Southern Ontario Local Menu Plan – September 9 – 15

Meal-planning is an important part of our week.  It allows us to be more prepared and relaxed with regards to our nightly meals and reduces stress.  It also makes eating locally much easier because we take the time to figure out what seasonal foods are available and how we can use them.  If you live in a similar climate (we’re in Southern Ontario, which is a pretty classic upper-midwest climate) then you should sign up for email updates or check out the facebook page or twitter feed and compare what you’re eating with us!

I’m a big proponent of entering contests.  Not because I usually win, but because I sometimes win.  My most recent win was from the Snap Local Contest.  It was put on by The Ontario Table and involved snapping a picture of a local dish and suggesting a wine pairing from Southbrook Winery (which is a really awesome organic winery!).  I thought this was a great idea for a contest so I entered and several months later I won!  I went down to Southbrook in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Wednesday with my Youngest Assistant while his older brother had his first full day of school.  We met Lynn Ogryzlo, who is the creator of The Ontario Table and a tireless advocate for local food and promoter of Ontario, and especially Niagara, foods and wines.  Due to her incredible work on behalf of Ontario growers and producers she was named Ontario Local Food Ambassador from Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association in 2012.  Needless to say it was pretty awesome to meet her very briefly and to get three of her cookbooks!  (The other part of the prize is a private tour and structured tasting for 6 people that we plan to use at some point next spring!).  This week’s recipes are mainly from the three books that I received as part of my prize.  The books are The Ontario Table, Niagara Cooks: From Farm to Table, and Niagara Cooks: A Seasonal Attitude.

Other than that the other big event of the week, the first week of school, went quite well.  My Young Assistant had a great time at school, was happy to have several friends and neighbors in his class, and seems eager to go back.  Although, he was exhausted enough to fall asleep in the bicycle trailer after school on Friday….

A bit hesitant on his first day, but once he arrived and his teacher took his hand he barely looked back!

 Week’s Menu for September 9 – 15 (featuring one repeat from last week that we didn’t get to, Wednesday).  Linking up at Menu Plan Monday.