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Shop local and handmade for the holidays IN TWO WEEKS!

The Artisan Bazaar has been supporting local handmakers since 2017! Our passion is celebrating creativity and craftsmanship by providing a vibrant space for artisans to connect with the community.

We’re dedicated to showcasing unique, high-quality handmade goods and helping small businesses thrive. Every event is designed to bring people together to discover and support talented creators, fostering a love for locally made products and the stories behind them.

For the full list of vendors click here:

theartisanbazaar.ca/copy-of-ancaster-2024-show-gallery

Don’t forget to save the date for Ancaster’s favorite Christmas Craft Show, too!

Here are the details for the Christmas in Burlington Handmade Market:

Saturday Nov 9 – Sunday Nov 10, 2024: 10am – 4pm

Holiday Inn Banquet & Conference Centre
3063 South Service Rd. Burlington
Free Parking

$5 Admission Fee (cash only at the door)
Under 12 are free

theartisanbazaar.ca

Ingredients

  • 8 oz veal chop, bone in
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Olive Oil
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Pasta

Method

  1. Select an 8 oz veal chop with bone in. Pound the chop until flattened.
  2. Mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and coat the chop with your breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, fry the chop until cooked on both sides.
  4. Transfer the chop to a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce and a generous quality of parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake in the over until the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve with your favourite pasta. A plain spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic pairs well with this dish.
Recipe courtesy of Buca Di Bacco
130 Thomas Street, Oakville ON
bucadibacco.ca

 

Veal Parmigiana

Hard and ugly, curious and inedible, gourds are among the most confusing fall vegetables. According to the Canadian Gourd Society (CGS), people are passionate about gourd crafting – not eating!

On their website the CGS explain that gourd growing and drying takes place in the fall. By the spring, they’re dry, hollow and hard and it’s time for gourd crafting. The CGS website publishes a wealth of information about gourd workshops, equipment, supplies, gourding ideas and projects. But if you thought gourds were only useful when dried and crafted into fashionable flowerpots and birdhouses, you’ll be happy to know there is much more to this category of vegetable than meets the eye.

Of course, the term gourd means a large, hard-shelled fall vegetable. Gourd is a category, however, that includes the more colourful, soft shelled winter squashes such as pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash and many others you’ve seen in grocery stores and on- farm markets.

Markets on farms offer the most unique variety of winter squash. These include Sweet Dumpling and Red Currie, along with more common traditional varieties like Butternut and Spaghetti squash commonly found at grocery stores. When it comes to traditional varieties, most of us can roast squash with some modicum of skill, but when it comes to the newer squash varieties, that’s when people begin to shy away.

GOURMET TIPS FOR COOKING SQUASH

Don’t miss out on a good thing this fall. Here’s my advice on preparing a few irresistible squash dishes.

Sweet dumpling squash are smaller than most, round with a mottled green and white exterior. The flavour is somewhat sweet with a mild savoury taste and they have an edible skin. Just wash the outside, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and slice it. Baste it with a little garlic oil and roast it in a hot 425F oven for 20 minutes or until soft. Remove the squash slices from the oven and do what I do – once cooled, pick them up with your fingers and eat them like you would cookies! They’re so yummy, even the kids will love them!

Carnival squash is a relative newcomer to the squash family. It’s the same size and shape as Sweet Dumpling squash, but the Carnival squash is a beautiful orange, green and cream colour. Because of its rich fall hues, this squash is popular as a table centrepiece – pity, because it’s so delicious.

The flavour is sweet, but a little more buttery than the simple, straightforward taste of Sweet Dumpling squash. For this reason, it’s beautiful steamed (not boiled, to avoid excess moisture), mashed with lots of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a little bit of cream. The skins of both Sweet Dumpling and Carnival squash are edible but peeling is necessary if you’re making mashed squash.

Honeynut Squash looks like a smaller version of Butternut Squash. It grows smaller, with more flavour concentration. Honeynut squash makes an irresistible cream of squash soup garnished with crème fraîche and dried pumpkin seeds. A beautiful fall treat.

