Windhover Farm... Berries and Books

Fresh Strawberries from Windhover Farm

Today marked my second visit of u-pick berries at Windhover Farm. Last week, I came home with Strawberries and Raspberries for the freezer. Preserving the taste of summer for my winter smoothies, jams and desserts.
One of their strawberry varieties is my favorite Seascape, big and sweet! So today I picked and brought home another 10 pounds! 

I am also thrilled to say that you can now pick up a signed copy of my seasonal cookbook, 'For the Love of Food' at the farm.  One stop local shopping for fresh food and new recipes for you to try!
Windhover Farm is at:
3499 Dove Creek Road, Courtenay, BC  V9J 1P3
Phone: (250) 338-7750
www.comoxvalleyberries.com 
Keep a close watch on the website, picking days and times sometimes vary. Although, as of this week, the blueberries and strawberries are in great abundance.
Happy berry picking! 

Photo by Sally Rae

Man, Look at Those Strawberries!

Strawberry season is in full swing on the Islands. I have grown an ever-bearing variety called 'Seascape' for about the past 5 years. The June crop is always a bit disappointing; low production, smaller berries and the never ending battle with bugs and birds, especially robins and their hungry babies! 

Seascape strawberries from my garden on Denman Island

Strawberries are my favorite summer fruit, so I get a bit anxious waiting for the second crop. It is finally here! The berries are absolutely huge, firm, sweet and juicy. Perfect for Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, serving with a Chocolate Fondue, or with Angel Food Cake and sweet whipped cream. My favorite... to eat them fresh, warmed by the summer sun while picking in the garden!
Check out the strawberry recipes in my cookbook, 'For the Love of Food'; from measurements and freezing directions to 'Fresh Strawberry Salsa' and 'Fresh Strawberry Flambe'. 
Bon Appetit!


Photo by Sally Rae

Asian Market Grand Opening

Sally Rae Making Sushi

Since Leung's closed on 5th Street in Courtenay, I have been searching for a local market that carries a wide selection of Asian ingredients and imports. Most of my 'Asian specific' menus have been timed around a trip to the mainland so I could shop at T&T or H-Mart. If this is a dilemma that you also experience, I may have a solution for us all!!
I recently Googled 'Asian Groceries Vancouver Island' and found a new location in Nanaimo. Originally a very tiny store on Terminal near the ferry, 'Man Lee The Orient' has moved to a new, spacious location with free parking for fifty vehicles! I stopped in the other day to stock up for a promised Sushi Birthday Lunch for a friend. The store is jam packed with groceries; dry, fresh, frozen and imported gifts.
Their address...
Man Lee The Orient
385 Terminal Ave., Nanaimo, BC
V9R 0A4
(250) 753-6133
Owner Basil Chau was determined I visit their new website. Be sure to check
out his story and vision for this old area of Nanaimo...
www.manleenanaimo.com

Sushi prepared by Sally Rae

Photos 'Sushi by Sally Rae' ~taken by Pat Young, May 2012

Faire Denman 2012

Gourmet by Sally Rae at the Denman Island Community Hall

How time flies! It seems that I just wrapped up my Summer Market Schedule yesterday. We turn the calendar today and it is the first full weekend of December which means the Denman Island Christmas Craft Faire is upon us. 
Walk on the ferry at Buckley Bay and take the shuttle or walk up the hill and visit over 70 local booths in both halls on the Island. Lunch and desserts are available in both halls.
Hope to see you there!


Photo by Sally Rae

Final Winter Harvest

Signs of Spring are showing up everywhere! The frogs are singing, the hummingbirds are back and it is past due to harvest the last winter root crops.

Bolero Carrots ~ Purple Sprouting Broccoli ~ Parsnips

The weather has warmed some and the 'Bolero' carrots have gone a bit 'hairy' but nothing can compare to their flavor! This was my first attempt at 'Purple Sprouting Broccoli'... beautiful, but it seems to take up lots of garden space for a minimal harvest. The parsnips as usual are large and sweet.... now it's time to start seeding the brassicas and herbs for the garden.
Happy Spring Planting! 

Photo of winter vegetables from my garden by Sally Rae

Denman Island Christmas Craft Faire 2010

Sally Rae at the Denman Island Christmas Craft Faire

Another year has come and gone. As I catch up on my neglected 'things to do list' I have made a small movie with my Flip Video of last year's Christmas Craft Faire. After all the long days and late nights of preparation, it is great to look back and see the many familiar faces that I have shared this experience with over the past 20 years.

To view the full movie on YouTube click on the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAR-q2XLPZA

Sally Rae's Handmade Belgian Chocolates

Happy New Year!  

Photos by Sally Rae and JD

Denman Island Studio Tour

Wedding Cake by Sally Rae

'Culinary Art' is making its debut on this summer's Arts Denman Studio Tour! Saturday July 31st and Sunday August 1st, 2010 on Denman Island, 25 Studios will open their doors to the public. Admission is free, studios will be open 10am-4pm. The Art Centre will be open at 9:30am with studio information and tour maps.

You are invited to meet me, Chef Sally Rae and tour my kitchen with displays, demonstrations, samples from my cookbook 'For the Love of Food' and purchase a personally signed copy for yourself or as a gift.

I look forward to meeting you and answering all your culinary questions. See you there!
 Wedding Cake and Photo by Sally Rae