The Grower's Basket

The heat is on and Canada Day long weekend is here people! Many of my friends actually work all weekend but for most Canadians it is a time to appreciate the beautiful weather outside, and the beautiful country we live in. Long weekends are made for get togethers wether it be with friends, family or both. This weeks summer salad release is is great when made in large servings and very easy on the pocket, not to mention you can eat it hot off the fry pan or even better when served as a cold salad next day.  Sweet Vermicelli Sprout Salad soak vermicelli noodles in cold water until it reaches desired tenderness (for me usually 25 min) I usually only use half a package at a time fry: minced garlic, julienne shallot, julienne orange pepper, edamame (steamed from frozen), and bean sprouts add 3 tbsp grape seed oil (or veg), 1/3 cup of hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup oyster sauce, 1/4 cup of tempura or light soy sauce, and 1 tbsp of sambal sauce (crushed chilli flake paste) add vermicelli

The Heat is on and Summer is finally here! The Growers Basket has a fresh new look and I am so excited for the summer roll out! Over the past couple weeks I have noticed the fruit and veggie stands popping up like crazy around the Niagara Region, and this can mean one thing and one thing only; things are growin'! Local finds right now will include asparagus, strawberries, leeks, rhubarb, and fiddleheads (now at end of harvest). I have been trying my best to prepare my lunches with healthy, satisfying and local ingredients and it was during a lunch break in the vineyard on Quarry Rd where I thought of a great blog series for my readers. Over the next 5 weeks I will be releasing a weekly summer salad with a tasty wine pairing. This week is all about big flavour and fresh ingredients! Summer Salad: The Chunky Fiddleheaded Greek cucumbers (St David's Hydroponics) yellow bell pepper (St David's Hydroponics) red bell pepper (St Davids Hydroponics) cherry tomato (P