The favorite foods of Canadians vary slightly from region to region, and are strongly influenced by their family heritage, especially in relation to holiday celebrations. Along the Atlantic coast, seafood and dishes derived from English traditions (except in Quebec) are common. In Quebec, favorite foods come from the area's French heritage. Western Canadians enjoy the products of the large ranches and farms. Barbecued food, beef, and corn dishes, such as Sweet Corn Pancakes, are popular. Blueberries and Saskatoon berries, are popular accompaniments to pancakes, waffles, and are often made into syrups, jams and preserves.

Throughout Canada, maple syrup and maple products are popular, reflecting the significance of the maple tree, whose leaf is represented on the Canadian flag.

Sweet Corn Pancakes

Ingredients~

6 eggs, separated (Note: to separate eggs, crack the egg and allow just the white to fall into a bowl, holding the yolk in one of the shell halves. Transfer the yolk back and forth between the two shell halves, being careful not to break it, until all the white has dripped into the bowl. Put the yolk into a separate bowl.)

  • ¼ cup half-and-half
  • 1 Tablespoon sour cream
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup corn (may be fresh or frozen corn kernels)
  • Vegetable oil to oil the pan

Directions~

Beat the egg whites until they hold soft peaks when the beaters are lifted up.

In another bowl, combine the egg yolks, half-and-half, and sour cream.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture. Add the beaten egg whites, using a gentle stirring motion to combine them with the yolk mixture.

Add the corn, and stir gently. Pour a small amount of oil into a non-stick pan and heat it over medium heat. Drop batter, about 1 Tablespoonful at a time, into the pan for each pancake and cook until golden brown on each side.

Maple Sundae

Ingredients~

  • 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Chopped nuts (optional)
  • Whipped topping (optional)

Directions~

Spoon vanilla ice cream into bowls.

Drizzle about 3 Tablespoons of maple syrup over the ice cream.

Top with chopped nuts and whipped topping (if desired), and serve immediately.

Canadian Bacon with Maple Glaze

Ingredients~

  • ½ cup cider vinegar
  • ¾ cups maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 pound (approximately) Canadian bacon

Directions~

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

Combine vinegar, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a bowl. Set aside.

Slice Canadian bacon about ½-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a casserole or baking dish, and spoon the syrup mixture over the slices.

Bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature. (To serve as a snack, cut slices into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks.)

Many people consider the late Maurice, "Rocket" Richard, the most exciting hockey player ever. A member of the Montreal Canadians from 1942 to 1960, he was the first NHL player to score 50 goals. He had a very bad temper, and when he was suspended for hitting an official his fans rioted in downtown Montreal and caused millions of dollars in damage. Maurice's brother Henri was also a great star, but he stood three inches shorter than his brother. Henri was called the "Pocket Rocket."

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