Of course, you can stick to traditional winter squash varieties, but I’m finding these a little bland in flavour when compared to the newer varieties. The only squash that stand up to the new kids on the block in terms of flavour are Buttercup, Kabocha, Hubbard and Turban Squash. When roasted with thyme, garlic and other savoury spices, they present a deep richness on the palate that fills your insides with satisfying fall goodness.

SHOP AT A FARM

With autumn around the corner, flavours are turning savoury, making winter squash a welcome addition to the dinner table. And as leaves display their blaze of glory, why not take a leisurely drive in the countryside? It’s here you’ll find fields of ripening gourds, including a dizzying array of winter squash. For a directory of farms near you, go to www.farmfreshontario.com

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food writer. She can be reached at lynnogryzlo@gmail.com

The spirit of an unidentified, long-deceased woman haunts the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Locally known as “Alice,” she makes her presence known by tampering with the lights and equipment and sometimes appearing to guests in the ladies’ washroom.

Fans of the supernatural can learn about Alice and other apparitions on ghost walks hosted by the Oakville Historical Society. Another spooky landmark is the Oakville Museum (former residence of the Chisholm family), which boasts at least nine ghosts. One is Rebecca Chisholm, wife of Oakville’s founder, George Chisholm. Rebecca died of a stroke at the age of 65 and has been seen strolling in the gardens of the estate ever since.

A ghost walk is a guided tour and a local history lesson that just happens to feature an area’s most haunted locations. Ghost guides are men and women hired for their great storytelling ability, flair for speaking, and love of local history. Tours typically happen at night, for optimal activity and goose bumps.

Beyond the grave

“Ghost walks highlight local folklore, making them a fun and entertaining way for residents and visitors to spend an evening and learn about the community’s past, often leading to a deeper connection to the area,” says Marie Descent, Oakville Historical Society, Secretary of the Board of Directors.

For people who are intrigued by the paranormal, Oakville is – both figuratively and literally – the perfect haunt. Founded in 1827, it was a major shipping port in the 19th century and in 1834 was made a port of entry for foreign visitors and immigrants. Oakville was also a major gateway to Canada for African Americans fleeing slavery using the Underground Railroad.

“Add to this Oakville’s many historical buildings and houses, and the colourful residents that have walked the streets of Oakville,” Descent says, “and you have the setting for great ghost stories.”

Who knew that the charming harbour town had skeletons in so many closets?

The unrest is history

Daniel Cumerlato of Dundas Ghost Walks has been running ghost tours in the Hamilton area
since 2003. “I started out as a paranormal investigator back in the day,” he says. “Eventually I realized ghost stories were a real passion, and it spanned out from there.

Cumerlato has been collecting history and ghost stories for well over 20 years. Tours are based on personal experiences, mixed in with famous ghost stories of different supposed haunts. He combines deep research with organized storytelling to showcase each stop on the tour in the most compelling way possible.

Dundas, like Oakville, is a notorious ghost magnet. Incorporated in 1847, it has a rich history as a manufacturing and transportation hub. Early Ontario settlers travelling East or West passed through Dundas, where wealthy merchants and farmers spent scads of money at hotels, saloons and taverns along King Street. Their spirits lurk to this day.

The former Dundas District School, now an attractive condo, is a favourite stop for ghost walkers. A man named Russell, who was a caretaker there in the 1950s, allegedly made a death pact with the other 4 caretakers. They vowed that whoever died first must return and haunt the school. Russell died first.

“Now he’s the legendary ghost at the old building, experienced by so many over the previous 50 years when it served as a school,” Cumerlato says. This season, he adds, former students on ghost walks have shared their own ghostly experiences and Russell sightings.

Ghost walks are about both history and spooky stories. Guides do their best to connect the ghost to real history. When that’s not possible, they tell some robust legends.

“People enjoy the ghost tours as a unique way to learn about a town or city through its ghosts,” Cumerlato says. “And thinking, just maybe, that person still remains in an ‘energetic form’ is a bonus.”

