Look Local Simcoe County Vol 5 Issue 6

LOOK LOCAL

MOBILE

CREATIVE

Look Local Magazine has been absolutely incredible for our business!! Footprint is a Chiropody clinic (foot specialist), and we have been doing full page ads in the magazine for a few years now, and our new patient acquisition has been astounding! Every week we have 3-5 new patients stating they heard about us through Look Local.

I have been advertising in Look Local for the last few years. My ads have given me great exposure to the Simcoe County area. On average for every ad I was placing I was gaining at least 2 new custom jobs a month. The ads more than pay for themselves.

U R C L I E

S

I magine your home, totally organized! I magine your totally organi

ummer is not officially over until September 23rd, so I’m not packing in the sun hat or shorts just yet. There’s still some fun to be had, especially now the kids are back in school! It’s the perfect time of year to do anything and everything, inside or out.

S

ummer is not officially over until September 23rd, so I’m not packing in the sun hat or shorts just yet. There’s still some fun to be had, especially now the kids are back in school! It’s the perfect time of year to do anything and everything, inside or out.

By the time you’re reading this, we will be well into Fall. A definite chill in the air will be evident. The leaves will have passed the peak of their beautiful palette and the trees will be shedding their old foliage in anticipation of new buds appearing in five to six months hence. A sure sign the beauty of Winter in Simcoe County is just around the corner.

Now’s an excellent time to prep your house if you’re thinking of selling. It really doesn’t take a lot of time and expense to spruce up your home and get the most value from your investment. Get some useful tips from our local realtors and designers.

Now’s an excellent time to prep your house if you’re thinking of selling. It really doesn’t take a lot of time and expense to spruce up your home and get the most value from your investment. Get some useful tips from our local realtors and designers.

Look Local, we are sadly aware that there is so much negative news in our world of late, so in this context, we believe our role at Look Local is to focus on the positive things happening in our community. There is so much to celebrate and be proud of, and we are happy to play a small part in spreading this good news. We hope you enjoy this issue of Look Local!

ine your home otally organized!

I ma totally

I ma

I

Our community is continually thriving as a hub for volunteerism and associations affiliated with helping others. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District is no exception, and we’re glad to share more of what this organization does in our community.

Our community is continually thriving as a hub for volunteerism and associations affiliated with helping others. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District is no exception, and we’re glad to share more of what this organization does in our community.

As your furry pal takes you for your morning dragging session, maybe you realize it’s time you need a little help with leash training. I spoke with some local dog trainers who have some advice about training your pup and what to look for in a dog trainer.

As your furry pal takes you for your morning dragging session, maybe you realize it’s time you need a little help with leash training. I spoke with some local dog trainers who have some advice about training your pup and what to look for in a dog trainer.

Boy, do I have something fun for you to do while the kids are in school. Plan a self-guided wine tour of some of our local wineries. We live in an area flourishing with extraordinary producers of some of the finest wines. Create a conversation at your next gathering about the wine selection chilling in your wine fridge.

Boy, do I have something fun for you to do while the kids are in school. Plan a self-guided wine tour of some of our local wineries. We live in an area flourishing with extraordinary producers of some of the finest wines. Create a conversation at your next gathering about the wine selection chilling in your wine fridge.

Fall harvest time is just a few weeks away, but it’s apple season right now! Just like wineries, we have several apple orchards in and around Simcoe County. Think outside the box beyond just apple pie. What about apple cider, apple loaf, or apple pancakes?

what’s left of summer,

I mag totally

Fall harvest time is just a few weeks away, but it’s apple season right now! Just like wineries, we have several apple orchards in and around Simcoe County. Think outside the box beyond just apple pie. What about apple cider, apple loaf, or apple pancakes?

Embrace what’s left of summer, and treat yourself with a quiet afternoon on the patio of a stunning local winery.

treat yourself with a quiet afternoon on the patio of a stunning local winery.

I

I mag totally

I ma

I ma

I magine totally I ma

I magine totally I ma

I

totally

Garage

I ma totally

I

I

totally

I

ine your home otally organized!

I magine your home otally organized!I magine your home otally organized!ine your home otally organized! ine your home otally organized!ine your home,

Garage Cabinets

I magine your totally or

I ma ine your home, otally organized!

