CANADIANS + FOOD

Having landed in New Brunswick in the 1700’s and obtaining a land grant to settle the Steeves family, legend has it that the people already living here educated these newcomers to syrup from trees:  “Legend says: in the early days, the natives discovered maple syrup by accident. It has been told that one spring a […]

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Since our cookbook review takes place in Hamilton and is authored by the former Hamilton mayor, I thought it was fitting to review a fictional novel that takes place in Hamilton.  It’s fun to read a book about a place you know so well – I grew up in the region and lived in Stoney

Red Hill Creek Read More »

This week, we explore the life of a Canadian illustrator through the book “A Feast for Joseph.”  Ken Daly brings his rich Caribbean heritage to books, music, art, and television…check him out at https://www.kendaleyart.com/  Ken’s parents emigrated from Dominica, West Indies and Ken was born in Cambridge, Ontario.  From there, Ken’s studies took him to

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https://christinekotowyczbooks.com/ When you find a book with so many local references, it feels close to your heart as well as home.  Christine Kotowycz lived down the road on a farm in the hamlet of Grafton.  We both marveled at how our paths crossed and merged.   The inspiration for this book came from a broken-down sleigh

Santa’s Sleigh Read More »

https://canadianbirchcompany.com/ Maple syrup is quintessential Canadian…but birch syrup? Yup and Glenda and Rory Hart have developed the unique taste from this tree to give you some delicious products.   With many trial and error production challenges, the duo finally landed on a method to extract the sap from birch trees.  And then the pandemic hit…but alas,

Canadian Birch Company Read More »

It’s that time of year when we’re looking for unique gifts and do we have something special for you!  Check out Alumination Canada for some pretty funky beverage designs!  https://aluminationcanada.com/  From a family inspired business beginning in 2014 to a successful “Brand New Antiques” gift trend, Alumination is providing Canada with a pretty cool option

Alumination Canada Read More »

The Beer You Can Eat! https://www.maltyandhoppydelicacy.ca/ I’ve had every fruit imaginable in jelly form, wine jelly, champagne jelly…but never beer jelly.  What a nice addition to the condiment shelf!  And where did this idea come from?  From Burgundy France – land of wine, mustard, kir and beef bourguignon, and beer!?!  Francoise Briet hales from Beaune,

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With Remembrance Day this week, featuring this insightful perspective to war time in Singapore is timely.  Ethel Mulvany of Manitoulin Island went on a whirlwind tour of the world, found a husband on route, and settled with him in Singapore.  And then the war worked its way to their island.  We don’t hear enough about

The Taste of Longing Read More »

https://happycaps.ca/ When you grow up with parents selling magic mushrooms in the Netherlands, what’s the best business for you to get into here in Canada?  Why mushrooms of course!  Andrew “Kobo” Kobayashi took this inspiration and his love of gardening and urban farming and developed a business model to promote (regular!) mushroom growing accessible to

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