By Barb Holland, PHEc

Summer - it’s finally here! After a long winter inside, it’s time to get outside and enjoy casual, relaxed meals in the great outdoors. Savour every minute of sunlight and warm weather with great grilling recipes and locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables of the season. The recipes in this Summer issue of Inspired by Compliments magazine will take you from simple mid-week dinners right through to a Sunday southern comfort feast with family and friends.

Summer salads make for easy, light weekday meals. With flavours influenced from Europe, grill up Greek Pork Souvlaki and Watermelon Salad or Italian Bread Salad.

Tapas, small savoury dishes, such as Balsamic Fig & Maple Lamb, Grilled Proscuitto Wrapped Aspagargus, and Chorizo & Shrimp Skewers will wow everyone. Traditionally served pre-dinner, adding a few more, such as Green Olive Tapenade on White Bean Crostini, Classic Spanish Potato Tortilla Bites and Steamed Mussels with Chorizo Sauce can easily expand into dinner. Serve with Sangria and finish the meal with a selection of cheeses and fresh fruit. Be prepared for requests for encores.

In the mood for a little southern hospitality? The Memphis-Style Backyard Barbecue, featuring slow roasted smokey chicken and ribs will have your neighbours peaking over the fence asking ‘what’s for dinner?’ Teamed with Corn & Pepper Spoon Bread, Grilled Yukon Gold Potato & Sweet Potato Salad and a crisp Cabbage Apple Slaw, you’ll impress family and friends as the gracious ‘Southern down-home’ host.

Nothing says summer quite like a locally-grown, tree-ripened juicy peach, nectarine or apricot. Ramp up your grilling repetoire with recipes for Barbecue Peach Crisp à la Mode or Barbecue Fruit Compote Napoleon.

So, dust off the patio furniture and tune up the barbecue. Visit www.compliments.ca/inspired for delicious recipes and enjoy all the best that summer has to offer.