Easy Summer Recipes for Your Cottage Guests
As the weather gets warmer, Ontario fruits and veggies start to be perfectly ripe. Here are some easy summer recipes using seasonal produce to impress your cottage guests (without breaking too much of a sweat!)
What’s in season in June: Strawberries, rhubarb, peas, lettuce, cherries, asparagus.
Easy Stovetop Cherry Grunt (Stovetop Cobbler) from Serious EatsA simple but stunning dessert, this is fresh cherries served warm with a biscuit-like dumpling topping. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream for a delectable dessert or for a truly memorable dockside brunch. |
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IngredientsFor the Dumplings:1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon milk 1/4 teaspoon vanilla For the Cherries:1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon pinch salt 6 cups (about 32 ounces) cherries Whipped cream or ice cream to serve |
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Directions
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Asparagus and Pea Salad with Feta and Lemon Vinaigrette from Kara LydonUsing two seasonal veggies and just 4 ingredients total, this fresh citrus salad couldn’t be simpler. A perfect BBQ accompaniment for your favourite grilled meats! |
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Ingredients1 bunch asparagus, tough ends removed, sliced in half 2 cups shelled English peas (or can sub frozen green peas) 1/2 cup feta cheese 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/2 tsp lemon zest 2 tsp lemon balm vinegar 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper to taste |
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Directions1. Bring salted water to boil in a large saucepan. Blanch peas for 1 minute and using a slotted spoon, transfer to an ice bath. Remove peas from ice bath and set aside. 2. Boil asparagus for a few minutes until tender and transfer to the ice bath. Remove asparagus and set aside. In a bowl, combine asparagus, peas, mint, lemon zest, olive oil, lemon balm vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
Strawberry Jam from Ina GartenJam is a perfect activity for a rainy day at the cottage, and lets you enjoy the freshest strawberries all year round! |
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Ingredients2 cups sugar1 large lemon, zested and juiced 1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved |
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Directions1. Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. 2. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. 3. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below. Sterilizing Tips:Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed. |
Rhubarb Spritz from The Food NetworkMade with homemade rhubarb syrup, this pretty pink cocktail is a perfect happy hour treat! To make it non-alcoholic, simply skip the St Germain and opt for bubbly water or elderflower soda in place of the prosecco. |
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Ingredients2 tablespoons Rhubarb Syrup, recipe follows 2 tablespoons elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain Chilled prosecco or club soda, for topping Rhubarb Syrup2 large stalks rhubarb, cut into 4-inch pieces 1/2 cup sugar Juice of 1 lemon |
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Directions1. For the rhubarb syrup: In a medium saucepot, add the rhubarb, sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook until the rhubarb is tender and the liquid turns bright pink, 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the syrup and let cool completely. 2. Add a few ice cubes to a glass. Then add the Rhubarb Syrup and elderflower liqueur. Top off with prosecco, stir and serve. |