I am feeling the need to share with you some really effing superb local products that I’ve been digging lately. For those of my readers who are local: congratulations, you live in a small city where you can cross the road downtown without looking both ways, but still have all the foodiness of a large metropolitan centre. For those of you who aren’t: you might want to look into getting some of this stuff shipped. It would be worth it.
Exhibit A: Anchored Coffee. My absolute favourite local cafe, Two if By Sea, recently expanded to include a coffee roaster. After having purchased a somewhat disappointing and rinky-dink espresso machine right before the holidays, I was starting to get a little bummed about my ability to produce a decent latte in the comfort of my own home. Then I bought these beans, and my hope in my barista skills was renewed once more. I look forward to my morning latte and overnight oats with a fervour that is somewhat disproportionate, given that I’m not as excited about waking up to other things that I should be quite grateful for, like my toddler jumping on my chest. Then again, nothing makes coffee taste as good as having a toddler…
Next up: these kale chips, made by the same great little company where Ada and I get our raspberry macaroons each week. I know, it almost seems a little funny just writing that. Kale chips are not exactly the kind of thing I thought I could get excited about. But these are another story: spicy, cheesy-tasting, and satisfyingly crunchy, they make me want to climb up on my smug, self-satisfied health food high horse and chuckle at everyone else still gorging on Doritos. Non-sacrificial healthiness, thy name is kale chip.
And last but certainly not least, the product which has been a staple in my life for the longest: my beloved Made With Local bars. Not unlike my cell phone and my daughter’s soother, I have one of these bars on my person at all times. Should hunger strike, there’s nothing like being able to reach into your purse not for some lint-shrouded, slightly withered apple, but for a chewy, filling, healthy, granola bar made with (pronounceable) local ingredients (their motto: no weird stuff).
That’s all for now! Stay tuned, though: there are more than enough local products I love to make this a regular feature. I might have to do just that…
I’ve been down for the count, and severely behind in blog reading! I haven’t tried those kale chips – and reeeeeally want to!
They are delish! I hope you feel better soon. Your bake my cake contest has me thinking of a lot of really inappropriately shaped cakes. It’s disgusting, really. Frightening, actually.