Favourite Summertime Meals

Everyone loves s’mores and BBQ, but why not put a spin on some classics or try something new? Here are some ideas that are sure to become your favorite summertime meals of 2022.

A chef-inspired new favorite – Kung Pao-style cauliflower wings

Canadian top chef Trevor Lui shared one of his favorite summertime meals with Everything Zoomer. This gluten-free, vegetarian take on a classic was an instant hit. Here is how to make it at home in only 20 minutes:

For the Kung Pao sauce:

Pulse these ingredients in a food processor until smooth and emulsified and warm in a pan over low heat:

• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup agave nectar of local honey
• 2 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 clove of finely chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons of sriracha

For the cauliflower wings:

• Break a head of cauliflower into 2-inch florets.
• Toss them in a cup of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Shake off excess and deep fry the florets in a deep fryer or a deep pan of canola oil heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes.

Toss the cauliflower with the Kung Pao sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.

A quick and flavorful BBQ recipe – curried chicken skewers with a creamy chickpea salad

If you want something quick and easy for the BBQ, try this 15-minute recipe from Canadian Living.

For the curried chicken:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of plain Balkan-style yogurt with 1 tablespoon curry paste, 2 cloves of grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. You can marinate the chicken a day ahead if you like.
• Coat the chicken in the marinade and cook it on the grill.

For the chickpea salad:

Combine a can of chickpeas with:

• ¼ cup yogurt or mayo
• 1 ½ teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
• 1 clove of grated garlic
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 cup of chopped cucumber
• A chopped celery stalk
• 2 sliced green onions
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Serve with grilled naan for a delicious, easy summertime meal.

A new take on a classic dessert – s'mores milk shake

This recipe from Taste of Home is a spin on a classic that is perfect for a hot summer day.

• Broil or grill marshmallows until golden brown and cool them completely.
• Put ½ a cup of milk and 3 cups of vanilla ice cream in a blender and pulse until combined.
• Add 10 toasted marshmallows and pulse again until blended.
• Divide into glasses and garnish with crushed graham crackers, chocolate syrup, and the remaining toasted marshmallows.