The Sweet Tastes of Summer

Summer is in full swing and it’s prime time for picnics and parties.  Whether at the beach, by the pool or at a cottage, this season’s food is fresh and portable.  Here are some ideas for sharing the sweet tastes of Ontario with your family and friends. 

 Here is a link to my appearance on Daytime Ottawa

Build Your Own Dessert Bar

Cut up strawberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, yellow plums and any other seasonal favourite to display in a colourful array on a beautiful tray or lazy susan.  Offer bowls of sweet granola, honey and whipped cream as toppings and serve on top of a two bite brownie.

Spicy Pepper Jelly

This versatile jelly makes a great hostess gift.  Or, you can save it for a snack or appetizer.  Delicious with crumbled Ontario feta on crostini. 

See the recipe at Foodland Ontario

Tomatoes Five Ways

Ripe, juicy Ontario tomatoes are at their peak now and ready to be enjoyed. You’ll love them like this:

• Sliced thinly for a Fresh Tomato and Zucchini Tart, a great choice for a special lunch with a green salad.

• Diced and sautéed with onions, basil, olive oil and salt and pepper, then tossed with linguine for a fresh pasta dinner.

• Combined with garlic, green onion and black olives and spooned into a Greek-style pita, for a Panzanella Wrap, a great summertime lunch.

• Topped with sliced mozzarella or crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. This simple salad is the perfect accompaniment for a grilled rib eye steak.

• Chopped and simmered with onion, chicken broth and Arborio rice for a fresh tomato risotto, a great first course or side dish for a summer meal.

adapted from Ontario Foodland