That Just Happened!

 My sister Steph and I went to the One of a Kind Show last weekend.  What a crazy, crazy dash!  There are two of them each year; one for Christmas and one in the spring.  Artisans from all over Canada will come to showcase their wonderful crafts, clothing, wares and food.  Yum! The plan was to get there early and I am glad that we did. By the time we left it was getting so that you couldn’t even see the booths, you were too busy weaving and avoiding people who had stopped in the middle of the aisle (why, people, why?).  It being Steph’s first time, I took the lead and led her to the far end.  Our plan was to go up and down each aisle while looking at all of the cool stuff.

I must admit I did go there for a specific reason.  Lilliput hats always has a booth there and they make the most fabulous hats ever!  Church hats, wedding hats, Derby hats, winter hats and all gorgeous.  The best part is that they will size it for you at the show and pin it to make sure it is the perfect fit.  Steph has always wanted a church hat, so I thought “perfect! We’ll go and try some hats on and then I will ditch her and do back and buy it.”  Well, Steph did not find anything, but I sure did. So as my Christmas prezzie my very  generous sister bought the hat I loved. They even give you a hat box! (Which I had to carry through the crowds and it got a bit smooshed, but whatever).  So the rule is I don’t get it until Christmas and I have to act surprised. Which I am sure won’t be a problem because I do love that hat and I will be surprised that anyone was nice enough to get it for me.  Thanks Steph.

So, back to the food.  There were these absolutely gorgeous candy apples (which may make cute guest favours for Steph’s wedding if not for the hefty price tag).  We also got some of the best raspberry jelly I have ever tasted in my life courtesy of Henderson Farms.  I love jelly (goes great with my PB) and we got a gift pack of 4 of this multiple award-winning jelly to split.  I ended up choosing raspberry and strawberry rhubarb. Steph chose raspberry and cranberry jalapeno. They are delish and I am going out on my lunch to buy a loaf of bread so I can start eating it on my toast.

Steph also picked up a lovely balsamic vinegar and spice gift set from Edible Gardens.  You could smell that stuff from 3 booths away, so I know it smells good (and Steph reassured me it tasted good too!).  However, there were two highlights of the “Flavours” section for me.

The first was: Voisin’s Maple Products.  Real, honest-to-goodness maple syrup!  I missed you so.  I consider myself a bit of a pancake aficionado and truly miss the real Canadian Maple Syrup.  My grandpa used to do his own and we would be set for the year, but he got older and it was is a lot of work.  So, occasionally I get some gifted to me, but for the most part I am stuck with Aunt Jamima’s version of syrup.  I think it should be called “syrup flavoured sauce” because it is sugar and water. Where’s the maple?  So I am so happy I picked up a litre of amber maple syrup (for those who don’t know maple syrup comes in light, medium, and amber. It refers to the colour and also the strength of the flavour).  Yum!

The second awesome thing was Brook’s Delectable Chocolates .  She had this amazing chocolate almond brittle that melts in your mouth. Steph wanted to pick some up for friends, but didn’t realize that she couldn’t pay with debit/credit card.  Steph looked so sad and said she would have to come back and get it if she could find an ATM.  Brook asked her if she had a cheque and unfortunately Steph did not. Brook then asked her if she had them at home. “Yes,” Steph answered. We were both confused.  The woman puts this box of chocolates in Steph’s hand and says, “Mail it to me.”  Wha?  She trusted us so much that she would let us walk out with the yummy chocolate and trust us to send a cheque.  That never happens anymore!  What holiday spirit.  Thankfully at that moment I remembered I had an emergency cheque in my wallet (note to self: replace emergency cheque)and was able to pay then.  Which was a good thing because Steph looked a little green. (If we have learned anything from planning her wedding it’s that she has problems mailing cheques in a timely fashion).

It’s also important to note that although it seems like we got a lot for ourselves, gifts for others were bought, but I don’t want to talk about it because it may ruin the surprise.

So, between the trusting chocolate lady, the maddening crowds and the unlimited food samples there was a lot of Christmas spirit at the OOAK show this year.  (I am so in the mood for pancakes. Hey MPW, I know what we’re having for dinner!)

Yeah, That Just Happened!