Food & Drink Archives - Page 4 of 4 - South Eastern Ontario

You Need To Try These Authentically Canadian Maple Syrup Experiences

From pancakes to taffy you will definitely have a sugar rush once you get back home.

The late winter temperatures bring our favourite time of year – maple syrup season. Headlining maple season in South Eastern Ontario are two events: Maple in the County in Prince Edward County, and Maple Madness in Kingston. Consider these 8 amazing experiences for your maple “bucket” list this March.

1. Eat Pancakes In A Sugar Shack

Piping hot pancakes piled high, slathered with butter and drizzled (or drenched) in freshly made maple syrup. It’s the ultimate maple season experience, made better when enjoyed in the company of friends and family. Whether your chosen side dish is bacon, sausages or more pancakes, this maple syrup experience is not to be missed.

Where to try it: Sweetwater Cabin/Hubb’s Sugar Bush (Rednersville, PEC), Strictly Maple (Consecon, PEC), Sugarbush Vineyards (Hilliar, PEC), Fosterholm Farms (Picton, PEC), Waupoos Estate Winery and Sugar Bush (Waupoos, PEC), Walt’s Sugar Shack (Consecon, PEC), Three Dog Winery (Demorestville, PEC) Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation (Kingston)

2. Hike Through A Sugar Bush

With the crunch of snow under your boots and the refreshingly crisp smell of spring in the air works up an appetite for piping hot pancakes!

Where to try it: Sugarbush Vineyards (Hillier, PEC), Walt’s Sugar Shack (Consecon, PEC), Three Dog Winery (Demorestville, PEC) Fosterholm Farms (Picton, PEC), Sweetwater Cabin/Hubb’s Sugar Bush (Rednersville, PEC), Loha Farms (Picton, PEC), Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (Kingston),

3. Take A Stroll (Or Snowshoe) In A Vineyard

A winery tour during the off-season is a winter wonderland delight! Rent or bring your snowshoes for a peaceful walk through a lakeside vineyard. And just like hiking, you’ll be hankering for breakfast when you’re done! Weather permitting.

Where to try it: Sandbanks Estate Winery (Wellington, PEC), Trail Estate Winery (on the nearby Millennium Trail, Hillier, PEC) and the Fido-friendly Three Dog Winery (Demorestville, PEC) & Sugarbush Vineyards (Hilliar, PEC), plus more!

4. Eat Maple Taffy Off Of Fresh Snow

Nature’s favourite candy – maple taffy – is a sweet treat that is best enjoyed in the warm spring sunshine. Dipping thickened maple syrup into fresh white snow is a delicious and timeless syrup season tradition.

Where to try it: Vader’s Maple Syrup (Cherry Valley, PEC), Walt’s Sugar Shack (Consecon, PEC), Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (Kingston).

5. Visit Baby Farm Animals

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of the most adorable baby animals in farms throughout the region. Cuddling with fluffy chicks, peeping ducklings and woolly lambs is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Children can enjoy pony rides at selected farms. Have your cameras ready for this cute photo op!

Where to see them: Nyman Farms (Picton, PEC), Heal with Horses (Hillier, PEC), Waupoos Estate Winery and Sugar Bush (Waupoos, PEC) Loha Farms (Picton, PEC) Walt’s Sugar Shack (Consecon, PEC).

6. See How Maple Syrup Is Made

Did you know that it takes 40 litres of sap to make 1 litre of maple syrup? When you visit a sugar bush, you will hear the fascinating history of maple syrup, see sap dripping into pails (or modern tap lines that zigzag through the forest) and peek at the giant evaporators where the magic of maple syrup happens! You’ll appreciate syrup so much more after hearing about the effort that goes into making this sweet treat.

