A message from the Two Fairly Fat Guys from Norfolk County...

We're very excited about the first edition of our newsletter about Norfolk County produce. There is so much selection and so many great ways you can prepare Norfolk County fruit, vegetables, meats and other ingredients.

Right now, fresh asparagus, strawberries and rhubarb are at the height of their season. Coming soon: raspberries, cherries and field veggies like tomatoes.  Of course, Norfolk County greenhouses are pumping out peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.  And some early raspberries grown under cover are on the market.

Watch for the green and yellow "Direct from Norfolk" signs along our roads and in our grocery stores.  When you know where your food comes from, you know how tasty and safe it is for you. You also know that you're supporting local growers.  For an Official Norfolk County map showing local growers, call 1-800-699-9038 or email farms@norfolkcounty.ca, or go to www.norfolkfarms.com.

Hey -- thanks for joining H.O.C.C.I.  As Husbands of the Culinarily Challenged International, we understand your plight when there's no one who will step up to the plate to cook for you! Whether you're a husband or not, if you enjoy great food, you'll want to know more about the foods and flavours of Norfolk County.

Take care,

The Two Fairly Fat Guys

Some recipes for you to try:

Strawberry Shortcakes with Mascarpone Cream
1 cup plus 2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
2 tbsp butter, cold
1/2 cup light cream (half & half)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and poppy seeds. Add butter and rub in to flour mixture, creating coarse crumbs.  In a small measuring cup, combine cream, vanilla extract and almond extract. Add to flour mixture and stir with a fork until a ball of dough forms. Add an additional tablespoon of milk, if necessary.  Divide dough into four and place on a baking sheet. It is not crucial to shape the dough, but it's better if your shortcakes are on the round side, for presentation.  Bake at 400F for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden and somewhat firm to the touch.  Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Mascarpone Cream Filling
12-ounces mascarpone cheese, cold
1/4 cup light cream (half & half)
4 tbsp powdered sugar, or to taste

Beat all ingredients together with a whisk until soft peaks form. If you want to make the filling sweeter, then add a bit more sugar. You might have to add a little more cream to keep the filling from getting too stiff.

Then split cakes horizontally in half and spread on mascarpone filling. Top mascarpone cream with strawberries and, if desired, more cream.


Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
1 pound asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 pinch kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

You can marinade for up to 3 hours or use immediately.  Preheat oven to 425.  Prepare asparagus by snapping off the tough ends.  Set asparagus in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.  Add salt, garlic, and pepper, tossing well to coat. Bake 10-15 minutes, turning once.

Morsels from our pal Kathy, Nutritionist at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit:

Strawberries

•     Good source of Vitamin C

•     Good source of Potassium

•     1 serving = 5 medium strawberries

Asparagus

•     Good source of Vitamin C

•     Good source of Folate

•     1 serving = 5 spears

Upcoming events - Need more info, call our friend Lorraine on the phone at Norfolk Tourism, 1-800-699-9038.

June 30: Open House at Meadow Lynn Strawberry Farm
Aug 25: Fairly Fat Guys at the CNE, Toronto
Oct 2-8: FlavourFest at the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show
Every Thursday: Simcoe Farmers Market

Links:

www.norfolkfarms.com
www.norfolktourism.ca

The Two Fairly Fat Guys are volunteer ambassadors for agriculture in Norfolk County.  This newsletter is produced by Norfolk County's Tourism & Economic Development Division.  To unsubscribe, please reply to this message with "unsubscribe farms" in the subject line.  Or, if you really like what the Fairly Fat Guys have to say, please forward this message to your family and friends!

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