By Michelle Morra

If you’ve ever strolled along Burlington’s scenic waterfront, you’ve likely admired the view of Lake Ontario. But did you know that this peaceful promenade was once the site of an internationally renowned hotspot? Yes, right there on the grounds of Spencer Smith Park, where families now play and geese gather, the Brant Inn once stood—a glamorous beacon of entertainment that attracted some of the biggest stars of the 20th century…

For over thirty years, from the 1930s to the 1960s, the Brant Inn was the place to be. North America’s top entertainers performed in an elegant venue that could accommodate over a thousand guests. The music was so captivating that it was broadcast on radio stations across Canada and the United States, allowing listeners from coast to coast to share in the magic.

The Brant Inn, 1900-1925

“The Brant Inn transformed many times since its inception as a Country Club at the original Brant Hotel,” explains Lynna Nguyen, Acting Curator of the Museums of Burlington. “It solidified itself as Ontario’s entertainment capital during its heyday, boasting an impressive venue that was as grand as its performers.”

The Brant Inn’s stage saw the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Lawrence Welk, Johnny Mathis, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, The Ink Spots, and Liberace, just to name a few. The crowds they drew were enormous—so much so that when Benny Goodman’s band played, the police had to step in to manage the traffic jams.

The Inn’s rise to fame was largely due to John Murray Anderson, a visionary in the entertainment world. His innovative ideas transformed the Brant Inn into a cultural hub. The venue even hosted the Miss Canada pageant for several years, drawing even more attention to this already popular spot.

Louis Armstrong
During the Heyday of the Brant Inn, Burlington positively glittered with stars.

Not even Hollywood could resist the charm of the Brant Inn. In 1952, while filming in Niagara Falls, Marilyn Monroe arrived in Burlington on Anderson’s yacht. Imagine her mingling with glamorous stars like Jayne Mansfield as a ship’s bell rang out to the song “Anchors Aweigh,” kicking off another night at the nautically themed inn.

But it wasn’t all glitz and glamour. Some of those who worked at the Brant Inn have tales of a ghostly figure appearing on the stairs adding adding a touch of the eerie to this place.

End of an era

Ella Fitzgerald

In the late sixties, as rock and roll gained popularity over traditional big band music, the Inn’s appeal began to fade. The Brant Inn closed its doors in 1968 and was demolished a year later, with its contents auctioned off as cherished mementos.

The Brant Inn may be gone, but its story is far from forgotten. A visit to the Joseph Brant Museum will give you a glimpse into its glamorous past.

Just this past June, folks gathered to pay tribute to the iconic landmark. At the Marquis Gardens at the Waterfront Hotel, an evening of dining, dancing, and swing music brought back the spirit of the Brant Inn, raising funds for the Museums of Burlington. The event, aptly named “An Evening at the Brant Inn,” was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, complete with the lively atmosphere that made the original venue so beloved.

“When Benny Goodman’s band played, the police had to step in to manage the traffic jams.”

As Lynna Nguyen put it, “The Brant Inn was more than just a place to dine and party. It held warm memories for many families in the community—they celebrated special occasions, traditions emerged, or it was even someone’s first job. Many people look back at the Brant Inn with fond memories.”

Next time you find yourself on the Burlington waterfront, keep an eye out for the heritage plaque provided by the Burlington Historical Society—a small but fitting tribute to a place that once brought joy to so many.

Take a moment to imagine the music, the laughter, and the countless memories that were made on that very spot.

