Steelhead Trout
Hidden Gems by Heather Johansen Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes some big time indulgence. Cookies & egg nog are abundant. Large turkey dinners with gravy & potatoes are a must. It’s hard to find time to each sensibly with so many goodies around. While the annual Christmas food traditions are necessary (and tasty!), it’s always a good idea to have lighter dinner ideas on hand that are quick and leave you feeling without regret. Once again, Kingsland’s newest vendor Orca Bay Fish...
Read MoreHidden Gems: Mussels
Hidden Gems by Heather Johansen As much as I love Alberta beef, buffalo and other land animals, the Newfoundlander in me is always hunting for some really great & really fresh seafood in this landlocked province. Unlike other meats that benefit from aging, seafood is something that’s optimal when eaten right out of the water. Frozen seafood can do in a pinch but fresh is best when it comes to fish. Luckily for me, Orca Bay Fish Company has just opened at Kingsland. They have an excellent selection of fresh...
Read MoreStuffed Chicken
Hidden Gems by Heather Johansen Noble Meadows soft goat cheese is one of my favourite products available at Kingsland. It’s spreadable, like cream cheese, but so smooth and all natural – no weird ingredients in here! My favourite usage is in a salad with kale and roasted squash but the goat cheese is also great in dips, as a creamy addition to desserts (like cheesecake or truffles) or spread onto a sandwich or juicy burger. The cheese is available in square tubs with a variety of add-ins: herb & onion,...
Read MoreMaple Glazed Yam Fries
Hidden Gems by Heather Johansen Fifth Element Truffles is one of Kingsland’s newest vendors. They specialize in imported fresh truffles which are highly sought after for their rarity and unique depth of flavour. Fresh truffles are most commonly found in Italian pasta dishes but truffle-infused oil has been popping up on many restaurant menus in fancy versions of French fries or Mac & cheese. While truffles were not on my shopping list, I was still intrigued by Fifth Element’s selection of specialty oils,...
Read MoreApple Cider & Thyme Sauce
Hidden Gemes by Heather Johansen It’s going to be a snowy weekend in Calgary so now is the perfect time to stay at home and prepare a delicious, slow-roasted meal with family and friends. When you buy the best quality meats, from Kingsland vendors like Spragg’s and Hoven Farms, you barely have to do any work to make it delicious: just season a piece of beef or pork roast or a whole chicken with salt, pepper and oil or butter and allow it to roast away. Perfect and satisfying as is. My recipe for an apple...
Read MoreHidden Gems: Devilled Eggs
By Heather Johnson The beauty of a farmers market like Kingsland is that they not only sell Alberta-grown meats and produce but you can also find some extraordinary handcrafted, small batch food products from its vendors. A lot of love goes into their products and it shows. Some of my favourite gems at Kingsland include Sabores’ guacamole, Cucumber Man’s basil pesto or Jammin’ It’s fig jam. Naturally, I could make these spreads in my own kitchen but these Kingsland vendors just do it so perfectly that it’s hard...
Read More