Tatamagouche: The day the women went. Part 1

Last weekend, my sister and I decided to take a road trip. Even though we had a day jam-packed full of errands, we wanted to venture along the North Shore and brake for whatever caught our eye. My daughter groaned and reluctantly agreed to come with us.

Tatamagouche is where the hit series The Week the Women Went was taped last summer and aired on CBC-TV this past winter. After stopping for a quick picture of the village sign, we realized it was Saturday morning and the Farmer's Market would still be open.

We entered "Creamery Square", a new heritage development, that houses an interactive heritage centre (re-opening summer of 2009) and the weekly Farmer's Market. Once inside one of the big red buildings, you were greeted by tables of homemade soaps, jewelery, fresh baked pies, meats, clothing and the most enormous brownies I've ever seen. I was told that a local woman combines cake and brownie recipes. As with many Farmer's Markets across Canada, it is a regular meeting place for locals and a place to stock up on tested-til-perfect food items.

After my daughter drew a picture at the kids art table (they gave a prize to each young artist), my sister noticed bunny rabbits near the front entrance. The owner had black, white, and brown bunnies for children to hold gently and pose for a picture. Instantly, what my daughter was convinced would be a boring day, turned into an awesome one.

Kristen's love-affair with Brooklyn Warehouse

Here's another guest post from my friend Kristen of With Bite:


By now, it's fairly obvious that I have somewhat of a love-affair with the Brooklyn Warehouse. I could say the same old things; food's great, atmosphere rocks, service is fantastic, yada, yada, yada...but the thing that keeps me coming back is the fact that everytime I think about Brooklyn, I remember how much fun I had. This is a great place; it's a neighborhood resto, run by a father and son duo, who really care about the products that go into their meals, quality service and customer satisfaction.

Since I go there somewhat frequently, I've gotten to know George Christakos, and his philosophy on how to run a successful restaurant. It's evident, in watching his interactions with clientele, that lots are repeat customers - and repeats for a reason. Quality and consideration are two ingredients that go into every dish and drink, and for this, Brooklyn Warehouse is truly a winner.

As I write this post, I've just finished the Coast "Best of Food" Survey. Brooklyn Warehouse took top honors in several categories, but most importantly for me - Best Restaurant. After my most recent visit, in which I introduced my sister, visiting from Manhattan, to my favorite resto, Brooklyn took top honors in Best Burger as well. Had Best Caesar Salad been an category, I think it's obvious who would win.

For this meal, my sis and I chose two items that are signatures on Brooklyn Warehouse's menu. My sis also chose the refreshing Green Curry for her entree; a tasty green curry with fantastically fresh veg, but alas, my photog skills failed me for that one. Here, however, are the pics of what I would refer to as the quintessential Brooklyn Warehouse meal:

Caesar Salad

Halved Romaine heart, pancetta, foccacia croutons, caper berry "That Dutchman's Dragon's Breath" blue cheese dressing.


The Brooklyn Burger

7 oz. of grilled, organic N.S beef, Applewood cheddar, double smoked back bacon, served with tomato, onion & pickle, house-made crispy taters and red pepper mayo.

And what a meal this is. The Caesar Salad dressing is rich and creamy, slightly pungent with the blue cheese, but with a touch of sweetness to balance. The addition of grilled lemon adds a freshness that lightens up the dressing while adding a smokey zing. The use of pancetta as opposed to bacon is genius, as the thin, salty slices are just the thing to contrast the crisp lettuce.

The burger...oh, the burger. I ate the whole thing - and it ain't small. The patty itself was flawless, but the addition of sweet, smokey Cheddar and salty back bacon raises the bar. The fries were just how I like- crispy on the outside and soft within, while the red pepper mayo was a great alternative to the usual cup of Heinz.

I'm a big supporter of this resto, and not just because I've grown to know and respect both the owners and staff - but because they do it right, providing a wonderful dining experience at affordable prices in the heart of Halifax.

Take a trip to the Brooklyn Warehouse and see for yourself. Then, cast your vote for Best Restaurant and Best Burger. Early bird voting is open now!

The Coast's Best of Food 2009

Brooklyn Warehouse

With Bite blog

Guest Post: Curry Cream Mussels

This week I am not on the "Right Coast" but near the west coast (the other right coast), in Alberta. Knowing that I likely wouldn't be as near a computer as usual, I asked my friend and fellow-blogger Kristen to do a guest post.

Kristen is passionate about eating great food and making it. Her blog with bite is about savouring every bite. Kristen is a supports locally grown food, Halifax restaurants and appreciates the art of cooking (and baking).

