We first saw Cake Pops in Starbucks and now they are "popping" up everywhere. Haven't heard of them? Cake Pops are just that, cake shaped like a donut hole on the end of a stick and covered in icing and other goodies. Wouldn't it be great to make these little guys at home?

We've just found the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker. Shaped just like a waffle maker, the Cake Pop Maker will bade 12 cake pops at a time. The machine features a non-stick coating and comes with all the accessories including a supply of cake pop sticks and a variety of tips, tricks and recipes.

WARNING: Your friends and family will be lining up outside the kitchen door!

We found the Cake Pop Maker on the Babycakes online store for $24.99 plus shipping of $18.95.  We think that's a great deal! Your friends and family will be lining up outside the kitchen door.

With television shows like Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution increasing in popularity, consumers are more aware of the need to know where and how their food is grown  and produced. There is a growing trend towards purchasing locally and varying your menu to eat what is in season. How do you do that, you ask?

Farmer's Markets!  The unseasonably cold, wet weather has made for a difficult growing season, but don't fear, the local farmer's markets are here again. Not only will you find fresh fruits and vegetables at a Farmer's Market, you'll also discover artisan cheeses, fresh baked goods, eggs and preserves as well as crafts and great gift ideas. It's important to note that some vendors will come and go over the season as they come to market only when their products are ready to sell.

Most of our communities across the Fraser Valley have some sort of weekly farmer's market and we've put together a list for you.

Langley Community Farmer's Market
Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Opens TODAY
Kwantlen University Parking Lot
20901 Langley Bypass

Surrey Urban Farmer's Market
Open Wednesdays from 1:00pm - 6:00pm
June 15 - September 28
At North Surrey Rec Centre Courtyard
10275 - 135th Street

Abbotsford Farm and Country Market
Open Saturdays from 9:00-1:00pm
May 7 to October 15
At Montrose Avenue and George Ferguson Way in Downtown Abbotsford

White Rock Farmer's Market
Sundays from 9:00am-1:00pm
May 29 to October 9
At Miramar Village Plaza
15154 Russell Avenue

Chilliwack Farmer's Market
Open Saturdays from 9:00am - 2:00pm
June 25 - September 10
At Minter Country Garden Store
10015 Young Road North

For additional locations and more information visit the BC Association of Farmer's Markets website. Happy eating!

Let's face it. When it comes to food the sauces and dips are the best. When a buffet table of appetizers is spread out before us at a party, it's the spinach dip or the artichoke and asiago dip that is calling our name. As the party progresses, the concern becomes whether or not the dip is still OK to eat. It's been sitting out for a few hours - is it getting bad?

Now you can eat a little easier with the Bistro Dip Chiller from Gourmet Village. Made from pure porcelain and available in several colours, it will keep your dip chilled for hours. Simply place ice cubes in the bottom section and fill the bowl with your favourite dip. Love it!

The Bistro Dip Chiller retails for around the $15 mark and includes a dip mix. We found it at Potter's Nursery on 192nd in Surrey.

It's Friday and sometimes we need a little treat to unwind after a hard week. Victoria Gin is my new favourite libation and f this recipe is sure to brighten up your day.  This cocktail completely added a fresh perspective to my week.

Handmade in small batches from a wood-fired still on Vancouver Island, Victoria Gin is Canada’s first premium gin.  Victoria Gin can be found in most of the BC Gov’t Liquor stores and some private liquor stores or you could always take a road trip visit the distillery on the island.

Happy Friday !

Carrot Cilantro Sour

1 oz Victoria gin
1oz Cointreau or your fave orange liqueur
1oz fresh squeezed carrot juice  (Odwalla or Happy Planet Brands are excellent)
The juice of ½ a fresh lime
1 tsp simple syrup
pinch chopped fresh coriander
coriander leaf, to garnish
carrot stick, to garnish

Place the gin, orange liqueur, carrot juice, lime juice, simple syrup and chopped coriander into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into an old fashioned glass or a tumbler.  Top up the glass with crushed ice and garnish with a coriander leaf and a carrot stick.  Don’t sit down too quickly, you will need to make another one right away!

by Angie Quaale
Well Seasoned

The entire world is in Royal Wedding mode this week. Everywhere you look there is Royal Wedding coverage and we are no different here in the lower mainland. How are you going to celebrate?

We've heard from a few of our Stimulistas that they are hosting Royal Wedding tea parties for their friends. Sounds like a lot of fun…and a lot of work!  We suggest leaving the work to the professionals at Traceycakes Bakery Cafe. They are serving Royal Wedding High Tea this weekend. Come and enjoy a variety of English-style sandwiches, dainties, fruit, coffee or tea and Kate and William cupcakes.

Royal Wedding High Tea is $16.50 per person and is available Friday and Saturday at both the Abbotsford (604.852.1904) and Fort Langley (604.888.1984) locations and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the White Rock beach (604.541.4668) location. Space is limited to call soon to reserve.