farmers market - local, fresh & organic

Many of us can now easily  buy food directly from our local farmers even when we live in the heart of a big city. For awhile now, Bill and I have frequented a large outdoor farmer's market that we need the car to get to. This spring a tiny little organic market sprung up just 3 blocks from our home. As the summer roles in, the size of the market grows along with the offering of gorgeous produce.

It's a shame that our season is so short here in Canada... this may just be the year I look into canning and preserves. I've spent my whole life reading labels to know what's in my food. I'm coming to believe that knowing WHERE it's coming from and how it's grown is just as important.

gluten-free barbeque: fresh seasonal corn!

corn season is coming!

Corn is an omnipresent ingredient in much processed food - from starch to syrup. It even makes up part of the packaging in which you buy your corn flakes... and it's used to manufacture various types of plastic. Doesn't sound too appetizing, I know.

In addition to the food processing world, Monsanto has altered farming practices and grains at a cellular level to the point that I can't help but wonder whether this is one of the reasons we are seeing such a spike in food intolerance. At the risk of never wanting to eat anything for the rest of your life, google Monsanto if you want to know more.

For SO MANY  reasons, I believe it is important to support local farmers who are using sustainable practices wherever possible. This means eating fresh food when it is in season.

Alessandra and I on her last visit from Rome

Corn season is short in Canada, but when it comes, it is sheer heaven. Crunchy and sweet - best cooked on the grill. Cut off the kernels from leftover grilled corn on the cob and add it to salads. We like to add it to black beans with chilies and coriander. Another favorite is Bill's baby potato,  corn and pesto salad. Simply mix said ingredients to make up a hearty seasonal summer dish!

Organic Works gluten-free raisin bread

Yummy cinnamon bread... and more importantly, good right from the bag (unlike many gf breads that I will only eat if toasted first). 

This bread had a texture that held together well with a nice flavour - that was not too sweet. Check out their website HERE to learn more about where you can find it in Canadian stores... or order this (and numerous products) online!

gluten free market - it's hip to be gluten free!

This morning Bill and I went to the the Brick Works - an amazing place in Toronto that was once the location of the brick making kilns responsible for producing much of our city. Today this historic site is run by Evergreen, an environmental non-profit. Every Saturday they run an organic & local market. It was our first visit to this super lively venue. Among all the gorgeous fresh organic produce, there were five stalls selling baked goods.  The sweetest surprise was that of these five, three offered delicious gluten free goodies.

I am also noting another trend... many bakers are making goods that are both gluten-free AND vegan as a way of expanding their market with one product. Personally, I prefer butter and eggs in my baked goods... but I don't turn my nose up at any gluten free treat. 

I inhaled an enormous chocolate chip cookie from LPK's Culinary Groove... the image above shows the goods I left behind (this time!).  

Tonight I will scarf down a ginger loaf for dessert with friends. Jose from Pimenton gave me a sample... yum!! I asked him why they were offering gf - he replied that the market had driven the new products. I think that he too is curious to see how this "trend" will pan out.... I'm interested in hearing more about other's take on where this is all going. After all of these years going without - I'm still in shock at what is available around me these days.