Look Local Simcoe County Holiday 2022

Simcoe County

This year, as you go about your holiday celebrations and food and gift shopping, we encourage you to Shop Local as much as you can. Keeping those dollars circulating in our local economy helps all of us, especially the independent retailers and restaurants who may depend on strong sales in November and December to carry them through the Winter months. It has been our sincere pleasure to work with so many local businesses this year, whether it be through advertising, distributing the magazine or attending events. We look forward with optimism to what opportunities 2023 will present and wish all of our faithful readers, clients, their families and friends the very best!

When we start planning our holiday issue, the Look Local team gets giddy with anticipa tion. We thoughtfully curate the edi torial, hand-pick the items in our Shop Local, and seek the most scrumptious recipe for your devourment. I hope the festive spirit of our Holiday Issue fills you with the same excitement my kids exude (bright and early) on Christmas morning. Let’s dive in!

Are you looking for the perfect side for your holiday breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – you can’t go wrong with a potato. Bite into our Food feature for great inspiration. Plus, check out our bubbly Wine feature for meal pairings.

Whether you’re leaving a stocking by the chimney for Santa, a wooden shoe out for Sinterklaas, or celebrating one of the many other holidays, you can never go wrong with adding a sweet treat. Explore tasty recommendations in our Just for Fun Feature.

One of the things I love most about the holidays is unpacking seasonal décor, especially the heirloom ornaments from great-grandparents and handmade ornaments by our babies. Our Home & Garden feature has some great suggestions for adding special decorations to your collection. There’s a DIY craft for your little ones, too.

Another thing I love this time of year is exploring all the beautiful light displays. We’ve rounded up the biggest and best in Simcoe County. Be dazzled in our Just for Fun feature.

Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays,

Anneliese Lawton

EDITOR | anneliese@looklocalmagazine.com

by ERIN PEPLER

The holiday season is here, and it's time to dust off that box of festive decor and create a little winter magic inside your home. It's also a great excuse to go shopping for high-qual ity, locally-made holiday decor—after all, these pieces often become family heirlooms that bring back memories year after year. So, don't be a Scrooge—shop local, build your own collection of sen timental pieces and let your home sparkle with holiday joy. Here are some suggestions to help get you started.

Ornaments can be passed on from generation to generation, so don't be afraid to invest in a few (or a few dozen) you really love. You may be drawn to classic Santa or snowman pieces, elegant gold and silver accessories, one-of-a-kind crafty ornaments, or quirky bobbles that make you laugh (we're talking about you, naughty ornaments, and festive pickles). You may want wooden garland, family-friendly cloth ornaments, religious symbols, or something that complements your

Local Links 1

Sweet Time Bake Shop, Orillia sweettime.ca 2

The Pebble Tree, Midland 248 King St. 3

The OC Emporium, Orillia ocemporium.ca 4

Vintage Rustic Decor, Innisfil vintagerusticdecor.com 5 Our House, Barrie ourhouse.com 6

The Artisan Boutique, Barrie theartisanboutique.ca 7

The Christmas Villager, Coldwater F TheChristmasVillager

home's colour palette. Anything goes—let yourself explore and find out what you're drawn to. Your Christmas tree doesn't necessarily need to look like it belongs on the cover of a magazine—it just has to feel right. We recommend starting at a local shop like Sweet Time Bake Shoppe in Orillia. This bakery is offering a holiday vendor market where you can find beautiful handmade ornaments (some of which can be made custom). If you’re looking to add a sweet touch with some festive gnomes, then The Pebble Tree in Midland is a great place to stop. They have a wide selection of adorable stuffed gnomes (along with gnome ornaments), plus wreaths, mugs, snow globes, and other holiday accessories.

