E TC E TE R A . . . Thai Green and Red Curry Sauces
We’re impressed with Talerngpong Charoenpan (TJ to us!). An engineer in Thailand and now a chef in Canada, he’s launched a range of authentic Thai sauces, gluten- and dairy-free, vegan, and made from scratch – and we absolutely love them! He’s made it so easy for us, freezing them to keep them fresh, so just defrost and add meat, seafood, veggies, noodles – whatever takes your fancy - heat and eat. 500 mL $10, online at gr8-thai-sauce-by-chef-tj.square.site or find him at Crossroads Market. A2 Milk Renegade Craft Cuba Libre, Calgary
You don’t need to go to Cuba to be familiar with Cuba Libre - a light rum with Coke and a splash of lime juice to cut through the sweetness of the cola - Romero Distilling have blended their sugarcane spirit with cola, and added lime juice for what could be Alberta’s first home-grown rum cocktail! You’re aware of rum and cola when you open the can, and the lime juice follows on the palate. It’s a good job they’re only 5 percent ABV as you may not stop at one! CSPC +841335 355 mL $17/6-pack
Have you heard of a2 Milk? Most cows’ milk contains both A1 and A2 protein types but a2 milk comes from Canadian cows that naturally only produce milk with a2 protein. It seems some people assume they are lactose intolerant but they are actually intolerant to A1 protein type. One of our team is thrilled that their mini-wheats are enjoyable once more! Available 3.25% homogenized, 2 and 1% partly skimmed, at all major grocery stores. 2 Litres $6
Strait & Narrow Pacific Coast Cocktails
Victoria Distillers, in Sidney, B.C. are known for their Empress 1908 Gin (with the butterfly pea flower that changes colour!) and now they’ve launched three cocktails each made with a custom gin from local rhubarb, lavender, or rosemary. They’re refreshing as well as very tasty; you can smell and taste the ingredients! We’re really enjoying Grapefruit Rosemary (+841001), Pear Rhubarb (+841002), and Lemon Lavender (+841003) in the lovely 355 mL cans, around $16/6-pack, $3/can.
Spier Canned Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Well known and respected for their commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, Spier have now taken the next step and put their premium wines in cans! There are two glasses in each 250 mL can of sauvignon blanc, rosé, and merlot, and not only are they full-flavoured and food-friendly, they’re compact and easily slip in your pocket or purse, recyclable, and carbon-light. Sauvignon blanc SCPC +838786, Rosé +838787, Merlot +838788. $5-6 40 Culinaire | January/February 2021
Loxton Moscato South Australia
We don’t regularly include wine here, but Loxton aren’t regular wines – they’ve developed a process to remove most of the alcohol to leave less than 5 percent, but keep all the flavour and characteristics of the wine. From moscato grapes, you’ll find aromatic notes of rose petals and a tart apple acidity which, coupled with a little spritz, keeps the wine crisp. It’s terrific with charcuterie, and just a hint of sweetness makes it a great pairing with goat cheese stuffed dates, and dark chocolate! CSPC +900513 $10
