Strawberry Black Pepper Sorbet

Strawberry Sorbet | Photo: Kelly Hunt Maybe you still have some strawberries in your freezer because you went a little crazy buying them up at the market last year and maybe you did not eat them all up by the time the next strawberry season came in. It”s just a guess, but maybe you want to use up those berries so you can buy fresh berries before the season is over for this year. Okay, you caught me, it”s me! I bought way too many berries last year and I needed to justify buying some fresh ones, so I hauled these out of the freezer and make this lovely creature (look at that hue!). A bit sweet, a bit puckery” and a whole lot refreshing, all rolled into one fantastic strawberry sorbet. It is very hot today, actually it is very hot these past few days and this is the perfect treat for a little July cool down. Do not be afraid of the pepper (I actually think it could use some more) but the pepper taste is there –  so slight, you only taste it after two spoonfulls, it just lingers there on the tongue. Lovely. I doubled this recipe and it turned out just great. Of course it is probably even better with fresh strawberries which only have about one more week until they are gone. You can find them at Heemans, Trails End Market, Masonville Farmer”s Market, Western Fair Market, Covent Garden Farmer”s Market, O”Sheas Farm Market and many other places, but only for a short time. Spiced Strawberry Sorbet from Gourmet Magazine, August, 1995 full recipe found here For the sorbet: 2/3 cup sugar 2/3 cup water 3 tablespoons black peppercorns, crushed coarse 1 quart strawberries (preferably local), hulled 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste To make the spiced strawberry sorbet: In a saucepan combine sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peppercorns and remove pan from heat. Cover pan and let syrup stand 1 hour. Strain syrup through a fine sieve into a food processor or blender and discard peppercorns. Purée hulled strawberries with syrup until very smooth and force though sieve into a bowl, discarding seeds and other solids. Stir in vinegar and chill, covered, until cold. Freeze mixture in an ice-cream maker.  Read More

On The Move Organics

This morning I ventured out to the Western Fair Farmers Market to see what kind of local foods I could find. Keep in mind that it is January (how could we forget?) and we are in Canada… but I still found some really great stuff! Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I would like to mention one thing before I continue – and that is that you really have to be a smart locavore when you shop at this market. Be warned, I actually saw a vendor that was using Foodland Ontario signs for pricing their vegetables even though all of their “packages” were marked from California, not good! Just be wise, young ones. :,,) And now, to the really good part! A very exciting locavore find (and organic to boot!), is Jeff Pastorius” business called On The Move Organics. On The Move Organics is many things. First, they offer 100% organic produce, yum! Second, approximately 80% of the produce that Jeff sources is from small, independent organic farms all within a half hour drive of London Ontario. Lastly, they offer a Box Program. Wondering what a “box program” is? Basically, for around $30 a week you have a box delivered to your door that contains 10 – 15 fresh food items. I tried one of these box programs (not with Jeff), about 4 years ago and it was super fun. You get all kinds of foods in the box that you may not usually try on your own and it is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your weekly diet, while at the same time supporting a local business – and in the height of our growing season, support local farmers. I purchased some really good looking sunflower shoots, beets and parsnips. Oh! and they even have the delicious yet elusive Ontario Grown Garlic! No, I am not being crazy – just take a look at the supermarket garlic the next time you are shopping – I”ll bet you at least a fiver that it is from China! Something that is also super special and is available through Jeff is NuSun Sunflower Oil. It is locally grown and bottled just north of Stratford, in Mitchell Ontario. That”s right, you can lower your cholesterol and support a local farmer all in one tablespoon! On The Move Organics is conveniently located at the Farmers Market at the Western Fairgrounds (free parking and open till 3 pm every Saturday!). Also check out their website or give them a call and set up your box today!  Read More