The One of a Kind Show is here again at the National Trade Centre from March 31st to April 4th. I was there opening day and was once again mesmerized by the beautiful displays from many food companies. Looking to discover something new, I stumbled upon Debra and Tracy Hoffos from Spirit of Niagara. These two veterans sell their products in gorgeous packaging only outdone by their delicious jam and chutney preserves.

"So what's new?" I ask. Debra smiles and speaks up. "Spring!" she says. With that, she pours me a sample of their latest creation: Motherz Lemonade. A sip is all it takes to bring me back to my childhood, a time when the older boys are playing baseball on the street, and my younger brother and I were having dreams of getting rich with our newest enterprise: a lemonade stand. Sugar granules across the kitchen floor, squeezed lemons strewn across the counter, our business was in full gear. Our wagon was carefully positioned in front of the house, filled with fresh homemade lemonade, lots of ice and a big sign.

"Hmmm. Good stuff," I say. "Tell me more". So Debra tells me how they wanted a summer product to add to their already successful preserves and actually started out by making her Mom's mayonnaise, but wanted something all natural, and ended up making this all natural lemonade concentrate. This product is made with fresh squeezed lemon juice, spring water, cane sugar, lemon zest and a pinch of salt. It keeps for 30 days in the refrigerator. To serve, just add three parts water to the concentrate and it's good to go!

I take another swig at the slightly tart drink and remember the lemonade stand and how much more successful our business operation would have been had we not needed the preparation time and more importantly the clean up that seemed to take forever.

- Mark Kuper

Spirit of Niagara
P.O. Box 104
Grimsby ON
L3M 4G1
www.SpiritOfNiagara.com