In writing this column one phrase keeps coming to mind, “You can’t keep a good person down.” In the face of adversity, our community continues to show resilience. We’ve discovered the most delicious locally made vegan chocolate and pancake mixes, new products to spice up our cooking, resources to prevent food waste and quality Italian tomatoes that really make a difference in taste.

Our early Spring issue has some amazing local finds! We’re excited about vegan chocolate from Dwarf Stars, all the tomato products available at Scarpone’s and The Italian Store, Knockout Heat Co. hot sauces and Hemp-Fresco Organic Food Pads.

Lannie Rae Gourmet

When alpine ski racer Alannah Raelene Jensen moved west, it was to become a surgeon. But life took her in another direction. She developed the first North American all-girls free-ride ski program, owned a wholesale cookie company, a bakery café and a cake shop in Banff before eventually settling into her own catering company in Cochrane. In 2008, Alannah formed a DIY line of products and in 2010, it became Lannie Rae Gourmet. In her commercial kitchen they craft an assortment of artisan pancake and waffle mixes to suit every taste. Discover a Stampede mix, summer and birthday mixes right through to Valentine’s Day options (we recommend the cherry Amaretto for your sweetie). All mixes can be made vegan by substituting milk alternatives, flax eggs and coconut oil. Check out the website for ordering information.

Pancake and waffle mixes | Lannie Rae Gourmet | $15.00 – $16.00 | lannieraegourmet.com