Languid days on the veranda or patio are always more enjoyable with a long mint-scented drink.
We ocean fish most weekends through the summer months. The thrill of catching a halibut approximately 30 pounds provides the opportunity of making the "perfect halibut cordon blue". To accompany the main is a refreshing salad dish which includes rice, peaches, capsium, celery, onion, saltanos, cashew nuts and dressing. The dressing is olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, fruit chutney and curry.
The star of this salad is halloumi, a traditional Middle Eastern cheese that holds its shape perfectly when grilled. Serve with crusty bread.
It is hard to believe that this entire meal for 6 can be prepared in under an hour. The ingredients in this main course and side dishes are completely Canadian (including the Canola oil), but just like our country's unique cultural mosaic -- they have been flavoured with exotic spices and other wonderful additions which highlight Canada's tolerance and respect for people of other lands. The lamb was reared in Ontario and the eggplant can be grown in almost any Canadian garden. I sometimes serve the lamb with chick pea fries and chuckle when I remind my Indian in-laws that Canada and Australia are now growing garbanzo beans, too.
When tomatoes are at their seasonal best, this simple salad showcases all their glory. For interest, use different colours of tomatoes, such as red, green (such as zebras), yellow and orange.
This eggplant curry is a filling vegetarian main when served with rice, naan and a dollop of yogurt. It also makes a tasty side dish when served as part of a larger Indian feast. Cream gives the sauce smoothness and helps mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes.
These packets are perfect to add to the grill, especially when cooking over indirect heat and leaving space over the lit burner for another side dish.
Kids will gobble up these easy popcorn treats. Currants and diced apricots can replace the candy.
