A Taste of Haldimand – January 30, 2025

When I first sat down to speak with the three Hussack brothers – Brandon 13, Elliott 10, and Ryder 8 – they were a bit reluctant to chat. They are the sons of Alysa and Gordon Hussack, and grandsons of Vivian and Jim Hussack and Maureen and Karl (deceased) Buch. I mentioned that I saw many of their entries in the Junior Baking Competition at the Caledonia Fair. In particular, I was interested to know how they made the chocolate dipped red licorice (I love candy!). 

Their Oma, Maureen Buch, had an integral part in helping them get ready for the fair. Every Saturday they spend the day with her cooking. She made sure they each had their own apron and at one time chef’s hats. Eventually I discovered that both Brandon and Elliott preferred cooking meals while Ryder enjoys baking. Elliott shared with me his Pokemon cookbook, which he purchased at the school book fair. There are a lot of recipes in the book they all enjoy, but his favourite is the spaghetti. I have shared the original recipe, but this family does not like chile spice or chile peppers, so they don’t include them. Then, Ryder remembered how much he likes dumplings. This recipe is made with egg roll wrappers. Usually there are more wrappers than filling so the family will use cheese as a filling for the rest, which also makes a delicious treat.

These boys are busy, but not just in the kitchen. They have chores on their farm looking after nine rabbits, laying chickens, sheep, ducks, beef cows, and one miniature horse named “Wolfie”. Wolfie is Ryder’s horse and they enjoyed a successful year with the South Coast Miniature Horse Club, winning many prizes at the “Fat and Fuzzy Show”. All three boys participate in soccer, have orange belts in karate, and are active 4-H members. Enjoy their recipes!