Cheese!

I love cheese!! And really, who doesn't? Even if you can't eat cheese (lactose and whatnot) you still love the idea of it. Admit it :)

Here are some artisanal cheese makers from right here in Alberta. Their websites will tell you where you can go to pick up their products...

Smokey Valley Goat Cheese, Smoky Lake Alberta (North of Edmonton)

The Cheesiry, Lloydminster Alberta (East of Edmonton)

Harvest Haven Health, Lethbridge Alberta (South of Calgary)

Now, while I know where I can go to get artisan cheeses with a MADE IN ALBERTA stamp on them, there's nothing quite like trying to make it yourself... which is one of my goals for this summer. My aunt is trying it as well. We'll see who has the best cheese!! :D

Here are some excellent resources if you're going to attempt cheesemaking yourself...

Danlac Canada, Airdrie Alberta (North of Calgary)

The Cheesemaker, Wisconsin

Cheesemaking Supply Company, New England

Making Cheese at Home, University of Guelph Ontario

Are you eating local yet?

Spring has finally come to Edmonton!
We had a bit of a rough start with more snow than usual over the winter and a cooler than normal spring, but most of the snow is gone and the sun is shining bright :)

I'm taking the Spring Mushroom course through the Devonian Botantical Gardens May28th with my Aunt and Sister. It is now full, so if you haven't signed up by now you're out of luck.

My family and I went out to the Strathcona Farmer's Market this morning. We walked/squeezed our way through the crowds of people (spring fever? I think so!), sampled goodies from the stalls and bought a carrot cake (the sample was REALLY good! The cake didn't disappoint.)

I've been interested in Lamb lately. One of my favorite FoodNetwork shows is Jamie at Home. He's always cooking and really enjoying it! When I look for it at the grocery stores there's hardly ever any selection and the price is always ridiculous. So, when I found a vendor at the market that does ONLY lamb, I grabbed a pamphlet and checked out their site when I got home.
Farm Fresh Lamb
I sent them a msg asking the price on a whole lamb and what age they take the lamb for slaughter.

I'll let you know what I find out.

For all you gardeners, Bedrock Environmental Services Ltd. has a wide selection of native flowers, grasses, shrubs, etc for Alberta.
Just one more way to go LOCAL!