Recipe

In Episode 227 of "The Edible Valley Podcast," hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer unwrap the essence of Christmas in a culinary extravaganza. Delving into practical tips for seasonal menu planning, the episode navigates through the art of creating classic Christmas dishes. From traditional roasts to delectable desserts, they unravel the secrets behind crafting these iconic delicacies. Offering insightful advice for both novice and seasoned cooks, the hosts share invaluable expertise to elevate your festive cooking experience. Join them on this flavorful journey as they celebrate the spirit of Christmas through tantalizing flavors, culinary wisdom, and the joy of shared meals.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce:
Ingredients:
12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
1/2 cup (120ml) water
Optional: Orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, or other spices for flavor variation
Instructions:
Prepare the Cranberries:Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or bruised berries.
Cooking the Cranberries:In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water and orange juice.
If desired, add a dash of orange zest,  or spices (like cinnamon or cloves) to enhance the flavor. Stir to combine.
Simmer:Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
 
Cool and Serve:Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container. Refrigerate until chilled before serving.

In this episode of “The Edible Valley Podcast," Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer, both fathers, share their unique perspectives on navigating babyhood. Despite not being experts, their insights stem from personal experiences. William, currently caring for an infant, delves into the challenges of introducing solids and balancing nutrition. Meanwhile, Jonathan, whose older daughter surpassed the baby food phase, offers hindsight wisdom and practical tips for new parents. Their candid discussions revolve around trials, successes, and the joy of witnessing little ones explore culinary adventures. Through their relatable narratives, they bring a blend of empathy and relatability, fostering a supportive community for parents embarking on similar journeys.
 
Edible Recipe:
Homemade Sweet Potato Puree
Ingredients:
2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
Water (for steaming)
milk, or water (for thinning)
Instructions:
Preparation: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into small, uniform-sized pieces.
Steaming: Place the sweet potato pieces in a steamer basket over boiling water or in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Steam until the sweet potatoes are tender. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
Pureeing: Once the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and soft, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add breast milk, formula, or water in small increments if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Cooling: Allow the puree to cool down before serving to your baby. You can store the puree in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it in ice cube trays for convenient portions.
Feeding: When ready to feed your baby, warm the desired amount of sweet potato puree and test the temperature before serving. Feed your baby using a spoon in small, appropriate portions.

 
Today in our latest episode William Stringer and Chef Jonathan Frazier, dive deep into the world of restaurant tipping. Join us as we unravel the history, dos and don'ts, and the intriguing reasons behind the increasing percentages. From calculating the perfect tip to exploring global tipping customs, we serve up a delectable discussion on this often overlooked aspect of dining etiquette. Whether you're a seasoned diner or a culinary enthusiast, our podcast provides insights that will leave you tipping with confidence. Tune in and let us savour the nuances of tipping in restaurants! Also this great recipe.
 
 
 
 
 
Sautéed Kale with Chorizo Recipe: Ingredients:
● 1 bunch of kale, washed and chopped● 1/2 lb (about 225g) chorizo sausage, sliced ●● 1 onion, finely chopped● 2 cloves garlic, minced● 1 tablespoon olive oil● Salt and pepper to taste● Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
● Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Kale:
● Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Cook Chorizo:
● In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook until it starts to brown and releases its flavorful oils.
Sauté Onion and Garlic:
● Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Kale:
● Add the chopped kale to the skillet in batches if necessary, allowing it to wilt down. Stir frequently to coat the kale in the flavorful chorizo and onion mixture. Cook until the kale is tender but still vibrant green.
Season:
● Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Serve:
● Remove the skillet from heat and serve the sautéed kale and chorizo hot. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a burst of brightness.
Optional Additions:
● You can customize this dish by adding other ingredients like, Mushroomscherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cannellini beans for extra flavor and texture.

