The perk of being a food blogger is invitations to special foodie events like Inspired To Taste Canada. I had the pleasure of attending this event hosted at Hudson’s Bay Queen Street and sponsored by Taste Canada and All Clad. The Guest Chef for the evening was Mairlyn Smith featuring recipes from her new cookbook Homegrown. Mairlyn is a chef, home economist and all around lovely person who is passionate about local food and making people laugh. Fun Fact: Mairlyn is also an alumnus of Second City, which makes her a popular guest on talk shows and tv programs.
Inspired To Taste Canada
The evening was a treat for foodies being held in the newly designed housewares department at Hudson’s Bay. Which inspired me to make a whole new wish list of Le Creuset cookware and Kate Spade dishes! A feast of tasty nibbles could be sampled as you mingled your way around the 7th floor. I had a few favorites, the chocolate covered strawberries graciously supplied by Godiva, Flow water because sampling is thirsty work and Healthy Crunch Kale Chips. Kale but so much better in a crispy chip form with amazing flavours that have you reaching for just one more chip! These kale chips are also gluten free, nut free and dairy free which pretty much answers my prayers when it comes to safe snacking for school lunch boxes.
Canadian Foods We Grow, Raise and Produce
The new cookbook Homegrown is a true reflection of Mairlyn Smith’s dedication to celebrating Canadian food and a collaboration with The Ontario Home Economists Association. The recipes are well thought out with helpful tips and facts that will enhance the enjoyment of the dish you are making. All of the recipes focus on homegrown Canadian ingredients used seasonally to amplify their taste.
Let them eat cake!
One of the first recipes I tried was the Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes because my kids love to take pancakes in a thermos for school lunches. I am always on the lookout for a hearty pancake that is packed with nutrients and will travel well. Made with large flake oats , whole wheat flour and ground flaxseed these pancakes contain a generous 6.4 grams of fibre preserving and 16 grams of protein, that should make any mom smile!
As a “farmer’s daughter” I do see myself as an advocate for real food, locally grown in Canada. It is truly a joy to attend events like Inspired to Taste Canada, where so many people are passionate about enjoying locally grown and produced food. More people are jumping on board with the local food movement and I couldn’t be happier!
And the swag bags don’t hurt either, I was compensated with some sweet gifts for attending the event and sharing it with my readers but the opinions in this blog are my own. #HBxtastecanada
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