I magine your home, totally organized!I magine your home, otally organized!I ma ine your home, otally organized! I magine your home, otally organized! I magine your totally organi

I magine your home otally organized!I magine your home otally organized!ine your home otally organized! I ine your home otally organized!I ine your home,

G arage Cabinets

I magine your totally or

I ma ine your home, otally organized!

I magine your home, totally organized!I magine your home, otally organized!

I ma ine your home, otally organized!

Fall-scented candles have hit the shelves, and pumpkin spice is everywhere – it’s offi cially one of my favourite times of the year. Food, fashion, and foliage come alive in the autumn months. And we’ve made sure to incorporate the delicious scents and flavours of fall

into this very special issue of Look Local Magazine.

Starting with food. Specifically, meatballs. It seems like every family has their own take on it, but we spiced things in our Food feature with autumn-friendly flavours. They may even earn a spot on your holiday table.

Another foodie favourite: brunch. From family-friendly to elegant outings with friends, we rounded up Simcoe County’s yummiest brunch spots.

In this issue, we’re excited to highlight one of our communities – Midland, specifically Downtown. There’s a reason this picturesque town is a four-season destination, beloved by tourists and locals alike.

There’s nothing more important than the safety of you and the people you love. This Home and Garden issue is a special one, featuring impressive technologies in home security that you can access from the palm of your hand.

Here, at Look Local Magazine, we would like to take a moment to honour our Veterans and encourage you to spend some time reading through our special feature highlighting Remembrance Day. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, on the 11th month, we remember.

Anneliese Lawton EDITOR | anneliese@looklocalmagazine.com

by ERIN PEPLER

Your home should be your sanctuary—a place you feel relaxed, comfortable, and above all else, safe. This is even more true if you have kids, pets, or an aging family member who lives with you. Let’s keep your sweet home as safe and secure as possible—you’ll be glad you took the time to protect your loved ones and your biggest asset. If you’re interested in adding security features to your abode, here are a few key areas to address.

LIGHT IT UP

Start by ensuring you have great exterior lighting. Motion-activated lights are an excellent option, but anything that lights up your yard is effective. Consider wall-mounted lights at your front door and on either side of your garage, ground-level lighting along any walking paths, and motionactivated lights at your back and/or side entry. If you have a large yard, you may also want to add floodlights with a motion sensor, and if you travel often, consider exterior lights with a timer setting to help give the illusion that someone is home in the evening. Glass Lighting Gallery in Barrie has a wide selection of outdoor light fixtures and installation services, and your local hardware store will have DIY options.

LOCK IT UP

Your home should have a modern, high-quality lock system at each access point, including the garage. Additionally, be sure to have functioning locks on all main-floor windows. If you keep valuable items in a shed or other outbuilding, install proper lock systems on those doors as well. You may also want to have a lock on your back gate!

Your front door is essential to your home’s security, so talk to an expert about keyed and coded lock systems. Each option has pros and cons—ease of use, reliability, safety, and durability, for example—and a home security professional can advise on which is best for your home and family. Consider reaching out to Paul’s Lock & Security System in Barrie – in business since 1960, Pauls is one of Barrie’s top locksmith companies.

STAY TUNED IN

Consider a doorbell camera or other digital security solution if you travel frequently or spend extended periods outside your home—even to work during the week. The Ring system is a popular and affordable option. You can also get large-scale video surveillance systems that allow you to view live footage of your home’s interior and exterior via an app on your phone. Not only will this give you peace of mind if you’re worried about home intruders or porch pirates, but it can also alert you to other issues, such as flooding. A double win!

Georgian Security – established over 145 years ago – is known worldwide for its excellent security systems. They have a wide variety of tech solutions, including surveillance cameras, innovative home features, and gate access/control. Home Hardware in Midland offers surveillance systems, window and door sensors, and specialty locks for a DIY home security system. Their experienced team can help you choose the right products for both indoor and outdoor security.

GET SMART

From a simple alarm system to a fully integrated security system, there are a number of ways to incorporate additional safety measures into your home (or cottage). SSI Group offers the design, installation, and maintenance of full-service alarm systems for every need and budget. All systems (camera, video, doorbell, alarm, lights, shades) can be managed through a single app. And even better, you can access the feed from anywhere in the world.

