Township Girl

 Well, this next blog is all about the yummy foods and beverages the eastern townships have to offer!!! Yup as per the title I am from this region, and very proud to be.

 The Eastern Townships is located in the Appellation Hills of South-central Quebec, to better locate yourself it runs approximately from Granby to Lac Megantic and Drummondville to the U.S border. 
The region has harsh cold winters and I will add often times the winters came earlier than expected. 
 There was a time I was on the road as a Restaurant consultant the region I covered was the townships, and I was always the first to see snowfall and to call my colleges to wish them a Merry Christmas;)in late September LOL. Comfortable spring weather, hot summers, and beautiful colorful Autumns.
 The region is known for its tourism we have ski hills, hiking trails, generous lakes that you can swim, fish, sail or water ski.
 Now let's talk FOOD :0 
 Lake Brome is known for the Duck, there is even a festival in early September for these little creatures. Ok, so they race yellow plastic duckies, but it is a fun family local event. 
 We then move to the maple syrup industry, Quebec produces 92% of this liquid gold for Canada. The townships being one of the main regions producing it, and in springtime, the Sugar shacks are filled to capacity of sugar craving humans.
 Lavender fields, now you'll ask me Lavender as a food? And I will say Yep!!! ever had it in a Dark Chocolate bar or in a salad? Or as a spice used in a homemade herb-infused Volka? The Fitch Bay region where these fields are found, one can smell that aroma from miles away in the summertime.
 One of my favorite places I was taken as a child was the Abbaye Saint Benoit du Lac, the place is breathtaking and the cheeses. They have a variety to please all palates, a creamy blue cheese, a firm smoked cheese, and even one that has a Swiss cheese taste. Oh, and you can also buy Cider or yummy homemade jams.
 So I could go on and on about the local farms where you can get fresh eggs, Bio vegetables, hot homemade bread, and pies. The local small farmer's markets and the list go on.
 But before I sign off I want to mention one industry that has made huge progress in the last 25 years in the Townships and that is the Wineries. For the last 25 years, I have been attending Les Vendanges in Magog, these two weekends in late August are filled with activities and tastings. Le Cept D'argent is just one of the wineries that have been there from its beginnings and It amazes me how much this product has improved and made its mark.
At this festival, you can also taste foods, cheeses, and bread from local bakeries. A must see taste and experience for a township foodie or anyone wanting to experience what the Eastern Townships has to offer.


Chix :)


Resources:
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/eastern-townships
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Townships
https://canardsdulacbrome.com/en/our-ducks/our-products/
https://www.abbaye.ca/
http://fetedesvendanges.com/