The basil versus mint mission reminds me of a catchy song. Trust me, we'll all be singing it once we get deeper into the harvest season.
Saturday August 25, 2012 - another spectacular summer Saturday is reason enough for me to jump in my car with my darling daughter, and journey to Southwestern Ontario for a sample of their local gastronomy.
London's Covent Garden Market, named after the original in London, England (but you know that, right?) is located in the heart of the city. The Market Square hosts an open air Farmers' Market every Thursday and Saturday from May to December. Everything is locally grown and produced. Produce is fresh, often organic, and ALWAYS sold with a smile.
Our first stop is the demonstration table and a chat with market chef Paul Paschink. Paul always cooks with fresh produce from the market vendors. Today he is using organic basil from Dolway Organic Garden in his Caponata. You will find this recipe and many others on the Farmers’ Market’s dashboard.
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish, and a tribute to the festivities that will soon follow. Later in the day, and for the duration of the weekend, the Market Square is transformed into an authentic Italian piazza for Festa Italiana. Team Basil appears to reign, tempting our taste buds with Pizza Margherita, Insalata Caprese, and Basil Gelato.
Our next stop is The Ice Creamery for hand-made truffles. First I try a chocolate mint truffle, and then a heart-shaped lavender one. Oh my goodness!!! Darling daughter practically inhales her chocolate mint ice cream cone. I think Team Mint is closing in on Team Basil.
We head home with organic mint and basil from Dolway Organic Garden, and try to devise a tie-breaker. Mmmm, Team Basil or Team Mint?