BY LISA THORNBURY

Honeynut squash will give a richer flavour, but you can easily substitute with Butternut squash and this soup will still be delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh sage, torn
• 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 (1.5-pounds) honeynut squash, peeled,
seeded, and roughly cubed
• 3 to 4 cups (750 mL – 1 L) chicken broth,
preferably homemade
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, sage, and ginger. Season well.
  3. Sauté until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the squash and cook for 5 minutes more. Add 3 cups of broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Cook until the squash is tender, 30 minutes.
  7. Add the butter to the hot soup and stir until melted.
  8. Let cool slightly and pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth.
  9. If your soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup (250 mL) more hot broth and blend.
  10. Season again to taste and serve with toasted pumpkin seeds and crusty bread.
Recipe By: Lynn Ogryzlo
ontariotable.com

 

 

 

 

Honeynut Squash Soup

We’ve all heard the twin man-tras “Shop Local” and  “Support Local.” Many of us support these goals, but are they realistic when it comes to our fashion buying decisions?

When I was attending U of T in the 80’s sourcing Canadian made fashion was easy, although I didn’t have the budget to buy as much as I would have liked! I enjoyed window shopping in Yorkville and strolling into Holt Renfrew to see designs by Leo Chevalier, Pat McDonagh, Simon Chang and Alfred Sung.

Much has changed in the realm of Canadian manufacturing, due to events such as the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, and the introduction of “fast fashion” in early 2005 when import quotas on fashion were lifted. All the more reason to support entrepreneurs who remain committed to offering home-grown fashions.

Linea Intima
196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | lineaintima.ca

Canadian-made products at Linea Intima include elegant sleepwear of 100% silk and French lace, designed by Christine Morton and manufactured in Vancouver, and haute couture SHAN swimwear made in Montreal.

According to Linea Intima’s President, Karen Capocci, customers are pleasantly surprised to know that such beautiful apparel is made in Canada. Supporting local independent retailers often comes with a higher price tag, but quality sells.

“Customers today are more and more conscious about what they buy due to the economics of current times,” Capocci says, “so they are looking for items that they know will last the test of time.”

Jus B’ Gauze
4019 New St, Burlington | jusbgauze.com

This women’s clothing store in Burlington proudly carries Canadian labels such as Frank Lyman, Compli K, and Sympli — because customers are willing to pay for superior quality and style.

Sales associate Carol McKellar tells of a recent fall display of Frank Lyman clothing in the store’s window that virtually flew off the rack. “We’re already down to just one piece,” she says. “Ladies who know their fashions love that brand… and we all feel better when we can buy anything Canadian-made, whether it’s groceries, clothing, anything else.”

RevolutionHER Inc.
900 Maple Ave, Unit A11A, Burlington
125 Lakeshore Rd. E, Oakville
revolutionher.com


A passion for women, which includes supporting women owned brands, is central to the work of RevolutionHER. One of their initiatives is a 3,000 square foot retail space, the RevolutionHER store, whose flagship location is in Burlington’s Mapleview Mall. The store features 100 women-owned brands, including Smash & Tess and Dotty, which are also available in their new downtown Oakville Location.

Founder and CEO Maria Locker reports seeing a rising trend in women-led clothing design and manufacturing businesses in Canada, and says customers regularly seek home-grown fashions.

“From my experience,” she says, “women-led clothing brands place a more prominent focus on how their products look and feel for their customers, while also being mindful of their impact on the environment and avoiding fast-fashion pitfalls.”

On your next fashion spree, be sure to ask for clothes that are made in Canada. You’ll up your style game and learn what quality feels like, all while supporting the artistic innovators who are the backbone of Canada’s fashion industry.

By Cyndi Ingle

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also a major contributor to plastic waste that harms both our environment and our health. Plastics like wraps and ziploc bags often contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which can leach into our food.

These single-use items often end up in landfills, where they persist for centuries, polluting our water, soil and air.

By making simple, sustainable swaps, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of eco-friendly living, protecting your family’s health and reducing your home’s carbon footprint. To get started, look no further than your local shops for eco- friendly alternatives.

Wrap It Up

“Beeswax wraps completely replace [plastic] wrap,” says Laura Newton, founder of The Kind Matter Company in Oakville and Milton. Unlike plastic wrap, which traps moisture inside and produces a slimy texture on food, beeswax wraps mimic the skin of a fruit. “They allow air in, but also allow moisture out,” says Newton.