Where to see it: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (Kingston), Strictly Maple (Consecon, PEC), Sugarbush Vineyards (Hilliar, PEC), Nyman Farms (Picton, PEC), Vader’s Maple Syrup (Cherry Valley, PEC), Fosterholm Farms (Picton, PEC)

7. Indulge In Unexpected Maple Syrup And Food Pairings

The ideal experience for sophisticated palates! The spring season inspires farmers, artisan food producers and chefs to create flavourful maple themed meals. Caramel apples, mac and cheese, sausages, crepes, desserts, aged cheese, ribs, pulled pork, French toast and more tempt your taste buds with every stop along the self-guided Maple in the County route. Reservations required at some locations.

Where to try it: The Drake Devonshire Inn (Wellington, PEC), Campbell’s Orchards (Rednersville, PEC), Clossen Chase Vineyards (Hillier, PEC), The Grange (Hillier, PEC), Harwood Estate Vineyards (Hillier, PEC), Sandbanks Estate Winery (Wellington, PEC), Keint-he Winery and Vineyards (Wellington, PEC), Trail Estate Winery (Hillier, PEC), Huff Estates (Bloomfield, PEC), Kinsip House Of Fine Spirits (Bloomfield, PEC), Macaulay House (Picton, PEC), Jackson Falls Country Inn (Milford, PEC), The Country Canteen (Picton, PEC), County Cider (Picton, PEC), Black River Cheese Company (Milford, PEC) Popcorn with maple drizzle and breakfast at Waupoos Estate Winery and Sugar Bush, “Jersey Tails” (a fried pastry treat covered in maple sugar) at Nyman Farms, Maple-walnut-meat-cone sausages at Three Dog Winery & Sugarbush, Maple kettle corn at Vader’s Maple Syrup, Maple-fudge s’mores at Sugarbush Vineyards (Hilliar, PEC), Best-ever-butter tarts at Fosterholm Farms (Picton, PEC), Maple candy floss at Walt’s Sugar Shack.

8. Sip Maple-Inspired Wine, Cider And Craft Beer

With a nod to the mighty maple, local wine and cider makers and brewers infuse this seasonal staple into their beverages for a delightful sipping experience. Some wineries and breweries, like Barley Days, Trail Estate and The Grange have seasonal wines, waters and brews to you to enjoy, whereas our other wineries welcome you into their tasting rooms for you to enjoy your favourite red, white or ale.

Where to try it: Clossen Chase Vineyards (Hillier, PEC), The Grange (Hillier, PEC), Harwood Estate Vineyards (Hillier, PEC), Sandbanks Estate Winery (Wellington, PEC), Keint-he Winery and Vineyards (Wellington, PEC), Trail Estate Winery (Hillier, PEC), Huff Estates (Bloomfield, PEC), County Cider (Picton, PEC), Barley Days Brewery (Picton, PEC), Kinsip House Of Fine Spirits (Bloomfield, PEC), Sugarbush Vineyards (Hilliar, PEC) Waupoos Estate Winery & Sugarbush (Waupoos, PEC) Three Dog Winery (Demorestville, PEC)

For more maple-y activities happening in Prince Edward County, visit the official maple weekend website!

Eat Like A Local: Farmers’ Market Favourites In South Eastern Ontario

By Jennifer Pinarski

The satisfying crunch of garden-fresh corn, drippingly juicy plump tomatoes straight from the vine and the riotously bold colours of sunflowers and gladiolas…these are just a few reasons why August is one the best times to visit a farmers’ market or roadside garden stand. Late summer offers foodies not only seasonal bounties like garlic, apples and potatoes, but also year-round staples like squeaky cheese curds, locally raised meats and fresh bread. This time of year it is possible to do nearly all of your grocery shopping while wandering the stalls of farmers’ markets throughout the region.

Want to eat like a local? Look for these seasonal favourites the next time you are at the market or cruising the countryside.

farmers' markets in The Great Waterway — The first potatoes of the season are now availabe at farmers’ markets in The Great Waterway. (Jennifer Pinarski)

Potatoes

The first potatoes of the season are being harvested right now! Tender fingerling or baby potatoes are full of flavour, hearty Russets are perfectly baked on the barbecue and blue-skinned heritage varieties make a visually interesting addition to that potluck classic, potato salad. Kingston Public Market boasts seven potato vendors from across the region, and with the market being open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, there’s a good chance potatoes will be on your plate tonight!

