For the next few weeks, we will be covering some great things happening in cottage country and the northern region. For more information on proof brands, visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.
the tiny blue 6 mint leaves • ¼ cup blueberries • 4 oz sweet
& sour mix* • 1 ½ oz proof whisky • soda water
In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves, blueberries and sweet
& sour mix. Add ice and proof whisky. Shake and pour into an ice-filled
glass. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves and fresh blueberries.
* sweet & sour mix 1 1/2 cup water • 1 1/2 cup sugar • 1
cup fresh lemon juice • 1 cup fresh lime juice
Combine water and sugar in large saucepan. Stir over medium
heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Cool syrup. Mix syrup, lemon juice
and lime juice in pitcher. Chill until cold. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover;
keep chilled)
We have been busy, exploring the Simcoe County countryside, in search of
great local produce and other interesting offerings. After week one, we have
discovered that Georgian Bay South is not just about beautiful sandy white
beaches and great sunsets. This area has a lot of amazing foodie things on
offer. Today’s Thursty Thursday cocktail was inspired by some of these local
treasures.
Day 1 Travelled the county roads of Lafontaine, Ontario, a
tiny French farming community, fringed by gorgeous blue beaches. We found an
abundance of produce stands and other fresh fare.
Day 2 Visited The Penetanguishene Farmers’ Market. The
market runs at the Curling Club every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm. We
purchased some great handmade bread. And that evening, chilled to some great Jazz music at the
Library Restaurant in Midland. (www.thelibraryrestaurant.ca)
Day 3 Visited the Midland Farmer’s Market. This market runs
every Sunday from 9am to 2pm. Vendors all differ from Penetang market.
Highlight was definitely the maple syrup and homemade butter tarts. Stopped
into Ciboulette et Cie for a cold drink. Visited friends at a cottage.
Day 4 Went blueberry picking at the Zosche Farm. Had lunch
at the Roxy Café located at the new Arts Centre in Midland. Here is a list of
other popular pick-your-own berry spots: Foster Farm U-Pick strawberries and
raspberries (Wilson Sideroad, on Balm Beach Road, Midland 705-526-8149),
Thunder Beach Berry Farm strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (1369 Chemin du
Loup (County Rd 6), Tiny (Lafontaine) 705-533-2345), Chapman’s Berry Farm
raspberries, currants (6414 Line 3 North, R.R. #1 Midland)
Day 5 Visited the Karma Marketplace in downtown
Penetanguishene. Took a drive out to Thunder Bay Beach. You can now enjoy
Karma’s weekly food box program. Boxes may include fruits, veggies, meats and
pantry staples all produced within 100 miles of the shop. (705.549.5999
karmateiki@live.ca)
Day 6 Visited the Ecology Gardens in Penetanguishene. www.gardenontario.org/site.php/penetang/about/
Day 7 Created the tiny blue cocktail and enjoyed a few by
the pool.
Here is another great resource for fresh and local foods in
the Simcoe area (www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca)
They even offer an online Simcoe Food Route.
Don’t miss the Fifth Annual Savour Simcoe – Celebrating our
Heritage, Agriculture and Regional Cuisine. Mark your calendars for Savour
Simcoe 2012 (Sunday August 26th 12pm-4pm) which will again take place on the
beautiful outdoor grounds of the Simcoe County Museum surrounded by trees and
the artifacts of our rich agricultural history. (In case of inclement weather,
the event will be moved indoors.)
Lynn Ogryzlo, author of the "Ontario Table"
cookbook, will be at the event, for a book-signing and invite all to sign the
Ontario table-cloth pledging support for local food.
Remember to check out where magazine for our summer contest
& bi-weekly recipes. http://www.where.ca/central-canada/ontario/muskoka.
where is now featuring one proof recipe every other week until September.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Cloudy periods and a high of 25 degrees.
Sunday: Sunny and a high of 26 degrees.