Here's Kristen's post:


This past Friday afternoon, I was thrilled to find out that Superstore had mussels on sale; 5lbs. for 5bucks! I immediately phoned my best gal Maria to see if she was available to celebrate such a deal. When I got home, 5 lbs. of these tasty shellfish in hand, I decided to make a creamy sauce to coat 'em.

Curry Cream Mussels

Ingredients:
5lbs. mussels, cleaned. Throw away any with broken shells
1 sm. onion or 1/2 large
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp butter
1 c. heavy cream
1tbsp. Curry powder

Method:
In a large pot, saute onions and garlic in butter on med-low heat. Add curry powder and stir to make sure all the veg is coated. Add cream and heat until just incorporated. Remove from heat.
In the same pot, place the mussels and pour the curried cream on top. Cover and steam on Med. heat, about 15-20 minutes until the mussels open. Note: Do not eat mussels that haven't opened on their own!

Gotta love the image of a big pot of steaming mussels!




Read more yummy posts from Kristen's blog with bite

Further info: How to pick your own mussels

Baking Bread, One Year at a Time

It's been exactly one entire year that I've been baking bread. One whole big fat year of not bringing home the store made stuff. My mother in law taught me, then I was guided along by my father and uncle. I make my bread the traditional way, I don't use a bread maker. I use good ol' elbow grease.

I'm more and more surprised about how many people make their own bread. Once I was told that "men make the nicest bread because they knead it better." Hmmm. Them's fight'n words!

After a year of trial and error, I honestly think my ego would take a beating if I bought a loaf at the store. I take such pride in my bread making. It's usually different every time. A handful of oatmeal or wheat germ or flax seed. Whatever is in the cupboard at the time. I love the creativity and simplicity of bread making.

My grandfather had a bakery near Bedford, Nova Scotia and he was well known for his bread. My uncle, who worked in the bakery alongside him, often gives me wonderful advise. When I was a young girl coming home from school, my father would just be taking bread out of the oven. Despite his warnings to never to cut into a warm loaf of bread, I'd cut into it anyway. Absolute heaven.

As I sit here typing, I have dough rising. In a few minutes I'll put it into pans to and put them in the oven. When the aroma is lofting throughout the house, the kids will appear. My daughter will make the margarine out of the fridge and get the Grohmann bread knife ready. The bread will be minutes old and still warm from the oven when the first slices are devoured. I won't be telling my kids to wait until the bread is cooled before slicing. No way, I'll be sitting in the kitchen eating a slice along with them.

Winter Retreat at Oak Island Resort

5 women
2 nights
1 chalet
= Good times at Oak Island Resort

On the coldest weekend of the year, we ventured along Nova Scotia's South Shore for an all "girlz" weekend. A couple times a year, my girlfriends and I book a trip away. It could be Montreal, New York, or the Aspotogan Peninsula. We're not fussy, anywhere we go we make our own fun. By the end of the weekend our sides hurt from laughing so much.

The last girls weekend was no different. We checked into a chalet at Oak Island Resort on a Friday afternoon. Cocooned from the -23C temperatures outside. The next morning, we sat next to the warmth of the fireplace, sipped coffee and watched sea smoke billowing beside Oak Island, located off in the distance in Mahone Bay. You know it's darn cold when there's sea smoke. This picture was taken from a chair in our living room.

While some of us had spa treatments, others worked out at the fully-equipped gym to be rewarded later in a refreshing swim in the pool and a soak in the hot tub. The pool and hot tub area is encased in large windows and offers a panoramic view of Mahone Bay and the marina. The sauna room was also taken advantage of, a welcome treat considering the frigid temperature outdoors.


Following our swim and soak, a couple of us stayed behind to read a book or make an earnest attempt at the Saturday crossword. One couldn't help but look up from the lounge chair and out at the gorgeous view. Later, we moved to the large fireplace off the main lobby where we read the newspaper and munched on a plate of sweet potatoe fries. Before sunset, one sole adventurer couldn't resist a walk along the shore and brought back beautiful pictures to our cozy chalet.

Legend has it that there is treasure on Oak Island. The Oak Island Money Pit, "the worlds greatest treasure hunt", is privately owned. For 200 years, men have attempted to dig through the booby traps and unscramble a secret code that leads to the treasure. Some say it's a hoax but others are adamant that there is gold to be found. There is a lot of debate as to how the treasure got there to begin with, yet alone who buried it. Maybe pirates? The islands investors work closely with the Oak Island Tourism Society (OITS), and promote the Oak Island Money Pit as a fascinating heritage site with the aim of 'securing the rights to operate guided tours on Oak Island'.

