Eats & Drinks

5 Great Fraser Valley Ice Cream Destinations

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

At last, our summer weather has arrived and this past week we have been in search of delicious ice cream to cool us down! This month’s ’5 Great…’ list includes 5 Great Ice Cream Destinations in the Fraser Valley. There are way more than 5, of course – where is your favourite stop for a cool, sweet treat?

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Fraser Valley Farmers Markets

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

It’s farmers market time in the Fraser Valley! Some have already begun, the rest will begin later this month and early next month. From Chilliwack to White Rock to Pitt Meadows, there is a Fraser Valley Farmers Market near you!

Farmers Markets are a wonderful place to discover local farmers and food producers. You will find fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, flowers, meat, fish, preserves, baking, snacks and a variety of unique artisanal works. As the spring turns to summer, and summer to autumn, the offerings change up and you will enjoy the full bounty that our Fraser Valley has to offer.

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Cranberry Pecan & White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Friday, October 29th, 2010

It is cranberry time of year and we are lucky to be in the Lower Mainland where we produce over 77 million pounds of cranberries every year!

Did you know the Cranberry was originally called the “Crane Berry” because the shape of the blossom resembles the head of a crane? Did you know the BC cranberry harvest comprises about 12% of the North American crop?

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Simple Homemade Bread Recipe

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Check out some of the bread labels next time you are at the supermarket. Calcium propionate, mono and di-glycerides, sodium sterol lactate, L-cysteine and high fructose corn syrup are some examples of some of the additives in store-bought bread. Do you know what any of these are or the long term effects these chemicals can have on us? With some simple planning ahead you can save money and have beautiful homemade bread to pack for those school lunches.

This bread recipe below has only seven ingredients and you will be able to pronounce every one.

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Fraser Valley Dessert Destinations

Monday, October 4th, 2010

As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, it becomes extremely tempting to change into our jam-jams as soon as we finish dinner, and curl up for the evening. Give yourself something to look forward to by rounding up the family (or a few of your lady friends) and head out for a great dessert from one of these Fraser Valley dessert destinations! We promise that whichever destination you choose, you’ll be sure to leave with satisfied taste buds and a full tummy! Watching your weight? Don’t let that stop you – grab one dessert, two forks and share with a friend!

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5 Steps To The Perfect Turkey

Monday, September 27th, 2010

As the fall begins and summer is over our plans shift to the holiday season. With that in mind we want to begin thinking about creating the perfect center piece for those holiday meals: the roast turkey. By following a few simple keys and some pre-planning you can prepare the perfect roast turkey every time.

Step 1: Choosing the Bird

The rule of 1 lbs to 1.5 lbs per person should give you a good idea of what size turkey to buy. If you need something smaller there are legs, breasts, and drumsticks available on their own.  Choose a consciously grown bird, with plenty of room to run around and is not fed animal byproducts or antibiotics.

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Interview: Travis Rea Shares Meal Suggestions for Busy Folks

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

Travis Rea of Feed The Fire has shared some delicious Fall recipes for busy families and folks on the go. Travis is a Fraser Valley chef who specializes in healthy food, nutrition and chef services.

Q. The Fall is a busy time for most people, can you give a few meal suggestions that are quick, easy and healthy?

A: The best tips I can give to those who are busy and trying to feed their families healthier meals is to spend a little time planning ahead. Plan meals 2-4 days in advance and take little steps to speed up the preparation process. Recruit other family members to pitch in during the week by taking care of some of the cleaning or chopping of the vegetables. Or for example have someone prepare a casserole recipe that can be stored in the fridge and have someone else be responsible for putting it the oven the next day.

Here is a simple dish I do for the family.  You can have this pre-mixed and then quickly cook it at a later time.

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Beyond PB&J: Healthy Lunch Alternatives

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

It may be hard to believe, but we’re already just a few weeks from the start of school. Despite its popularity, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can get monotonous after awhile.  We’ve uncovered a few alternatives for lunches as you start to gear up for back-to-school planning.

Most experts recommend including a protein source, a vegetable (cooked or fresh) and a fresh seasonal fruit along with water or 100% juice to ensure a balanced lunch.

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6 Martini Hot Spots in the Fraser Valley

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

A night out in the Fraser Valley. Where to go? We have scoured the Fraser Valley to find you 6 of the best martini hot spots, perfect for that long overdue girl’s night out. Whether your style is modern and hip, or relaxed and classic, our list of featured lounges offers something for everyone. Who knows, you may even have so much fun, nights out just might become a common occurrence (wouldn’t that be lovely!).

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Summer Cocktail Tips from West Coast Bartenders

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Now that we have some great tips for our summer BBQs, we thought asking Jeff of Westcoast Bartenders for a few summer cocktail recipes and tips would be a great fit! Jeff has been bartending for 10 years and his company has worked for a variety of events from weddings to large corporate events, movie sets and small backyard gatherings.

Q. What are some essential bar ingredients and tools that everyone should have at home, in case of an impromptu summer party?

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