And there’s even more! They also offer flood, fire detection, and CCTV. This means your systems can detect leaks (such as a hot water tank, sump pump, or split dishwasher hose) or smoke and will send a notification right to your smartphone. With CCTV, you can constantly be in the know about what’s happening at home. SSI helps by strategically placing cameras around your home – such as driveways, front doors, garage, windows, and backyard – wherever matters to you most, and then provides you with access to the stream from virtually anywhere in the world.

How’s that for safety?

DOWNTOWN MIDLAND THE REJUV E N ATION OF

by LISA EVANS

With the wrap of a recent revitalization program, the streets of Downtown Midland have a refreshing new look. It’s as if the whole downtown core returned from a day at the spa. New banners and floral planters line the streets as part of the BIA’s beautification agenda, and the BIA is eager to showcase its new look to tourists and locals.

Along King Street, and the surrounding strips, you’ll find endless ways to eat, drink, and play (not to mention, relax, and

support for those ‘must do’ items

Olive Oil Co. (don’t forget to hit their fresh olive oil & aged balsamic vinegar tasting bar). Downtownmidland.ca has a full directory of shops, restaurants, and services – so be sure to check it out before making your visit, you don’t want to miss something special!

The BIA is also excited about the return to in-person events, and you’ll see an active presence on their social media channels to celebrate. The first big event for the town since covid was the return of the ever-popular Buttertart Festival in June 2022. “That was so welcomed by everybody,” says Chris Wilkie of the Downtown Midland Business Improvement Area (BIA). “The downtown was flooded with vendors and tourists and locals. We had thousands of people and tens of thousands of butter tarts. People were ready to be back out,” says Wilkie.

Throughout the upcoming holiday season, the BIA has several events planned to bring people into downtown Milton. For updated information, visit their Instagram @downtown_midland or their website.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fall In Love with Downtown Midland

Spend $20 or more at any participating business in downtown Midland and receive a ballot to enter the Downtown Midland BIA’s weekly draw for a prize that has been donated by local businesses. A prize winner is drawn each week until the end of October.

On October 31st, all ballots from every week will be added to a pot for a chance to win the grand prize of $500 Downtown Dollars.

Mini Monster March

Trick or treating is starting early in downtown Midland. Little trick-or-treaters will get a chance to wear their costumes and practice their trick-or-treating skills, visiting various participating businesses in downtown Midland and getting a head start on their candy haul.

Christmas Tree Lighting

This family-friendly event is anticipated all year long. Bring the whole family for some free hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa, then witness the lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree in Neezhoday Park (located next to the Midland Public Library).

Midland

- LOCAL FINDS -

Everyone struggles to figure out how to re-wrap cheese. Formaticum bags are the simple solution. Open bag...place in cheese...fold over and put in the fridge. Saves cheese for weeks with no plastic wrap and no suffocating wax paper. The Mouse Trap, 258 King Street themousetrap.ca

Hipster Dog flannel PJ set in the softest 100% cotton brushed flannel you will ever have! Easy fit, comfy shape, super cute prints. Set comes with tie waist & hidden faux button fly and matching hair tie. Indulge Boutique, 303 King Street indulgeboutique.ca

Fedoras by Magill, a Canadian company since 1895. Taylor & Co, modern clothing with classic service. Offering a wide selection of qualitymade men & ladies clothing from designer brands. Stop in and see why quality never goes out of style.

Taylor & Co, 260 King Street

Handmade Belgian Chocolate, Fresh Fudge, Chocolate Covered Butter Tarts, Killer Brownies and more! You will even find a Butter Tart Milkshake, delicious!

The Elegant Gourmet , 235 King Street theelegantgourmet.com

Aran Crafts authentic 100% merino wool knits from Ireland. Striking Celtic Jacquard men’s sweater and a charming heart design short side zip hooded sweater. Royal Tea on King 252 King Street royalteaonking.ca

Shoes - Rieker and Remonte, quality, function and fashion. Visit Shoes to Boot, not your usual shoe store. Yes, they offer women and men’s footwear, but also women’s fashion and style.

Shoes to Boot, 261 King Street shoes2boot.ca

Family Fright Fest

The City of Barrie is inviting residents to celebrate the Halloween season with a new, free, family-friendly event at the Sadlon Arena. Family Fright Fest is an evolution of the City’s former Ghost Bus Tour, building on its popularity and success with a photo booth, bonfire, haunted house, scary story time on a bus, crafts, games and a costume contest!

