Etcetera

Fermented Vegetables

Creative Recipes for Fermenting 64 Vegetables & Herbs in Krauts, Kimchis, Brined Pickles, Chutneys, Relishes & Pastes, by Kirsten and Christopher Shockey, Storey Publishing. Probably the only guide to fermenting you’ll ever need, this book leads you through mastering the basics, with 140 recipes for everything from arugula to zucchini, and also includes recipes using your fermented veggies – Brine and Dine! Think Sauerkraut Strudel, Kimchi Latkes, “dirty” cocktails, and Rhubarb Fool. $40

Cal & Gary’s

Calgary Co-op has introduced a new and exclusive, private label line of quality products with personality! Cal & Gary’s curated range includes meats and burgers, cut fruit and veggies, salsas and hummus, eggs, baked goods, sauces and mustard, soaps… and a range of snacks that we can’t stop popping. We’re addicted to the crunchy, sweet, and spicy Crowchild Trail Mix. And the quirky “Calgaryisms” on each product show that Co-op is having fun with the new range - and making us smile too! $7

Coco Vodka Original

New into Alberta are these refreshing, sparkling coconut water coolers, Coco Vodka and Coco Rum Original. You can’t miss the sweet coconut aromas as soon as you open the can - they smell and taste like summer! We love coconut water, and we’re enjoying it with the addition of triple-distilled vodka or blended rum, and carbonated filtered water for a 5 percent ABV glugger. Serve well chilled, and start the beach party! 355 mL 4-pack cans, Coco Vodka CSPC +822438 $14 Coco Rum CSPC +822439 $14

Wholly Veggie

Founded by friends working at an organic meat company, Go Veggie is a new range of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and soy-free, frozen meals and snacks. We enjoyed all three flavours of cauliflower crust pizzas as well as the cauliflower and broccoli wings, all ready to bake in the oven - easy and healthy! And kids love them; it’s a great way for them to eat their veggies. A portion of the sale of each product supports Community Food Centres Canada too. Around $6, widely available.

Sexy AF

There’s no denying we’re seeing an increasing amount of alcohol-free beverages on offer, and now Alberta has its own brand from local entrepreneur Jo-Anne Reynolds. Complex and fullflavoured, with a smooth and oily, mouthfilling texture, choose from ViirGiin, Triple Sexy, Amar-Oh and Kampari, and mix these botanically infused alcohol-free spirits with soda, tonic, juice, or let your imagination run wild to create your own mocktail. Sugar-free with no artificial favours, kosher and halal. $35

The Pickled Pantry

150 Recipes for Pickles, Relishes, Chutneys & More, by Andrea Chesman, Storey Publishing. It’s that time of year for making the most of the abundant harvest from your garden, or if you’re a condo dweller – from your local farmers market! Food writer and gardener, Chesman takes us through the various pickling and fermenting processes, and tempts us with not only dozens of delicious-sounding ideas, but also 36 recipes using your pickles. German Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake anyone? $30