Sweet Little Nothings

With my mom visiting from Southwestern Ontario we decided to spend the weekend out and about. Of course we had a few errands to do, but we also want to just get outside and enjoy our free time. Having time for yourself seems scarce these days as there is always something to do.

Saturday we ventured to a craft fair at St Brigid’s School where I found Bez Gluten-Free. I picked up some Christmas pudding – The Honey’s family is always going on about Christmas Pudding. My nana stopped making it when her and my granddad moved to Thunder Bay and never started again after they returned. As a result, I’m not a connoisseur in this area, but The Honey is.

This pudding was moist, full of fruit and almonds, and had just a hint of brandy. With the brandy sauce, it was a great way to begin my Monday. Recently, Tara of Tea & Cookies wrote about eating dessert for breakfast and surprisingly to her, she was one of a few she knew who would (or could) eat dessert for breakfast. Like Tara, I don’t know many outside my family who do this, but in my family it’s commonplace. Those who marry into the family quickly get used to it and often become converts.

And what did The Honey think of the Christmas Pudding? He really enjoyed it. It wasn’t the same as his gramdma’s, but he said ‘Mmmm’ more than once.

Sunday we ventured to the Lansdowne winter market. I thought it would be interesting to see what it was like (and if it’s successful, it would be nice to see it return next year). We were pleased to see vendors from both the Lansdowne & Main St summer markets and picked up a few things.

The indoor environment felt different and if anything, a bit special. As we wandered around we could hear the string quartet and then some carolers creating a festive spirit, although there wasn’t a speck of snow on the ground. My mom was impressed to see not one, not two, but three gluten-free bakers. Simmone from 5 Cupcakes was there with an aray of goodies. We got a few cheese and asparagus quiches and butter tarts for lunch. They were delicious.

Her pecan pie made it home and was perfect in every way.

Later on we saw Joanna from Dolci with a variety of winter-themed cookies. Her gingerbread cookies are one of my favourites and remind me of my nana’s. Many gingerbread have too much molasses for my liking and Dolci’s have the perfect amount. I picked up a little bear (which bearly made it home), but she also does little packaged cookies.

We also happened upon Jacqui from Jacqui O’s Sweet Temptations who seems new to the scene. Her business concentrates on vegan and gf, although not always together (she also had regular flour items). Her fruitcake was beautifully decorated and I picked up some gf cookies (they were a little hit and miss).

There’s one more date left – Dec 18 – and it’ll be a perfect opportunity to pick up some special cheese and meat for the holidays, and just maybe some other things that catch my eye.

Alone With Allergies

I was on my own last weekend and as much as I love The Honey I appreciate some time to myself, especially when I’m teaching 40hrs a week. It was an extra long weekend too since my student had Friday off. So many errands and tasks got done that I felt a sense of relief at the end of the day. With the sun shining Saturday I had a nice leisurely and enjoyable day planned.

After a little breakie at the Wellington Diner (who serve gluten-free toast) I wandered down to the GCTC for the first Urban Craft, the monthly craft show.

 

It was the first of many to come and there was a variety of vendors who had great products available. I picked up some macaroons from the UrbanBaking Co. Whether the macaroon is the French version or the coconut I always enjoy them. The lavender was my favourite.

 

And a chocolate mint cupcake from Auntie Loos. Oddly enough, there’s something about her gluten-free goodies that keep me going back. I think it’s hope. They aren’t always quite right, but I try them again in hopes that they’ve improved. This cupcake was the best one she’s had. My only disappointment is that the only mint was in the icing.

After doing a few more errands I ventured to the Main St Market. Of course, now that summer is over I have a chance to go and even though I had fresh produce at home, I still had to go. It was after noon by the time I got there and I still walked away with some goodies. By then I was beginning to feel a little parched so I was more than happy to buy a glass of lavender lemonade. I didn’t taste much lavender, but it was still refreshing on a hot day.

The humongous zucchini also caught my eye. They were huge!!! They reminded me of my mom’s when I was a child – perfect for her zucchini bread.

After walking around a bit I picked up a lemon cucumber to try (lemon due to the colour, not the flavour) and some elk sausage, steak and burgers. I’ll let you know what I think. I also went over to a gluten-free vendor, 5Cupcakes, to see what she had. There were some cookies still left (which were okay), but I talked Simone into selling me some of her butter tart rejects (the ones not pretty enough to sell). They still looked fine as they weren’t squished and they tasted just as good. Unlike other butter tarts, they were tall and the pastry was light and flaky. The filling was delicious as well. Next Saturday I may return and go earlier to see what other goodies she has.

 

As I left I regretted buying coffee a few days before as I really wanted to try coffee from the Happy Goat. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the name. This just means I need to return to pick some up.

