Stephen Gleave

Entertaining guests? Nothing makes an impression like a stunning charcuterie board or a delightful cheese platter, provided you master the art of pairing fruit and cheese. As you assemble that picturesque platter you've been envisioning, the big dilemma strikes: 'Which fruit complements which cheese?' If you're unsure, don't fret; you don't need to be a cheese aficionado to get it right. Pairing fruit and cheese: the essentials Pairing fruit with cheese is a trendy culinary practice in Canada. This concise guide aims to reveal easy and swift combinations that will steal the spotlight, whether at home or in a restaurant.  So, why pair fruit with cheese in the first place? The concept revolves around achieving a balance of complementary tastes and textures. For instance, pairing sweet, juicy fruit with a rich and savory cheese assortment enhances both flavors through their contrasting elements. Navigating the myriad possibilities can be daunting, but fear not. Nao

When it comes to enhancing health and well-being, nature may be one of the most underrated prescriptions.  Spending time outdoors provides numerous physical and mental health benefits, from reducing stress to boosting your immune system. Let's explore five compelling ways more time in nature can contribute to improved health. Improved Physical Fitness When you're surrounded by the beauty of nature, physical activity doesn't feel like a chore. Whether it's a hike in the mountains, a walk in the park, or a swim in the ocean, nature inherently encourages us to move.  Regular physical activity is critical for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the World Health Organization.  Moreover, outdoor exercise tends to be more varied, engaging different muscle groups and promoting better overall fitness. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Numerous studies have demons

When it comes to running, having the right gear can make all the difference in your performance, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the sport.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, investing in a few pieces of gear will help you stay focused and take your running to the next level.  Here are the top five items that every runner should have in their arsenal. Running Shoes The foundation of any runner's gear collection is a good pair of running shoes. Proper running shoes provide the necessary cushioning, support, and stability to minimize the risk of injuries and enhance your running experience. It's important to find a pair that fits well and suits your specific foot type and running style. Visit a specialty running store or consult with a professional to get expert guidance in choosing the right shoes for you. Moisture-Wicking Apparel When it comes to running, moisture-wicking apparel is a game-changer. These fabrics are designed to wick away sweat from

The historic town of Ancaster, nestled in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, is surrounded by natural splendor. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, a steep ridge that extends across the NorthEastern United States and into Canada,  the area is a refuge for part of the Carolinian Forest of Southern Ontario. Just as the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” is becoming part of international vernacular and practice, and business people have started removing their shoes in Central Park in order to get “grounded” the modern world is beginning to awaken to the healing power of nature. Nature, it appears, restores in profound ways. It not only eases physical ailments but also psychological stressors, which modern medicine has also learned are inextricably linked. But that wasn’t always the case. For generations, men sought to tame the natural world and build skyscrapers within concrete jungles, blighting the stars with light pollution in their wake and limiting the ability of the soil  and grass to

Working with bees is some of the most rewarding work you can do on a homestead. If you also have an orchard, you will see immediate growth in fruit. If you have cattle, the bees are more likely to pollinate it and make a much thicker and more rewarding grassland for your herd. This is not even mentioning the output that a bee can give in its main product – honey. The sheer amount of honey produced can actually be overwhelming, especially to new apiarists that don’t know what to do with it. Of course, if sealed properly with methods like pressure canning, honey can last for decades or even centuries , but if harvesting only for yourself, the amount of honey in your larder can begin to pile up if you’re unable to use it all by the following year. Some bees produce so much honey, you can even harvest a jar in the middle of winter . There are more ways to use honey than simply having it in your tea with cream or milk. Here are just a few of the recipes that can help make that farm-fresh

There are many points of entry on Bruce County’s beautiful Saugeen River. There are 102 kilometres of easy paddling, stunning shorelines and cliffs, and perhaps most importantly – some of the best fishing in Southern Ontario.  The Saugeen River is a massive river system and one of the best fishing spots for brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and other fish species in Ontario. Many of the river’s sections can be over 50 feet wide with plenty of fish to catch. Bruce County is home to many great fishing spots, but this river in particular is one of the best.   Once you get to the lower half of the Saugeen River, it’s better known for large salmon and musky fishing. In both sections of the river, there are both fast rapids and long slow meadow sections, deep pools and good hatching spots in early spring and summer. It’s the characteristics and biology of the Saugeen River that make it such a rich place to fish. Fly fishing just so happens to be one of the most enjoyable forms of fishi