MAGIC ON THE MANTLE

If you're lucky enough to have a classic fireplace mantle, make the most of it! And if not, mimic the same look using a console table, the top of an upright piano, or even a floating shelf. Consider using some greenery like garland from The OC Emporium in Orillia, along with some candles, festive tabletop accessories, and beautiful holiday decorations. Vintage Rustic Décor in Innisfil is another great spot. You’ll find rustic and farmhouse-inspired holiday décor, including festive signs, adorable barnyard ornaments, birchwrapped candles, mini trees – and so much more!

SPRUCE UP YOUR TABLEWARE

A holiday cocktail tastes even better in gorgeous glassware and The Pebble Tree in Midland has some excellent choices, including hammered finish and confetti wine glasses. Look for beveled, smoked, coloured, or even novelty glassware that brings you joy while impressing any guest. A decanter will look beautiful on your table and make any wine feel just that much fancier (even if it came from a box). Add some ceramic mugs from Our House in Barrie for those booze-infused evening coffees or hot chocolate, and you'll be ready to let those sleigh bells ring.

Bliss HP

OUR HOUSE

THE PEBBLE TREE

FOR

A

FAMILY WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR

The best play to spread holiday cheer is by adding one-of-a-kind novelty décor. In addition to heirloom pieces, The Artisan Boutique in Barrie carries novelty items like front door mats and cheeky holiday cards. While at The Christmas Villager in Coldwater, you can find silicon holiday spatulas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation snow village accessories, and adorable salt and pepper salt shakers (in the shape of a snowman). It’s these types of items that add a playful and memorable touch to the holiday season. And while Santa toilet paper may not become an heirloom, it may just become a family tradition. You never know what will

THECHRISTMAS

VILLAGER

Christmas CRAFT

MAKE YOUR OWN ORNAMENT AT HOME!

BY ANNELIESE LAWTON

One of my most cherished holiday gifts came from my son’s Kindergarten teacher. It was a hand-decorated plastic ball ornament crafted by my four-year-old. Now, it wasn’t the googly eyes that made his masterpiece special, it’s what lay inside: a piece of ribbon as long as he was tall on the day he made it. Right in the heartstrings. Pun intended.

To recreate this sentimental gift at home, here’s what you’ll need:

∙ Clear plastic fillable DIY craft ball ornaments

∙

Acrylic paint (formulated for glass or plastic, depending on what type of ornament you’re using)

∙

Or, acrylic paint markers (these are easy for little ones to grasp and use on a small space, rather than a paintbrush)

∙ Paintbrushes

∙

Different coloured ribbons

Other craft supplies for decorating, such as glitter, pompoms, feathers, pipe cleaners

STEP 1

Decorate the outside of your ornament – this is where your imagination can run wild! You can use pipe cleaners to create reindeer antlers, glue to cover the ball in glitter, or you can even paint on a little creature such as a snowman or the grinch.

STEP 2

Measure your little one with ribbon (using a festive one like silver, gold, or sparkling green and red works well and looks pretty inside the ball).

STEP 3

Stuff your ribbon inside the ornament once the outside has dried.

STEP 4

Attach a ribbon, twine, or pipe cleaner to the top loop of the ornament for hanging on the tree.

STEP 5

On the back of the ornament, write your child’s age and name using an acrylic paint pen.

Other ideas include: placing a photo inside the ball, filling them with fake snow or lights – there are really endless ways to decorate. Have fun with it!

LIGHT OUR WAY:

HOLIDAY SIGHTS ON THE STREETS

by ANNELIESE LAWTON

There's nothing I love more than grabbing a hot chocolate and venturing out to see the lights. From the comfort of your car – seat warmer on, warm drink in hand –there are endless sights to see among our streets.

Simcoe County is spreading holiday cheer and putting up its infamous light displays to add some festive celebrations in an otherwise strange year.

Gatherings may be limited this holiday season, but it doesn't mean we have to stop the celebration of the season - cheer is here, folks.

Put on your winter gear (and your mask!) and head out for a dazzling light show.

