Next Thursday will bring the third annual Halton Food Tourism Summit. A terrific initiative aimed at increasing dialogue and awareness of agriculture and local food issues in the Halton Region. Halton residents have an opportunity to learn more about local food growers and producers and get an insight into what it takes to grow in Halton Region. You can sign up for free at halton.ca/foodtourism.

From the Halton Region Website:

Halton Region is committed to supporting and preserving our vibrant agricultural community. The Third Annual Halton Region Food Tourism Summit will once again bring together the local farming and culinary communities to encourage growth in the culinary tourism industry and to help support a sustainable local economy.

This year’s event will showcase entrepreneurial initiatives in the industry and provide insight on how to grow your agri-business while further contributing to the economic vitality of the community.

Event details

• Thursday, February 25, 2016
• 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Country Heritage Park, Gambrel Barn
  8560 Tremaine Rd, Milton, ON L9T 1X9

This event is free of charge!

Featured topics and speakers

• Making a living on a small farm – from start up to profitability
  • Brent Preston, Owner, The New Farm – Creemore, Ontario
    2015 Recipient, Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
• What I learned about tourism from the Butter Tart Trail
  • Linda Reader, Economic Development Consultant, Farmgate, Ontario

Speakers panel

• Farm Women of Halton – Working together to cross-promote farm businesses while engaging and educating the public on local food
  • Liz Lambrick – Busy Liz’s Farm Shop
  • Meaghan Richardson – Mabel May Farms
  • Heather Fraser – Wheelbarrow Orchards/ Harvest Goodies
  • Tracy Breckon – ECHO LANE Lavender and Fiber Arts

Who should attend?

Your Halton Hills Box for February 23rd:

In your $10 bag we have included: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Ontario Mushrooms, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots and Broccoli

In your $15 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity  with additional items: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots, Broccoli as well as Green Kale

In your $20 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity with additional items: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots, Broccoli, Green Kale as well as Green Leaf Lettuce and Celery

Zucchini Pizzas

• 2 medium zucchini (1 LB)
• 1/3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 clove garlic, finely minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/8 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• Any toppings you desire

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
• Cut each zucchini into halves through the length, you can slice off a thing layer at the bottom to prevent rolling. Pat insides dry with paper towels (cut portion). Align on prepared baking sheet.
• In a bowl, stir together olive oil and garlic then brush lightly over tops of zucchini.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then brush a slightly heaping 1 Tbsp marinara sauce over each zucchini, leaving a small rim near edges uncoated.
• Sprinkle tops evenly with mozzarella cheese then with parmesan cheese.
• Top with desired toppings.
• Bake in preheated oven 12 – 18 minutes depending on how thick your zucchini is and desired crispiness.

Photo credit: moonlightbulb via Foter.com / CC BY