The Grower's Basket

Mudgee, Australia - known for fine wine, good gastronomy, cute B&B's, and local flare. Did I mention this is where I now call home?  When I left Canada I was anxious about the flight, and excited to see Australia. As the pilot announced we were making our final decent into Sydney, I gazed down at the coastline. The bright contrast from ocean blue to sandy white put a smile on my face, it meant change - new scenes, new people, new experiences. When the wheels hit the tarmac my zen moment suddenly became a sarcastic reality, as the glow of the 'golden arches' was the first sight to catch my eye.  I have had a couple days to settle into my new room with my new roommates, and my new neighbourhood. At the grocery store I was quick to learn the facinating self reliance of the country, almost everything is product of Australia. Today I went to check out my new place of work,  Lowe Family Wines . Without a doubt this is the perfect fit for me - organic vineyards, bi...

ABC - Anything But Chardonnay ....such a thing of the past. Today my friends is a day of celebration, Chardonnay is one of the most popular white wine grape varietals in the world and today is dedicated to the promotion and consumption of this shinning star. There is fabulous Chardonnay produced right here in Ontario, many new releases and old favourites. If you are planning on visiting the Niagara Region at some point this summer maybe shoot for July 19-21 for the  International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C)  . Its a weekend full of International and Local Chardonnay celebrations. What's in your glass tonight? Let me help you with a few suggestions which are available at your local LCBO today. UNDER $20 Tawse - 2010 Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay LCBO - $19.95 A refreshing Chardonnay with notes of citrus and subtle french oak with vibrant acidity. Lovely on its own or with dinner. Try pairing it with shellfish like oysters or lemon buttered lobster! ...

I know its been awhile since my last post and I promise I have been busy! This past fall I had the opportunity to work my first grape harvest with Tawse Winery in the Beamsville Bench, and it was sure a big eye opener.  Often we buy a bottle of wine and as consumers our decision is primarily based on appearance and appeal. However if each individual consumer was educated enough to know the journey from grape to bottle I feel our choices would be much different, and our experience much more enjoyable. It is through my harvest experience at Tawse in which I discovered the type of experience I want to give readers. I have been asked countless times, " What is a good bottle of wine to buy right now?." This question is just as overwhelming for me as it would be for anyone. With all the choices out there today its hard to determine good winemaking from good marketing, and unless you have industry knowledge it is almost impossible to decipher. From here on in I am going to ma...

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 vermice...

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...

It's the long weekend and the weather forecast for Ontario is nothing but sun shine! Wether you plan to head to the cottage or veg out at home, here are 2 great Ontario wines for under $15 to throw in the May 24 mix. Cave Spring Rosé 2010 I know you may be thinking, really rosé? The wine style tends to have a bad rep because of sweet versions such as mass produced Wild Vines, but this my friends is a fabulous example of a a crisp, dry, high alcohol, Provence style Rosé made here in Ontario. Subtle notes of raspberry and sweet cherry take over with a noticeable acidity that makes for a delicious glass when slightly chilled. This wine goes perfect with pasta salads and veggie burgers, which is another great reason to pick a couple bottles up this weekend! Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is the wine of spring, boasting with fruit forward flavours and a crisp refreshing finish. This white is also great served slightly chilled and it is the perfec...

It's three o'clock in the afternoon, and you are already thinking...what's for dinner tonight? Chances are that if you live alone you will grab fast food, or eat a box of cookies. Or perhaps, dinner has simply become redundant and you are bored of the usual mid-week meal. Fear no more my friends, here is a radically simple dinner that is packed full of fibre, protein, veggies, and omega's. Sweet Asian Salmon  The Recipe stir fry: sweet onion, minced garlic, broccoli, red & green pepper drain and rinse and heat: 1 can of green lentils, or rehydrate 1 cup of green lentils rinse and bake: salmon- drizzle with grape seed oil (or olive oil), salt & pepper and lemon @350 for 20-30min depending how rare you like it plate: bed of green lentils, generous portion of stir fry veggies on top, lay salmon filet on veggies drizzle: Tempura sauce all over (I use about 3 tablespoons) I love this dish because it serves as a great next day lunch if you have extra veg...