Top 5: Foods to Try in 2011

It's 2011 and here are some culinary delights you may (or may not) want to try.

 

Bison – Not only is bison delicious, they are raised in a way that’s ethical and environmentally sustainable – grass-fed, free roaming and free of homones and antibiotics.  The second episode of Pitchin’ In with Lynn Crawford was shot on a bison farm in Alberta. Lynn is a HUGE fan of the meat which is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol than beef.  They say once you go bison you never go back. Actually I don't know if folks actually say that but it sounds good no?

Whoopie Pie – Our web producer Nadine voted with her head when she predicted macarons (NOT to be confused with macaroons) will be the dessert of 2011, but her heart was really with whoopie pie. One of our bloggers wrote about whoopie pies, and I haven't been able to get my mind off of them ever since. They're sinfully rich, guiltily pleasurable and so much fun to say! I challenge you to keep a straigt face and say whoopie pie fast three times. 

Salsify –  No it's not some jazzed up version of Mexican salsa, it's actually a root vegetable that's been popping up on many menus. It has a sweet flavour with a hint of the sea.Try it on its own to appreciate its flavour. It's the perfect side dish for a mid or late winter meal. 

Gochujang –  Korean hot pepper paste naturally fermented in large earthen pots outdoors. It's spicy and sweet and Koreans put it on pretty much everything. Dried squid served with a side of mayo and gochujang is my favourite beer snack ever!  Nigella Lawson was excited about this pungent paste. You can find it in any ethnic grocery store. Put some in a stir fry, use it as a dip for your crudites or in a BBQ marinade to kick it up a notch. 

Horsemeat –  At the risk of upsetting horse lovers out there, I'm willing to dodge tomatoes and put this on the list. Gordon Ramsay talked about the amazing horse mortadella he ate Toronto's acclaimed Black Hoof Restaurant, (see that video here) and there have been articles devoted the the deliciousness of horsemeat in at least one national newspaper. Not to mention the French have been eating horse for centuries. Mind you I come from a culture where people have been known to eat dogs so horse seems a bit benign truth be told. 

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Posted Thu, Jan 13 2011 12:00 PM by Catherine Jheon Filed under: Trends, Food Products, Top 5, New & Now