Unmissable Culinary Extravaganza: The Gourmet Arts Festival 2023 This Weekend!
Fellow gastronomes, the moment we've all been eagerly waiting for is nearly upon us! The Gourmet Arts Festival 2023 is happening THIS WEEKEND, and I, William Miller, can barely keep my excitement in check! As a chef and an insatiable foodie, I wholeheartedly recommend this festival as the pinnacle of culinary indulgence that is simply not to be missed!

Spotlight Vendor: Infusion Soy Sauce
One of the stellar vendors that has me on the edge of my seat is Infusion Soy Sauce. Hailing from the enchanting Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, this vendor embodies a lifetime of dedication to superior quality and innovative cuisine. Infusion Soy Sauce is a symphony of flavors that takes your dishes to new, unexplored heights. And guess what? I have an exquisite recipe for you, featuring their sumptuous soy sauce.

Soy-Cured Egg Yolks Recipe
Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 cup Infusion Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon mirin

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix Infusion Soy Sauce, sugar, and mirin until the sugar dissolves.Take a small dish or container, pour half of the soy sauce mixture into it. Carefully place the egg yolks into the dish. Gently pour the remaining soy sauce mixture over the yolks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the dish with cling film and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Once cured, gently remove the yolks from the soy sauce. Lay them on a paper towel to remove excess soy sauce, then transfer to a wire rack. Let them air-dry in the refrigerator for an additional 12 hours. Your soy-cured egg yolks are now ready! Grate them over pasta, salads, or use as a garnish for an umami kick!

CheeseNeeds
Attention cheese aficionados! The Gourmet Arts Festival 2023 has a treat in store for you. It is with immense pleasure that I shine a spotlight on one of the crown jewels of this year’s festival – CheeseNeeds. Get ready to have your taste buds serenaded by the melodic flavors of artisan cheese, carefully crafted by the hands of a true connoisseur.

Meet Tracey Johnson, the virtuoso behind CheeseNeeds. This maestro of cheese is not only a celebrated author of “Cheese Please!” and “Cheese Log” but is also the luminary guiding a global community of cheese enthusiasts on Facebook. For over seven years, she has been nurturing the 'Learn to Make Cheese' group, providing invaluable insights, support, and explanations to create the most delectable cheese at home.

But that's not all. Tracey's passion for cheese transcends the contemporary kitchen. She indulges in historical recreations and takes part in educational demonstrations at local historical sites like Huble Homestead, showing how cheese would have been historically made. To experience the marriage of cheese and history through Tracey's insights is nothing short of a transcendental journey.

It's your golden opportunity to learn from the best. Whether you’re an aspiring cheese maker, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the velvety goodness of cheese, CheeseNeeds is your mecca.

Crossroads Brewing - A Taste of History and Craftsmanship
Craft beer enthusiasts, prepare to be enchanted! The Gourmet Arts Festival 2023 boasts a stellar lineup, and one of the vendors that stands tall among the rest is none other than Crossroads Brewing. As a lover of artisanal brews and historical charm, I’m giddy with anticipation to share with you the essence of what makes Crossroads Brewing an absolute treasure.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Prince George, Crossroads Brewing is housed in a building that’s steeped in history. With an origin story that dates back 75 years, the building that shelters this gem was initially constructed as a garage and car dealership in 1946. It bore witness to an array of businesses and stood silent for years until the visionaries behind Crossroads Brewing breathed new life into it. Through their extensive renovations, they didn’t just create a brewery; they preserved a piece of history, making it a cornerstone in the rejuvenation of the downtown area.

Step into Crossroads Brewing, and you are stepping into a legacy. The manufacturing facility still features the original brewhouse and tanks from Central City Brewing. This equipment, a silent testament to craftsmanship, was once responsible for producing World Beer Cup-winning beers.

Now, to further tantalize your taste buds, I’m sharing a delightful recipe with you!

Crossroads Beer Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 cup Crossroads beer (pick your favorite brew)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

In a bowl, toss the shredded cheese with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a saucepan, heat the Crossroads beer over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Gradually add the cheese mixture to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Serve warm with pretzels, crusty bread, or chips.

I cordially invite you to join me at Crossroads Brewing’s booth at the Gourmet Arts Festival 2023 this weekend. Experience the symphony of flavors and history that culminate in every sip of their meticulously crafted beers.

Festival-goers, prepare to embark on a fungal adventure like no other at the Gourmet Arts Festival 2023! Today’s spotlight falls on a vendor that’s revolutionizing the mushroom game: PG Urban Shroomery. As a passionate foodie, I'm thrilled to talk about this local mushroom haven. What's not to love? Freshness, variety, innovation - it’s all here, sprouting in the very heart of Prince George!

PG Urban Shroomery is a delightful, family-run gem that specializes in all things mushroom. Set amidst the city's vibrant urban backdrop, it's like stepping into an enchanting mycological sanctuary. From fresh, earthy mushrooms that beckon the senses, to dried varieties perfect for culinary experimentation, PG Urban Shroomery is a treasure trove of fungal delights.

But the journey doesn't stop there. The visionary team at PG Urban Shroomery is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with mushrooms. They have mushroom salts which, let me tell you, are a revelation in adding depth and umami to any dish. Plus, they’ve hinted at other exciting products that are germinating and ready to burst onto the scene. I can hardly contain my excitement!

What truly stands out about PG Urban Shroomery is the palpable love and commitment that goes into cultivating every single mushroom. They believe that Prince George deserves nothing short of the best, and their mushrooms are a testament to this unwavering dedication.

If you’re a home cook, a mushroom enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the subtle, earthy flavors that only mushrooms can offer, then PG Urban Shroomery is your wonderland.

I urge you to make a beeline for PG Urban Shroomery at the Gourmet Arts Festival 2023 this weekend. Witness the magic of locally-grown mushrooms and take your culinary experiences to an entirely new dimension.

Roasted Mushroom and Pine Nut Salad with Spicy Tahini Dressing
Ingredients:

• 300 g mixed mushrooms from PG Urban Shroomery
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 red chilli chopped up
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean the mushrooms and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and tender. While the mushrooms are roasting, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and remove them from the heat once golden brown. Be careful as they can burn quickly. For the spicy tahini dressing, in a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, water, chillis, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out. In a large bowl, combine the roasted mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, and arugula. Drizzle the spicy tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.Serve immediately as a stand-alone dish or as a refreshing side salad.

This salad showcases the earthy richness of mushrooms, the nutty crunch of pine nuts, and the peppery freshness of arugula, all brought together with a lusciously spicy tahini dressing. Using PG Urban Shroomery’s mushrooms, this dish is bound to become a favorite.