And where do the allergies come in? Sunday became a total write-off as over Saturday evening my sinuses began to fill and my head began to throb as the clouds rolled in. It was hard to think, let alone breathe. The small openings letting the sun through helped a bit, but going into the evening, my face felt just as heavy. Nothing but a TV day on the couch. I didn’t dare try to work or do things that required thinking. They not only would have been too labourous, they would have been a mess and not made any sense.  After going to bed really early with a throbbing head I woke up with a clear mind and only some sniffles.

Ahhh summer in Ottawa.

Grilled Vegetables with Quinoa

Visiting the market this morning was another reminder why I love summer. There’s the sunshine and my garden in bloom. I love the warmth, albeit, today’s humidity is a little much. But the markets make me smile like the sunshine can’t. I need to restrain myself otherwise I’ll come home with too much and end up feeding the composter instead of me.

There is such a variety of colour -- the radishes, beans, beets, peppers, tomatoes, peas, squash, and of course berries. It’s berry season and I couldn’t resist bringing home a big basket of both strawberries and raspberries. They are washed and ready to go, but alas, I don’t want to put the oven on with it being 33°out (39 with the humidity – oh, Ottawa in summer!!!).

Thank goodness for BBQs and this summer our new little guy (no six-burner BBQ for us thanks!) is getting lots of action. Vegetables are usually on one side, grilling away with some light marinade or just salt and pepper. Tossing it with quinoa rounds it out to a nice meal for a hot summer day. Plus, with all the potlucks, BBQs and picnics happening, it travels perfectly without getting soggy. Another perk with summer: you can substitute or switch up the vegetables to your liking or what is in season at the moment.

Grilled Vegetables with Quinoa (original recipe was in Metro in early June)

1 lb asparagus, chopped
1 pepper, seeded and chopped
2 small zuchinni, chopped
Salt and pepper
¼ cup olive oil
1  1/3 cup cooked quinoa
1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
1 tsp lemon zest
4 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp honey
¾ cup feta cheese (optional)
¼ cup each fresh chopped chives and dill
¼ pine nuts
Toss together all the vegetables with 1 tsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Place vegetable in a foil tray and grill over medium heat, turning occasionally. Let cool. Cook quinoa and need end of cooking time toss in the sundried tomatoes. Place in a serving bowl and mix in vegetables. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and remaining oil. Pour over quinoa and vegetables and mix. Add in herbs, feta and nuts. Toss and serve.

**Quinoa is so easy to make, just treat it like rice. 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups boiling water. Want to add extra flavour? Add half a gf stock cube.

Spring is Here

Although we’ve been bombarded with rain as of late, spring, or so it seems, is here. The daffs and tulips are up in full bloom, the magnolia trees are a beautiful pale pink, and my neighbours’ lilacs are budding. I cannot wait for their scent to fill the air. While the visual cues are here, lilacs and their floral aroma definitely tell you spring is here.

Parkdale and Lansdowne markets are officially open and my favourite vendor, Rochon gardens, has had a few goodies out. I’ve been picking up a nice blend of light lettuce and cucumbers and making delicious salads for lunch.

Now I know what spring tastes like!

After a winter of eating lettuce imported from afar, whether with a band or in a plastic box or bag, there is nothing like the first food of spring. My salad is light and crisp. It tastes so fresh. I couldn’t stop smiling over my first spring salad. It was the slowest I’d eaten in a long time as I wanted to savour every bite.

Trust me, it isn’t just a salad. It seems as though this past winter was a little rougher than usual for many. I know I couldn’t wait for spring to arrive and all the rain in April didn’t help. Yes, the rain does a lot of good, but when one wants to get outside it shouldn’t rain every day all day. To top it off, much of the produce this past winter wasn’t that wonderful. Even on sale the peppers were bland (when you could find them) and the broccoli was as tough as cardboard. After returning to frozen vegetables believing they would have more nutritional value, my heart is aflutter with my spring salads.

I wait in anticipation for the next market arrival.

Succulent Rhubarb

On a trip to the Byward market on Monday I saw some rhubarb. The stalks were about half the size they were a few months ago, but they were slim and perfect for baking. I couldn’t resist and picked up a few bunches. Immediately came to mind was my Lunar Rhubarb Loaf.

This recipe has been in my collection for a long, long time. In an early summer phone call with my sister our conversation involved rhubarb. She mentioned that she didn’t have a rhubarb loaf recipe, and would love to find one. So of course, like a good big sister, I passed mine along. In its original form, it’s heaven. It’s crumbly, yet doesn’t fall apart. It’s sweet, but not too much.

