Celebrate the apple season

Spartan apple sorbet

making apple rings from spartans: notice the pink flecks!

local apples

selection of apples picked locally

Apple season is in full swing and we are thoroughly enjoying it.  I used to think that I disliked apples. The slightly dry and powdery texture and watery taste I experienced did nothing for me. But a trip to the Edmonton farmers markets a few years ago transformed my opinions. I realized that what I HATE is the apples sold at large chain grocery stores. Since that revelation I have happily discovered more apple delights. As a volunteer fruit picker with the Lifecycles fruit tree project I have picked giant apples (perfect for apple butter), winter banana apples (also perfect for sauce or apple butter or apple rings), small tart crab apples (perfect for blackberry and apple preserve),  spartans with  pink flecked white flesh (perfect for munching, sauce or sorbet)  and many more wondrous varieties. Apple celebrations continue this Sunday Sep 27 at Sea Cider: http://harbourliving.ca/event/apple-day/

Salt Spring Island Fall Fair

Cake decorating

Fall vegetables

Fall fair chicken wings

Last weekend we checked out the Sooke Fall fair. It took me back to my childhood years living in the country. There was the baking and the knitting, some of it beautiful but much of it in colours and styles that, well let me just say I would never pick. There were pale yellow cardigans, patchwork jackets in all shades of purple and mauve, and pale pink acrylic adult toques. Um. Then there was the pumpkins and zucchinis which were fascinating in their shapes and sizes.  And of course there was music and chickens, and preserves and music. This coming weekend we are checking out the Salt Spring Fall Fair which I’ve been told is a lot of fun. Apparently there is: “a Zucchini race; pies are lined up with little bites taken out of them (jury reports); and pigs are running around with prizes attached to their bums.” Who could miss that?! For all the details see:

http://www.saltspringmarket.com/salt_spring_island/fallfair.htm

Opening & exhibition: Monday’s ninth annual Photo Contest

Monday mag has recently announced the winners of their amateur photo contest. You can see the pics here: http://mondaymag.com/articles/entry/arresting-images/ The opening receiption is tonight. Details of the opening reception and exhibition:

Monday’s Annual Photo Contest
Opening reception 6-9 p.m.
Friday, September 11
Show runs to Wednesday, September 23
10 am-5 pm Monday-Friday
Community Arts Council Gallery,
G6-1001 Douglas (at Fort)
381-2787 • info@cacgv.ca

Victoria Arts & Culture Fair

This Sunday at the Victoria conference centre you can find out about many of the arts and cultures organizations in our fair city for FREE. You can find out more about their schedules for the upcoming season and find about about entrance or ticket costs. Sounds like a great way to learn more about the variety of arts and culture on in this city.

http://www.vicacf.ca/index.html

Check out a fall fair!

This is the month to attend some old style country, agricultural fairs. This labour day long weekennd Saanich is holding its fall fair (see http://www.saanichfair.ca/ for details). Sooke is holding their fall fair on Sep 12 & 13th fair (see http://www.sookefallfair.ca/). The Sooke fair took me back to my childhood years living in the country. There was the baking and the knitting, some of it beautiful but much of it in colours and styles that, well let me just say I would never pick. There were pale yellow cardigans, patchwork jackets in all shades of purple and mauve, and pale pink acrylic adult toques. Um. Then there was the pumpkins and zucchinis which were fascinating in their shapes and sizes.  And of course there was music and chickens, and preserves and music. This coming weekend we are checking out the Salt Spring Fall Fair which I’ve been told is a lot of fun. Apparently there is: “a Zucchini race; pies are lined up with little bites taken out of them (jury reports); and pigs are running around with prizes attached to their bums.” Who could miss that?! For all the details see:

http://www.saltspringmarket.com/salt_spring_island/fallfair.htm

On the same weekend is the Luxton Fall Fair which is apparently the oldest fair on the island. To find out all the details check out their website (Sep 18, 18 -20 http://www.luxtonfair.ca/).

Visit sunwing farms!

Tomato, basil and ricotta salad

Sun Wing farms, growers of fabulous tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers a( and a few other things) will be closing for the winter in a bit over a month. If you get a chance I’d suggest heading out there and picking up a selection of their lovely tomatoes for some late summer salads. Find out more about sunwing at: http://www.sunwingtomatoes.ca/

Some cucumber and tomato salad recipes (based on NY times 101 salad ideas)

Cube watermelon and combine with tomato chunks, basil and basic vinaigrette.

Mix wedges of tomatoes and peaches, add slivers of red onion, a few red-pepper flakes and cilantro. Dress with olive oil and lime or lemon juice.

Slice cucumbers thin, toss with red onions and salt, then let sit for 20 to 60 minutes. Rinse, dry, dress with cider vinegar mixed with Dijon mustard; no oil necessary.

