Etcetera

Red House Salsas

There are so many talented people making fabulous products in Alberta, and we’re slowly but surely discovering them all. Mary Burch is definitely on this list; her simple but special salsa-making hobby has become a business – and rightly so! Made in small batches in St. Albert, Burch uses local ingredients for GF and vegan, fresh Mild, Medium, Hot, and Garlic salsas, and we love that she says, “We quality check our butts off.” Enjoy, they’re a no brainer! 500 mL $9. redhousesalsa.com for stockists.

The Artisanal Kitchen: Barbecue Sides

We expect the protein to be the star of our BBQs, but this little book from pitmaster Adam Perry Lang has some super delicious recipes for sides under the headings of Melting, Creamy, and Crispy; and Fresh, Sprightly, and Green. Lang has snuck in three meaty classics recipes, but my copy is full of Post-It notes for dishes such as Bubbling Bacon Butter Beans (p.17), Scruffed Carbonara Potatoes (p.23), and Radish and Mint Salad (p.71). I’m going to be busy this summer! Workman Publishing $15.

Squeeze of Lime Grain-Free Tortilla Chips

We like our grains, but we’re always excited to try alternatives - and these new grain-free chips from Que Pasa, in Richmond, BC, are made from cassava flour (aka yuca, manioc and tapioca) and are really delicious! They contain chia seeds too, and are super crunchy, light, with a little salt, and a lovely zing from the lime. More plusses – they’re certified organic, and so no one’s left out, they’re non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan too. Widely available, 142 g $4-6

Preserved Candied Chillies

Preserved say they are all about sustainable, local and delicious – and we can vouch for that! Vanessa Rundell’s mission is to take the best Alberta produce and support those farmers by turning their products into quality preserves and pickles. We’ve recently discovered her Candied Chilies, grown by Gull Valley Greenhouses, and now transformed by Rundell into a jar of thinly sliced, spicy, colourful goodness. 250 mL $8-10. Available across Alberta in specialty stores.

Zoe Ford BBQ Baking Packs

This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise given Alberta’s love of barbecuing and grilling envy, but Chef Jo Notkin, from Montreal and Top Chef Canada contestant, has launched a line of barbecue-ready baking mixes (say what?!!). Four mixes are available including cinnamon rolls, pancakes, graham crackers, and dinner rolls. They will work in the oven too, and best results might come the second time around, but there is no denying the ease and pleasure of enjoying more bread. About $13-14

Zinter Brown Pomegranate Pepper Pot

Anything pomegranate sounds appealing to us, so we put this pepper condiment through its paces – and it came out on top every time! Lightly tangy and a little sweet, we tried it on crackers with aged Cheddar, with Brie, smoked Gouda, and with cream cheese, and it was a terrific complement to all without overpowering them - with charcuterie and as a salad dressing too. Edmonton’s Zinter Brown has been making gourmet pepper pots and spreads for 33 years! zinterbrown.net 265 mL $8-9