2013 Milk Calendar bursting with local farm favourites

New recipes showcase homegrown best from coast-to-coast

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The 2013 Milk Calendar will be celebrating Canada's local foods on Saturday, November 17^th in most daily newspapers across Ontario and the Maritimes.  The 2013 edition of Dairy Farmers of Canada's popular Milk Calendar features 25 new, delicious, family-friendly recipes that combine the goodness of fresh Canadian milk and a variety of nutritious foods grown right here in Canada.

"Canadians are becoming more aware about what it means to eat and shop locally," says Milk Calendar spokesperson and recipe developer Jennifer MacKenzie. "We have a wide array of foods grown in Canada and it's important to celebrate them and Canadian farmers."

"The Milk Calendar has a special place in the heart of Canadians - many people have grown up with the Milk Calendar hanging in their kitchens, using its pages to inspire the whole family to cook and learn about good food, good nutrition and great traditions," says Solange Heiss, assistant director, marketing and nutrition communications, Dairy Farmers of Canada.  "Canadian families can always count on the Milk Calendar to help them get their recommended daily servings of Milk and Alternatives by using 100% Canadian milk in its recipes."

The new Milk Calendar features a fabulous cheese page including a salad, a melt and a dessert, all made with Canadian cheese. There are also four delicious recipes on the baking page, and three mouth-watering recipes on the cream page that can be served for a weeknight dinner or are perfect for entertaining. Just as in previous years, the calendar includes cooking tips, tips for the adventurous cook, and a nutritional analysis for each recipe, plus interesting milk facts and important holidays and occasions marked throughout. You can find all the monthly recipes in French at the back of the Milk Calendar.

"Whether from a farmers' market, the shelves of your neighbourhood supermarket, or straight from your very own garden - local means extra-fresh and super-tasty," adds MacKenzie.  "Plus, it's more economical to buy foods that are grown locally and in season."

Some of Jennifer's favourite Milk Calendar recipes this year include:

• The Best Cranberry Scones, made with Canadian-grown Cranberries, which are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, plus all of the vitamins and minerals that 100% Canadian milk has to offer.  Not only are they delicious, but these scones are perfect for holiday entertaining - or any time of the year!  This recipe is also very versatile because you can easily swap out the cranberries for any other type of fruit you and your family enjoy.
• The Butternut Squash Dal, made with Canadian-grown lentils that are high in fibre and low in fat, is a great Canadian twist on a classic Indian favourite.  Plus, butternut squash is a good source of important vitamins and nutrients.

About MilkCalendar.ca
On the 2013 Milk Calendar website, you can see all of the 25 new recipes, watch monthly demonstration videos and download all Milk Calendar recipes since 1974. You can also order a copy of the Milk Calendar if you missed picking one up in your local newspaper (as of November 19^th).

About Dairy Farmers of Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future.  DFC works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy producers and to promote quality Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk as part of a healthy balanced diet.

SOURCE: Dairy Farmers of Canada (Marketing)

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