5-8 pm

Sadlon Arena 555 Bayview Drive, Barrie

OCT 26

Spooky Stroll

Enjoy a “Spooky Stroll” through downtown Orillia’s eerie past.

On this guided walking tour, you will embark on a journey through the Halloween-y happenings that have occurred right here in our own city. We’ll visit the locations of strange deaths, mysterious passageways, and occurrences that can’t be easily explained away. And who knows? We may just be visited by some ghosts of Orillia past. One hour tours running at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 pm. Adults $10, Children and Seniors $5 Orillia Museum of Art & History, 30 Peter Street South

OCT 19

Veteran’s Salute with the Barrie Concert Band & The Skyliners’ Big Band

Annual musical tribute to the veterans of the Canadian Forces and to those currently serving abroad or at home. This free concert is sponsored by the Barrie Legion and we encourage everyone – especially veterans – to attend. Entertainment by the Skyliners’ Big Band will follow our tribute in the lower level. Donations to the Barrie Food Bank gratefully accepted.

7:15 to 11:00 pm

Barrie Legion 147, 410 St Vincent Street, Barrie

OCT 29

Mini Monster March in Midland

Bring your kids

to trick or treat along the street in Downtown Midland during business hours. Just look for the sign in the windows of participating businesses.

117th Annual Orillia Santa Claus Parade

This year's parade will be for the first time a dusk/night parade.

Officially starting at 5 pm at the corner of West St S and King Street and coming up West Street S. to turning left on to Colborne Street West. The parade will travel west to Dunlop Street. There it will turn right on to Dunlop St. travelling by Soldiers Memorial Hospital. It will then turn Right on to Mississaga Street West and travel through Downtown Orillia to Front Street, then finishing back where they started. Amazing floats, bands, marchers and of course Santa Claus. 5-7pm Downtown Orillia

Barrie Santa Claus Parade

The Barrie Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Barrie and Downtown Barrie BIA, is ecstatic to announce the return of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade. This event is a family favourite in Barrie and everyone is welcome to attend. Santa’s parade route will begin at Tiffin and Bradford Street. He will then head North on Bradford to Dunlop, then through Downtown Barrie, ending at Poyntz St. & Dunlop St. E. At the end of the parade, he will join the Barrie BIA at Meridian Place to kick off the Noella Festival with a tree lighting ceremony and entertainment. The Rotary Club of Barrie will simultaneously be lighting up the waterfront by flicking the switch for the annual Festival of Trees in Heritage Park. Rumour has it that there might be some fireworks involved!

5-7 pm

barriechamber.com

NOV

Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale

There will be a variety of vendors on-site selling holidays gifts, live entertainment, kid’s activities, raffles & prizes, photo’s with Santa Clause and baked goods available for purchase.

11am-3pm

Livita Barrington Retirement Residence, 450 Yonge Street, Barrie

NOV

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Neezhoday Park

This event has been virtual for the past few years, but it is back! There will be Free Hot Chocolate "Save a Cup - Bring a Mug", community groups, music, and Santa! This event will also kick off Friday Night Shopping, which will continue through to December.

Santa Claus parade

NOV

Hosted by the Civitans. This year’s theme is "Christmas Around the World"!

A HISTORY OF Heroes by ANNELIESE LAWTON

Every year on November 11th, we all take a moment to remember. Not only to remember the sacrifice of the 120,000 Canadians killed in war but also to celebrate the rights and freedoms they protected with their lives. Today, the collective memory of the World Wars exists; one created in our classrooms, one heightened by photographs and accounts of journalists who were there. But memories and stories of the places where we live and of those who were from our community offer reflections on not only the horrors of war, but of camaraderie, homesickness, and national sentiment that allow us to compose a much fuller picture of how war affects us all. Local memorials, cemeteries, and historical documents connect us in an immediate, meaningful way with the large histories of the conflicts.

As Remembrance Day approaches, we don poppies and prepare to honour and remember the fallen and those who have served. The history of the local war memorials and the traditions that are observed there is an interesting study in themselves. The ceremonies generally take place at 11 am on November 11th, which mirrors the timing of the armistice which marked the end of the First World War. The memorials that were erected following the First World War are often referred to as cenotaphs, meaning simply ‘empty tomb,’ and stand as a symbolic monument to the huge numbers of those who didn’t return.