Oro-Medonte Mystical Lights

Oro-Medonte Fairgrounds, Line 7 & 15/16 Sideroad East, Oro-Medonte

DECEMBER 2 UNTIL JANUARY 1

Fifty-thousand lights are set to hit the Oro-Medonte Fairgrounds this December for the second year of Mystical Lights. Presented by the OroMedonte Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, this drive-thru experience officially opens December 1, operating from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. "When you arrive, you drive through Frosty's tunnel, which has thousands of lights on it. Then you come up to Candy Cane lane – there are thousands of lights again, and that leads into Santa's house where people can get selfies and receive hot chocolate and cookies," said Sylvia Stark, executive director of the chamber. Tickets are $15 a car and available at mysticallights.ca

First Light

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons | 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland,

NOVEMBER 24, 25, & 26, AND DECEMBER 1, 2, & 3, 2022

Now in its 22nd year, Sainte-Marie's First Light is a must-see event with a great lineup of family activities and live musical performances, all amidst the spectacular glow of thousands of candles. This edition of First Light will return to the many traditional performances, activities, and experiences, including Wye Marsh Birds of Prey, candle-making demonstrations, over 50 vendors, and a food truck. Fireworks will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person (children 5 and under are free). Reservations are required and ask that all guests bring a non-perishable food donation for the local food bank. Book online at saintemarie-events.ca

Noella Festival

Barrie Waterfront

NOVEMBER 19 TO DECEMBER 31

From a Christmas Tree lot in support of Hospice Simcoe to decorated storefronts and the Festival of Trees, Downtown Barrie sure knows how to ring in the season. Beginning November 16 with the annual tree lighting and ending December 31 with a New Year's Eve bash, there will be plenty to see. Whichever reason you're visiting downtown, be sure to explore the Festival of Tees, generously set up and supported by the Rotary Club of Barrie. This is a great opportunity to grab a coffee or hot chocolate and go for a stroll with the family.

Magic of Lights

Springwater Provincial Park | 1331 ON-26

NOVEMBER 18 TO JANUARY 1

Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, is bigger and brighter than ever. With more than a mile of spectacular light displays, your favourite holiday scenes and characters are brought to life. Don't miss the larger-than-life sparkling BarbieTM display, the super-size Bigfoot ® Monster Truck, and lifesize dinosaurs of prehistoric Christmas! One carload, one price! Go to magicoflights.com for pricing.

DOWNTOWNBARRIE.CA DOWNTOWNBARRIE.CA

L O O K L O C A L ' S

FAVOURITE THINGS

from their homes and estranged from their families. The Shoebox Project is a tangible and creative opportunity to give back directly to someone in your very own community. It’s a small, simple gesture of kindness that has an immediate, positive impact on the woman who receives it. Shoebox gifts are collected by volunteers across Simcoe County during the holiday season. Donors fill a standardsized, decorated Shoebox with approximately $50 worth of gifts and essentials that any woman might enjoy and include a warm greeting or message of support. They are then distributed to local women’s shelters and community agencies serving women impacted by homelessness in our community. If preferred, donations can also be done virtually by going to shoeboxproject.com/simcoe & they can create the boxes for recipients. The program runs until December 12th.

The perfect gift idea jj + rr necklaces layer them up or wear singly. Lots of styles to choose from all available in gold, rose gold & silver.

YOUNIQUE YOU 521-A BAY ST., MIDLAND

English biscuits, jams, chocolates? The Royal Tea on King has a huge selection to choose from. Wonderful to have on hand for that special someone with a sweet tooth!

ROYAL TEA ON KING, MIDLAND royalteaonking.ca

Cheese Fondue anyone?

Swissmar Cast Iron Fondues offer the utmost in versatility. They are ideal for cheese, meat AND chocolate fondue. Cast iron pots provide even heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking at both high and low temperatureswithout hot spots.

