TURNIPSEED TRAVEL
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Partner With Us
  • New Visitors

Flavors of Prince Edward Island for the Fickle Foodie

22/2/2014

10 Comments

 

There's More to PEI Than Potatoes!

Picture
The humble potato is likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Prince Edward Island’s cuisine and you’re not wrong. Potatoes are grown and consumed in abundance here, which suits me just fine. Mashed potatoes are one of my favourite foods and you’d be surprised how often this sublime art form is abused by restaurants around the world! If you want to spend your PEI vacation eating nothing but potatoes, I promise I won’t judge you in the least but if you want to branch away from this comforting classic and discover more diverse regional cuisine, here are five experiences to tempt even the most fickle foodie.
Picture
When you see this sign, you know that happiness will follow! Photo courtesy of thekitchenherald.blogspot.ca/.

COWS!

No, not the animal (although PEI does produce great beef!). COWS is a dairy company that produces luxurious homemade ice cream from local milk and they often include other regional specialties like fresh blueberries. An easy way to choose from all of their tempting flavors is to ask the staff for their favourites – they’ll never steer you wrong. (Steer – get it?!)

If your tastes run towards more savory delights, you’ll love COWS’ cheddar cheese . There are two main varieties available. COWS creamery extra old cheddar, easily identifiable by the cheerful COWS mascot on the sticker, is a can't-put-it-down, high quality cheese for everyday use. It’s delicious on nachos, sandwiches, and – of course- melted into mashed potatoes. Slightly more expensive (but with every penny) is their Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar. This multiple award winning aged cheddar is slightly crumbly, very rich, and is best accompanied by wine and other savory nibbles.

If you favor Gouda over cheddar, the Cheese Lady of Winslow, PEI, will offer you a friendly and informative visit and a wide range of delicious homemade Gouda. (They offer vacuum sealed packs for easy transportation)
Picture
As Anne would say "Don't you just love bright red drinks?" Photo courtesy of tetedechat.com

Raspberry Cordial 

PEI is, afterall, “The Land of Anne” - Anne of Green Gables that is! No matter where you go on PEI you’ll be inundated with Anne of Green Gables themed food items. Who’s up for a visit to "Marilla’s Pizzeria"? My favourite of all the Anne products has to be raspberry cordial. While I certainly can’t pretend that it bears any resemblance to the homemade cordial Marilla once made – this modern version is carbonated – but it’s still delicious. It tastes like a raspberry soda, or maybe a raspberry ginger-ale, and it makes for an affordable Anne themed souvenir to bring back home. If you want to learn more about the role of raspberry cordial in Anne of Green Gables or if you are feeling adventurous and want to make some on your own, the History Kitchen will serve as inspiration.

One Anne themed food product to avoid? The numerous versions of “Anne’s caramel sweeties”, simple chocolate covered caramels sold at double their normal price. They’re just basic chocolates and your souvenir money would be better spent elsewhere.
Picture
The makings of a traditional PEI church supper. Photo courtesy travel.ca.msn.com

The Church Supper

If you want to make the move from tourist to traveler, you need to eat like the locals do at the church suppers. While some church suppers have gained fame and have become tasty attractions in their own right (like the New Glasgow Lobster Supper), the best church suppers are irregular, periodic events, often tied to fundraising efforts or annual community meetings. They traditionally offer lobster, ham, roast turkey, or roast beef and a host of complimentary sides (including homemade rolls, potatoes of some form, and homemade dessert –often pie). 

Maritime church suppers could very well be the best culinary experiences (and best deals) I've ever found. To find one, ask the staff of your Bed & Breakfast and check the bulletin boards in grocery stores and corner shops, as well as community newspapers. Arrive early to ensure the best selection of pie! Prices usually range from $12-$25 a person and servings are generous.
Picture
Fiddleheads are an east coast delicacy in the spring. Photo courtesy blogto.com

Roadside Produce

Most businesses in Prince Edward Island accept debit and credit cards, but you’ll never want to go anywhere without a fistful of coins and small bills. There are roadside fruit and vegetable stands throughout the island from May to November and most operate on a cash-only honor system. Whether you are picking up a quart of strawberries for snacking or a full complement of produce for a week of camping, you’ll find incredible value and quality from these farm fresh selections. PEI grows a wide variety of apples, which are some of my favourite farm stand pickups.