BARRIE’S CENOTAPH, OWEN AND DUNLOP STREET

Barrie’s Cenotaph was constructed in memory of Simcoe County’s fallen heroes of the First World War and dedicated on June 28, 1922. The statue is made of Barrie granite and includes insignia of Canada’s Military Engineers Branch, Royal Canadian Medical Services, Artillery Branch, and Air Operations Branch. There are also two numbers, 157 and 177. These are the numbers of two Simcoe County-based battalions raised by the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. This group, a Canadian Infantry Regiment, combining groups based in the Owen Sound and Barrie Regions, holds a storied history dating back to its formation in September of 1866. They were active in both World Wars and are still operating to this day, maintaining a small museum near the cenotaph.

"

Return to Juno"

WATERCOLOUR BY DON WARD

The inspiration for this work was from Don's father who served in WWII and returned to visit Juno Beach in 1984. His father said he could feel the spirits of the men around him that day and believed an angel had been looking out for him...a very emotional moment for all of the family involved. Don is an artist involved with The Steel Spirit.

The Steel Spirit is a platform for artwork submissions by military, first responder and hospital practitioners. They are always looking for new and emerging artists with and without experience, from every background and every age. For more information or if you would like to be involved, please visit: www.thesteelspirit.ca

ORILLIA’S CENOTAPH, SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

The City of Orillia did things a little differently than most communities. They decided to create a Cenotaph that was not only practical but also showed thanks and respect to those who gave their lives during World War One. In 1922, Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital was erected, and a stone Cenotaph and walkway marks the entrance to the hospital. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 added the granite Cenotaph in 1967.

MIDLAND’S CENOTAPH, KING STREET

Located on the west side of King Street, at the entrance of the curling rink and community centre, you’ll find the Midland Cenotaph. The memorial was completed in 1927, it is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars along with the Korean War. The memorial is located on a piece of land that was originally designated as a park. However, Mr. William Finlayson, a First World War veteran, approached the Town in 1926 asking to allocate funds for a memorial. This year, on September 25th, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80 and Town of Midland held a reconsecration and rededication ceremony to acknowledge four men who lost their lives during the First World War – whose names had initially appeared incorrectly.

Today at ceremonies, you will hear a trumpet play a series of calls which are the signals that traditionally regulated a soldier's day. The first is ‘The Last Post.’ This call was used to signal that the setting of the watch was complete for the night and symbolizes the end of duty for the fallen. This call is followed by two minutes of silence.

The next call is ‘Rouse’ -- the call was given to wake the troops -- it symbolizes the dawning of a new day and the dead “rising above their mortal duties.” As these calls were originally played on the bugle, they are composed of five notes of the harmonic series, which can be played by the trumpeter without using the instrument’s values. After the calls, a piper’s lament as mentioned above, is often played, typically a slow tune appropriate for mourning the missing and the dead.

The focus of Remembrance Day has evolved over the years from remembering the fallen to including all those who have served in the armed forces, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions to the present day. This Remembrance Day, there will be several events across Simcoe County. Keep an eye on your local Legion and municipality for a list of ceremonies. LL

LET'S DO Brunch byLISA EVANS

Is it just me, or does brunch carry an essence of something special? Unlike breakfast or lunch, brunch is more than just a meal. The thought of brunch conjures up a general feeling of relaxation. Brunch has the air of being social and cheerful, a time to catch up with friends and family. Perhaps it’s simply the fact that you can order eggs past the traditional breakfast hour, but brunch certainly gives me that special celebration feeling. If you enjoy eggs benedict and waffles well into the afternoon hours, you’ll want to visit some of the best brunch places in Simcoe County.

UP SCALE BRUNCH SPOTS

If you’re in the mood for more than simple eggs and bacon, check out these two brunch hot spots that are sure to be Instagram-worthy.

URBAN DISH GRILL & WINE BAR

367 YONGE ST, BARRIE

If you’re looking for a laid-back fine dining atmosphere for Sunday brunch, Urban Dish is a great choice. Located on Yonge Street, close to the water and downtown, Urban Dish has a beautiful patio as well as an onsite garden where chefs pick fresh veggies and herbs for your meals.

