Sunday, July 3, 2011

Ontario's Own takes home Best of Show at the Packaging Association of Canada's Leadership Awards.




Toronto, June 23, 2011—Ontario's Own is pleased to announce that it took home the Best of Show
award at the Packaging Association of Canada’s (PAC) biennial Leadership Awards. In addition to
receiving this prestigious award, Ontario's Own also took home the Gold Award in the 2011 National
Packaging Competition in the Brand Marketing, New Product Launch Category. The awards were handed
out at the industry association’s gala June 21, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario. “We’re extremely proud to have
been honoured by the Packaging Association of Canada’s Best of Show Award" says Ontario's Own
President Carol-Ann Hayes. "Our packaging plays an important role in reflecting our unique proposition,
reinforcing our values, supporting our local farmers and chefs, and building a great relationship with our
consumer. We couldn't be prouder of this wonderful achievement."
To read about the competition and other PAC competition entries visit:
http://www.pac.ca/index.php/pac/2011_npc_winners.
About PAC
The Packaging Association of Canada is a membership organization often referred to as the voice of the
packaging industry. Recognizing Canadian talent and technical excellence in design, printing, converting,
manufacturing and marketing, the PAC Leadership Awards highlight Canadian achievements in
packaging and point of purchase. Every two years, more than 70 judges from the packaging community
evaluate more than 200 packages and POP displays entered in several categories. Each entry is
evaluated on its own merit and against a points scale.
About Ontario's Own
Ontario’s Own is dedicated to offering the best locally produced foods (including soups, stocks, sauces
and purées) from Ontario’s chefs and farmers. Our mission is to support Ontario’s family farms and local
economies by sharing the joy of serving good food that comes from close to home. Ontario’s Own
provides a proud face for Ontario farmers, processors, chefs and co-packers by increasing awareness of
Ontario’s family farms and their products. Ontario's Own is committed to packaging techniques that
best preserve natural goodness and taste and to providing consumers with simple and pure
foods/ingredients that are minimally processed. Ontario’s Own products are found in the refrigerated
section of select Loblaws and Metro stores as well as specialty grocery stores like Pusateri’s, Rowe Farms
and Fiesta Farms. To find a complete list of stores and to meet Ontario’s Own local farmers, visit
www.ontariosown.ca.

Hello Summer By Valerie Hould-Marchand

Bye bye rainy spring, and finally… Hello summer ! After such a long winter and gloomy spring, we are finally enjoying some warm, sunny weather. Its time to soak up the sun !
  And before you head out for a day filled with your favourite summer activities, you know you should slip on some sunscreen. But do you really know what ‘s in your sunscreen ?  Perhaps you have thought about trying a natural alternative, but you are not convinced that it can provide adequate sun protection.
 The fact is : chemical-free, natural and mineral options are just as effective when it comes to protecting your skin against UVA and UVB rays. They are also better for your health because they do not contain harmful chemicals that are often used in traditional sunscreens.
 Still, choosing the right option can be difficult… You should look for a formula containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Also, your sunscreen should clearly state that it contains no nano particles.
 Here are two of my favourites
Nature’s Gate www.natures-gate.com
Nature’s Gate offers a wide range of sunscreens to fit anyone’s lifestyle. All their products are paraben and phthalate free. Favourite product : Face block SPF 25
 Burt’s Bees www.burtsbees.com
Try the Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30
This option is 100% natural and non-whitening ( for a non-ghostly look ). Its active ingredient is titanium dioxide, a naturally-occurring mineral. A great option for your skin and the planet, as the runoff from showering and swimming will not cast off any harmful residues !
FUN FACT
Hydrate with coconut water ! Quench your thirst with this refreshing, nutrient-packed drink. You will love it, especially if you exercise outdoors in the summer.
 Remember, sun is not the enemy here ! We all need a little vitamin D ! You just need to be adequately protected when we step outdoors.
Until next time,
Heal yourself
Heal the planet

Sautéed Chard with Poached Eggs

Serves 2 as a main
1 bunch Chard (Rainbow or Swiss)
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
1 chilli or 2 tsp chilli pepper flakes
Juice 1/2 lemon (or to taste)
1 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
1 heaping Tbsp drained capers
2 Poached egg, to serve (optional)
zest 1/2 lemon


1/ Prepare the chard, first by washing it really well in cold water. Drain, chop nasty bits of stalk off and then chop the remaining stalks into roughly 1 inch peices. Cut the leaves into roughly 1 inch strips (keeping separate from the stalks).
2/ Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over a medium heat and add the garlic and chili to the pan. Toss until golden brown, which will take about 30 odd seconds. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3/ Add the chopped stalks to the pan. Cook over a medium-high heat for 5 minutes, tossing/stirring from time to time and adding a tablespoon of water if necessary to stop sticking.
4/ After five minutes, add the reserved leaves to the pan, turning so that they can wilt evenly. Cook for a further 8 minutes, continuing to toss and stir until they are fully wilted and some of the stalk ends are going golden.
5/ Remove the pan from the heat and add the garlic, chili and remaining ingredients to the pan, tossing to combine evenly and tasting before adding freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to taste. For a complete meal serve topped with a poached or fried egg.

Sliced Baguette with Radishes and Caper Butter




Makes 16 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 to 3 tsp capers, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Coarse kosher salt
16 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices baguette
10 radishes (such as French Breakfast), trimmed, thinly sliced on diagonal
Additional chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Mix butter, 2 chopped capers, and 2 tablespoons cilantro in small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread caper butter over 1 side of each baguette slice. Top each baguette slice with radish slices, overlapping slightly to cover bread. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve.