Popcorn Adventures

A few weeks ago Charles and I were wandering through Wild Earth Foods and ran into a shelf housing about seven different types of Fireworks Popcorn. Previously we had been lamenting the lack of kernel options, so this seemed right up our alley. After lingering in front of the jars for some time, we eventually decided on the Autumn Blaze variety - small kernels with a subtle crunch, and a light, crisp texture.

We got rid of our popcorn maker over the winter and I was a little worried about using the stove - my brother and I burnt the bottom of our mom's pot utilizing this method when we were younger. But these kernels worked well on the stove and almost all of them 'popped'. We did 2/3 1/3 cup popcorn to 2 tablespoons canola oil.

 

This variety definitely has a great flavour - movie popcorn-ish without all the salt. Next time though I think something with larger kernels is in order. Maybe the Harvest Blend or High Mountain Midnight... At any rate it was a nice accompaniment to Where the Green Ants Dream.

We spoiled ourselves with a little bit of butter.

Monday mornings - calm the monkey mind

Do you ever feel like this on Mondays? This tea label describes my mind and its needs perfectly at this stage of the summer. We begin building Folk Fest on the 16th, so I am all over the place - will the kitchen tent arrive on time, is that crane and op scheduled to arrive for 10am on Saturday, who's loading hi-boys next week, do we have enough duct tape, did I order continental breakfast items for next Friday (actually I have, and muffins and loaves will be coming from Wild Earth)... and the list goes far beyond.

Anyhow, a mug full of this tea did the trick this morning. It was light, flowery, fruity, and as the description implies, incredibly calming. I had a perfectly productive day of confirming gear, sponsors and volunteers. Hopefully I can make this little tin I picked up in Victoria last awhile longer...

Since I am sort of on the subject of Folk Fest, here's a link to an excellent article on the whole kitchen operation from the recent issue of The Tomato... Yes, those recipes are for thousands, and those tacos were fantastic and very refreshing on the weekend last year.

Wild Earth is ready!

Wild Earth (8902 99 Street) is done with renos and the final product is amazing! A nice cozy space with ample seating, a warm fireplace, good coffee and of course, yummy baked goods as per usual. Best of all, they are baking in the house kitchen again (baking was moved a few blocks off site during renos), so the lovely smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns will be returning!

They hosted a preview and celebration of the new space this evening with a packed house full of regulars, and since Wild Earth is almost a daily stop for Charles, we were happy to be included. Here's some pictures of the new space:

Tea and tarts back in their appropriate spot

Cookie tree!

The new coffee setup

Desserts for sampling... I was all for the banana bread with browned butter honey icing

They are back to regular hours beginning tomorrow, and we encourage you to stop by for coffee or tea, a treat, and a relaxing break in the new space.

Wild Earth Cafe and Bakery
8902 99 Street
780.425.8423
Hours: M-W (6am - 9pm); Th-F (6am - 10pm); Sa (8am - 10pm); Su (8am - 9pm)

PS. Here are a bunch of pictures we took of the completed 'phase one' a few weeks ago

Wild Earth... half way there

Finally, Wild Earth Bakery (8902 99 Street) has opened the west side of the cafe after months of renos. Charles stopped by yesterday around 10am for a coffee and cinnamon bun with a friend, and they managed to snap a few pictures (some of these pictures are from today as well). The plan is to have the entire space open in a few weeks, as they've shut the east side down for an overhaul... can't wait for all that seating!

And finally, I promised Charles I would post the picture of the bathroom sink area he took. He's in love with the countertop and sink. They are pretty beautiful, and apparently Greta (the owner) is pretty proud of them... I would be too. What a great find!

Wild Earth Bakery and Cafe

8902 99 Street

Ph. 780.425.8423