So what is Food Day Canada? It’s about honoring Canadian food and ingredients, plus the people who supply these to us. August 3rd marked the 10th anniversary of a movement inspired by culinary activist Anita Stewart.

This weekend you may find special menus at your favorite restaurants that focus on local Canadian ingredients. At our own Farmers’ Market in Saskatoon Chef Simon from Simon’s Fine Foods, gave step-by-step instructions on how to make Mini Saskatoon berry scones; Baba Ganoush; and Lentil, tomato, and vegetable bruschetta.

And you’re probably wondering what is Baba Ganoush. It’s a Middle Eastern spread made with roasted eggplant, garlic, spices, lemon juice, and garnished with olive oil. Chef Simon suggests roasting the eggplant whole, but remember to prick it first as it will explode in the oven.

Chef Simon Reynolds

Originally from the United Kingdom, Chef Simon brought his culinary talents to Saskatoon and offers several services to our local community. Visit Simon’s Fine Foods for more info: http://www.simonsfinefoods.com/

Making bruschetta

Lentils and onions

To learn more about lentils in Saskatchewan visit Amy Jo’s blog Home for Dinner: http://homefordinner.blogspot.ca/2013/07/canadian-food-project.html

Adding the feta

And now the carrots, wax and green beans

Chopped micro greens

Add juicy chopped tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes

Now the pesto

Lentil, tomato, and vegetable bruschetta ( and there’s fresh peas added too)

So delicious and packed with flavor from all the fresh ingredients, I believe there were a number of visitors who wanted to sneak away with a container.

                         Saskatoon berry scones – Photo courtesy of Chef Simon

 

Fresh ingredients supplied by local vendors at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market, including in part, Wally’s Urban Market Garden, Floating Gardens, Spring Creek Gardens, Herschel Hills, and Good Spirit Farms.

 

For more information about the celebrations happening across Canada this long weekend visit Anita’s website: http://fooddaycanada.ca/

And don’t forget – buy local from your favorite market.