Maintaining a functional and efficient plumbing system is critical for residential and commercial properties. Effective sewer and water plumbing maintenance ensures a steady supply of clean water and prevents costly repairs and potential health hazards. To achieve this, it’s essential to be equipped with the right tools. This guide will walk you through the fundamental […] The post Essential Tools for Effective Sewer and Water Plumbing Maintenance appeared first on Fifty-Five Plus Magazine ..read more

Celebrate the season with this refreshing layered dessert that can be made ahead. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario Preparation Time: 20 minutes Baking Time: 7 minutes Cooking Time: 11 minutes Freezing Time: 6 hours Serves 6 1 cup (250 mL) gingersnap crumbs 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted Rhubarb Mousse: 1 lb (500 g) Ontario rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, about 4 cups (1 L) 1/4 cup (50 mL) apple juice 1/3 cup (75 mL) Ontario honey Pinch salt 1 Ontario egg, separated 1/2 cup (125 mL) 35% Ontario whipping cream 1 tbsp (15 mL) granulated suga ..read more

Ontario strawberries are the star of the show in this combo of two favourites: cheesecake and ice cream cake. This cake is easy to make and you can actually make it ahead to have ready in the freezer. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario Preparation Time: 35 minutes Freezing Time: 5 hours Refrigerating Time: 15 minutes Serves 8 1-1/4 cups (300 mL) graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted 1 cup (250 mL) diced Ontario strawberries 1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar 4 cups (1 L) vanilla ice cream 1 pkg (250 g) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup (250 mL) sli ..read more

Roasting fresh peaches helps bring out their subtle flavour in this delicious and irresistible gelato. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Chilling Time: 4 hours Freezing Time: 4 hours Serves 8 to 12 (Makes about 4 cups/1 L) Roasted Peaches: 3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar 6 Ontario peaches, peeled, pitted and halved 1/4 cup (50 mL) orange liqueur or frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 2 tbsp (25 mL) fresh lemon juice Custard: 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) 10% Ontario half-and-half cream 6 Ontario egg yo ..read more

Make this refreshing mocktail with sparkling water. For a cocktail, use sparkling white wine. The purée takes time to prepare, but once made and chilled, it’s quick to make a drink for a hot summer day. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario   Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Standing Time: 30 minutes Chilling Time: 2 hours Serves 4 2 large Ontario nectarines, pitted and chopped (about 2 cups/500 mL) 1/2 cup (125 mL) each granulated sugar and water 1 strip lemon peel (2- x 1-inch/5 x 2.5 cm) 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice 2 tsp ..read more

*This recipe is courtesy of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers Fresh and light, these summer fruit salad rolls are packed with Ontario tender fruits. They can be served as a starter, dessert or snack. Makes 6 servings (2 rolls each) Salad Rolls: 2 Ontario pears, cored and thinly sliced 2 Ontario nectarines or peaches, pitted and thinly sliced 3 Ontario plums, pitted and thinly sliced 1/4 cup Ontario honey (60 mL) 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Ontario mint leaves (60 mL) 12 rice paper wraps 24 large fresh Ontario mint leaves Coronation Grape Sauce: 1/4 cup water (60 mL) 2 tbsp cornstarch (3 ..read more

By Iris Winston I think of my father often, especially when I hear any of his favourite songs on the radio. Such songs as Don’t Fence Me In, The Quarter Master’s Stores (pristine version), She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain or It’s a Long Way to Tipperary. Eclectic to say the least, but every one reminds me of the warmth of my childhood. Many of the melodies are connected to a 1951 Lanchester, a stately vehicle with red leather seats and a polished walnut dash. Every Saturday, Dad washed his pride and joy to prepare it for the next day’s trip. Then, early each Sunday in spring and summer, we ..read more

Introducing Meg Stickl, founder of AIM Fitness – Activities In Motion. A seniors’ fitness expert, she’ll be presenting a new column in Fifty-Five Plus to help you get—and stay—moving safely. Concerned about getting enough of the right kind of regular exercise? “Learning to exercise safely is a skill that many people have to relearn as they get older,” Meg Stickl explains.  “Thanks to changes in the body, medical conditions that creep up or years of inactivity, it can be tough to adjust to a new normal.” The host of Fit Over 50 with Meg on Rogers TV believes it’s never too late to start ex ..read more

PAL Place offers below-market, affordable housing to members of Ottawa’s arts community aged 55 and up. By Dan Lalande “Life for artists and arts workers is, and has almost always been, unaffordable in Canada, let alone Ottawa,” explains Leah Cogan, an artist in her own right as well as the current Chair of PAL, an Ottawa-based service provider looking after our city’s lifelong creatives. “Compound that with aging, as work opportunities dwindle and support costs increase, and you have a community of beloved Canadian artists at high risk of homelessness.” Artist’s rendering of PAL Place. Cate P ..read more

School’s out and the grandchildren will soon be arriving. Get set for the time of your life. Plan some extra special adventures you’ll all remember for years to come. The Ottawa area is chock full of cultural, recreational and entertainment attractions that are guaranteed to please. Whether you’re seven or 70, these options are sure to be a hit. The animator paints the face of the child. Spend a few days sightseeing in Canada’s capital city. Tour the National Gallery, Bytown Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Check out the Canadian Museum of History ..read more