Local

Jul26

Kelowna is known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries, and it is home to many world-renowned wineries that offer tastings and tours to visitors. Some popular Kelowna wineries include:

  1. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery: Mission Hill is one of the most iconic wineries in Kelowna, offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake and a wide variety of award-winning wines. The winery also features an on-site restaurant, a wine boutique, and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events.
  2. Quails’ Gate Winery: Quails’ Gate is a family-owned winery that has been producing wine in Kelowna for over 60 years. The winery offers tastings and tours, as well as an on-site restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients and stunning views of Okanagan Lake.
  3. Summerhill Pyramid Winery: Summerhill Pyramid is a certified organic winery that produces a wide range of wines, including sparkling wines and ice wines. The winery also has a unique pyramid-shaped cellar that is said to enhance the aging process of the wines.
  4. CedarCreek Estate Winery: CedarCreek Estate is a beautiful winery that offers tastings, tours, and an on-site restaurant. The winery produces a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, as well as ice wines and sparkling wines.
  5. Sandhill Wines: Sandhill is a boutique winery that focuses on small-batch, single-vineyard wines. The winery offers tastings and tours, as well as a wine club and online store for those who want to purchase their wines.

These are just a few of the many wonderful wineries in Kelowna, and there are many more to explore and discover in this beautiful region of British Columbia.

May12

Here is a recipe for classic rhubarb pie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until the rhubarb is coated evenly with the mixture.
  3. Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Pour the rhubarb mixture into the pie crust, then dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
  5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Use a knife to trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges of the crusts together.
  6. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust, to allow steam to escape during baking.
  7. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious rhubarb pie!

The Best Rhubarb varieties in the Okanagan

There are several rhubarb varieties that grow well in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. Here are a few popular ones:

  1. Victoria: This is a classic rhubarb variety that is known for its deep red color and sweet-tart flavor. It is a prolific grower and does well in the Okanagan’s climate.
  2. Valentine: Another red-stemmed variety, Valentine produces thick, juicy stalks that are great for pies, crisps, and other desserts.
  3. Cherry Red: This is a newer variety that is gaining popularity in the Okanagan. It has bright red stalks and a sweeter flavor than some other varieties.
  4. MacDonald: This is a green-stemmed variety that is known for its large size and tart flavor. It is a good choice for savoury dishes as well as desserts.
  5. Glaskins Perpetual: This is a pink-stemmed variety that produces stalks throughout the growing season, making it a good choice for those who want a steady supply of rhubarb.

No matter which variety you choose, be sure to plant your rhubarb in a well-drained area with plenty of sunlight. Rhubarb plants are generally low-maintenance and will produce for many years with proper care.

Aug25

Here at La Casa Cottages we offer a fully equipped kitchen and a BBQ. While visiting the beautiful Okanagan be sure to stop by some of our amazing Farmers Markets so you can fill your fridge up with fresh, local produce. Sign up for Farmers Markets coupons here!

Fun Facts!

  • Did you know there are over 145 Farmer’s Markets in BC?
  • There are over 2,000 Orchardists in the Okanagan

Just to name a few of the fruits that grow here in the Okanagan:

  • Cherries
  • Apples
  • Peaches
  • Grapes
  • Plums
  • Pears
  • Elderberries
  • Apricots
  • Raspberries

A few of the near by markets are:

Vernon Farmer’s Market – More information to found here

When? Monday and Thursdays 8am-1pm

Where? Kal Tire Place

Kelowna Farmer’s Market – More information to be found here 

When? Wednesday and Saturday 8-1pm – 0utdoor in the summer and Indoor in the winter (April-December)

Where? Corner of Dilworth and Springfield

When? Sunday 9-3pm

Where? Kerry Park

Enderby Farmer’s Market – More information to be found  here

When? Friday 8-12pm (May-October)

Where? Cliff Ave + Belvedere St

PeachLand Farmer’s Market –More information to be found here

When? Sundays 10-2pm (June-September)

Where? Heritage Park, Beach Ave

Penticton Farmer’s MarketMore information to be found here

When? Saturday 8:30am-1pm (April-October)

Where? 100 Block of Main St Downtown

 

What are some of your favourite items from the Farmer’s Market?