Dedicated Denman Island Farmers

Denman Island Farmer's attend even in the snow!

It's unusual for Denman Island to have a snow fall that stays on the ground for more than a few days. As an ex-Albertan, I moved west to get away from the cold and 'white stuff'. The odd year we have had high accumulations of wet snow, then freezing temperatures. This phenomenon makes for dangerous driving, weighted broken tree branches, downed fences and sometimes lengthy power outages. I drove in dry Alberta snow for many years, but this wet, slushy stuff is a whole different ballgame. I never thought I'd beg for rain, but when the snow falls it is the following rains that wash it all away. Sure the clear, sunny sky with snow on the ground is beautiful but snap a few pictures then I've had enough!

Pat ~ Corlan Vineyard and Farm

On October 31st, I was gardening and raking up dry leaves for mulch, dressed in capris pants and a light hoodie... two days later we have 3 inches of snow on the ground, clear skies and temperatures near freezing. This is possibly the earliest snow I've seen since moving here 27 years ago... but I digress. The feature heroes of this post are the dedicated Denman Island Farmers I met at The Old School and Recycling Center this morning. 

Emily ~ Two Roads Farm

Tracy ~ Ruby Slipper Ranch

Where else can you shop for local, organic; produce, meat, eggs and wine in a snow covered field? Yes, Denman Island is a very special place to live!

I managed to scoop the last dozen of large eggs from Pat (Corlan Vineyard and Farm), and lucked out on a special today of 'fresh' turkey from Tracy (Ruby Slipper Ranch) and a bag of incredible vegetables from Emily and Sam (Two Roads Farm). My new addiction is; steamed fresh organic beets, spiralized into beet 'spaghetti', dressed with Signature Cranberry Pear White Balsamic Vinegar and Blood Orange Olive Oil, marinate and serve topped with crumbled goat cheese. Unfortunately today, Two Roads Farm beet harvest is frozen in the ground, so I opted for a fresh, incredibly white cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes (yes, they were selling local tomatoes in the snow!), a couple of red onions and new to me... a Futsu squash and Sieglinde potatoes, also called German Butter potatoes. According to Sam they are a creamy, yellow fleshed potato that are even better than Yukon Gold!

Fresh Market shopping in the snow... guess what's for dinner tonight?

The snow has started to fall again, it is not quite freezing, so the flakes are huge and will no doubt pile up fast. Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of accumulations of another 4-8 inches. Oh well, at least we will have a Denman feast of fresh, organic food and a toasty fire to keep us warm.

Till next time... stay warm and Bon Appétit! 
     ...and remember to turn your clocks back this weekend!

Photos by Sally Rae