William Stringer, a seasoned food critic, and Chef Jonathan, an acclaimed culinary expert, engaged in a lively conversation about menus. They delved into the intricacies of this essential restaurant element. Chef Jonathan explained the significance of a menu as a reflection of a restaurant's identity, showcasing its culinary expertise. They discussed various menu types, from à la carte to prix fixe, emphasizing how each caters to different dining preferences and occasions, ultimately shaping the dining experience.
Feta fried eggs are a delicious and simple dish to make. Here's Williams basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2-3 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, dill, or chives), red pepper flakes, or sliced cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color
Instructions:
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
Once the oil or butter is hot, add the crumbled feta cheese to the pan. Spread it out in an even layer, allowing it to sizzle and slightly melt. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges of the cheese start to turn golden brown.
While the feta is frying, crack the eggs into a small bowl, being careful not to break the yolks.
Gently slide the cracked eggs on top of the fried feta cheese. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook the eggs to your desired level of doneness. If you prefer runny yolks, cook for about 2-3 minutes for sunny-side-up eggs. For over-easy or over-medium eggs, cook a bit longer.
If you want, you can sprinkle some optional toppings like fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the eggs during the last minute of cooking.
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully transfer them to a plate, using a spatula to scoop up the feta and eggs together.

In this wisdom packed episode Jon and William use the world famous spinning wheel to impart simple tips that you can use right now, to up your cooking game and bring flavours to your food! 

From its humble beginnings in Italy, Mac and Cheese has long taken over North American kitchens; but far from being just a ‘Kraft dinner’ staple, the humble Mac and Cheese has now taken on a new life and reaches every further into the gourmet aisle.
This week Jonathan, Darren and William explore what it really takes to make a good Mac and Cheese, as ever stripping it back to the basics that you need to know to make this Canadian staple part of your regular cooking repertoire. 
 
Saffron Mac and Cheese:
Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (crushed and steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or any other melting cheese you prefer)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Saffron:
Crush the saffron threads and steep them in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for a minute or two until it's lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the saffron-infused water, shredded cheddar, and Gruyère cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
If desired, add Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
Optional Topping:
If you like a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil until golden brown.

Our listeners asked for it, and now we are doing it, this show is about BURGERS. Everybody likes burgers right? But are all burgers equal? In this episode of the Edible Valley Podcast we break down to the minutest detail everything that makes a good burger, from the protein, the best cut of meat, the bread, sauces and even toppings. This episode will you the key to making the burger this is guarantee to satisfy even the fussiest palate. 

   Jonathan, Darren and William explore the world of grilling in this informative episode!
  From choosing the right item to grill, to preparing your barbecue for action, to common mistakes that can easily be avoided, this quick step by step ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ guide will set you up for success on your grill this summer.

In this episode Jonathan, Darren and William deep dive into all aspects of food and menu planning, from taking stock of what you have, too deciding how many meals you are planning for - it can all be so daunting but with the tips, tricks and even ‘Jon’s 6 step plan’ you’ll save time, waste less and eat better!

Welcome to the Edible Valley Podcast. This is Episode 178, and today we are with Sharon Janzen from Alderlane Farmhouse Bakery. Sharon grew up in Vancouver and always had an entrepreneurial flair, spending a lot of her time making and selling things—starting with sling-style baby carriers, which she made and then sold across Canada.
Then she moved to Thetis Island, as her husband got a new job at a children’s camp. Sharon decided to start experimenting with baking and selling cinnamon buns, thus laying the groundwork for the future Alderlane Farmhouse Bakery.
In 2000 she moved to Vancouver Island. After gaining more baking experience, she saw an opportunity to sell goods from a wicker basket in the schools and businesses throughout the valley. She started by placing a basket in the staff room at Miracle Beach Elementary and Black Creek Elementary, where teachers and staff paid for goods using the honour system. She then quickly moved on to selling at offices, car dealerships, and dentists, operating the entire business just out of the back of her Volkswagen Jetta. 
Word of her delicious baking spread throughout the valley, and people started asking Sharon if she was at any farmers’ markets. In response, she scaled up her business and started selling at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market. Her husband, who is a crucial support, retrofitted her equipment with wheels so she could operate efficiently and continue to grow her business. 
We have a lot to share with you about this incredible story of Canadian entrepreneurialism. Edible Valley is very proud to introduce Sharon Janzen.