AAAhhhhh summer in Vancouver...such a lovely time of year! And local, fresh summer produce fills our little local markets and grocery stores. It's like the trees awaken with a colorful variety of delicious treats, that inspire and delight the home chef!
Breakfast once again becomes interesting...your fruit bowl no longer consists of apples and oranges and grapefruits...but is brimming with mango's, watermelon, pineapple and berries of all sorts (my fave's being cherries and blueberries!), I actually get excited to create a beautiful breakfast fruit bowl in the summer! For a treat, dollop some yogurt on top and sprinkle with homemade granola!! yum.
And the veggies...simply beautiful. I like going to the local market during this time of year just to be inspired by what looks good on that particular day...always trying to eat as local as possible. This week there were some beautiful fresh BC yellow beans, which we popped into a steamer until crisp-tender, tossed with a little butter, and a sprinkling of sea salt...does it get much better?
One of my most favorite things to make as an appie during the summer is bruschetta. No recipe needed...and its perfect every time. We whipped up a batch while camping a few weekends ago and folks just loved it! Just remember the basics...rough chop a bunch of Roma tomatoes (I'd say about 12 if there are 6 or more people), seed them first (as the seeds can be bitter and makes the mixture runny). Add a bit of sugar, sea salt, a bit of pepper, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, douse with olive oil, add a splash of balsamic and toss. Let sit at room temperature for a bit so the flavours combine and the garlic mellows...then just before serving add a fist full of fresh basil...FRESH I say FRESH...don't even try to add dried!
I like to serve this on those mini garlic baguette toasts you can find at Safeway in the deli section by the fine cheese.
If you have time and want to be a bit fancy-- like my dad, top your KD and hotdogs with bruschetta--- hahah...yes its true...it was his latest creation and he loved it! But seriously....for normal people, toast your own baguette slices...paint with olive oil first and scrape a garlic clove on the bread afterward...spread some soft, plain goat cheese on them, top with bruschetta and drizzle with a fine balsamic glaze (store bought is quickest)...knocks it over the top and I just know you and your guests will....
Enjoy!!!!
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