Beeswax wraps are reusable, compostable and durable. Christine Kempf, co-founder of Mrs. Greenway in Dundas, says that with proper maintenance, beeswax wraps can be reused around 500 times. Beeswax melts when it’s warmed, so it’s advisable to wash in cold water. “You don’t want to wash it in hot water, and never use it on a container of hot chicken,” Kempf says. “It needs to cool down first before covering up.

Litterless Lunch

Ziploc baggies may make packing school snacks easy, but these single- use plastics contribute to environmental waste and possible health risks associated with plastic use. Colibri bags are reusable fabric pouches that make packing litterless lunches easy, as they can be washed and reused. Plus, they have dozens of adorable prints kids love. “As long as you take care of it, it will replace hundreds of boxes of ziploc bags,” says Kempf.

Food Storage

Plastic food storage containers can absorb the flavours, odours and colours of food over time, and may leach harmful chemicals into your food as they break down. Stainless steel containers are a durable, eco-friendly alternative. Although they require a higher initial investment, Newton says they ultimately cost less than having to constantly replace plastic containers. “They’re going to last you a lifetime,” she says.

Stasher bags are another great eco-friendly food storage alternative. Made with 100% food-grade silicone, they come in a variety of sizes, including bowls that open wide enough to eat directly from. These reusable, leakproof and air tight containers keep food fresh longer, can be put in the freezer and even washed in the dishwasher. Plus, they’re incredibly long lasting! “Some of my Stasher bags I’ve had for probably seven years,” says Kempf.

Refills

Refilling dish soap and cleaning solution is a simple and effective way to eliminate plastic containers from your kitchen. You don’t need to invest in fancy glass jars right away, although they do look nice. Both Mrs. Greenway and The Kind Matter Company will refill any container, even your old Palmolive bottle. “The most sustainable thing is the one you already have,” says Newton. “If you have a container that is working properly that happens to be plastic, use it until the last moment, then you can upgrade to a glass or aluminum bottle,” she advises.

Refilling also offers cost savings, as you’re not paying for new bottles, pumps or labels. While the eco-friendly dish soaps offered at The Kind Matter Company and Mrs. Greenway may be more expensive than conventional grocery stores brands, these premium products are more concentrated, meaning you use less each time, and you can rest assured knowing you’re using a quality product. “You’re keeping plastic out of the waste system, but you’re also keeping other chemicals out of the water and it’s better for your own health,” says Kempf.

By making these four simple swaps, you can significantly reduce plastic in your kitchen and contribute to a healthier planet, and a healthier you!

Local Links

The Kind Matter Company
282b Kerr St, Oakville
15 Martin St #6, Milton
thekindmattercompany.com

Liquid Earth
603 Michigan Dr Unit 1, Oakville
theliquidearth.com

Mrs. Greenway
2 King Street West Unit # 3, Dundas
mrsgreenway.ca

Nature’s Emporium
2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington
210 North Service Rd W, Oakville
naturesemporium.com

By Lisa Evans

In today’s eco-conscious culture, the thought of turning a fallen or removed tree from your yard into furniture might cross your mind. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also offers the chance to take on a rewarding DIY project. The result is a unique, sentimental piece that preserves the memories tied to your property for years to come.

While the romantic idea of taking something that has naturally come to an end and giving it new life holds true, the reality of a project like this is rooted in the condition of the tree.

“What looks fine on the outside might not be fine on the inside due to rot, fall fractures, or pests,” says Chris Marshall, Customer Service Manager at Exotic Woods.

“If a tree is removed before it’s completely dead, there is usually something salvageable,” adds Rick Veenstra, Inside Sales at Exotic Woods.

Here’s what woodworking enthusiasts should keep in mind to balance the emotional value and practicality of repurposing a tree into home décor.

Endless possibilities

Tap into your creativity with these out-of-the-box ideas for reusing different parts of a tree: create natural wood wall art using the bark and branches, design a tree trunk vanity with the stump as the base, craft a wood slab headboard, or use branches to make original lighting that adds an earthy vibe to your home. Many traditional options will give your tree a functional purpose.