Some stands will also sell homemade baked goods, jams, preserves, and pickles, all of which I can highly recommend. PEI biscuits and cinnamon rolls are not to be missed! Jams and jellies are wonderful affordable souvenirs – if they can survive your appetite on the way home!
Picture
Trust me, these are absolutely delicious! Photo courtesy of thetolerantvegan.com

Potatoes with Punch

Who am I kidding – of course potato products are on this list! Chocolate coated potato chips (made from local potatoes, naturally) are surprisingly delicious. While they sound counter-intuitive, chances are if you like chocolate dipped pretzels, you’ll love chocolate coated potato chips. They are the perfect combination of salty and sweet and satisfyingly crunchy.   

If you want all sweet and nothing but sweet, seek out potato chocolate cake. I don’t honestly taste a difference between regular chocolate cake versus those made with mashed potato but it's always delicious and it’s a fun way to get your veggies (Right? I’m sure this counts as a serving of vegetables!)

If you can’t wait to go to PEI, you can experience potato chocolate cake anywhere in the world by following this recipe from The Tolerant Vegan.

Prince Edward Island's reputation as one of the friendliest and most beautiful islands in the world is well deserved and their delicious, homecooked delicacies are just another delectable reason to visit its red shores. 

As always, I welcome and encourage your comments. Have you been to Prince Edward Island before? What was your favourite food experience? 

If you enjoyed this article, you'll also like:

Art, Wine, and Memories of a Travel Splurge - Nova Scotia Style!
5 Things I Love About Nova Scotia... and 3 That I Don't.
Flavors of Liege for the Fickle Foodie
10 Comments
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown link
23/2/2014 04:59:58 am

Oh my gosh, this post made me so nostalgic (and hungry!) I lived in Nova Scotia with frequent trips to PEI from age 5-8... I loved it there so much. I've been back a few times to NS but never PEI...time to go!

Reply
Vanessa
23/2/2014 12:25:31 pm

I'm so glad you liked it! I grew up in Nova Scotia and get homesick for all the good homemade treats. Maybe a Nova Scotia food article is next up!

Reply
Lisa Goodmurphy link
1/3/2014 08:25:02 am

I think we have all the same favourites! It doesn't matter where in the world we eat ice cream, my girls always compare it to Cows - and Cows always wins!!

Reply
Vanessa
1/3/2014 09:46:22 am

Me too! Cows is my ice cream benchmark for the rest of the world

Reply
Greta link
12/6/2014 08:17:21 am

I'm heading to PEI in October and am getting so excited about it! This post is perfect, as food will be a BIG chunk of my agenda while there :c)

Reply
Vanessa
12/6/2014 04:07:57 pm

October is such a beautiful time to visit PEI - the changing leaves will be so pretty! I'm so glad this article was helpful and I hope you have an amazing trip!

Reply
Gloria
9/1/2015 03:08:09 am

A wonderful article. Hit the hot spots. Cows is a must for every visit. Love PEI

Reply
Vanessa
9/1/2015 03:30:29 am

Every year, I secretly hope that Cows will start making their amazing ice cream available in grocery stores like Ben & Jerrys. For those of us living in Ontario, there are a lot of unfulfilled cravings! Happily I can now get Cows ice cream and cheese here :-)

Reply
Wendy Jarvis link
4/11/2023 05:02:46 pm

Loved reading thhis thanks

Reply
Krista Mullen link
13/7/2024 03:37:38 am

I enjoyed reading this

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Recent Posts
    Posts by Location
    Turnipseed Travel Category Canada
    Turnipseed Travel Category USA
    Turnipseed Travel Category Europe
    Turnipseed Travel Category Africa
    Turnipseed Travel Category Australia
    Turnipseed Travel Category Asia

    Post Categories

    All
    $200 Challenge
    200m Challenge
    Accommodation
    Africa
    Amsterdam
    Anti Adventurist
    Asia
    Australia
    Belgium
    Business Travel
    Camping
    Canada
    Central Counties
    Cozy Travel
    Destinations
    Europe
    Experiences & Activities
    Female Travel
    Food And Drink
    Gear And Packing
    Golf
    Greece
    Guest Posts & Interviews
    Health
    Inspiration
    Making Travel Memories
    Montreal
    Most Popular Posts
    National Parks
    Norfolk County
    Ontario
    Ottawa
    Paris
    Partners
    Pet Travel
    Photo Essay
    Preparation
    Press Trip Portfolio
    Reviews Accommodation
    Reviews Gear Packing
    Round The World
    Saving
    Toronto
    Transportation
    Travel Cooking
    Travel Memories Series
    UK & Ireland
    United States

    Posts by Date

    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

Disclaimers, Privacy, and Cookie Policy

Top 100 Travel Influencer
As named by the Obama White House in 2014.​
White House Study Abroad Logo 2014
Turnipseed Travel Logo 2019
DMCA.com Protection Status
© COPYRIGHT 2024.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Partner With Us
  • New Visitors