Summer has arrived, and summer is always a great time to make and enjoy home-made ice cream. There is no need to use an ice cream churn with this recipe. The best benefits of this ice cream are that there are no food additives plus all the health benefits of butyrate found in cream. Butyrate helps maintain a healthy gut lining and aids in preventing leaky gut, and gut inflammation. Studies have showed that the consumption of high fat dairy, reduces the risk of both diabetes a

In Portugal often made out of timed tuna and sardines. While the prairies are land locked, we can stock our pantry with a few cans of these fish and instead of enjoying it ocean side, we can sit out side on our deck, balcony or patio and soak in some sunshine. Tuna is an excellent and inexpensive source of protein. Tuna is also a source of omega 3 fatty acids that benefit the heart, eyes and brain. When selecting canned tuna, look for small tuna varieties such as light and sk

We have entered barbeque season. Along with barbequing meat, some potatoes on the grill are always great as a side dish. This recipe can be oven roasted, or the potatoes can be wrapped in foil and cooked on the barbeque. I have made these several times, and they are always a hit. Even a little four-year-old loved them, because he thought that they tasted like potato chips. Potatoes are a good source of many nutrients that our body needs, including fiber, and copper. Copper is

Shrimp Benedict is a twist on the weekend breakfast favourite, Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise sauce is always the highlight. It consists of a toasted English muffin covered with cooked shrimp. A poached egg goes on top of the ham and then the masterpiece... the hollandaise sauce that tops it all off. The modern hollandaise is one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine. Like any famous dish there are many variations. My recipe has evolved and developed over time. In my

Broccoli and cheese sauce is always a hit. You can substitute the broccoli for cauliflower. It is a great side dish and comfort food that pairs well with meatloaf, homemade burgers, pork chops, ham and oven roasted barbeque chicken pieces. Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse, with a 1/2 cup providing your daily need for vitamins C and K as well as significant amounts of Vitamin A and at least 18 other vitamins and minerals. The benefits of broccoli include: antioxidant abiliti

I have always been captivated by two and three storey houses with a veranda and even as a youngster, dreamt of living in one. There was something enchanting about the stairs that went up to another level, and the world looked different from the panoramic view of the second storey. The ranch house that was originally on our home quarter was one such a house. I was very young but there were special areas of the house that stayed in my memory; the long stairway to the second flo

Potatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years in Peru, and valued for their healing properties. Potatoes are a good source of many healthful nutrients, including fiber, and copper. Copper is needed for energy and collagen production, iron release, and as an antioxidant to strengthen the immune system. Potatoes are a natural source of lipoic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6, which are all are necessary fuel (co-factors) for a multitude of enzymatic reactions that are need

At the end of the 1930’s, my Grandpa had a horse they called old “Spot”, and he was as smart as a whip. His horse pen was on the far side of the house closer to the barnyard. Spot was so clever; he could open his gate and come into the yard. Sometimes it would just take a push. Other times, he would lift the gate closer with his muzzle (mouth) and push with his shoulder and enter the yard. Grandma would have freshly laundered clothes pinned on the clothesline once a week. If

Sardines are having a moment right now. It seems like Foodies, Chefs and Influencers have suddenly discovered them. I don’t know if you know this or not, but sardines are pretty close to a super food. I have been eating them for decades, especially, if I am feeling a bit run down, I find they have always been a great pick me up. Sardines are a natural source of the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in their Omega 3 fat, which have been shown to be heart healthy by lowe

Dawn Hames Columnist Here is as little treasure from the 1970’s that is sure to be a keeper. How about a pie that comes out of the pan like a pie crust, yet, you didn’t have to make pastry. The bottom pastry forms seemingly impossibly its own crust while it bakes. The flour forms a thicken side crust, the coconut floats to the top, with a creamy custard filling in between. It is super easy and fast to mix up in one bowl, and then pour it all into a buttered 9-inch pie plate.

This is a dreamy dessert, perfect for all your spring and summer dining events. I start with making the base, and while that is cooking, I prepare the lemon filling. When both are cooled, then it’s time to whip the cream and assemble. You won’t be disappointed with this light and creamy delight. Creamy Lemon Pavlova Pavlova Base 4 egg whites (room temperature) 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon white vinegar Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 9 or

BAT students doing event registration. Photo Sonya Lee Students in Lakeland College’s Bachelor of Agriculture Technology (BAT) program successfully hosted Farm 4.0: From Dirt to Data on April 9 at the Vermilion Regional Centre, bringing together producers, industry professionals, and technology leaders for a day focused on the future of agriculture. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow as a hub for innovation, welcoming attendees from across the region for a fu

You will need a doughnut pan to make baked cake donuts, instead of fried. Often times we end up with extra over ripe bananas and this is another great recipe to use them up. The verdict is: this is one of my new favorite recipes. Here are a few tips for successful baked donut making. Only fill the tin 2/3 full, because if you do more, the doughnut raises so much that you lose the hole in the center. The other tip to success is, the oven must be preheated, and then left for f

I love Easter and angel food cakes. They seem to go together for me. Making an angel food cake from scratch is both an art and a science. The taste of a homemade angel food cake is so much better than using a cake mix or purchasing bakery cake. For many years, I was not able to crack the code to a really good angel food cake. After much determination, research and many cakes, angel food heaven has finally given up its secrets. Today I am going to share those secrets, so you t

This recipe does not use any processed sugar, only natural sweeteners like dates, sweet potatoes, and a touch of honey on the icing. It is also flourless and gluten-free. This is a moist and dense small cake, with a brownie-like texture. Sweet potatoes are another one of those foods that have a lot of healthy benefits. Sweet potatoes are a rich source of the vitamin A called beta carotene. Sweet potatoes also have beneficial fiber as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Jordyn Prior was awarded the Rising Star Award. Photo submitted Women from across Western Canada gathered in Calgary earlier this month to celebrate leadership, innovation, and community within the agricultural industry during the Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference. Held March 8 to 10 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the annual event brings together women working across all areas of agriculture to connect, learn, and recognize those helping shape the future of the in

Lloydminster resident Dale Aalbers has announced he is seeking the United Conservative Party (UCP) nomination in the provincial riding of Vermilion–Lloydminster–Wainwright ahead of the next Alberta election. Aalbers made the announcement earlier this month following news that current MLA Garth Rowswell will not seek re-election, opening the door for new candidates to represent the riding. If successful in securing the party’s nomination, Aalbers would run as the UCP candidate

Breanne Orton is chatting with a Farmers Market attendee. Photos Sonya Lee With spring just around the corner, a beloved Vermilion tradition made its return. The Vermilion Farmer’s Market opened its 2026 season on Tuesday, March 10, once again bringing local vendors, handcrafted goods, and community spirit back to Elk’s Hall. Held weekly every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elk’s Hall, located at 5029 49 Avenue, the market provides a warm and inviting space where

The 33rd annual Border City Collectors Showcase at the WLS Convention Centre in Lloydminster drew crowds from across the region this past weekend, delighting antique enthusiasts and collectors alike. Hosted by the Lloydminster Border City Collectors Club, the two-day event offered a treasure trove of rare finds, nostalgic pieces, and unique collectibles. With over 100 vendors filling the convention centre, attendees spent Friday evening and all of Saturday browsing and buying

Ariana Whitlow File photo The Vermilion Allied Arts Council will close out its 2025–26 performance season with a powerful musical tribute when singer Ariana Whitlow brings her acclaimed show DIVAS Live! to the Alumni Theatre at Lakeland College on March 28. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Bar service will be available before the show and during the intermission. The concert will serve as the grand finale of the arts council’s five-show