THE RIND AND TRUCKLE, ORILLIA therindandtruckle.ca

Great Pretenders Dress-up Capes. Through pretend play kids develop their imagination and creative thinking skills. Pretending develops communication skills and an outlet for expressing feelings and fears. It’s time to play!

jackandmaddyorillia.ca

Be a little naughty this holiday season. Coquette Holiday Babydoll comes with removable choker, bandeau top, adjustable/ removable straps, faux fur trim, includes G-string!

INDULGE BOUTIQUE, MIDLAND indulgeboutique.ca

Look Local Volume 5 | Issue 7

JACK AND MADDY, A KIDS’ STORE, ORILLIA

STUDIO ELEVEN, ORILLIA studioeleven.ca

Downtown Midland Tree Lighting

Neezhoday Park next to the Midland Public Library. Join in on free family fun for the annual Tree lighting in Downtown Midland. There will be festive music, holiday stories and community groups. Save-a-Cup, Bring-a-Mug Free hot chocolate and the Fire Department will bring Santa too! Donations will be accepted for the food bank. 5:30-7pm.

Downtown Midland

Late night Shopping in Downtown Midland

Go downtown and enjoy the convenience of shopping local, dining local, all while strolling the street and looking at the holiday decorated windows. Every Friday until 8pm.

Nov 25-Dec 23 King Street, Midland

Elf Jr. The Musical

Kempenfelt Community Players

Youth Production: A title known the world over, Elf Jr. is a heart-warming musical about family, friendship, identity, believing in the power of giving, kindness, and finding your place in the world where you belong. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

Public Performances Nov. 25 to 27 School Matinees Nov. 23 to 25 Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Drive Bldg C, Barrie kempenfeltplayers.com

Santa Claus Parade

The Civitan’s Santa Claus parade returns to King Street in Downtown Midland. 11am Downtown Midland

1 NOV 26

DEC

Barrie Toy Tea

17th annual event in support of the Simcoe-Muskoka Family Connexions and Gilda’s Club. Admission is an unwrapped toy or Donation at Georgian BMW. 10 am to 2 pm. 220 Essa Road, Barrie

Holiday Spice Market

The event will host 45+ local artisans all with handmade goods. There will be Santa visits on the Friday evening, live music during the whole event, and Lazy Tulip Cafe will be serving up beverages. It is a Christmas Market and a great place to shop local! We can be found on instagram @spiceholidaymarket or on Facebook: Spice Holiday Market $5 entry at the door & Kids are free! MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie Friday 5pm-9pm + Saturday 9am-3pm

Family Concert: Celebrate the Season!

The Huronia Symphony Orchestra takes great pleasure in celebrating Christmas with you, presenting iconic favourites. Let's celebrate! You will have a chance to hear beloved music by Strauss, Corelli and Tchaikovsky followed by your chance to sing along with the orchestra. A perfect way to celebrate the season. Rumour has it that Santa may also make an appearance!

3:30 pm

Collier St. United Church 112 Collier St. Barrie huroniasymphony.ca

9-10

Bravado Show Choir

Everyone’s favourite Christmas & Winter songs in celebration of Bravado’s 25th anniversary. Featuring Bravado Alumni including past directors, Edwina Douglas and Scott Boyer. Doors at 7 pm Show at 7:30 pm. Children’s Christmas Matinee on Saturday afternoon, 1pm crafts before the show at 2 PM. Featuring Mabel Moon & a special appearance by Santa. Collier Street United Church, Barrie bravadoshowchoir.com

FairWeatherLove – New Year’s Eve Party

Join the FairWeatherLove band and ring in 2023 with a bang! FWL is a 9-piece horn band playing great tunes from the heyday of R&B and Soul. Dance, sing, and party into 2023. Get ready for a great time, you won’t want to miss it!