I can’t take credit for Rhubarb Lunar Loaf as much as I’d like to. It belongs to a woman in Halifax. I worked with a woman many years ago and whenever I had a food dilemma, she’d call her mom. I think it was a good excuse to call home. This recipe is hers and I make it every summer. After going wheatless, I would make it with spelt flour and it was just as wonderful. Since going gluten-free I’ve been using the rice flour mix from Gluten Free Baking Classics (A. Roberts). It is quite nice. It has the same flavour and consistency, but don’t forget to add the guar gum, otherwise the lunar bumps in the top won’t happen.

Lunar Rhubarb Cake

50 minutes Makes 1 loaf
½ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp Guar gum
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt)
2 cups rhubarb, chopped
1 tsp flour

Topping:

¼ cup butter

2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup brown sugar

Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla and egg. In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternating with the buttermilk (making 3 dry 2 wet additions). Toss the rhubarb and 1 tsp flour. Spoon into a pan. Blend together the topping ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over the batter. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until the cake has risen and browned. Serve hot topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

To Market, To Market…….

I started back with my government students today and after my morning class I was free for the day. Since I had a doctor’s appointment later in the afternoon, I decided to stay downtown and hang out a bit.

Of course I had to tour the market, remembering the tall bunches of basil on sale and a vendor still having rhubarb. So after my other errands, off I went. I wasn’t disappointed. Although I enjoy the Parkdale Market, I find the Byward Market a feast for the senses; especially the eyes.

Fresh garlic is out. I love the braids so much that I never want to use them.

I love string beans.

Seeing all those blueberries makes me wish I liked them. The one fruit I don’t like.

The corn neatly piled drew me near to admire the colours of the husks. That’s one of the fun parts of having fresh corn: removing the husks enables stress to be released.

And my bounty; the berries were very tasty as I sat in the sun to enjoy them.

Some fabulous garlic was purchased from a flower vendor beside LE MOULIN DE PROVENCE, at the market building. I’ve never seen garlic so easy to peel. The freshness of the cloves had a smell I’ve never experienced before. It was so pleasant.

Fresh garlic for my homemade pesto.

Lattes, a jaunt downtown, and a tour of the market; what a nice way to spend the day.

The Mix Company

A few weeks ago we ventured up the valley to Pembroke. A friend was getting married over the long weekend so it was an excuse to visit a part of the region we hadn’t seen (a beautiful area by the way). I did a Google search for gluten free restaurants with not much success. However, a link came up for the farmer’s market downtown Pembroke. There was a vendor who sold gluten free mixes. I’ve never been one for mixes, but I kept it in mind for our trip.

Saturday morning the Honey wanted to continue sleeping so off I went to the market. At first glance it’s misleading. It looked so small and all I saw was hot food being served from the small building. Then as I got closer I saw the tables and vendors; there were lots. There were vendors with baking (that looked so good), jams jellies and relishes, crafts, lavender products (that smelled wonderful), fruit and vegetables, and the gluten free mix lady.

Like at home, I glanced at everything first, then after visiting The Mix Company I checked out what else I wanted, especially the rhubarb. Cate Ott had a variety of gluten free products available for sale: mixes of herbs and spices, bread, pancakes, pasta, soup, and of course baking. She also had some prepared items for sale: gluten free pumpernickel bread, gluten free banana muffins, and gluten free butter tarts.

Everything was so delicious. The butter tarts never made it out of the hotel room. The Honey enjoyed them as well. The muffins were nice and moist and great for breakfast.

And the bread, tasted like the real thing.

Perfect for sandwiches.

Orders can be done via their website or if you live in the area, pickups can be arranged.

Market Shopping

I’ve written previously about the local markets and the wonderful bounty they provide. And I’m sure there will be many more posts to follow in time. Once they open I don’t venture inside a chain grocery store too often, just to get the staples of milk, juice and the odd bottle of ginger ale (and now my gluten free goodies). There are so many benefits of shopping at the local markets and my list could go on and on, but I can only ever find one disadvantage – the crowds.


Back in May Noah Richler wrote an article in Maclean’s lamenting shopping at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market. Throughout the article I kept smiling as it reminded me of many shopping experiences in the Byward Market on a Saturday and Sunday morning. I learn quickly and the only time I venture there on a weekend is if out-of-town friends and family beg to go.

Unlike Richler, I can venture to the market downtown or on Parkdale any day of the week at any time I desire. When I worked in the market or near Elgin St. I would often take a stroll down to the market on my lunch break and pick up some goodies for the week or the weekend. I could take my time starting at one end, looking here and there, and then making my way back picking up what I wanted. It was perfect as the vendors had a chance to answer my questions or chat a bit. With my wonderful cloth LCBO bags full I would wander back to work. It was the least stressful part of my day. When I worked in the government it got me through the day. I would return to work all smiles, show off my goodies, and sometimes share my berries. During rhubarb season my students would be appalled with the horrible tasting sticks I presented, especially after they got a bite, but more so after they saw me take a bite of it and savour the kick it gave. But a few days later when they tasted my rhubarb loaf, their sense of wonder would turn into disbelief as they were shocked it was the same fruit.

