

Rosemary/garlic cheddar cheese that was so tasty. Superior Cheese company from Barrie Ontario

I buy the smaller sizes. Shopping for one means to limit what I buy so there is no food wastage. 

I made bruschetta with the fresh tomatoes.

Chopped tomato, chopped garlic pieces, fresh parsley from my pot on the porch, oregano, little olive oil mixed all together. Enough for a couple of meals. I had some with two pieces of toasted sour dough bread.

So supporting Canadian farmers and workers while having a tasty Sunday at the same time.

Oh Canada.

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WILL THE SUMMER OF 2014 BRINGS TRIPS TO FARMER'S MARKETS?

Trying to plan for late spring and summer fun takes some internet research of farmer's markets and well farms close to home. What is always appealing is the fresh produce that will be coming our way very soon. Adolph is starting to plant the vegetable garden despite the cooler temperatures. Being self reliant for food is a good thing. There are garden plots throughout the city for those that live in High Rise buildings. The Royal York in Toronto has a herb garden on the roof for their restaurants. Using available land to grow food is not a novel concept but a good one. Tomatoes for example could be grown in pots on balconies. Herbs grown in small pots on window sills and other places for fresh parsley, rosemary, mint, oregano or basil are a cook's delights. Honouring the farmers near home whether in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba or British Columbia are becoming Canadian traditions. Of course maple syrup from Quebec or here in Ontario is a must for any market visit. Ontario or Alberta beef is the best. Wheat, soy and other produce from the Prairie provinces is worth the adventure to visit those locations if able. The Maritime provinces with their seafood worth a trip there or available in places like the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto and many fish markets. Trips to find the season's bounty has become a tradition with Adolph and me. Food! What markets are you hoping to visit? Do you have trips planned in Canada or other provinces or just close to home for you?

NANA SAYS THE SUMMER IS A GOOD TIME TO WORK ON PICKY EATERS

With the season of local fresh fruit and vegetables, there are many opportunities to include children in food choices along with making it fun. Short trips to farmer's markets where they can help to pick the vegetables. Growing a few vegetables in your own garden or in a close relative's like a grandparent gives children a lesson on how food grows. Making platters of veggies and their favourite dip as a dinner entree can make summer eating fun and less work for the parents. Fruit arrives each week during July and August. Take plums and their variety of taste, size and colour. Making them sound and look like a treat is a great way to introduce more fruit. Fresh strawberries- eating alone, with ice cream or chopped up in a plain yogurt adds another vitamin enriched item to the diet. My grandchildren like to pick our raspberries fresh from the bush. Tomatoes come in big and small varieties. As tthe bounty of the summer season progresses, include them in snacks on outings. Little containers with chopped fruit and veggies make for impromptu picnics. When hungry, children and even some adults eat what is available. If you like to make muffins, cookies or cupcakes, fruit can be included in those recipes. There are uses for veggies such as zucchini in zucchini bread. Similar to a banana bread. So work on your little picky eaters while including farms, markets and outings to food festivals as a family project. Yes, remember to teach them to thank the farmer for growing the food!