HOME FROM THE CAMBRIDGE FARMER'S MARKET

On one of our long weekend events, Barb and I went to Cambridge Ontario to the Farmer's Market. We bought lots of fresh produce.

Strawberries to eat fresh from the basket or with some ice cream.

Our bounty- tomatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, asparagus, small jar of homemade pickled beets and of course the strawberries.

The 2 litre jug of dark maple syrup for Barb and the grandkids. For pancakes, fudge and to use in making butter tarts!

For dinner we used our day's finds.

An asparagus frittata, fresh corn and tomato slices with olive oil, oregano and fresh leaves of basil. A hearty meatless meat for a Saturday night!
#freshcorn#strawberries#FoodlandOntario#adeliciousSaturdaynightdinner#freshtomatoes#maplesyrupfromShadyGrove#eatingfreshinsbest#frittata

GRANPA'S TRIP TO THE CAMBRIDGE FARMER'S MARKET

As one of our long weekend events, Barb discovered a farmer's market in Cambridge Ontario-just west of Toronto before you get to Kitchener-Waterloo. A quick drive off the 401. Apparently it has been around since 1830, making it one of the oldest markets in the country.

Barb bought us a new trek trolley for such outings. Purple of course! Better than lugging bags of heavy produce.

It was a small market so it did not take us long to look around.

Here I am buying Barb a 2 litre jug of dark maple syrup from the friendly dealer from Shady Grove Maple Co. in Guelph Ontario. There were a good variety of maple syrup products.

I bought some fresh asparagus from this nice lady. She said she had been picking strawberries in the rain on Friday.

On to the next booth.

Nothing like fresh corn from the farm.

Barb likes sweet potatoes so I bought a bag of them.

It is good to buy local produce and support Foodland Ontario. Barb and I like to see if we can eat at a local place too. We found a little cafe and had a toasted bagel with cream cheese and a coffee.

The Grand Cafe was across the street from the market. It is named the Grand because the Grand River divides the town. Barb took advantage of the day photographing buildings, churches, art and the river. She will write about it in her blog- http://reflectivethoughtsbybarbara.blogspot.com
Overall, it was an enjoyable outing. The people at the market  and town were friendly.  Our farmers sure work hard to bring our food to the table.
Visit their website. Cambridge Market
#cambridgefarmersmarket#adayincambridgeontario#lotsoffreshfruitandvegetables#grandcafeforcoffeeandtreats#buyinglocalproduce#bagelwithcreamcheese#friendlyfarmersatthemarket#farmersmarketsarefun#FoodlandOntario#shadygrovemaplesyrup

FEASTS FIT FOR A FATHER

Father's Day weekend was full of good eating. Going to friends for dinner Saturday June 15 brought wonderful appetizers and a creative salad.

Lettuce with strawberries, blueberries and pomegrante! House dressing!

A tortellini pasta dish with meat and pea sauce.

Followed by a meat dish with lots of vegetables. And dessert. Thanks Mary and Ben!

Then to my daughter and son-in-law for a combined birthdays for the grandkids and Father's Day on Sunday June 16.

Appetizers, 4 salads-tossed, caesar, bean and pasta, devilled eggs-made by Barb started the meal.

Lots of barbecued meat.

Chicken, sliders, kabobs, sausage, lamb on a skewer, hot dogs!

Both meals served wonderful desserts.

Tuxedo cake, oreo cookie cake and one of my favourites-lemon meringue pie! Thanks to Tash and Domi!
#cakes#Tuxedocake#lemonmeringuepie#chickenonthebarbecue#sliders#tortellini#greatmealsattwoplaces#devilledeggs

BARBECUE SEASON CANADIAN STYLE

Although some people barbecue year round, I prefer the warmer weather. It is more enjoyable to take the food from the grill and sit outside to eat. For the record, I do not use a gas barbecue but still prefer the charcoal and smaller unit.  Steaks, chops and chicken are the meals so far. Barb bought me a new grilling pan so maybe I will use it when some of the fresh veggies are ready from the garden. She has trips planned over the next few months to markets and farms so I know I will be buying lots of fresh produce as it becomes available. There are many ways to use the barbecue. Potatoes wrapped in tin foil can be put in the coals to cook. Sometimes I precook them a little in the microwave before wrapping and putting in the fire.  Even corn on the cob tastes better grilled and not boiled in water. As the season progresses, I am sure to have some delights to share with you. Tonight I will be cooking some lean pork tenderloin cut into pieces. We had some last week. It was quite tasty. I bought a large piece and divided it into portions for two. So Canadians coast to coast are in full swing of barbecue season.
#barbecueseason#backyardfun#freshveggiesfromthegarden#daytripstofarmersmarkets#cornonthebarbecue#steaksonthebarbecue#potaoesonthebarbecue#chops#chicken#freshproduce