While the lure of hunting for treasure was far from our minds, we had our very own treasure in the form of friendship. A treasure that is priceless. For that, I am thankful.

For more info:
Oak Island Resort
Oak Island Treasure
Oak Island Tourism Society

10 Outdoor Winter Activities in NS

It's early January and already I'm shack wacky. Even though I am getting lots of fresh air as I train for The Hypothermic Half Marathon, I still want to "do" something. For the last couple days I've been suffering a mild case of writers block. A few months ago I was bursting with ideas on things to blog about. Now it's January and I'm not even inspired to clean the kitchen floor (okay, I'm never inspired to do that). I blame it on the January blahs. So, to help me shake out of it, I got a hair cut. Somewhere between the pungent smell of hair dye and purring like cat with someone playing with my hair, a thought popped into my head - write about how to get the "ick" out of January.

10 Activities to Get The "ick" Out of January- in no particular order:

1. Outdoor Photography
Yes, at this time of year we curse the ice and snow but before you reach for that shovel and ice pick, discover the beauty in the white stuff. Take a picture of it. Get close-up, and zoom in on an icicle.

The Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia motivates its members and guests with seminars, workshops and field trips for all levels of shutterbugs. Their next field trip is January 25th (Eagle Watching in Sheffield Mills).

2. Eagle Watching
January and February are the best months for viewing eagles and the Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch is where you'll be guaranteed some action. This annual event runs Jan. 24 - 25, 2009 and Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2009 and is in its 18th year. Near Kentville, this community comes alive with eagle watchers. There are lots of viewing areas so bring your camera a knock off items #1 and #2 from this list.

3. Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Follow these handy tips and get ready to burn a lot of calories with this safe, low impact sport. Thanks to technological improvements from the cumbersome wooden variety, you can choose to do a leisurely stroll or a full out sprint.

Snowshoeing in Guysborough is easy. Just sign out a pair of snowshoes (they're free) from the Guysborough Fitness Centre and then explore around the grounds of the Osprey Shores Golf Resort. I'm also told that snowshoeing is fabulous on Five Islands Provincial Park's hiking trails. While the park is officially closed for the season, no one minds if you strap on your shoes. Be safe!
For more info:
Nova Scotia trails (maintained during winter)

4. Winter Surfing
Watch them, cheer them on while standing firmly with hot chocolate in hand from the beach. This is really something to see and at Lawrencetown beach is where you'll find these brave people. Hot tub dude?
Click on the image to watch a winter surfing video (January 4th, 2009)
For more info:
Scotia Surfer
Surf Nova Scotia

5. Geo caching
Geocaching is an outdoor high-tech treasure hunting game by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches (with "treasures" inside), and then share your experiences online. If you take a treasure, you must leave one for the next person. Did you know that Nova Scotia’s first cache was also the first in Canada? Placed: Jun 18th, 2000. Today, there are 709,820 active geocaches around the world. Wow.
For more info:
Maritime Geocaching Association
Stonehame Lodge and Chalets-Weekend Geocaching Packages

6. Winter Camping
Grab your wool, polypropylene, hydrophobic, Polarguard, Hollofil, Quallofil, Primaloft, Microloft, Thinsulate, pile and fleece and do good research before you set out.
Kejimkujik National Park offers wonderful sites in Jeremy's Bay and has four warm-up shelters. In the backcountry, 8 campsites and 2 backcountry cabins are available. Call the Visitor Centre (open on weekends) for more information and backcountry reservations (1-902-682-2772). Get inspired by watching an episode of Survivor Man.

7. Sliding
I'm usually corrected when I say "coasting" but I grew up saying it on the Eastern Shore. Must be a Maritime saying. Whatever you call it, it really gets the heart rate up. It's self-explanatory, find a hill, get on something that slides and go. While it's not wise to wear suede, it sure is fun.

There are too many hills to name but for a thrill, slide down the steep hills at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. What a rush.

Chedabucto Bay also calls tobogganing "coasting" (so there!) and a hill curving down to a dock in Mussel Cove is a local popular spot. No need to bring your own, as a guest at the DesBarres Manor Inn you'll be provided with your own slider or coaster (whatever you call it). Nuff said.

8. Dog Sledding
Long before there were airplanes and snowmobiles, dog sled dogs were once one of the main methods of transportation in the Arctic regions. There is a lot of coordination in dog sledding. All dogs must run approximately the same velocity and be about the same size as the dog to their lateral position. Mushers have to be in good physical shape and carry tasty rewards for the dogs.