Doors 9pm Show 9:30 Tickets $40 + taxes & fees

Midland Cultural Centre, Midland midlandculturalcentre.com

Sweet, Salty + Smooth

TREATS FOR ANY CELEBRATION

BY ANNELIESE LAWTON

With an abundance of colourful lights and family celebrations, the holidays have officially arrived – all 12 of them. That’s right. Within the month of December, there are over 12 celebrated religious holidays. And while they’re all different in their own unique way, many share a common theme centred around food, family, and of course, gifts. Whether you’re leaving a stocking by the chimney for Santa, a wooden shoe out for Sinterklaas, or celebrating one of the many other holidays, you can never go wrong with adding a sweet treat.

Get Baking!

Baking cookies is a holiday tradition my family started just a few years ago. We gather in the kitchen, make a giant mess, burn cookies, and then hand them out to the neighbours. It’s a treat. Thankfully,  Don’s Bakery in Barrie has fresh, homemade dough, making it easier for my three little chefs to bake from scratch. We love the ginger molasses and white chunk cranberry – and since it already comes as a dough, we simply create holiday shapes with our cookie cutters and

bake! And if that’s even too much,  Cookies by Design in Barrie creates holiday cookie decorating kits. Available in sets of 10 or 20, each kit contains three piping bags of icing and one sprinkle pod.

Something to Sip On

Whether at home or out on the town, hot chocolate – with a festive twist – seems to be the drink of choice this time of year.  Mark IV Brothers Downtown Orillia puts a special spin on a mint hot chocolate. The Marrakesh Mint Hot Chocolate is made with premium-grade Marrakesh Mint tea, Ghirardelli Chocolate, and velvety steamed milk with whipped cream on top. Back at home, hot chocolate bombs are all the rage. Filled with cocoa mix, marshmallows, sprinkles, and other edible baubles, they are a truly over-the-top way to level up your cocoa game. Once plopped inside a mug full of warm milk, the bombs open up, revealing the goodies inside and creating a decadent cup of hot cocoa once stirred together. Grab a box of seasonal flavours at  The Elegant Gourmet in Midland.

Tiny + Thoughtful Gifts

Smaller treats such as candies or chocolates can be a perfect fit for stockings, wooden shoes, or Hanukkah gifts.  Georgian Chocolate Co in Orillia handcrafts sustainably-sourced, dairyfree, vegetarian, and kosher chocolate bars. These bars make a wonderful silky, creamy treat, and since they’re also kosher, they’re the perfect gift for Jewish friends, family, or hosts. J’adore in Barrie has a large selection of chocolates and fine cheese, perfect for the holidays. They have chocolate molds of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, snowmen, and even your little one’s favourite superheroes. These items make great stocking stuffers for any age.

Let Them Have Cake

The Yule Log, Chocolate Swiss Roll, and Fruit Cake peak during the holiday season, but other cultures bring a little something extra to the dessert table.  A Taste of Soul in Barrie has exactly that, soul. They make an incredible vanilla bourbon sweet potato pie and peach cobbler – traditional desserts for our friends celebrating Kwanzaa. And if you’re not completely set on cake, why not try a beautifully decorated gingerbread house from  Mariposa Market? These made-fromscratch, hand-decorated gingerbread houses make a beautiful hostess gift or dinner party centrepiece.  However you’re celebrating this time of year, we hope you create some sweet memories.

looklocalmagazine.com

Make in a 9x13 pan, portion in slices, freeze. Thaw and cut into squares for your holiday sweet platters. The ultimate Christmas baking item, soon to be everyone’s favourite

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE LAYER INGREDIENTS

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 lg egg at room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

BROWNIE LAYER INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 lg eggs at room temperature

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 350. Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave extra overhanging for ease of removing the brookie when cooked.

2 First, make the brownie layer. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a medium saucepan over medium low heat stirring constantly. When melted, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. This takes approximately 15 minutes. Use this time to make the cookie layer. Whisk the sugar into the cooled butter and chocolate mixture, then add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in vanilla then fold in flour and salt with spatula until just combined.

