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Getty Stewart

Hi, I'm Getty. If you love making good use of seasonal produce, you're in the right place. I've been teaching how to select, store and serve seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs since the turn of the century! I love using my education as a Professional Home Economist and experience as a home cook, gardener and mom to share practical tips and delicious recipes using seasonal ingredients. Welcome!

cover of free blanching freezing guide

Summer Won't Last, Your Freezer Can Help

This is it, the time of year when all my favourite foods are here, bursting with flavour. The berries, the beans, the zucchini, the watermelon and the first of the tomatoes and corn on their way. The only problem is keeping up with it all. That's where my freezer comes in handy. Freezing is the quickest, easiest way to preserve fresh produce. When done right, frozen summer produce can last until next year's bounty. Here are some quick tips for freezing what's in season right now: Berries: no...
strawberry shortcake on white plate

Berry Magic: Recipes & More

Are you a berry picker? I AM a picker - just ask my brother. When we go hiking together, I stop for berries. He does not. He prefers to keep a good pace, I prefer to eat berries. Luckily, my sister stops for berries too so my brother gets out numbered and we get to eat berries. The wild raspberries and blueberries in the woods at the lake are ready, and after I hit send on this newsletter, I'm out the door! But first, I want to share some more of my favourite summer berry recipes with you....

Did you guess July's Produce of the Month? Everyone Loves Them!

Hi Reader, Did you guess it? July's Produce of the Month is berries. Get ready for summer's best parade - haskaps followed by strawberries, saskatoons, raspberries, and blueberries. Not to mention gooseberries, currants, chokecherries, blackberries, and other regional berries like cloudberries. This month we're celebrating every single one. How to select them, store them, freeze them, cook with them, and make the most of them before the season moves on. Welcome to Berry Month. A few berry...
chart of a weekly meal plan

A Little Summer Gift — Just for You

Hi there, Summer is here, and if you're anything like me, the last thing you want at 5pm is to stand in the kitchen wondering what's for dinner. So this week, no recipe, no tip. Just a gift. As a thank you for being part of this community, I've put together a Just in Time for Summer Meal Plan — a full week of simple, seasonal meals built around fresh summer produce, smart use of leftovers, and a few no-fuss berry recipes to enjoy while they're in season. Download and Print this Meal Plan A...
two dressings same salad greens

Vinaigrette or Creamy: What's Your Pick?

Hi! Tell me, are you a vinaigrette person or a creamy dressing person? Darryl and I are on opposite teams for this one, at least when it comes to dressing fresh a simple salad of fresh greens from the garden, Darryl loves a classic Italian vinaigrette and I'll go for the creamy buttermilk dressing with dill anyday! Both have their place in my kitchen. Same salad, two flavours! Which do you prefer? Vinaigrette is bright, zippy, and light. It lets the greens shine and works beautifully on...

Your Guide to Herb Bliss

Have you ever made anything with chive blossoms? Most people only use the green stems, which is fine, but I think they're leaving the best part in the garden. These chive biscuits will make you a chive blossom fan for life! Right now those beautiful mauve flowers are at their peak, perfect to use as a colourful garnish or to add real flavour and colour to various recipes. What to Make with Chive Blossoms: Flaky Chive Blossom Biscuits — my repeat favourite every single year. The blossoms add...

Your Salad Game is About to Get Serious!

Fresh greens are at peak season right now, that's why Lettuce is the Produce of the Month this June. Get ready for plenty of tips and insights for selecting, storing and enjoying leafy greens. Recently, I looked a little more closely at the lettuce aisle and was surprised by how many options there are. For example, here are all the ways you can buy Romaine lettuce and the cost of each (May 26, Winnipeg, MB, Sobeys). Whole head romaine: $5.49 for ~500g = $1.10/100g 3 romaine hearts in a bag:...
savoury cottage cheese toast with radishes on white plate

The quickest spring lunch you're not making yet

This morning I stepped outside and there they were -- the first asparagus spears of the season! And now, I'm a Gitty Getty! Did you know asparagus can grow as fast as 10 inches in a single day? I'm not sure mine will hit that record, but I'll be watching! My chives are also going gangbusters right now. Honestly, I've been putting them on everything. Which brings me to today's lunch. Lunch in 15: Savoury Cottage Cheese Toast If you haven't tried savoury cottage cheese yet, this is your sign....

15-Minute Asparagus Delights

Hi, Have you made anything with asparagus yet this spring? There's something about fresh asparagus that gets me excited in a way that Brussels sprouts just never will. I love that it's tender, quick to cook and goes with just about anything. That's why it's perfect for... Lunch in 15: Asparagus and Eggs Asparagus and eggs on repeat this spring! Watch My How To Whether you go with a fried egg, a poached egg, or a pillowy soft scramble like I did, asparagus and eggs are a natural pair. Pan-sear...
Getty smiling holding cucumbers

Did You Know? Cucumber Tips Inside

Hello! Did you enjoy cucumber month as much as I did? I tried cucumber raita and creamy cucumber dressing for the first time. I mention both in this YouTube short - the creamy cucumber dressing recipe is in the description. In case you missed some info, here's a recap of some of the key questions I answered during cucumber month. Why are cucumbers wrapped in plastic? It’s for protection, not hygiene. English cucumbers have thin, tender skins, which makes them more delicate than field...

Hi, I'm Getty. If you love making good use of seasonal produce, you're in the right place. I've been teaching how to select, store and serve seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs since the turn of the century! I love using my education as a Professional Home Economist and experience as a home cook, gardener and mom to share practical tips and delicious recipes using seasonal ingredients. Welcome!