Culinaire #12.3 (July-August 2023)

Melati Non-Alcoholic Botanical Aperitif

We love seeing all these interesting and tasty non-alcoholic offerings on our shelves and this is a must try for fans of goji berries, hibiscus, and rich spices. Meant to be served cool (but if too cold it can show off bitter spices) and would work in all manner of simple cocktails or mocktails. We tried it much like a virgin Kir Royale and were very pleased – but this would be loads of fun in a summer punch bowl, or with served with soda and ice. CSPC 874983 (500mL) About $40-45

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker

Not all of us have back yards, and sometimes it can be quite problematic for us condo dwellers who would like to BBQ and smoke our food on a small balcony. Ninja have found the solution –their new outdoor grill is electric, yet it chars and sears, and it’s a smoker too. And if that isn’t enough, this weather-resistant (yes, it comes with a cover!) grill also air fries, bakes, roasts, broils, and dehydrates… and it’s portable! Whether cooking for one or for a crowd (it fits 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs), it gets our vote! $400-450.

Auralis Botanical Tonics

These Canadian-made alcohol-free tonics have no sugar or artificial ingredients, but are brewed with Lions Mane, Chaga, and Reishi functional mushrooms for flavour and substance. We tried all three, and found them tasty and refreshing but perhaps gave the nod to the Chaga with spruce and blueberry, which had a bolder flavour of backwoods adventure and a little weight on the palate. At natural food and organic markets. $17 (4 pack). auralisbotanical.com

Cuisipro All Purpose Eco-Cloths

Don’t you just hate smelly dishcloths? We’ve been trialing these Cuisipro EcoCloths and they dry quickly, meaning less odours, and can be washed in your dishwasher or washing machine! They absorb up to 15 times their weight, and are equivalent to 40 rolls of paper towel or 6 sponges, and bonus - they’re 100 percent biodegradable, so when they wear out, just pop them in the compost bin. Singles or 2 packs, $5-$9.

Dennis’ Horseradish

It must be fun working with Dennis’ Horseradish when the three co-owners are all called Mark! This small-batch, premium brand, with the upside-down jars, from Norfolk County, Ontario, has been going strong for 60+ years but we’ve only just discovered the Original, Extra Hot, and Horseradish Mustard – and the real thrill is the Horseradish Beet Relish, which I’d never seen here but was always on the table at home with our fried fish. For stockists see dennishorseradish.com

The Spice Age

Rebecca Perkins is a Calgary girl who loves quick dips, but powder mixes often contain flavour boosters and colourings, so she made her own – and now has a range of 100 percent natural seasoning blends, dip mixes and salad dressings, widely available across the country including, as of a month ago, Alberta Sobeys stores! We tried them and enjoyed them all, especially the Greek Salad Dressing, Sergeant Pepper Dip, and Cheeky Tsatziki! About $7, thespiceage.ca