THE COMMON STOVE IN ORILLIA

27 MISSISSAGA ST W, ORILLIA

Built around a wood-fired grill, The Common Stove is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up locally sourced meats and vegetables.

FAMILY FRIENDLY BRUNCH SPOTS

Brunching with kids in tow means finding a place that’s delicious, casual, and has some kid-favourites on the menu -- because we’ve yet to meet a child under 10 that will eat eggs benedict.

THE SUNSET GRILL

VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN BARRIE, INNISFIL, AND ORILLIA)

Famous for their all-day breakfast, Sunset Grill favourites include bacon and eggs, breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, and more. Their kids’ menu includes French toast, pancakes, and even grilled cheese for those kids who aren’t into eating breakfast past noon.

STACKERS PANCAKE HOUSE

727 WILLIAM ST #1, MIDLAND

This family-friendly restaurant serves up all-day breakfast, including pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and homefries. All items are prepared in-house and made with fresh, unprocessed, and quality ingredients.

MOM'S RESTAURANT

200 PILLSBURY DR, MIDLAND

Take a seat by Mom’s fireplace and catch up with friends and family over a classic brunch. Mom’s has become a weekend ritual for many locals, and has become famous for their perfectly poached Eggs Benedict finished with a light and lemony Hollandaise sauce.

JACK’S PANCAKE FACTORY

222 MAPLEVIEW DR. W #7, BARRIE

Known for their freshly brewed coffee and the fluffiest of pancakes, Jack’s Pancake Factory is a family favourite brunch destination.

BRUNCH SPOTS FOR FOODIES

If you’re looking for something a little extra special, these breakfast restaurants don’t disappoint. We’ve rounded up some fabulous restaurants with gluten-free and vegan options that are a must-visit for foodies.

DUNLOP ST DINER

20 DUNLOP ST E, BARRIE

Well known for their brunch dishes including creative Eggs Benedicts and one-of-a-kind skillets, Dunlop St Diner uses locally-sourced ingredients, serving up delicious food in a casual atmosphere.

HOMESTEAD ARTISAN BAKERY & CAFE

80 DUNLOP ST E, BARRIE

This local bakery specializes in long ferment sourdough breads and baked goods, crafted by hand in small batches using locally milled flours. They offer brunch every weekend.

BAKES BY THE LAKE, ORILLIA

178 MISSISSAGA ST E, ORILLIA

This adorable spot is owned by a mother and son team, Nancy and Colton McIsaac, who began selling gluten and dairy-free baked goods at Orillia’s Farmers Market. Today, they are a full-service bakery and cafe serving up quality gluten-free, vegan products, including freshly baked bread, and they host a delicious Sunday brunch. LL

TOP

Meatball

ANNELIESE

I’m partial to the meatball. They’re incredibly versatile and easy to make, and for me, at least –they’re nostalgic. Over the years, I watched my Nonna handroll at least a thousand meatballs hovered over her speckled linoleum counter. My mom minced meat and garlic, and then hand-mixed and rolled them right on our kitchen island. As for me – I have three kids and zero time – so my meatballs come from places like L icious Italian Bakery & Cafe . Their beef meatballs are simmered in a tomato basil sauce and perfectly portioned for our family.

Our little shop is dedicated to artisanal cheeses and handcrafted goods. Come on in and discover the amazing cheeses that Ontario and Quebec have to offer plus handcrafted works from local vendors and small batch producers.

Please contact us about our CUSTOM Charcuterie Boards & MORE

Few things can beat the comfort of a big bowl of pasta and meatballs on a chilly autumn night.

Our family recipe was never written down, and the ingredients were never measured. When my grandmother passed away, her meatballs went with her. And to me, those meatballs tasted like home. I spent years trying to replicate her recipe until I discovered Tre Sorelle in Orillia. Their recipe is authentic, perfected, and tastes…well, like home. My Nonna measured everything by eye, yet, every meatball was full of the same perfect flavour, every time. There was always a dusting of bread crumbs, at least one egg, fresh-cut parsley, salt, and pepper. The meatballs would simmer for hours in my family’s homemade tomato sauce. The walls of my grandmother’s kitchen absorbed the aroma of basil and garlic.

