Oh summer…what a glorious time of year. We look forward to it, wait for it, some of us even count down the days.
As it approaches we’re excited for the warm sun on our skin, the refreshing lake that cools us, a lazy day at the beach with that new book we’ve been trying read or the time we spend puttering in our yards and gardens.
But what do some of us look forward to the most during these beautiful months? I know the answer for me, the extraordinary food that summer time brings.
The freshness, the abundance, the colours; the treats, the sweets, the grilling and the lovely fruits, veggies and herbs. I truly can’t get enough.
There is so much available at this time of year and the food possibilities are endless. Barbecued meat entrees, vegan grilling and sides, colourful salads, fresh pizzas and scrumptious fruit desserts. What is your favourite? I often can’t choose.
I have been frequenting the local markets and fruit stands, what an edible playground.
I leave with more food than my family can possibly eat, and yet somehow we manage to come up with new and exciting ways to enjoy every morsel, the bourbon-cherry barbecue sauce or lemon-thyme grilled veggies. Fresh garden tomato bruschetta or blueberry-kale salad.
If it’s sweets you want, berry-nectarine trifle or a fresh peach pie hit the spot. Whatever it is for you, a personal indulgence, a new favourite recipe, a family tradition or using what you’ve grown in your own garden, the summer months grow and offer wonderful ingredients to help us create.
The new creations for my family this year have been with the new ice cream maker my husband purchased.
The options are endless; vanilla, chocolate, berry; soft or hard, creamy or sorbet, sauce on top or fixings mixed in.
Every new combination is amazing and we find our new “favourite” flavour every time.
So for all you food lovers out there, pick something new, try something fun or go back to an old favourite. Experiment and enjoy each bite…the barbecues, picnics, the family patio nights, create new memories and look forward to what’s to come.
If you are looking for some fresh, new ideas for cooking this summer pop into the Library and check out our great selection. Take a peek in The Summertime Anytime Cookbook. The Sliced Lamb Loin Salad is a treat.
Or Home Made Summer has everything from brunch to drinks to sweet things for tea time.
If you are looking for some lightness and colour try Fifty Shades of Kale, Eating in Color or Vegan Al Fresco. The Peach Salsa and Coconut Ice Cream are worth a try. We also carry a wide selection of magazines, ‘Cooking Light’ is one of my favourites.
Whatever your style of cooking, your flavor palate or culinary skills, there is something for everyone…so enjoy this summer’s beautiful bounty.
Carly Tanasichuk is an Assistant Community Librarian at the Summerland Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library and loving every minute of summer.