3 Cookie Layer. In a large bowl with a mixer cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed until creamy and combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, scraping down bowl as needed. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Beat on low speed until combined then add in the chocolate chips. Dough will be thick and sticky. Spread the cookie dough in prepared pan, it will be thin. Then pour the brownie mix overtop and spread to smooth the top.

4 Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center no longer jiggles and a toothpick comes out relatively clean.

5 Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift out and portion as you please. Wrap in plastic wrap, freeze then thaw in fridge overnight for best results.

EXPERT PICK:

Holiday Wines That Sparkle

BY JENNY RATCLIFFE-WRIGHT

Whether they're for gifting, toasting, or sacredly sipping, sparkling wines add a special touch to the holiday season. The demand for sparkling wine has grown (thanks to affordable Prosecco), and many are home grown in Ontario. With a vast selection to suit every taste and budget, these expertrecommended bottles will certainly add a little extra “sparkle” to your holiday events.

For a tasty and reliable everyday bubbly, try the Jackson Triggs Sparkling Reserve VQA ($16.95 at LCBO). Fresh in flavour with floral and fruity notes, it's the perfect bubbly to pull out when friends drop by. To make a light and fun cocktail, mix in some juice.

For ultra-convenience, try the Outset sparkling wine in a 250ml can ($4.65 at the LCBO). This tiny can makes a great stocking stuffer or a cute addition to a charcuterie board. Since it's only a single serving, it's perfect on those nights when you don't want to open a whole bottle.

For a traditional bottle, try the Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Brut ($32.95 at the LCBO). This fermented sparkling wine uses classic champagne varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering the same flavour of champagne for a much lower price.

If you are a Chardonnay fan, you'll love the Cloudsley Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay ($35 from the farm). Cloudsley is a small lot terroirdriven family-owned winery. Order straight from their website, and they'll deliver a case to your door. cloudsleycellars.com

Domaine Queylus makes a beautiful Bordeaux-style blend called Droite ($44.95 from the farm). Aged in French oak barrels, this blend of Cabernet and Merlot is full of flavour. Try it with grilled steaks. Droite is available on the Domaine Queylus website. queylus.com

Peller Family Vineyards Rose is a safe bet for most palates and a real crowd-pleaser. It comes in a 1500ml size ($17.95 at LCBO) or a 1-litre tetra pack ($12.95 at LCBO) (which is super convenient when you have a crowd). This off-dry bubbly is slightly sweet, with hints of rose petals and tropical fruit. Perfect with soda water if you enjoy a refreshing spritzer. Pop a bottle and celebrate! The holidays are here!

looklocalmagazine.com

Ode to the

BY LISA EVANS

Potatoes are Canadians' favourite side dish

It's hard to find a more versatile vegetable than the potato. It can be fried, scalloped, roasted, mashed, or hashed. Potatoes are glutenfree and pair well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is the potato versatile, but they're also affordable, accessible, and deli cious any way you dig 'em.

Potatoes have played an important role in the planet's food security. Historians have traced the history of the potato back to Ancient Peru. It's believed the potato was first introduced to Europe by the Spanish explorers of the "New World." Some credit the potato with ending the famine in Northern Europe. Potatoes were first grown by settlers in New Brunswick as early as the mid-1600s and have been a staple in Canadian homes ever since.  Our

on in and discover the amazing cheeses that Ontario and Quebec have to offer plus handcrafted works from local vendors and small batch producers.

Potatoes are Canadians' favourite side dish, complementing any main meal. Add roasted potatoes to a chicken dish, french fries to a burger, hash browns to eggs, and have you ever been to a barbeque that didn't have potato salad? Not to mention mashed potatoes to hold all that turkey gravy!

Potatoes are also good for your health and pack a nutritious punch. Cooked potatoes with the skin are a good source of potassium, and vitamin C. Potatoes are mainly comprised of carbs but contain almost no fat, so they can keep us full for longer.

LOCAL BUSINESSES

UP DELICIOUS TAKE-OUT POTATOES

Whether you like your potatoes roasted, mashed, scalloped, sliced, or fried, we have some great local options for your favourite spud.

