– by Barry Mathias –
This is the last in a four-part series on some of the unique and local shops the Saanich Peninsula has to offer.
For those of you who like to give and receive locally produced, attractively packaged, gourmet items that are also well priced, Snowdon House Gourmet and Gifts Ltd. is a must. Situated a short distance from Sidney at 1890 Mills Rd, on the right hand side opposite the airfield, is the well-stocked studio of Laura Waters.
Laura, with a part-time team of four creative women, produces a remarkable array of original and distinctive products all carefully displayed in her own paper packaging. “I have my ‘secret’ ingredients for making paper,” she says. “We make paper in large 70″ by 40″ sheets and then create the individual packaging for our products.” Rumour has it that this involves the use of herbs, flowers and metal leaf.
Shelves of vinegars, soups, bread mixes, pastas, syrups and spice mixes crowd the walls, and are ideally boxed for Christmas. “We can make a gourmet cook out of anybody,” she jokes. For someone like me, who can easily burn a salad, simply adding water to produce mouth-watering soups seems like a very good idea. “To make beer bread, just add the beer and bake,” she says pointing enthusiastically to an attractive package. Another very good idea!
I am drawn to the Douglas Fir Vinegar, which Laura creates from trees on her own four acres. A new carbonated version comes in champagne bottles. “Douglas fir essence, with a hint of lemon.” Her flavored syrups and vinegars are delicious by themselves, but those who really want to celebrate can add vodka and ice, or other liquors: an excellent Christmas suggestion.
While some items are imported, such as the pasta and bubble bath, they all have the individual Snowdon House packaging. Try the Garden Vegetable Orzo soup, the Apricot Ice Wine Tea Bread or the Cranberry Ginger Cider Bread. Mouth watering!
In another part of the studio is displayed Laura’s own extensive range of stationery and gift wrap items, and an unusual selection of cards. “We make all our cards, and guarantee their originality.” In one area there is a fascinating series of ‘yesteryear’ cards showing photographs of Victorian and Edwardian characters, mostly Laura’s friends and family of long ago.
She was the winner of Seaside Magazine’s 2013 ‘Woman to Watch’, and there is no doubt that Laura is a vibrant entrepreneur, with a zest for her niche products. “This is my fifth year at this location,” she says. “Each year has shown an increase in my range of products and the number of customers. This year has been the best on record, and I am looking forward to a busy Christmas.”
If you live locally, it’s worth a visit.
For more info visit www.snowdonhouse.ca
