Tag Archives: Baked goods

Sweet Mother’s Day Gift

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Baking is love…and we are all doing it these days!

Just before the pandemic, SQM was working on a project that involved a local startup: The World’s Best Vanilla Company. The original goal was to import the highest quality Madagascar vanilla to sell to the foodservice industry, but due to COVID-19, the strategy had to change.

Everyone was staying at home and baking, so the company decided to start selling to consumers. Some people use the vanilla for baking, or for making ice cream—many high end bakeries and ice cream parlours in the city purchase this company’s vanilla for use in their products.

In addition, other people buy vanilla because they want to make their own vanilla extract.  A lot of people don’t realize how simple the process is.  Slice the vanilla pods lengthwise, run your knife over the beans, scraping them out, and steep them in alcohol for approximately three months. The result is some of the best-tasting vanilla extract on the planet, to cook and bake with at your leisure.   This is a great way to undertake a fun family project, while saving yourself some money at the same time.

The World’s Best Vanilla Company also sells vanilla extract gift bottles. The bottles come in two different sizes and they make amazing gifts for people looking for something different.  Lately, we have been seeing people buy a bottle for themselves, and one (or more) for a friend.

Mothers Day is coming!  If you’re looking for a unique gift for Mom (and if you are lucky, she will bake for you…), or looking to support a small business, I highly recommend you check out The World’s Best Vanilla Company. Happy baking!

The World’s Best Vanilla Company
416-847-1029
https://www.worldsbestvanilla.com/

 

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Why you should visit the St. Lawrence Market

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As is the case in many cities, there are always one or two popular markets where people go to get fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, high-quality meats, and specialty foods. Toronto is no different, and for many years the go-to location has been the St. Lawrence Market.

The market, run by the City of Toronto, is located on 93 Front Street East and is currently comprised of three main buildings: The South Market, the North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall. It’s a combination of vendors where you can buy anything from fresh meat and pastries to seafood, olives and cheese. You can also get breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee and juice.

My understanding is that the lake used to come right up to the back of the market and vendors were able to bring their fish right up from the water, but the shoreline has since receded.

The market always exhibits a fun, bustling atmosphere. The vendors are always kind, and it’s great to support small, community businesses.

There’s also a number of places where you can buy meals….for example, Carousel Bakery at the market is known for its superb peameal bacon sandwiches. Buster’s Sea Cove has amazing fish and chips and Uno Mustachio is known for their large veal sandwiches.

What people often go down on a Friday or Saturday morning and get their groceries for the week. Since the market is closed on Sundays and Mondays, a couple of hours before closing on Saturday afternoon some of the vendors will put their products on sale or markdown the prices. Regardless, you can always kick it old school and try negotiating a deal.

Whether it’s to stroll around, grab a bite, or do your grocery shopping, I highly recommend visiting St. Lawrence Market.

St. Lawrence Market
416-392-7219
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

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