In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we delve into the world of artisan cheesemaking with Doug Smith, co-owner Natural Pastures Cheese Company in Courtenay, BC. Since its inception in 2000, Natural Pastures has become a cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s culinary landscape, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Doug shares insights into the company’s journey from a local dairy operation to an award-winning cheese producer. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working with both cow and water buffalo milk, highlighting how the rich, creamy texture of buffalo milk contributes to distinctive cheeses like their acclaimed Bufetta, which earned a Gold Medal at the 2023 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the meticulous processes involved in crafting cheeses such as Comox Brie, Pacific Wildfire, and Aged Farmhouse. Doug emphasizes the importance of local sourcing, noting that all milk used is obtained from Vancouver Island farms, ensuring freshness and supporting the local economy.

The conversation also touches on the broader cheese industry in British Columbia, the significance of traditional methods in modern production, and the role of community support in sustaining local food artisans. Doug’s passion for cheesemaking and dedication to excellence shine through, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for the craft behind their favorite cheeses.

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#ArtisanCheese, #Cheesemaking, #Cheeselover, #Cheeseboard, #Cheesemaker, #CheesePlatter, #Fromage, #AgedCheese, #GourmetCheese

#VancouverIslandCheese, #BuyBC, #SupportLocal, #FarmToTable, #SustainableFarming

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This week on The Edible Valley Podcast, Chef Jonathan Frazier is joined by special guest host Erin Haluschak as they take the show on the road to Radio Row in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59. They sit down with Mark Bologna, host of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast, to explore what makes New Orleans’ food culture so iconic.

From gumbo and jambalaya to po’ boys and beignets, they dive into the city’s rich culinary traditions and how food is at the heart of the New Orleans experience. Mark shares his journey into podcasting, his love for the city, and what makes Beyond Bourbon Street a must-listen for food lovers and travelers alike.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Super Bowl episode without a little football talk. Jonathan, Erin, and Mark break down their predictions for the big game, discuss the energy in the city leading up to kickoff, and talk about the best game-day eats.

Tune in for a fun, flavorful, and football-filled episode live from New Orleans!

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we dive into the biggest food trends shaping 2025. From sustainable innovations and global flavors to the rise of AI in the kitchen and locally sourced ingredients, we explore what’s next in the world of food. How will these trends impact chefs, home cooks, and the way we eat? We break it all down!

Plus, we shift gears to talk about Chef Jonathan’s exciting trip to the Super Bowl and New Orleans! From legendary Creole and Cajun cuisine to iconic spots like Café du Monde and the French Market.

Tune in for future mix of insightful food discussions, travel stories, and a taste of New Orleans, only on The Edible Valley Podcast!

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we sit down with the dynamic and multi-talented Taylore Darnel, also known as The Spirited Chef. With a deep-rooted passion for food, spirits, and education, Taylore brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience as a chef, instructor, and meal designer, specializing in food and beverage pairings.

We also dive into a couple of delicious meal ideas, exploring how thoughtful pairings can elevate the dining experience. Plus, we chat about the Victoria Whisky Festival, where Taylore shares her insights on the world of whisky, flavor profiles, and how spirits can complement a dish just as well as wine.

From leading formal culinary instruction for adults to creating engaging and fun cooking experiences for kids, Taylore’s approach to food is all about connection, creativity, and flavor. She also teaches a course on flavor, helping people develop their palates and understand the science behind great taste. Beyond the kitchen, Taylore applies her expertise in accounting, business development, and marketing, making her a powerhouse in both the culinary and entrepreneurial world.

Join us for a conversation filled with flavor, insight, and inspiration—whether you’re a home cook, an aspiring chef, or a food and drink enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this episode!

🎧 Listen now and follow Taylore on Instagram: @thespiritedchef_taylore

In this special year-end episode, hosts & Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer take a heartfelt look back at the highlights of The Edible Valley Podcast in 2024. With episodes 229 through 245, they explored the rich food culture of Vancouver Island, featuring local farmers, chefs, and producers, while sharing practical tips and delicious recipes with their audience.

From creative Thanksgiving ideas to the savory secrets of umami, each episode brought fresh insights and inspiration. Highlights included an in-depth discussion on sustainable farming with Ridgewood Farm, a deep dive into the history of Courtenay Country Market, and the heartfelt reflections on mental health in the culinary industry. The holiday episode, hosted by Jonathan and his wife Erin, was particularly memorable, showcasing a festive menu that brought the community together to raise funds for the food bank.

The year also marked personal milestones, such as the arrival of William’s baby girl and collaborations with Jet FM’s Valley Now. These moments exemplify the podcast’s mission to strengthen connections within the community and celebrate the unique culinary identity of Vancouver Island.

As a special treat, Jonathan and William share a simple recipe to highlight the magic of umami:

Miso Butter Mushrooms

Ingredients:

•2 tbsp unsalted butter

•2 tbsp white miso paste

•200g button or cremini mushrooms, sliced

•1 clove garlic, minced

•1 tsp soy sauce

•Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1.Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and mix in the miso paste until combined.

2.Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.

3.Add the garlic and soy sauce, cooking for another minute.

4.Garnish with parsley and serve as a side dish or over rice for a quick umami boost!

Thank you for joining us on this flavorful journey. Here’s to another year of culinary discovery in 2025!

In this festive episode of The Edible Valley, Jonathan is joined by Erin, stepping in for William, who is away celebrating the arrival of his baby girl. Together, they reflect on their recent holiday dinner at Dove Creek Hall, sharing the triumphs, lessons learned, and how the event brought the community together. From serving up a locally-sourced turkey and vegan roast to sending guests home with delicious leftovers and raising funds for the local food bank, the evening was a perfect blend of celebration and giving back.

Jonathan and Erin also offer practical tips to help you plan your own holiday feast, including sourcing local ingredients, incorporating family traditions, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large celebration, their insights will inspire you to make this season memorable. And finally, a warm congratulations to William on the arrival of his baby girl—welcome to the world, little one!

In this episode, hosts Chef Jonathan and William dive into the story of the Courtenay Country Market, a beloved staple of the Comox Valley. They’re joined by Dean Garrett, the former owner who helped shape the market’s success. Dean shares stories from his years in the grocery business, offering insights into the challenges, rewards, and community connections that come with running a local market. Now a mortgage broker in the Comox Valley, Dean reflects on his journey and the enduring impact of the market on the community. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at this local treasure!

In the latest episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer are joined by Mary-Jane Douglas, co-owner of Ridgewood Farm in Merville and an active member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Mary-Jane shares insights into her commitment to raising beef, eggs, and pork with sustainable practices, which are offered at the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market. She also highlights her excitement for “Burger It Forward,” a Canada-wide initiative launched by Canada’s beef farmers to support community restaurants and food banks. Last year, the campaign raised over $67,000, and organizers aim to expand BC’s participation in 2025. Mary-Jane encourages Vancouver Island restaurants to get involved, emphasizing the pride local farmers feel in supporting this community giveback program.