Pie Wood Pizza, Barrie puts a different spin on the potato with their Loaded Baked Potato Pizza. A must-try for pizza night and easy for athome entertaining, toppings include béchamel sauce, mozzarella, roasted potato, crispy bacon, finished with rosemary sour cream drizzle & fresh chives.  piewoodpizza.com

Mariposa Market, Orillia has a great selection of frozen, grab-and-go familyfriendly dishes. Their baked meat pies make an easy side to a holiday dinner party. Their chicken and beef pot pies are loaded with potato hunks, peas, carrots, and gravy. mariposamarket.ca

The Corner Market, Barrie offers a variety of take-home potato side dishes, from Double Stuffed Potatoes topped with cheese ad chives, to loaded Potato Skins, and creamy Potato Salad. There's a potato side dish for every holiday meal.  cornermarketbarrie.ca

One little vegetable with so much potential. Three cheers for the potato!

SERVING

some purposes than others.

• Russet potatoes have low water content and are high in starch, making this the preferred potato for baking, frying, mashing, and roasting.

• Red potatoes have lower starch and higher water content and are ideal for soups, stews, and salads.

• Yellow potatoes are all-purpose potatoes with a buttery taste and a rich, creamy texture.

2 - STORE YOUR POTATOES IN THE RIGHT LOCATION

Sunlight will cause your potatoes to release a chemical called solanine, which can be toxic. A cool, dark location, like a root cellar, is the best place to store potatoes. Avoid placing potatoes in the fridge. Fridge temperatures convert the starch to sugar which can change the taste of the potatoes.

3 - ADD POTATOES TO COLD WATER FIRST

To get silky smooth mashed potatoes, start potatoes in cold, salted water, then bring the pot to boil. When they're nearly ready to be mashed, heat your butter and milk in a small saucepan rather than adding them straight from the cold fridge.

4 - SALT THE WATER, NOT THE POTATOES

Adding salt to water causes the potatoes' starch to cook more, giving it a rich, creamy texture, while cooking potatoes in unsalted water results in a bland taste. Similarly, placing potatoes on a baking sheet without salt can cause them to get overcooked. The salt helps ensure the potatoes cook evenly.

LOO

K L O C A L ' S H O L I D A Y K I

TCHEN ROASTED POTATOES

INGREDIENTS

1.5 kg russet potatoes (serves about 6)

Duck fat or unsalted butter or olive oil (enough to form thin layer across your baking tray)

5 or 6 garlic cloves

1 bunch of fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon of baking soda

Cooking spray (optional)

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

2 Peel the potatoes and cut into even sized chunks.

3 Soak the potatoes in cold water for 5 minutes and drain to remove excess starch.

4 Whilst the potatoes are soaking, spray a large baking tray evenly with cooking spray and add your fat – olive oil, butter or duck fat (in order of glutinousness). Place baking tray into the oven.

5 Tip potatoes into a large pot, cover with lukewarm salted water. Add teaspoon of baking soda which helps to create fluffy edges. Parboil for 10 minutes, or until a fork can readily puncture each chunk, then drain in a colander.

6 Leave to steam dry in the colander for 3 minutes and give it a shake until the potatoes form fluffy edges –this will help to make them super-crisp later on.

7 Tip the potatoes into the now hot tray in one layer. Season well with salt and black pepper. Toss the potatoes in the fat, then roast for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden.

8 Now’s the time for a key step. Gently squash each potato with a potato masher or spatula to increase the surface area – the more of your potato that’s in contact with the pan, the crispier it will be.

9 Add rosemary, unpeeled garlic cloves and 1 good lug of oil to a small bowl. Mix until garlic and rosemary are evenly coated.

10 Evenly distribute rosemary and garlic mixture with the potatoes and give the pan a good shake. Flip and gently squash each potato again, then pop back in the hot oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until crispy and delicious.