Etcetera

Fresh Prep

We have to say, we’re very impressed with new to Alberta, Fresh Prep meal kit delivery service – it ticks all the boxes! It’s zero waste, and pre-portioned in reusable containers (no plastic or paper bags!), and supports local producers with optional add-ons from local businesses too. There are 10 recipes each week to choose from, and the meals are easy to cook and really delicious – and with very generous portions! Check out freshprep.ca for details - they deliver to 11 cities across Alberta!

Gradient Gradually Reducing Vodka Soda

Well here’s a thing – Calgary’s Gradient Vodka Soda has launched a new pack that contains six cans of flavoured vodka-based RTDs with decreasing levels of alcohol to suit your mood and the situation – mindful moderation! The highest strength is 8% ABV, and they reduce to 7%, 6%, 4%, 3%, and lastly 2% ABV. Gluten- and sugar-free, Gradient uses Western Canadian ingredients in their Raspberry Lemon, Lime, and Cucumber Mint flavours. $16-18 in stores and at gradientvodkasoda.com.

RX Bars

We all want to know what’s in our food, particularly pre-packaged snacks, which often have unrecognizable ingredients, and now RX Bar have brought out a range of flavours of their “No B.S” protein bars, each featuring 5-8 ingredients listed on the front that serve a purpose, eg: egg whites for protein, dates to bind, and nuts for texture. We’re snacking on Blueberry, Banana Chocolate Walnut, and Coconut Chocolate, 52 g $2-3 at Real Canadian Superstore and Save On Foods.

Zestspot Pack It Bags

There’s a new online Canadian kitchenware store and culinary hub, Zestspot, with cooking ideas, kitchen hacks, and recipes too, and we’re loving their offerings of premium cookware products and accessories. We’re particularly taken with these platinum silicone, reusable, Cuisipro Pack-It Bags for storing, cooking, marinating, sous-viding, and freezing your food. They come in a range of sizes from 200 mL-2000 mL, and they’re dishwashersafe too! $12-30, zestspot.com.

Macedonia: The Cookbook

Built on tradition with a rustic simplicity, Macedonian cuisine draws from its neighbours: Greece, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, and Bulgaria. From mezze (small plates) perfect for grazing, to salads, soup, meats, poultry, fish, side dishes, breads, sweets, and preserves, ingredients are readily available, and need no special equipment. Do try Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip (p 38), Tavche Gravche (Traditional White Bean Stew), and of course, Baklava (p231)! Interlink Books, $35

Just Soup

Our thoughts are turning to soup now it’s getting chilly, and it’s perfect timing for the two new ready-to-serve flavours from Toronto family soup makers, Just Soup. They’ve partnered with notable Canadian Chef and judge on Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters, Devan Rajkumar (aka Chef Dev), for their Bombay Tomato and Island Sweet Potato soups that come in glass jars in two sizes, and are made with fresh, natural, and locallysourced ingredients. 314 mL $3-4 and 580 mL $6 at Sobeys.