As you celebrate our special anniversary year, don’t miss the amazing foods we have to offer. Here Lynn Crawford, one of Canada’s most iconic chefs, shares some of the food trends she’s currently seeing trend in our 150th year.
Canadian-international fusion. From far and wide, our multicultural mosaic means infusing Canadian favourites with international flavours. “Earlier this year, Canadian-international fusion made Loblaw’s list of 2017 food trends, and they couldn’t have been more right,” remarks Crawford. Keep spice mixes like Za’atar, Togarashi and Ras El Hanout to kick up the flavour in dips and barbecue meats. Or turn your meal routine upside down with sushi burritos made from British Columbian salmon, a steaming plate of butter chicken poutine, or a kimchi grilled cheese.
French-Canadian cuisine. With popular restaurants like Joe Beef and Le Toqué, it’s no surprise that Montreal recently topped a list of 10 rising star foodie destinations. It continues to get the attention of food blogs and food writers as the city celebrates its own 375th anniversary. Embrace our Quebecois heritage with hearty dishes like poutine, creton, baked beans, pea soup, tourtiere, ragoût de pattes de porc, and tarte au sucre. You can also try the bounty of locally produced cheese, bagels and smoked meats.
First Nations food. Discover foods with a history richer than our country’s modest 150 years by learning about First Nations household favourites that have been enjoyed here for millennia. “Some of my favourites to cook with are huckleberries, Saskatoon berries and baked apples. For meats I like pickerel, goose, quail and moose; and for grains wild rice barley and corn,” says Crawford. Dip into the First Nation’s cookbook scene and you’ll find outstanding recipes like green corn leaf bread, traditional bannock, smoked salmon and roasted partridge.
Patriotic colour palette. Desserts are an easy place to add a pop of red and white to your party. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and rhubarb are the perfect accompaniment to white chocolates, cakes, creams and meringues in airy summer desserts. “Try ingredients like cranberry juice and clamato for a festive touch in the drink department,” advises Crawford.
