Country Fare Satisfies in Alberta
Pick Pumpkins, Tuck into Turkey and Bite into Fresh Baked Bread
Sep 26, 2009
Sample all the best farmers have to offer and stock up for winter feasts and festivities with the holiday season coming.
Pumpkins at The Jungle Farm
Leona Staples rediscovered her great grandfather’s farm near Innisfail, Alberta when she left her work with Alberta Agriculture to farm and raise her family full time with husband Blaine in 1996. Having done all the research, she was ahead of the curve for providing quality on-farm experiences for young families.
“Our main focus is the next generation. Families love to introduce their children to farm life. Though we have many activities, the favourite by far is picking out their own pumpkins.” Leona said that the special short season varieties come in all sizes and functions including big pumpkins that will last until Hallowe’en for jack-o’lanterns and sugar pumpkins for pumpkin pies.
“We have so many pumpkins this fall because of the warm weather we will try to stay open until the end of October,” says Leona, who usually closes mid-October.
The on farm General Store is also open with preserves and sauerkraut and when hunger strikes, it’s time for smoked beef on a bun and caramel apples. Stick around for wagon rides, scarecrow making, and more.
Turkey at Sunrise Farm
Organic turkeys can be hard to source so head out to Sunrise Farm near Killam and choose your own turkey…from the deep freeze.
“We can show people how their turkey was raised with our stewardship ethic,” said Don Ruzicka, farmer and steward of the land.
Enjoy the fall migration of birds overlooking the wetlands and perhaps stay the night in the swish off grid timber cabin, with solar power, composting toilet and propane stove. A popular spot for all ages and even lovebirds.
“We had a couple spend their wedding night there recently. And grandparents bring their grandkids for stays and tours as well as nature lovers. So, you might say that it is a cabin for all seasons,” said Ruzicka.
Stephanie’s Bread BasketIf you love the smell of home baked bread, but do not have the time or inkling to bake it yourself, your nose may lead you to the Camrose Farmers’ Market to sample Stephanie Calloner’s rye, honey and whole wheat, or pita bread all made by freshly ground organic or whole grains. Get there before 11 a.m. if you do not want to be disappointed, she sells out early.
Stephanie began baking commercially when she bought a home flour mill. “I couldn’t find bread my son would eat. His friends call my bread ‘Yummy Bread’ and it’s gone before it’s practically out of the oven. That’s when I knew others would enjoy it too.” The pita chips and homemade hummus are equally a hit and a healthy snack for the football game or DVD night in.
That’s you all set for Thanksgiving with pumpkin, turkey and home made bread. What more do you want? Wine you say? Follow the wine trail to enSante winery near Brosseau. Rich fruit wines are the perfect pairing for roasts.
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