Corn

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob, and bins at ever nearby farmers’ market is brimming with straight-of-the-stalk corn. Grilled and then slathered in fresh butter with a sprinkling of chopped chives is my favourite way to enjoy corn, but you can dress up or dress down this summer staple in an endless number of ways.

Garlic

Much of the garlic you buy at farmers’ markets is dried to help preserve it, but nothing beats the pungent bite of garlic fresh from the field. Early season garlic is available now and adds a kick to salad dressings, marinades, salsas, and pickles. Garlic lovers will not want to miss the Eastern Ontario Garlic Festival, Local dishes, produce, and of course, garlic will be celebrated at this family-friendly event.

Crabapples at a farmstand in The Great Waterway — Crabapples, like these found at Farmhouse Eats in Picton, are delicious when served as a chutney or jelly. (Jennifer Pinarski)

Tomatoes

Vibrantly coloured tomatoes are popping up at farmers’ markets in The Great Waterway. A pint of succulent cherry or grape tomatoes makes a perfect addition to a picnic lunch and heartier varieties hold up well when grilled and added to sandwiches. Savour the flavour of vine-ripened Romas by bringing home a bushel and preserving them to enjoy over the winter. You’ll never buy canned tomatoes again! Roots Down Organic Farm at the Gananoque Farmers’ Market grows over 60 heirloom varieties!

Crabapples

When shopping for apples, don’t overlook the tiny but mighty crabapple! The sour flavour of these ruby-hued beauties is transformed when cooked into a chutney, butter, cider or jelly. Early season crabapples are ripe for the picking now, either at a local orchard or roadside, farm stands as Farmhouse Eats in Picton.

gladiolas at Farmhouse Eats in Picton — Locally grown flowers make a beautiful addition to your table. (Jennifer Pinarski)

Flowers

Sure, you could pair your local food with a locally brewed ale or flavourful wine, but I think your meal could be made just as memorable with the perfect centrepiece. A bouquet of dramatic gladiolas and vibrant sunflowers is a beautiful addition to your table or picnic blanket.

From artisanal cheeses to locally-produced wines, South Eastern Ontario has a flavour for every palate. Chances are your new favourite food is just waiting to be discovered.

Visiting Prince Edward County Wineries

By South Eastern Ontario

I had never been to Prince Edward County. I had heard the name and I knew it was in Ontario, not too far from my hometown Ottawa. I knew about the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park, but I only realized with time that Prince Edward county has wineries and a huge food scene.

We decided to spend the weekend in Prince Edward County with the kids. We wanted to see how family friendly the area is and wanted to discover a combination of wine, food and beautiful rural Ontario. Our first stops were the wineries.

Our first visit was The Grange. Caroline, the owner, took us on a private tour of her winery. The tour was very approachable, easy to follow and Caroline answered all our questions. We learned a lot about the history of her farm (it was a chicken canning farm back in the day!) and that the Grange is an Estate Winery – meaning that 100% of the grapes used in her wine are grown on her land.

Caroline and her staff were great with our kids. They were allowed to touch anything, run around the dirt and mud and were allowed to look at the large tanks, if they had dared they could have climbed in one as well. After the tour, she provided the kids with toys and colouring supplies while we tasted the wine and waited for our picnic lunch. We ate the wonderful lunch in the tasting room as the weather was wet, but you can take your basket right out into the winery and enjoy it along the creek or at one of the many picnic tables provided. The food was amazing and all locally sourced. The Grange is a lovely winery – the buildings are beautiful, the landscaping immaculate, the wine is subtle but very pleasant – it was a great first impression of The County.

