Reviews
Seasonal eating in the Cowichan Valley: a winter produce guideWinter in the Cowichan Valley may look quiet in the fields, but local food is still abundant. Cool-season vegetables, stored orchard fruit, greenhouse greens,…
Preserve Fresh Herbs in Oil and SaltA generous harvest of basil, parsley, rosemary, dill, or chives does not have to wilt in the refrigerator. With a few simple techniques, fresh herbs can become…
Community kitchen etiquette: sharing space and workA community kitchen is more than a room with ovens, counters, and storage shelves. It is a shared resource where neighbours prepare affordable meals, learn…
How to Make Your Own Cheese: Ricotta and PaneerFresh cheese is one of the most rewarding foods to make at home. With milk, heat, an acid, and a few basic kitchen tools, you can create soft curds for toast,…
Cooking with farmers market finds: a weekly challengeA farmers market basket can shape an entire week of affordable, seasonal meals. In the Cowichan Valley, local produce, eggs, herbs, bread, and preserves offer…
How to start a little free pantry in your neighbourhoodA small, thoughtfully managed pantry can make it easier for neighbours to share food, reduce household waste, and access everyday essentials with dignity. It…
Sweet baking in the cob ovenA cob oven brings a different character to dessert. Its thick earthen walls absorb heat from the fire and release it gradually, creating a warm baking chamber…
Cooking local lamb and game meats with confidenceLocal lamb and game meats bring distinctive flavour to the table while connecting meals with British Columbia’s farms, forests, and seasonal traditions. Lamb…
Building a Community Kitchen Network That LastsA community kitchen network can turn food preparation into a practical form of mutual aid. Neighbours share equipment, knowledge, purchasing power, and…
How to use a pressure cooker for large batchesA pressure cooker can turn dried beans, whole grains, tough cuts of meat, and sturdy vegetables into tender food in a fraction of the time required by a…