Summer Lovin'

Early dusk: the sun setting on a sensational summer's day

The Best of Summer

On a ferry, crossing a lake that is more like a sea...

Sun and sea

to arrive at the island for a day of sailing, cycling and grilling.


Island harbour

At the local bakery

Yum: grilled Mexican corn-on-the-cob; recipe via Here

Whatever your plans, hope you enjoy a restful long weekend.


Setting sail for autumn as summer unofficially ends

 

 

 

 

 

Images D. Sleziak

Taking Stock

Half...

and Half

In this month that sits in the middle of the year, on this day that is marked by half light, half dark, has your year to date been half empty or half full? 

Remember way back when, on the first day of the year, you considered the things you'd like to achieve, the things you'd like to accomplish?  Well, today is the perfect day to celebrate your successes and dream of how to enrich the days that follow.

Celebrate the summer solstice and raise a glass of cheer to toast the promise of the next half of the year.

Up above: moonrise in the

blue-skyed light of the setting sun;

summer solstice, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Photos D. Sleziak

Summer's Last Hurrah

Long Weekend Pleasures 

Afternoon delight

Early evening pleasure



 

 

 





Early morning cottage garden charm



Late afternoon play

 





 

Photos: D. Sleziak

A Summer Almanac

The countryside in early July, Prince Edward County

Summer's Bounty

"In summer, the song sings itself." 

                                                                     -- William Carlos Williams

Living in southern Canada means enjoying all four seasons to their fullest.  Summer is filled with long warm days and -- at the best times -- beautifully balmy sunsets and nights.  We also experience great rolling thunder storms, many hours of daylight, and periods of downright hot temperatures.  All this leads to a region with a long growing season; home gardens and farmers' stands abound with produce: berries, stone fruits, melons, root vegetables, squashes, herbs and a plethora of other vegetables, including maize, tomatoes, peppers and green beans.  Such a bounty makes for easy summer eating and entertaining.



Pickled produce preserve the bounty

Farmer's stand in late summer

 In the Kitchen

Just picked from the garden -- organically grown tomatoes

Fresh summer salads are a staple.  A bumper crop of tomatoes means this salad extends easily into September.



Summer salad



Tomato Salad 

         Dressing:  1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
                          2 garlic cloves, minced
                          1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
                          freshly ground black pepper
                          sea salt
                          1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

                          Whisk together first five ingredients in a bowl.  Continue whisking while pouring
                          the oil in a slow, steady stream until oil is emulsified and ingredients are well
                          combined.  Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar, close lid tightly and shake       
                          vigorously until well blended.

         Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
                            1/3 cup diced red onion
                            1/3 cup dry feta cheese
                            8 fresh basil leaves, washed, dried and sliced into ribbons
        
         Salad:  Place tomatoes, onion, feta cheese and basil in a bowl.  Top with 3 Tbsps. of    
                    dressing and gently combined.  Serves 4.




Roasted Green Beans in Three Easy Steps:

       Step 1: Wash and trim green beans.
 

         Step 2:  Place beans on pan lined with parchment paper.  Scatter with sliced shallots. 

                     Drizzle with oil olive, and season with minced garlic, cracked black pepper and
                     sea salt.  Roast in a 450 degree F oven for 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally.
 

       Step 3: Serve warm.

Easy Party Starter:

Three-ingredient simplicity and delicious taste made this hors d'oeuvre a favourite starter. 

         The How-To:  Cut small baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices.  Arrange slices on rimmed baking
                              sheet.  Top with herb goat cheese; drizzle with olive oil.  Bake in 350 degree 
                              oven for 15-20 minutes.  Top with pesto.  Serve warm.



Goat cheese pesto crisps

Photos: D. Sleziak

Recipes: Tomato Salad, D. Sleziak

Roasted Green Beans adapted from Molly Stevens's All About Roasting
Goat Cheese Crisps, M. Stewart





 

The Big Chill

As August creeps in, the temperature creeps up.  The height of summer brings with it a deep desire for cold, refreshing treats.  Frozen pops and elegant ices are the perfect palette pleaser.  With a sophistication that belies the ease of preparation, these desserts satisfy young and old alike.  Keeping with the simplicity of summer, the ingredient count is minimal -- say berries, yogurt and lemon juice, or fruit, sugar and a squeeze of citrus.  No fancy appliances or gizmoes required. Just a blender and fresh produce.  For children, serve on a stick by freezing the concoctions in moulds or paper cups (insert the stick after one half hour of freezing).  For an elegant dessert that is dinner-party worthy, freeze mixture in a shallow container and shave off slivers, piling them high is a pretty serving vessel.  Summer satisfaction guaranteed.

Inspiration -- fresh blackberries

Finished product -- blackberry and yogurt Tie Dye Ice Pops

Ice It

For a simple, fat- and lactose-free dessert, consider ices.  Tangy yet sweet, mango ice is flecked with lime.  With only three ingredients -- mango, lime (juice and rind), and superfine sugar -- this ice is more delicious than you can imagine.  Other suggestions for adults: the Pinot Noir-Infused Blackberry or Raspberry Limoncello ices from the Every Food blog. 

Key ingredients of mango and lime

Mango ice ready for serving

Recipe Finder

Recipes for the desserts featured above and those noted below see Martha Stewart Living:

• Tie Dye Ice Pops
• Blueberry Pops
• Creamy Orange Pops
• Fudge Pops
• Striped Ice Pops
• Neapolitan Pops
• Fruit Salad Pops
• Melon-Berry Pops
• Firecracker Ice Pops

At Canadian Living you can find recipes for the more unusual PB and J Ice Pops and Mango Kulki Pops.

Finally, the latest edition of American Vogue offers ten tasty recipes, including Caipirinha, Raspberries and Cream and Strawberry Ice. 

Photos D. Sleziak