Serving Up Freshness with In-Season Ontario Produce
Hey Longweekend! We are ready for you with all the freshest summer fruit and vegetables. Having a barbeque? We are dressing up burgers and with some very creative with our toppings. Our fresh dessert bar will have your friends and family screaming for ice cream topped with delicious in season fruit, and all the best sweet treats.
Summer get togethers shouldn’t be stressful. Keep it casual with easy fare. Burgers and hot dogs are always a hit and it’s so easy to bring them to the next level. Arrange a tray with crisp lettuce, mushrooms, onions and juicy tomatoes. Add a few varieties of cheese and some pickles. Don’t forget the ketchup, mustard and mayo. Your guests will rave about the selection of toppings.
Looking for something a little extra? Don’t get yourself in a pickle. Grab some fresh local cucumbers and prepare this easy recipe: pickled cucumbers with just the right amount of tang.
Quick Pickle
1/2 cup (125 mL) white wine vinegar
2 tbsp (25 mL) granulated sugar
2 tsp (10 mL) salt
1 Ontario Greenhouse Cucumber, thinly sliced
Half small Ontario Onion, sliced
2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh Ontario Dill
In medium glass bowl, combine vinegar, sugar and salt; stir to dissolve sugar. Add cucumber and onion; stir to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes. Drain and toss vegetables with dill.
Coriander pesto is one of my favourites and it is so easy to prepare. Try my recipe and presto, you’ve got fresh pesto.
Pesto
1 cup (250 mL) packed fresh Ontario Coriander (Cilantro) Leaves
2 tbsp (25 mL) pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 clove Ontario Garlic, chopped
1 Ontario Jalapeño Pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tbsp (25 mL) fresh lime juice
In food processor combine coriander, pumpkin seeds, oil, salt, garlic, Jalapeño pepper and lime juice; process until almost smooth. Set aside.
Spice you your appetizers with fresh tomato salsa.
Tomato Salsa
2 Ontario Tomatoes, each cut into 4 rounds
Quarter large Ontario Red Onion, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) rounds
1 tsp (5 mL) vegetable oil
1 clove Ontario Garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) Mexican chilli powder
Brush tomato and onion rounds with oil; place on grill over medium heat. Grill, covered for about 5 minutes or until tender, turning over once. Coarsely chop and place in small bowl. Add garlic, vinegar and chilli powder. Stir to combine; set aside.
MITK Tip: Have you ever tried tomatoes on the grill? Slice them up. I share directions in the video.
Fresh, seasonal, produce makes the sweetest and most economical dessert choice, especially when you add ice cream. Arrange fresh fruit and toppings for a dazzling dessert bar that everyone will enjoy. Clean and prep strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches and nectarines along with toppings. My kids like chocolate chips, coconut shred, chocolate sauce and chopped nuts. Get creative and have fun.
Here's a handy checklist to help you remeber all the delicious toppings:
- · Blueberries
- · Nectarines
- · Peaches
- · Plums
- · Raspberries
- · Strawberries - sliced with sugar
- · Whipping Cream
- · Granola
- · Maple Syrup
- · One Bite Brownies
- · Chocolate Sauce
- · Caramel Sauce
- · Ice Cream
- · Angel Food Cake
MITK Tip: Too much fruit? Puree your left-over summer fruit with Greek yogurt and pour into ice pop molds for the perfect popsicle.
Whether you are headed to the cottage, the backyard or the beach, I hope that you will enjoy these quick and easy recipes.
Have a lovely weekend,
Julie
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