Learning about Farming at the Indoor CNE Farm

We learned lots of fabulous information when we went to the Farm at CNE just before school started this year. I love these types of hands on experiences, as children remember these more and become aware of their surroundings. Last year, we went to a wonderful event by Farmers Feed Cities at Riverdale Farm and learned lots about farm life, farm animals and got a chance to speak with many Ontario farmers. 

Homemade pizza and Ontario Natural sauces

Ontario Natural products are organic locally made products.  I tried a delicious variety of tomato sauces that we enjoyed in a variety of ways.

This tomato sauce with button mushrooms is full of flavour.  The sauce had diced onion, roasted garlic, basil, oregano and pepper in it.  I used this sauce to prepare lasagna.

The tomato sauce with roasted red pepper is made with organic whole crushed tomatoes, roasted pepper, onion, garlic, chile, basil and pepper.  We simply heated it up and tossed with cooked pasta then topped it with cheese to enjoy a meal.

The tomato sauce with basil had a delicious taste and we enjoyed it by tossing it with pasta as well.

We enjoyed the pizza & bruschetta sauce by making a healthy pizza with our favourite toppings.  I used the fresh vegetables from Carron farms to make this pizza at home.

94% of the ingredients of these products are from Ontario except for the non-organic olive oil and sea salt.  Since all the products are made in Ontario and are sold in Ontario, it keeps the carbon foot print down and helps the economy.  All these products are gluten free and are certified low in sodium.

Here is recipe to the homemade pizza base that we enjoy.

2 cups flour

1 tbsp yeast *

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp butter

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

water to knead very little if needed

* If you are not using instant yeast, froth the yeast and sugar with about 2 to 3 tbsp warm water.

Mix everything together and knead into a smooth soft dough. Leave the dough aside to double about 1 to 2 hours depends on the humidity etc :)

Roll the dough and prick all over it with a fork. Then put the sauce and some cheese over it before putting the toppings of your choice.  Put more cheese over the toppings.

Bake the pizza in a prepared pizza stone with olive oil and cornmeal. Bake at 400F for 10 to 15 minutes till the bottom of the pizza is golden brown.

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Fresh from the Field Riverdale farm event

Did you know 60% of Ontario's younger generation is unaware of where their food comes from?  As a reason, Farmers Feed Cities has taken initiative to educate people about farms.  My family and I were invited to Riverdale farm to learn about farm life, visit the farm animals, to play interactive games and to speak with farmers.