Simple sled dog commands:
"Mush!" -- Let's Go
"Gee!" -- Turn Right
"Haw!" -- Turn Left
"Whao!" -- Slow or Stop
"On by!" -- Straight Ahead
Click on the video to see one persons first dog sledding adventure in Cape Breton.
For more info:
Guided dog sledding tours in Cape Breton

9. Skiing
What's your style? Downhill or Cross Country or Snowboard? These activities will get your cheeks red and give you a good nights sleep.

For more info:
Ski Martock
Ski Wentworth
Cross Country Ski Areas in Nova Scotia

10. Ice Fishing
Handy check-list:
Power Auger- check
Fishing rod- check
Fishing hut- check
Fish finder- check (hey, isn't that cheating?)
No matter, there's smelt and trout to be found in the cold water.
For more info
Canada Adventures Guide (they do hut rentals)

More winter activity ideas:
Bay of Fundy Tourism
Winter in Nova Scotia
Authentic Seacoast
novascotia.com Winter Packages

It's your turn, what are YOUR 10 outdoor winter activities!

Nova Scotia Wild Berry Bushes

I like to go "au naturel" when I decorate my home for the holidays. Wait a sec, that came out wrong, I am FULLY clothed. What I meant to say is that I like to use natural sources for my seasonal arrangements. My sister calls it "wild crafting" and we've been doing it for years now. My collection method is gathering pine and balsam fir branches and picking red berries from land that is soon going to be developed.

The end result is fabulous. I have to admit to something though. For the longest time I didn't have a clue what the berries that I like to use in my arrangements were called. So, after 30 minutes with Google Search, Detective Maria finally found out what they were. Here's what I found out, they are called Winterberry Holly and Rosehips:

The top two berry pictures are what "Winterberry Holly" looks like. A holly has glossy evergreen leaves, right! No, not always. Ilex verticillata, Winterberry Holly, or Winterberry is Nova Scotia's native, wetland holly that loses it leaves each autumn. This beautiful shrub is a gorgeous burst of bright red colour during the winter months. Watch out though, their berries can easily fall off when shaken. Birds love these bushes and provide the avid bird watcher hours of entertainment.

The last picture are Rosehips. These bushes tend to grow in bunches. If you want to snip off a few of their limbs for their burgundy coloured berries, you practically have wear metal-plated gloves and garden clippers. This plant to thorny and you're guaranteed a few scratches and thorns if you're not careful. Take my advise and don't make wear your favourite down-filled jacket.

Also known as Rosa canina (Dog Rose), Rosehips are very high in Vitamin C and contain vitamins A, D and E, and antioxidants. These babies are sometimes made into jellies, preserves, syrups, tea and even wine. Who knew that something on my doorstep had so many uses.

Cooking with Rosehips

Winterberry Holly Attracts Birds

Canada's Best Smoked Salmon (from Nova Scotia)

Growing up on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, I was aware that there was famous Danish smokehouse just up the road. So when time came for me to host a holiday brunch and wanted to make a smoked salmon quiche, there was no choice but to use salmon from J Willy Krauch's and Sons.

So off I went to my trusted Canadian Living website to search for recipes and came across a Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Quiche recipe. This quiche was simple to make but difficult to contain my urge to nibble on the salmon. I went a little overboard and made four quiches but knew they'd freeze well if there were leftovers, there barely were any.

J. Willy Krauch & Son's Smokehouse smokes high quality Atlantic salmon, mackerel and eels in traditional Scandinavian style. Their newest flavour is lemon pepper and garlic mackerel or try others such as Cajun or Maple Pepper. You will find other delicacies such as smoked herring, smoked eels and smoked trout. Their products are available in most grocery stores in Nova Scotia.

Willy Krauch came to Canada from Denmark and began smoking fish in 1956. Willy developed a method that was uniquely his own and using only Nova Scotia hard wood kindling and sawdust. Willy passed away several years ago and the business is now run by his sons. They continue the fine craft of smoking the finest quality fish. In the tiny village of Tangier, Nova Scotia (about 1 hour 20 minutes outside of Halifax) you can see smoke billowing from the smokehouse. Tours are available but I recommend contacting them first.

The local rumor is that they ship their gourmet fish to famous people all over the world, royalty included. If you don't live in Nova Scotia, they'll even ship it to you.