For a vegan twist, lentil and mushroom stuffing meatballs with sweet dried cherries are the perfect mix.

Few things can beat the comfort of a big bowl of pasta and meatballs on a chilly autumn night. And it seems like every family has its own secret recipe for this old-time favourite (hopefully, yours actually wrote it down). A little milk here, some ketchup there, maybe even some parsley or cheese. They’re easy to freeze, and you can even make them glutenfree (try Around My Gluten-Free Table in Barrie for gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta), and meatballs can even be made vegan. With this much variability, it’s the perfect side dish.

If you love fall flavours, then a simple turkey meatball, blended with stuffing seasoning, milk, bread, sautéed onions, and celery is a fool-proof Thanksgiving meatball. Serve over mashed potatoes with cranberry sauce, gravy, candied yams, and Brussel sprouts – and you have an entire Thanksgiving meal without the stress of making a turkey.

Charcuterie Boards

For a vegan twist, lentil and mushroom stuffing meatballs with sweet dried cherries are the perfect mix. Again, they pair perfectly with mashed potatoes – but this time, try a vegan mushroom gravy to keep it friendly for your herbivore friends. If you’re nervous about trying your hand at a vegan ball –try The Vegan Pantry in Barrie.

For other fun fall flavours, try adding apple butter and all-spice to your Swedish Meatballs for a spiced apple flavour. Or mix pumpkin puree, sage, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg into ground turkey and serve over spaghetti squash for the perfect fall dish.

Do you like to keep things traditional? Limoncello Bistro in Barrie has meatballs perfect for the main dish. Add fresh pasta and a crispy loaf of ciabatta bread for a warm and hearty comfort meal.

Our favourite thing about the meatball? They’re the perfect menu item to experiment with – and when you add seasonal ingredients, you may just be crafting a family recipe that will be passed down for generations. LL

A BURLINGTON MOM’S VIRAL POST ON MOTHERHOOD LANDED HER A BOOK DEAL

And She’s Our Editor!

by BRIAN MAYO

In September 2018, our editor, Anneliese Lawton, took to Facebook to write about the differences in post-op care between her c-section and her parotidectomy (a surgery to remove her parotid gland after a tumor was found wrapped around her facial nerves). She couldn’t understand why the two surgeries had such different post-op experiences. The post, which described her struggles with postpartum depression and accessing postpartum resources, went viral in just hours. Six million moms from all over the world nodded in unison, all agreeing that support for postpartum mothers, especially those struggling with their mental health, was far from perfect. There was (and is) work to do, and Anneliese has made it her life’s work to advocate for change.

I am proud to announce that this October an extension of that post will be hitting shelves at all major bookstores (and some incredible local businesses), as Anneliese releases her new (and first) book, Welcome to the Jungle: A Frantic Journey Through Motherhood and Self-Discovery. Anneliese believes that getting lost in motherhood is easy – but what’s not easy is understanding why. While navigating motherhood and facing the unexpected (back-to-back high-risk pregnancies, postpartum depression, and a rare tumour), she had an awakening.

Throughout this memoir, Anneliese pinpoints the moments in her life where she truly lost herself, as she comes to understand the power motherhood holds in finally discovering her true self. Filled with unfiltered thoughts and perspectives on womanhood, Welcome to the Jungle isn’t just another parenting book on the highs and lows of motherhood; it will spur a conversation that mothers didn’t know they needed to have.

You can purchase Welcome to the Jungle at Chapters, Indigo, Coles, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

L A S S I C

Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

1/4 lb lb lean ground beef

lb of ground pork

cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 cup of milk

1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

of minced garlic

Tbsp fresh chopped Italian parsley

1 Tbsp of Italian seasoning

1

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 In a small bowl mix breadcrumbs and milk and set it aside.

3 In a large bowl, mix the two types of meat together just to combine.

4 To the meat mixture, add all remaining ingredients.

5 Lastly add the breadcrumb mixture to the bowl.

salt

pepper

6 Mix everything until fully incorporated. Don’t overwork the mixture.

7 Roll out the meatball mix and place on a parchment lined baking tray. Each meatball should measure approximately 1/4 cup (we use a cookie scoop). This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen meatballs.

8 Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy.

MISSISSAGA ST E, ORILLIA