When everything cooks together on the barbecue, it's truly a no-fuss dinner.
Fresh but filling this Asian salad from "Cool Noodles" in the May 2004 issue of Canadian Living is perfect for picnic or patio. You can top the noodles of this wholesome lunch or supper with other kinds of seafood or even chicken. Natural peanut butter is available in supermarkets and bulk food stores.
To-do list: Adults: Open can of oranges. Peel and cut cantaloupe into cubes. Children: Pour oranges into bowl. With spoon, scoop seeds from cantaloupe. Peel and slice bananas. Remove stems from grapes.
Carved and dried apples that look like little shrunken heads add a scary garnish to this cider-based punch. Make a second batch of heads to put in jars and use as eerie decorations. Even though the apples are too salty to eat, they are essential for the fear factor.
This light stock is a good foundation for soup and for use in Chinese stir-fries.
Maria considers her bread pudding — which she makes to use up stale bread — "somewhat of a Portuguese dish given that it's been born out of the judicious use of food." The recipe also calls for dried figs, a plentiful fruit in Portugal. "The maple syrup," says Maria, "gives it that extra bit of sweetness and decadence," and honours Canada, the country where she's lived most of her life.
This adult treat is a cross between a cake pop and a rum ball. Look for lollipop sticks and cake pop stands at bulk food stores or in the baking aisle of the grocery store. We wrapped the sticks in gauze for a mummified effect. These pops taste best when cold, so keep them in the fridge until you're ready to sink your teeth into them. For an alcohol-free version, substitute 3 tbsp cold strong coffee for the coffee liqueur.