To Order:
J. Willy Krauch & Son's Smokehouse
Tangier, Nova Scotia - Eastern Shore
Phone: 1-902-772-2188
Toll Free: 1-800-758-4412 or 1-800-299-9414
Email: willykrauch@ns.sympatico.ca
No website available

Grohmann Knives, Pictou, Nova Scotia

On a recent visit to Pictou, I just had to take a picture of the knife jutting out of the building at the Grohmann Knives Outlet. Whenever I visit the town of Pictou and drive by this location, my question always is, "who threw this knife?"

Grohmann Knives Limited is a small family-owned business in Nova Scotia. To these guys, making knives is as much an art as a trade. Their top quality knives are produced with as many as 53 steps between starting point & finished product.

When my sister got married and received a set of Grohmann knives as a present, I grew to realize that these are superior knives. In fact, they are the only knives I use in my kitchen. Nothing cuts my homemade bread better.

I often take advantage of the blade sharpening clinics that take place in various parts of the province.

Next time in Pictou, take a free factory tour. It's a "cut above the rest" (okay, I couldn't resist!)

Creepy Witch's Fingers

Last night I made Creepy Witch's Fingers.

These yummy sugar cookies, with a hint of almond extract, are a hit with any Halloween party.

While you are savouring these cookies, the garlic will help fend off vampires. It's a "win-win"!



Get the recipe from Canadian Living.

Donair l'egg roll

We Atlantic Canadian's have a weakness for donair's. For a select few, especially at 2 a.m. on a Saturday - when any knowledge of Canada's four food groups is kicked to the curb.

Ok.

Wait one sec.

Let's get something straight.

I am NOT up at 2 a.m. (anymore) I'm NOT 19 (anymore). I prefer a stick of celery as a snack (these days).

Not all Atlantic Canadian's even like donair's. Just thought I'd add that disclaimer.

So. Here's an egg roll with a twist. It's yummy and it comes with "donair sauce" to dip them in. What is that delicious white sauce called anyway? Never mind, there are some things one doesn't need to know in life, like what is donair meat made of anyway? Don't matter, it's still good.

Someone told me today I should be a food photographer. I scoffed. Then reached for my bag of celery.

Happy Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Cookies

I received these cookies in a basket a few years ago. These beauties are soft and chewy. I add chocolate chips and sometimes walnuts.

Pumpkin Cookies:
1/2 cup margarine (or softened butter)
1 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins)
1 cup chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar together, mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and pumpkin. Stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake in 375 oven for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Then invite me over for tea :)

Annapolis Valley Apple Torte

This torte cuts into firm slices, each studded with apples, a fresh change from apple pie.

Base
1/2 cup butter 125 mL
1/3 cup granulated sugar 75 mL
1/4 tsp vanilla 1 mL
1 cup all-purpose flour 250 mL
1/2 cup raspberry jam 125 mL

Filling
1 cup cream cheese, softened 250 mL
1/2 cup granulated sugar 125 mL
1 large egg 1
1/2 tsp vanilla 2 mL

Topping
4 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 L
1/3 cup granulated sugar 75 mL
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 mL
1/2 cup slivered almonds 125 mL

Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla; add flour and mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into bottom and 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan. Spread raspberry jam on the bottom crust. Mix filling ingredients until smooth and spread evenly over base. Toss peeled and sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon and arrange gently on filling. Sprinkle with slivered almonds.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Cool and serve with whipped cream. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Print 4 x 6 Recipe Card (pdf)

To find fall recipes, go to novascotia.com

Next...my pumpkin cookies!

Roses are red. Blueberries are blue.

Oxford, Nova Scotia

"You ought to have seen what I saw on my way
To the village, through Mortenson's pasture to-day:
Blueberries as big as the end of your thumb,
Real sky-blue, and heavy, and ready to drum
In the cavernous pail of the first one to come!"
Robert Frost



Last week I took a side trip to Oxford, "Blueberry Capital of Canada". I dropped into the Wild Blueberry and Maple Centre (which also doubles as a Visitor Information Centre). As soon as I walked in the door I knew what I was having- blueberry ice cream, which I happily devoured on my way out of town.

Fried Green Tomatoes

One early Saturday morning, a friend and I set off to Halifax's Farmers Market. I was on a mission. I had a hankering for fried green tomatoes and wanted to try making them.

After searching for a recipe online, I came across one calling for cornmeal and breadcrumbs. Perfect. So, as I sliced the tomatoes, I talked with a southern accent (like Jessica Tandy from the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes"). This drove my kids nuts. They got more annoyed when my husband chimed in but he sounded more like Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump".

These tomatoes were yummy. Even more so when topped with something tart and that's where I got the idea of adding goat cheese and chutney. Thought of adding a dab of the lavender jelly but thought I'd best save the near empty jar for my morning toast.