Private: Blog & Recipes Archive

Thanks so much to everyone who watched our Facebook Live Cooking Class last Saturday! Chef Anna Carroll came down and prepared a delicious Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that we highly recommend you try out!

This weekend, Chef Ankita Vaidya will be joining us, so make sure to write us into your calendar for 11 AM on Saturday, May 2! We’ll post the recipe beforehand on the website so stay tuned for details!

A My Pick Verified Local Farmer®, Blanbrook Bison Farm is located on roughly 100 acres of land near St. Mary’s where Bruce, Shirley, and their family raise about 100 bison. Bruce says that bison are relatively low-maintenance animals that largely take care of themselves. “They must be treated with respect and are handled much less frequently than other livestock,” it says on their website. “Bison are native to the prairies so they spend all of their lives outdoors, even in the cold and blizzards! They truly are Canadian!” Bison is a lean, nutrient-dense red meat that is sweet and filling. Blanbrook’s bison eat grass, hay, grain, as well as necessary salt and minerals, with the majority of their food sourced from the farm – no growth hormones or steroids are used.

Bruce first became interested in bison farming in 1986 when he saw a feature in the Toronto Sun of a bison farmer in the area. It immediately piqued his interest and he took the first adventurous step in; with a background in dairy farming, and after years of research, education, and preparation, Blanbrook Bison Farm was established in May of 1992, and this Friday will be their 28th anniversary!

There are now roughly 50 bison farms in all of Ontario, with less at that time, so there was no benchmark for how this pursuit would turn out, and little resources to create a plan or seek financial assistance. Bruce says that it is very important that bison farmers work together to connect, support, and educate producers, and is happy to see bison farmers working together to promote the bison industry. Bruce and Shirley have been part of the Canadian Bison Association and Ontario Bison Association for many years, doing just that.

Blanbrook Bison Farm has been attending the Covent Garden Farmers’ Market since we first opened 20 years ago! We’re so glad to see Shirley every Saturday morning. One of their favourite things about attending the farmers’ market is connecting with the local community and sharing their knowledge of bison. Support their farm by visiting their website for a full list of the different cuts they offer. You can place an order by sending them an email or giving them a call. 519-229-6316 //blanbrook@quadro.net

CG Farmers’ Market Vendors Who Are “Open for Business”

Here is a list of our farmers’ market vendors who have created alternative measures for you to access their products.

It is very important at this time, as always, to support local. Please read this post on the best ways to do so!

If you don’t see your favourite vendor’s information here, head to their social media accounts and reach out directly!

Morsels: Lorraine sells a variety of delicious savoury baked goods. Please contact her through email or phone to place an order. You are welcome to pick up or ask for delivery! lorraine.jaikaran@sympatico.ca // 519-642-2391

Helm Baked: Helm Baked brings you home-baked goods that are always delicious and sometimes gluten free and are doing door-step deliveries! You can reach them through email and follow their social media page for new order menus. hello@helmbaked.com

Lynch Maple Farms: The Lynch Family has plenty of Maple Syrup on hand at their Farm! Please call them first to make pick-up arrangements. 519-471-7310

Blanbrook Bison Farm: The farm is open by appointment. Contact them in advance to place your bison meat order and pay by e-transfer when possible. blanbrook@quadro.net

Pillitteri Estates Winery: Terry still has access to VQA wine, so contact her with any requests! charmedforpets@yahoo.ca

Dave’s Beef & Lamb: Contact Dave to place an order or arrange a pick-up or delivery of your beef and lamb products! 519-666-0626 // dmdekay@isp.ca

Harvest Moon Trade Co.: They have set up an online ordering system for you to access their wonderful jams, jellies and preserves! Access the link here. They are offering delivery to London and Elgin County every Friday!

Greystead Gardens: Dave and Dominga grow fresh produce on their farm and have set up an online ordering platform! If you are uncomfortable using this site or experience any glitches, contact them through email or phone. 519-872-6096 // greysteadgardens@gmail.com 

Sungold Market Garden: The farm is offering weekly seasonal produce boxes for delivery to London! Unfortunately, they have sold out for May, but stay tuned to their Instagram as they develop an online shop on their website.

The Whole Grain Hearth: Their online ordering system is live! Check it out here to get your hands on amazing sourdough bread, among many other delicious things!

The Hot Sauce Co.: Their online store is live! Head to their website for all your hot sauce needs!

The Welsh Baker: Looking for welsh cakes and more delicious baked goods? Visit their website to place your order. They are free local delivery to St. Thomas and London.

FAM Sauces & Catering: If you need FAM sauces, reach out to them via Instagram or email to place your order! They are coordinating pick ups and local deliveries on Saturdays and Sundays. famhouseinc@gmail.com

Thames River Melons: The farm is offering weekly no-contact market box delivered to your door filled with a selection of fresh produce from their farm and neighbouring farms! Read more and order your box from their website!

Orchard Hill Farm: Their online store is coming in May so you can access a wide variety of fresh produce! Stay tuned.