Hot Shots - April 19, 2024
Charmaine Yam

Hello All,

I hope you all got to enjoy some sunshine last weekend. As we spring ahead into April's latter half, more local produce is rolling but more about that after we indulge in a bit of chatter. Ah yes, the trees are getting bushier by day, flowers bursting with pollen wafting through the air. Me as I sit, perched at the window sill, runny nose, eyes puffy and watering, I rise my arms towards the sky and say "hurrah, spring is here!" Wondering, where are my allergy meds, bee pollen and local honey jar.

Now, with tissue firmly lodged up both nostrils, hair tied back, and gloves donned, I am now food safe and can begin making a baked tapioca pudding. Imagine this: chewy tapioca pearls suspended in a creamy matcha pudding, crowned with a golden crust reminiscent of Chinese pineapple buns and almond cookies. It’s one of my favorite desserts alongside soy mochi milk tea, tiramisu and honeydew bingsu - a Korean milk-based shaved ice dessert with toppings. But lately, it seems, this dessert has become a rare find in Asian restaurants, prompting me to take matters into my own hands.

#cravings #musthaves #callthedessertpolice

Here I am, looking awkward as I wave to all who responded last week, extending a warm hello. And speaking of embracing, let's not overlook Mondays - often misunderstood but cherished by some, including myself. This Monday morning, the office and warehouse was filled with tales of weekend adventures, from tulip sniffing to beach lounging, park picnics and what everyone will be planting or have started seeding at home for their gardens. Just down the hill from where I reside, all the plant nurseries have opened their doors and are filled with the buzzing of human beings, wheeling trolleys laden with plants, and enjoying the release of dopamine as they fill their cars to the brim with seedlings.

Let’s see what I have discovered!

Spinach from Olera - available in 24CT or 12CT bunches

You won’t forget the crunch once you dig in! These apples were produced from a cross between a Honeycrisp and Zelstar apple. Known for being crunchy, sweet and tangy with hints of citrus, spice, and brown sugar.

And are you team spinach dip or spanakopita?

BC Fiddleheads - wildcrafted from West Coast Wild - available in 12x170g clamshells or 5# bulk

Newry our logistics magician said her grandma used to forage them back in the day, lay them out to dry under the hot sun and turn them into scrumptious side dish's!

Patio and cocktail season is upon us! Am I the only one that makes a huge batch of rhubarb shrub at this time of year?

Look at those gorgeous bulbs with full and vibrant green fronds. Will someone please make me a fennel frond fan, so we can grace the stage together. Its giving Rita Hayworth vibes?!

Happy National Garlic Day! Why not shake things up and try some black garlic to jilt your taste buds and get cooking.

Black Garlic from Balsai - available in packaged 6x60g cases

What does black garlic taste like? Black garlic has taste similar to a balsamic glaze but with a mild garlic taste, and almost molasses-like texture.

Gateway Recipe LEVEL 1 Unlocked: combine sake, rice wine vinegar, miso, 2-3 Black Garlic cloves, grated ginger and a dash of sesame oil. Blend it up and slather it on everything! Silken tofu, grilled eggplant or salmon, chilled ramen or soba noodles. Add a spoon full of chili crisp oil why don't cha. Oh ya...that's the stuff dreams are made of. Is your mouth watering yet?

As the tour comes to an end and the weekend beckons, let's immerse ourselves in nature. Whether we're wandering along a trail or simply lounging in a grassy field, let's kick off our shoes, socks, sandals and surrender to the moment. May this be a time of restoration, rejuvenation, and a profound sense of belonging. Let's honor the ancient wisdom beneath our feet, grounding ourselves in the present, and sowing seeds of compassion for a brighter future.

- The Compliance Officer

Hot Shots - April 19, 2024

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