GARLIC-A MUST FOR ITALIAN COOKING

 I tried growing garlic in my summer garden this year. Actually turned out okay.

A friend from my Italian Social Club gave me a huge bunch of garlic bulbs. So along with "my crop" and his donation, Barb and I have lots of garlic to use for the next few months. Garlic has been around for 7000 years. It was always popular in Italian cooking. When the influx of Italians came to Canada after World War Two, there was a stigma to eating garlic. How times have changed as everyone uses it now. It is used not only for cooking but some claim medicinal purposes. I use it a lot in my cooking. Many Canadians love the garlic bread at home and restaurants.

We found a quiet, dry corner in the kitchen to hang our garlic bunches.

Our  kitchen looks a little old worldly but some cultures use garlic to fend off vampires so the bunches are a good defense. Must be working-no vampires seen lately!

WOODBRIDGE ITALIAN FESTIVAL 2013

The summer has lots of local events to attend. In August, Barb and I went to the Italian festival in Woodbridge. We had a sausage on a bun. Of course, I found the Gelato tent.

Nothing better than to cap off a meal with an ice cream and an espresso coffee. With both in hand, a seat was found to enjoy the show.

A popular local group and band played many Traditional folk songs from various regions in Italy. Fun to listen and sometimes sing along. It was a simple but enjoyable evening not far from home. The best part was the Gelato!

#italianfestivalinwoodbridge#italianfestival#gelatoitalianstyle#olditalianfolksongs#granpaloveshisgelato#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA'S TRIP TO NIAGARA AREA WITH FRUIT STANDS

Niagara has more than the Falls. With the wineries to visit on many country roads, along the way there are fruit and vegetable stands. This one is located on the Niagara Parkway.

Barb bought us a basket of peaches and apricots. They were good to have to eat in our hotel later that night.

Barb had a friendly chat with the seller who liked Barb's coral top and skirt with matching shoes. The next day when we drove by the stall, the lady was wearing her own coral top! 
#niagaramarkets#winneriesingNiagara#buyingpeachesinNiagara#apricotsandpeaches#freshfruitinniagara

GRANPA'S TRIP TO THE FARMER'S MARKET AT HILLCREST MALL RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO

Our local mall has a decent farmer's market. A quick trip one Sunday yielded some good finds.

Nothing like farm fresh eggs for homemade pasta. I bought 2 dozen.

Fresh Ontario cherries are so tasty this time of year!

Home from the market with our cherries, eggs, some homemade cheese bread and buttertarts! Hillcrest Mall's little market was worth the trip.
#HillcrestMall#freshfarmeggs#fresheggsaregoodfornoodles#buttertarts#homemadecheesebread#farmersmarketsarebest#freshontariocherries#localproduce#supportOntariofarms

GRANPA'S TRIP TO NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

On a recent trip to Niagara on the Lake, while Barb was taking pictures of everything, I was finding stores of interest. Too bad it was only 10:00 a.m., I really would have loved some Italian Gelato-ice cream. A town with Gelato is a town worth visiting!
#gelato#granpalovesicecream#NiagaraontheLake#tripsinOntario