Back in February, my Honey and I wandered through the St. Lawrence Market and luckily it was nothing like Richler had described, probably because it was mid-February and mid-Saturday afternoon. We could walk at our own pace and criss-cross the aisle. We did get surrounded by a crowd at one point, but that was at the food court and we just went on our merry way. Again, unlike Richler, we weren’t on a mission to get anything. If anything, our hearts kept dropping as we saw so many things we would’ve liked to try, but our hotel room didn’t have a fridge (I always begin to drool at the cheese counter).

Still, I did find some similarities. There are more local chefs picking up some of their fare at the markets, but luckily you have to get there early in the day to see them. I think of them like rabbits; look quick, oh you missed them. And some people don’t believe in lining up and swarm the vendors, especially on a weekend. But I’ve noticed they are usually tourists. Maybe they are those Torontonians Richler writes about. It is wonderful that tourists love to take some time while they’re in Ottawa to stroll through the markets, but they don’t buy anything and take up so much space (why are they always in groups of six or more?). Yes, I realize I toured the St. Lawrence Market as a tourist, but it wasn’t during peak time. And like Richler’s experiences, I too will tell the senior citizen to wait their turn. Unless they are frail and look like they’re about to tip over, they can wait like I did (I find seniors are far worse than teenagers in budding in line). But unlike Richler, success is in all how you say it. Instead of chastising the poor person, I find something like a guilt laden apology for thinking I was ahead works wonders. Maybe it’s because Ottawa is more conservative and in general, people don’t want to insult others, compared with larger cities, and so we wait our turn (except when suburbanites want to get on the bus, but I digress).

We still venture to the markets on the weekend, but our path follows different streets where we can stroll at our own pace. On mornings when we go for an early breakfast and decide to walk off the coffee jitters, we keep an eye on the time and try to be on our way by 10am at the latest. We get to enjoy the markets our way: enjoyable, pleasant and stress free.

Ohhhh Fabulous Spring

In a previous post I rattled on about how happy I was that spring had arrived. I call myself cold-blooded because I’m always cold and so I thrive in the warm temperatures. I hibernate all winter, but once the temperatures begin to climb, I’m out and about. In early spring I was in the Byward Market and was pleased to see the stalls up and vendors making their way back for another season. The market seems to come alive once the vendors set themselves up; almost a rejuvenation. Ours, the Parkdale Market, opened May 8th and I was waiting with anticipation. It closed much earlier last year due to construction in the park and market area. It saddens me when the markets close up, making me realize that fall has definitely come and winter isn’t too far off. But when they open I revel in their bounty.

At the Parkdale Martket we’ve got our favourite vendors; those for flowers,

herbs,

and food.

We’ve got our routine down. Browse all the way to the end of the block, then decide what we want to pick up and compare with what we want and need, and what’s on the list. Last year I was impressed with the number of small vendors who arrived with what I would call ‘heritage varieties’. Yellow beets, purple carrots, and the sort. While many people think they are new and genetically modified, the majority are natural and just as old, or older, than the everyday variety. I would linger and look, but I never picked any up, but this year I will. I love the market. I love that things are grown in the area I live and support those who work that land.

As a child my mom would take me to the market with her. Seeing this area of downtown Galt alive on a Saturday morning was quite the contrast to the empty building I would pass during the week. We’d pick up some fruit and vegetables, lunchmeat, and blocks of cheese. But my most favourite thing was the honey vendor, with their jars of honey – some with the honeycomb in it - and the Billy Bee bear squeeze bottle. When I became a teenager and had a Saturday morning off work we would venture to St Jacobs and stroll around the farmers market. As I got older I could understand why my mother went there; it was cheaper than the grocery store. And that’s what lured me to the Byward Market when I moved to Ottawa. At that time, it was a bonus that it was local, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s become more important. These are local people making a living by living off their land. And many are like the Honey’s family, and have lived off the same land for generations.

The products I find at the market have usually been picked within 48 hours. The colours are vibrant and the aroma is amazing. Who knew fresh lettuce could spell like a fresh rainfall. Sometimes the cucumbers and zucchini have some tips left on them. And bins of asparagus, tubs of berries, and tubs of cut herbs allow your mind to wander with the possibilities for dinner. At times I get out of control and buy too much as it all looks so delicious. It’s a challenge to control myself, but I manage knowing that it gives me an excuse to come back sooner.