“A tree can be made into cabinet doorknobs, charcuterie boards, jewellery boxes, or larger items like chairs, dressers, and dining tables,” explains Steve Culumovic, Owner-Operator of Blue Skies Custom Woodwork. “What you can make is only limited by the size and quality of the tree.”

Trust the process

When someone contacts a professional to discuss a piece of wood they’d like transformed, aside from determining the condition, there are several other factors to consider. “The main thing to look for is how dry it appears,” says Umar Ahmed, Owner of Tabulo Furniture. “We always discuss the concept and determine how the piece will look and feel in the customer’s space. Everything else like stains, finishes, and details flows from there.”

“At Exotic Woods, we ask questions regarding plans, budget, and timeline,” explains Marshall. “Our concerns are finding any embedded foreign material like stones or metal that could potentially harm our staff or equipment, and we give an honest answer about what will and won’t work for our clients’ projects. We understand that many of these trees hold deep meaning for people for various reasons.”

When deciding if this is the route for you, “Remember there are always cost and time factors involved,” adds Veenstra. “When done properly, air drying is the most economical, but for every inch of thickness you’re looking at one to one and a half years of drying.”

“A tree can be made into cabinet doorknobs, charcuterie boards, jewellery boxes, or larger items like chairs, dressers, and dining tables.”

STEVE CULUMOVIC,
Blue Skies Custom Woodwork

What’s trending now

The aesthetic of rustic wood in home décor has remained popular throughout 2024, emphasizing the trend of bringing outdoor elements indoors and investing in sustainable craftsmanship.

“We’re increasingly seeing clients tired of live edge tables and wanting pieces that have more character, workmanship, and are like works of art,” says Ahmed. In addition to the well-known trends of using live edge and white oak for custom furniture, Culumovic explains, “I can say I’ve had a lot of furniture repair or repurposing inquiries, which I’m also happy to do!”

Local Links

Blue Skies Custom Woodwork
Burlington
blueskiescustomwoodwork.com

Exotic Woods
Burlington
exotic-woods.com

Tabulo Furniture
Oakville
tabulofurniture.com

Finished Grain Woodworks
Dundas
finishedgrainwoodworks.com

By Nicole Hilton

Autumn here we come. Falling for Burlington Downtown is Back!

The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) proudly welcomes Burlington residents and  visitors to a day full of autumn fun. The changing of the seasons is truly a magical thing to see, and the BDBA is inviting you to enjoy it all! 

Residents and visitors alike are welcomed into Burlington Downtown for a magical, captivating, and  interactive fall experience. Falling for autumn has never been so easy as you enjoy a day filled with fun for all ages, treats & sweets,  drinks & bites and so much more. 

The FREE fall fun and activities at our annual downtown event is a day of self-led exploration in your  own backyard. Take in delicious pizza along Promenade West. Enjoy some nibbles and crafts in  Promenade East. Play games and snap some Instagram worthy pics in Civic Square! Enjoy seasonal treats  and sweets along Brant Street & in Village Square.

Have you had your first PSL yet this season (I mean, come on Pumpkin Spice Lattes are delish!)? Have you picked up that oh-so-cozy fleece sweater that just screams comfy? Ready to enjoy that satisfying  hearty fall meal on a crisp autumn night? Burlington Downtown has you covered! As you take in the  sights of the season, make sure to take in all our downtown business community has to offer. 

Shop, dine, sip and everything in between as you visit over 400 small businesses that proudly call downtown home.

New this year is the BDBA’s sensory zone! This special place offers visitors a break from the day’s  activities with calming lighting, lowered sounds and multi-sensory relaxation activities. Need a hand  while visiting the sensory zone? Our event staff has you covered, we’re here to help!

Falling for Burlington Downtown takes place Saturday October 5th, 4h from 12pm to 4pm.

A full list of event  activities, times & participating businesses is available at:
burlingtondowntown.ca/falling2024

Come out & support local!