Recipe #46 Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 cup fruit sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 cups fresh spinach
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp paprika
1 tbsp onion, minced


Mix first 8 ingredients together. Slice strawberries, add to spinach, pour dressing over spinach, let sit 10 to 20 minutes before serving. This will allow the mixure to mellow.

Keep your heart healthy with nuts and seeds

According to Consumer Reports on healthy choices for your diet, nuts and seeds are high in phytosterols - a substance that can lower your cholesterol - naturally.

I support eating habits that can keep us healthy in a natural way, so keep this in mind when planning your next meal. Adding nuts or seeds to your favourite salad will make it a little extra special. Human beings like routine and we can get that way with our eating habits - so don't forget to switch up now and then and suprise your family or loved one - whoever you might be preparing meals for.

Here are a few suggestions for adding nuts and seeds making the dishes a little extra special.

1. Add pecans, oranges or peaches to your green salad

2. Use pine nuts when making pesto

3. Sprinkle pumpkin or sunflower seeds on your fresh spinach salad

4. Use pstachio nuts in your favourite biscotti recipe

Keeping your self and your family healthy by providing nutrious foods is one of the keys to longevity - so eat natural foods and live longer.

Good health doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, just keep your choices simple.

Recipe #45 Peach Crisp

Ingredients:

10 - 12 ripe peaches
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
1 1/2 cup large flaked oats
1 tsp cinnamon


Preparation:

Wash peaches and cut a small x on the top of each peach. Place peaches in a pot of boiling water for 1 minute. Remove peaches with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Gently peel the peaches and cut into large chunks. Place in a 8 x 8 in baking dish.


Using a fork mix flour and cinnamon with brown sugar and butter until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Then add the oats. Take 1/2 cup of the mixture and toss into the peaches. Cover the peaches with the remaining mixture and pat down lightly.


Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 375 until top is golden brown.


Serve cold or warm. Add whipped cream, ice cream or frozen yogurt!

Visiting with relatives

This summer we travelled to New Liskeard for a baby shower to welcome Mikaela - daughter of Michelle & Josh - first granddaughter for Colette (Kern's sister) and Jack.

The boys went fishing while I enjoyed an afternoon with the girls. Great time was had by all - thank you for all the northern hospitality!

The food was great at both places - the girls enjoyed their favourites and the boys enjoyed the outdoors and cooking up some fresh fish.

Finding a simple, quick and delicious desert is so easy when all the fresh fruits of summer are available in our local super markets. Everyone enjoys homemade deserts, so join in and make your loved ones happy.In June and July, strawberries and raspberries add colour, flavour and taste to salads and desserts. By the end of July, the peaches and blueberries are in season too! The fruits of summer are as welcome as the sunshine, so don't miss out!

BBQ Season is here!

"Schools out for summer" is more than just words to a song. Its actually true and with it brings a host of reasons to celebrate. Kids want to swim, camp, bike and as parents we need some quick meals to feed hungry appetites.

In my book of recipes, both written and memorized, I want to share more quick and innovative ideas with you. Hot dogs and hamburgers are staples but try this week's recipe for a change up. Its not expensive and can be ready ahead of time. Just remember to take it out of the freezer on the day you intend to serve it.

I can't actually believe I am at week 44 of 52, so my selection of favourites is getting down to my absolute favourites because there are only 8 more recipes to complete my project.

If you are a regular reader and would like to request a particular recipe be included, please email me and let me know. I would be very happy to include it in my book. Pictures are welcome too!

Thank you to all my supporters so far - it has been rewarding and challenging but most importantly it has been a labour of love. Thank You everyone!!!

Recipe #44 Marinated Flank Steak

Ingredients:

3 to 4 lb flank steak

Fresh minced garlic

Chopped shallots

Balsamic Vinegar Dressing (Our Compliments is the best)

Fresh ground pepper

1 tsp Club House cajun spice

1 tsp Club House roasted garlic and pepper spice

Preparing the meat:

Rub the steak with the spices, then put in a large freezer type plastic bag - add balsamic vinegar - seal bag and work the mixture into flank steak.

Freeze for up to 6 months.

For best results:

Take flank steak out in the morning and keep refridgerated

1 hour before cooking, keep meat in the marinate and bring to room temperture

Towel dry the meat and sprinkle with coarse sea salt

Start BBQ to high

BBQ steak on the upper rack

7 minutes on one side with lid closed, then 8 minutes other side

Remove from BBQ and lightly tent with tin foil and let rest for 10 minutes

Cut meat cross grain on an angle

Enjoy!

Recipe #43 BBQ Corn Salsa

Ingredients:

4 cobs of corn

1 large red pepper diced

1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup red onion diced

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Sea Salt and fresh gound pepper to taste

Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime

Husk the corn and rub with a 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill on BBQ - medium high for about 10 minutes. Cool before removing niblets. Add the remaining ingredients. Add lemon and lime juice and season to taste.

Cover and refridgerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with your favourite fish, chicken or seafood.

Adding zest..........

The zest and juice of lemons and limes can add a refreshing touch to fresh salads, seafood or fish main dishes and the sparkling drinks of summer. This is the time of year to enjoy the wonderful foods of summer - at camp, the cottage or just a simple picnic by the lake. Pack a lunch and get outdoors to enjoy the summer season - the warm weather is the most inviting time of year!

We spent the last few days on Lake Nosbonsing - the sunshine sparkling on the water - the fireworks of Canada Day - the laughter of children splashing in the lake! It was a very relaxing few days and of course it was highlighted by wonderful food - have you ever tried roasted garlic on the BBQ, melted brie with home-made hot pepper jelly on rice crackers - mmm good!