The Food Explorer Podcast

Episode 40 - Flex those eggs

Hey hey Food Explorers

I've been noticing some trends and big things working in the food industry lately. From social media accounts posting about the egg-stitential crisis in the cost of food, to some big companies making big changes. I'm wondering how these things will start impacting food costs, menu selections and more!

Take a listen! And, as always please help us to spread the word about this podcast, we appreciate you all so much!

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Episode 39 - a few weeks of food musings all in one!

Hey hey Food Explorers! I

t's been a crazy few weeks - Blue Monday has hit and it has hit some harder than others.

I have some cool new labels for my baking supplies and am having fun labeling them.

Plus, a new cookie baking book - Zoe Bakes Cookies.

I visited a culinary innovation kitchen and a few more things.

Tune in for a recap of what's been happening.

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Episode 38 Milk wars and coffee shop woes, my ranty rant!

Hey Hey Food Explorers!

 

Look at me getting back into consistently posting episodes!  Feels so good to be back and I'm making so much progress doing my annual clean up and yearly planning!

 

Today, I get ranty about alternate milk pricing at coffee shops.  Listen in to hear all the reasons why plus, the article that mention is here:

https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2025/01/starbucks-coffee-chains-class-action-lawsuit-canada/

 

And, I got a new food book, yahoo!  I had gotten it from the library and knew it was a must have on my bookshelf book and now it's mine.  Food IQ is a fun book, I hope you check it out!

https://shorturl.at/ONr6x

 

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Episode 37 New Year, Last Year, and where have I been?

Hey hey Food Explorers!

I'm back with a new episode, a Happy New Year, an update, some thoughts on the future, and a few ramblings as well.

Thanks to you all for being here and making our 2024 awesome! We've got lots more in store for this year, can't wait to share it with you!

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Episode 36 Chocolate school is not a myth, an interview with Ecole Chocolat

Hey hey Food Explorers!

In this episode, I am absolutely thrilled to interview Pam Williams and Alysha Kropf, two influential figures in the chocolate industry. Pam created Ecole Chocolat, an online chocolate school plus so much more! The school has trained some of the best chocolatiers and chocolate makers in the world!

We chat about their journeys in chocolate making, the importance of education in the field, and the challenges faced by chocolatiers. And of course the importance of learning from mistakes, the impact of cocoa prices, and the value of community and partnerships in the chocolate business. Pam and Alysha share insights on the unique experiences offered at their chocolate school and the importance of understanding the world of chocolates.

Chocolate is our love language, enjoy the episode!

Find Ecole Chocolat here:

Website: https://www.ecolechocolat.com/en/

Instagram:   / ecolechocolat  

Facebook:   / ecolechocolat  

 

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00:00 Introduction to the Chocolate World

01:37 Pam's Journey in Chocolate

05:15 Alysha's Involvement and Family Legacy

08:11 Learning from Mistakes in Business

12:51 Challenges Faced by Students

15:20 The Importance of Hand Tempering

19:01 Navigating Price Increases in Chocolate

21:42 The Value of Local Partnerships

26:07 Experiential Learning in Chocolate Making

30:36 Understanding Cocoa Farming

34:29 Building Community in the Chocolate Industry

39:30 The Power of Collaboration

42:59 The Unique Voice of Each Chocolatier

45:47 Conclusion and Connection

Episode 35 - Truffula Tree Nut Creamery - the best plant based cheese

Hey hey Food Explorers

 

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure to interview Allison Landin, founder of Truffula, a company specializing in plant-based cheese. Seriously, the best plant based cheese out there!

 

We discuss Allison's journey from a healing process involving food to creating a successful business. There's so much to running a business, so we cover the challenges of maintaining product quality, the importance of community engagement, and the family dynamics involved in running the business.

Allison shares her insights on navigating the food industry, sourcing quality ingredients, and the significance of awards in building credibility.

 

Find Truffula at:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truffulatreenutcreamery/

Website:  https://truffula.ca/

 

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Episode 34 - Farms to Jars Adventure, a conversation with The Herbal Mama

Hey hey Food Explorers!

 

Today's conversation with Elaine Doucette, The Herbal Mama is a fascinating chat about all things farms, farmers, foraging, fermenting, and fun! All the F's are given here in this episode.

I have had the pleasure of eating the ferments that Elaine creates and they are highly addictive in the best possible way with the probiotic pickled carrots being my absolute favourite.

To connect with Elaine you can find her at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theherbalmama/

Website: https://www.theherbalmama.com/

 

And, can you all do a big favour?  We need more people to find us, so it only takes a second to do a 5 star review and we'd be so grateful!  You're all the best!  Thanks!

 

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Episode 33 - A foodie's dream in Nova Scotia: gardens, local eats, and Anthony Bourdain

Hey hey Food Explorers!

I've got a super treat today, I reconnected with two of my favourite people from when I lived in the Bow Valley, Alberta, Canada. Chris and Shari-Lynn Williams, were the innkeepers at Mt. Engadine Lodge for many years and it was such a special place to go and spend time in the back country.

Now, they've both retired from the hospitality industry and on this episode we discuss their move from the Canadian Rockies to Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. They share their love for gardening and the abundance of produce in their area. We could have talked about the local food scene, including farm stands, farmers markets, and the support for local farmers for days.

We also chat about their experiences growing garlic and other crops, as well as preserving and using their harvest in various dishes. In this conversation, Chris and Shari-Lynn Williams discuss their experiences with local food and small farms in Nova Scotia. They talk about the importance of supporting local farmers and the benefits of eating seasonally. And of course share their love for cooking and trying new recipes with fresh, local ingredients.

I never knew they had a story about meeting Anthony Bourdain - what a cool experience. Interviewing Chris and Shari-Lynn was a great way to highlight the vibrant food culture in Nova Scotia and the joy of connecting with local producers and chefs. Road trip anyone??

Don't forget to Subscribe and Share - we love building community!

 

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Episode 32 Why recipes fail and why it might not be your fault

Hey hey Food Explorers!

I've been on the hunt this past week looking for a particular recipe which led me to going down the rabbit hole of recipe fails. Why these happen, why people follow viral TikTok nonsense videos, and how some recipe writers just don't know what they're doing.

It's a bit of a rant but hopefully it's also insightful as to why it might not be your fault a recipe fails but also why sometimes it really is!

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Episode 31 Weekend getaways and foodie beginnings

Hey hey Food Explorers!

 

We just got back from a short but wonderful trip to Canmore to visit our friends!  I recorded an episode while I was there that I will edit and it will be up on just YouTube - super visual.  I talk about that a bit in this episode, plus all the super fun things we've been doing over on Substack.

A couple of new books too - How to Taste by Becky Selengut is my go to read right now.  It's amazing!

https://amzn.to/4cyWrZO

And a incredible find at Cafe Books in Canmore - The Spice Box by Emily Dobbs - wow!!

https://amzn.to/46P0LDf

I spent the morning with Jason's mom making Oatmeal cake and I'll be writing that up soon including a recipe you can actually read!

Enjoy everyone - and if you can we are really trying to spread the word about this podcast, if you can subscribe and share that would be much appreciated!