School is winding down here, and as things are turning to summer holidays we’re getting ready for Canada Day and Fourth of July celebrations! If you are entertaining, this week’s meal plan has some delicious entertaining options. Craving something more simple and healthy? Then Katie’s fried rice is just for you. Make sure as you entertain or get outdoors for a picnic to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and your summer will start off just perfectly. Looking for dessert? Try some of these mouthwatering ice pops, granitas, and semi-freddo (no ice cream maker required).
| MONDAY |
Are you planning a get together for Canada or Fourth of July? Simple Bites has a perfect recipe for outdoor entertaining, which “gives maximum flavor for minimal effort”. How can you argue with that? Tender marinated beef in warm pita, slathered with a creamy sauce and topped with veggies, you can’t go wrong!
Photo copyright Simple Bites
| TUESDAY |
Sometimes you just want something without meat, something simple and satisfying. Or you may even have a fridge full of vegetables that you want to use up, and you aren’t sure how. I love this recipe from The Muffin Myth because it’s so versatile. Change up the kinds of rice you use, add shrimp or chicken, leave out the eggs, use only your favorite veggies, whatever strikes your fancy. I love Katie’s idea of asparagus and chives with edamame.
Photo copyright Katie Trant
| WEDNESDAY |
When the weather is warm, I love a good Caesar salad with fresh cracked pepper, lemon wedges, and bits of tender chicken. This home made Caesar dressing has lots of great flavor, without any eggs or anchovies for the allergy ridden, but it still has a ton of flavor. It’s a great quick dinner when you have some leftover roasted or grilled chicken, and served with a buttermilk biscuit.
Egg-less Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
Photo copyright Chasing Tomatoes
| THURSDAY |
Ever since I tried a Meyer lemon curd recipe by David Lebovitz, and then some chocolate ice cream, I’ve been a huge fan. The recipes are a little more technical, but the end results have been amazing! If you are feeling adventurous, you can use home made ricotta for this recipe, but nobody will fault you if you buy it. You could even use fresh goat cheese. It also calls for fresh herbs, which comes in handy if you have a herb garden in full swing right now. Make sure to read the whole article because he details all the great substitutions you could make in order to make the tart your own.
Photo copyright Grongar
| FRIDAY |
Prawns are definitely one of my family’s favorite things to eat, but for the longest time I’ve been in a rut when it comes to cooking them. Sure, I can saute them up with garlic butter and serve with lemon wedges, but what else? There has to be something more exciting! When this recipe arrived in a Canadian Living magazine, I couldn’t resist making it almost immediately. At first, I was hesitant that my ultra-picky eater (also known as the Husband) would eat it, considering he swears up and down that he hates anything curry flavored. As we sat down and dug in, he declared it delicious and practically licked the plate. The curry flavor is quite mild so you can punch it up a bit if you like, and the addition of jalapenos is optional for the spice loving crowd. I used home made tortillas, but you can surely use store bought if you want!
Photo copyright Karen Humphrey