Our second winery visit was Waupoos Estates Winery on the opposite side of the county. This one uses 90% of self-grown grapes in their wine. They only import Niagra grapes to supplement when needed. This estate has an event feel to it. It’s wonderfully maintained, every little flower bed is thought out, music is playing in the gardens and lighting is strategically placed. There’s a gazebo restaurant and everything is set up to host large weddings and other events. What makes their location great is that they are right on the water and have a dock. There are two tasting areas in the main building and another tasting area in the gazebo restaurant. Again, they were very friendly with the kids and they have a small petting zoo next to the estate, which is great entertainment. Baby lambs and goats are just too cute to pass up.

So yes, wineries in Prince Edward County are great and you can visit them with kids! Everybody is very friendly and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.

By Giulia Doyle

A Guide To Icewine In Prince Edward County

By Jordan Whitehouse

A couple of months ago, Prince Edward County wineries were tipping their cup and toasting to another grape harvest during the 5^th annual Wassail. And although most of those wineries were burying their vines, too—a sure sign of the last harvest of the year—a few others had one last trick up their sleeves: Icewine. Harvested between December and February, Icewine grapes make for a sweet (think papaya) but well-balanced drink that goes great with dessert or a savoury meal like beef stew.

But not every winery can call its wintertime brew “Icewine.” Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario (aka VQA Ontario), the agency that regulates the province’s wine industry, only gives that name to wines that follow a strict set of guidelines. Violators can be charged and fined up to $100,000.

Read on to learn more about Icewine, including how it’s made, which Prince Edward County wineries sold it this year and how you can get your hands on it.

How It’s Made

In the fall, farmers net their ripening grapes—which have to be vitis vinifera or a hybrid variety like Vidal Blanc—and then in November they register the grapes with VQA Ontario. Once temperatures drop below -8 degrees Celsius (ideally, -10 to -12) for a sustained period of time they’ll start harvesting the by-now dehydrated and highly concentrated grapes. Because grapes shrink when exposed to the cold, a typical juice yield is only about 500 litres for every acre, or about 15% of what it would be for a table wine.

Grape growers use nets similar to these to protect their crops during the winter (photo courtesy of stefano lubiana wines via Flickr).

Taste

The process of dehydration and concentration gives the grapes their characteristic sweet and complex flavour, which, once made into Icewine, will likely remind you of lychee, papaya or even pineapple. The sweetness is balanced with a strong acidity, though, so don’t worry that it’ll taste too much like fruit juice. VQA Ontario recommends that you try it with dessert or rich, savoury foods like foie gras or aged blue cheeses. It also goes well with sparkling wine and cocktails that need a flavour kick.

Grapes shrink during the winter, giving them a complex and highly concentrated flavour (photo courtesy of stoneboatvineyards via Flickr).

Who Makes It?

This year there were three wineries in Prince Edward County that sold Icewine: Black Prince Winery, Exultet Estates and Hillier Creek Estates. Unfortunately, Black Prince is the only one that’s still selling it—the other two recently sold out. Here’s hoping you know someone that grabbed one or ten of Exultet or Hillier’s popular concoctions.

Black Prince Vidal Icewine 2009 VQA

According to Black Prince’s website, this award-winning Icewine has “a nose of fresh pear/apple with floral and wildflower/lilac overtones. Light bodied, refreshingly sweet with well-balanced acidity and very good length.” Buy at Black Prince’s website.

Exultet Estates 2010 Vidal Icewine

A bronze medal winner at the 2011 Canadian Wine Awards, Exultet’s Icewince “is a brilliant, elegant Vidal Iceweine with a classy nose of yellow pear/apple, vanilla, wildflower and honeycomb waxiness,” according to renowned wine critic David Lawrason. “It’s mid-weight, very fine and tender on the palate with poised sweetness and acidity. Lemon and honey flavours linger to excellent length.” Sold out.

Hillier Creek Estates 2007 Vidal Icewine

The juice for this Icewine came from Niagara on the Lake but the wine was fermented and aged in Hillier Creek’s stainless steel tanks. Well known Canadian wine writer, speaker and judge Natalie McLean says it has “lovely peach and pear preserves with a honeyed richness and layered texture that delivers maximum pleasure. Perfect on its own after dinner or with fruit-based desserts.” Sold out.