Cook whole grape tomatoes in olive oil over high heat until they brown lightly, sprinkling with curry powder. Cool a bit, then toss with chopped arugula, loads of chopped mint and lime juice.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/18/5-farmers-markets/

Fringe festival: until 6 Sep

The Fringe is in full swing. There is SO much to see. I saw some great shows last year and am looking forward to checking out some shows this weekend. We went to see Fall Fair but it was sold out so we ended up seeing Uncalled for presents: Today is All Your Birthdays. I completely recommend that you go and see it. This sketch comedy piece is an incredibly well written, hilarious, dizzying ride through time and space. The two person cast displayed an impressive physicality and rapport with the audience. I laughed and laughed and laughed. Go see it!

See it at:

Venue #4 – St. Andrews School Gymnasium 1002 Pandora, Victoria, BC,

Show Times: Fri, August 28th – 5:45pm Sat, August 29th – 10:00pm Sun, August 30th – 7:15pm

Thu, September 3rd – 7:30pm Sat, September 5th – 5:45pm Sun, September 6th – 9:15pm

Some friends have recommended The Power of Ignorance a satirical comedy about motivational speakers.  It’s received rave reviews: http://www.tjdawe.com/works/ignorance/index.php Check it out at:

Venue #7 – Victoria College of Art + Design UCW (950 Kings near Quadra)

SHOW TIMES  •  Sat, Aug 29 2:15 PM  •  Sun, Aug 30 7:30 PM  •  Fri, Sep 04 6:00 PM  •  Sat, Sep 05 7:45 PM  •  Sun, Sep 06 1:30 PM

One of the shows which we haven’t seen but which is getting great reviews is:

Pretty Little Instincts
SNAFU Dance Theatre
Victoria BC
Dance • 60 minutes
Adults: $9 • Seniors/Students: $9
Parental Guidance: Nudity

From the creators of BLiNK — Pick-of-the-Fringe Best Dance/Physical Show 2007: Renegade outdoor dance theatre. High society tea crumbles into a display of primal instincts as eight women, painted an eerie chalk white, unravel their raw intuition. “Fresh, daring, evocative… SNAFU is one to watch out for.” 4.5 Stars – Monday Magazine. Free tea and cookies.
Point Ellice Webpage
Sponsored by: Point Ellice Heritage Society, Earle Clarke House, The Salvation Army, Discovery Coffee
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Victoria Women’s Transition House.
DIRECTIONS: Point Ellice Heritage House is a garden oasis sandwiched between a mountain of crushed cars and gravel pit at 2616 Pleasant Street. 20 minute walk (4 minute drive) from downtown: Follow Douglas North towards Mayfair Mall, Left on Bay, Right on Pleasant.
AUDIENCE ADVICE: Dress warmly.

Details of all the shows/tickets prices/ venues/ at:

http://www.intrepidtheatre.com/fringe2009/

pick blackberries!

I love picking blackberries and there are tonnes of good picking spots on the Island. (UVic campus, out around Hatley castle and Royal Roads). I find that – despite the thorns ! – its a very relaxing way to spend a few hours on a sunny afternoon. It is also fun to make a day out of it. Sometimes we pack a picnic and bringing along a few friends.  There are lots of ways to use blackberries. Add them to fruit smoothies, add them to natural yogurt or your morning cereal, or make blackberry pies or jam. Or here are some more unusual ways to use blackberries:

Spiked blackberry lemonade

3 lemons

4 cups blackberries

1 cup berry sugar

1 cup ice cold water

2 cans soda water

2/3 cup gin or vodka

Add juiced lemons,  berries, ¾ cup sugar and 1 cup water to blender. Blend until pureed. Taste and blend in remaining sugar if necessary. Strain berry mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher, add vodka (or gin) if using. Put in the refrigerator to cool. Add soda water just prior to serving

Blackberry mouse

2 c. packed fresh blackberries

1 envelope. unflavored gelatin

2 tbsp. cold water

1/3 c. plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

1/4 c. water

2 egg whites

1-1/2 c. whipping cream

Blackberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Puree blackberries in a food processor or blender. Strain through a fine strainer to remove seeds. Soften gelatin in 2 tablespoons cold water. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, place blackberries, sugar and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Mix into gelatin mixture. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into berry mixture. Beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into berries. Pour mousse into 4 to 6 individual serving glasses, or a decorative bowl. Garnish with fresh blackberries if desired. Chill in refrigerator for 3 hours or until ready to serve.

Massaged kale with blackberries salad

Massage kale with olive oil and salt to break it down. Sprinkle blackberries, pumpkin seeds and some shaved pecorino or crumbled goat cheese on top. Serve immediately!