not far from the tree

As we reflect back upon our first full season, it is the volunteers who must be celebrated most of all. Indeed, they are the backbone of this project. Here are a couple of stories they have to tell:

Theresa: “Below is a picture of the pear tart I made for Thanksgiving. I used the uncooked bottled pears that we had prepared: I poached the pears a bit and then reduced the syrup with a bit more sugar for the glaze…..It was enjoyed by all.”

And this from Michelle, a volunteer who recently had a taste of a not-so-Toronto fruit:

“It’s from a lemon tree in Palm Springs. Mez & I drove a retiree’s car there a couple weeks ago. They had this lemon tree growing in their front yard. It was the first time either of us had seen citrus growing outdoors. Mez used to save lemon seeds, jokingly with the intention of planting a lemon tree one day, so he was especially tickled to pick it’s fruit. Later that day the retirees gave us a tour of the trees in the community they live in. There were many lemons, limes & grapefruit. The limes are most popular - used for mixed drinks! When the limes run out the elders use the lemons.”