Etcetera

Sipski

While the global pandemic has shattered a number of conventions, enjoying a glass of wine or can of beer has got a little easier. Sipski (the wine glass holder) easily attaches to a smooth surface, such as by the bath or on a mirror, and holds it securely in reach. Best to use in the bath (with an acrylic glass if possible) with your favourite white, red or bubble. The companion Sudski holds a cool can of suds handy so you can finish shaving and still have a brew. Available at Indigo Books, and some kitchenware retailers. $20.

The Artisanal Kitchen Perfect Homemade Ice Cream

The Best Make-It-Yourself Ice Creams, Sorbets, Sundaes, and Other Desserts, by Jeni Britton Bauer, Artisan. If you spend ages deciding which flavour you want in the ice cream parlour, you’re going to be spoiled for choice with this pint-size book, chock full of ideas you may never have considered – like Juniper & Lemon Curd Ice Cream, and Blue Cheese Graham Cracker Ice Cream… or maybe try Bergamot Frozen Yogurt and delicioussounding, Riesling-Poached Pear Sorbet! $12.

Secco Drink Infusion

We’ve really enjoyed trying these sachets of freeze dried fruit and spices, they’re super simple and can be used with any spirit or soft drinks too. The pack includes two each of four flavours: Spiced Pomegranate with star anise, butterfly pea flowers and cardamom; Pepper Berry with strawberry, blueberry and peppercorns; Raspberry Rose Hibiscus, and Ginger Lime. Just leave to infuse in your gin for a few minutes for a tasty and beautiful cocktail! At willowpark.net and fine liquor stores, $20.

Boxxle Premium Wine Dispenser

It’s well known that boxed wine (or bagin-a-box) is a superior format for wine. It minimizes the aging of open wine, and can also reduce the “footprint” of wine packaging. Enter the Boxxle. Not only can you transfer your favourite boxed wine into this stylish dispenser, but using the (included) dispensing bags, you can fill it with your bottled favourites for gradual enjoyment. Perfect for… slow drinkers, and it works very well indeed at keeping your supply fresh. amazon.ca, $156.

Tapping The West

How Alberta’s Craft Beer Industry Bubbled Out Of An Economy Gone Flat, by Scott Messenger, Touchwood Editions. Tapping The West starts with Messenger and two friends, all local craft beer fans, embarking on a journey from Edmonton to explore as many breweries in Calgary as possible in one night. But it’s so much more than that, and over the next 268 pages he takes us on a much longer journey from Alberta’s beer pioneers to almost present day – and it’s a great read. We couldn’t put it down! $23.

Joe Beef Butcher’s Blend

Joe Beef is consistently in the top 100 restaurants in Canada (number 3 this year!), and while we can’t imagine dining there any time soon, we can recreate the experience at home with the first product they developed in their line of seasonings, and still the most popular - Butcher’s Blend. If you’re a fan of Montreal smoked meat, then you’ll love this 100 percent natural rub for sprinkling on your steaks, burgers and even in your chilli. Widely available, 200 g $9-$12.

Sapsucker

After so many weeks safe at home, the idea of a natural Canadian soft drink with no added sugar, which supports local tree farmers and forest management, is rather appealing. Sapsucker is a refreshing, organic maple tree water, tapped and lightly carbonated, and left as natural or infused with lemon or lime. We really enjoyed them neat or instead of soda in mixed drinks. Available online at well.ca, Community Natural food, Nutters, and other good health food stores. 355 mL $2-$3.

Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender

This is one heck of a blender. Ninja’s Foodi works with both hot and cold programs for total crushing and extraction to make your smoothies and slushies, and precision heat to unlock flavours for concentrates, cooking veggies… and - what piqued our imagination - infusing spirits by toasting herbs and spices then layering in fruit, without the need for any syrups. We couldn’t wait to try infusing vodka to make our own gin, and it was a success! A simple recipe produced a delicious gin and we felt so proud. With no distillation your end product will take on the colour of the roasted botanicals, but we’re seeing more coloured spirits in stores now – and bonus, this blender makes the best velouté soups too! Widely available $220

Moda Magic Can Opener

A new discovery for us, Calgary’s Hutch Kitchen have their own manufacturing facility for their gorgeous range of stainless steel kitchenware, and sell these quality products direct with no middle man. This Moda Magic Can Opener is new – and magic because it’s designed to leave no sharp edges on the can or the lid (yes, we gingerly ran our fingers over the edge!) which doesn’t then touch the contents and can be placed back again for storage. $50 at Hutch Café in Calgary or online at hutchkitchen.com.

Alberta Grass YAK

• FREE RANGE • GRASS FED • NO FED ANTIBIOTICS • NO ADDED HORMONES Source of Protein Low in Fat A Nutritious Choice that could Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Available at Select Calgary Co-op Stores OR at the farm

For Details, Including Store Locations Visit: www.fl eetyak.com Fleet Country Farms Ltd. Castor, Alberta 403-882-4324

We deliver ...on many levels!

ALBERTA / FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES MAY/JUNE 2020

Celebrating Alberta’s Craft Producers

Pantry Staple Recipes | Local Growers, Beer, and Spirits

ALBERTA / FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES APRIL 2020

Alsace Wines | Beautiful Butter | Top Chef Canada | Empanadas

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