LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2017

Share this easy summer menu outdoors with friends, surrounded by the fruits of your hard work in the garden. BY MARILYN BENTZ-CROWLEY  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE �arde� VARIETY

LATE SPRING’S RITE is clearing away winter’s debris and planting the garden. With choosing plants at the nursery, turning and adding com­ post to the soil and mulching after planting, the chore, no matter how welcome after long months of snow and ice, is a lot of dirty work. Once done however, it is time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour as beautiful flow­ ers and shrubs begin to burgeon.

   Invite friends over on the first warm and sunny day to sit outside and admire your handi­ work with you. This dinner party will likely be the first of many spent dining outdoors while contemplating your peaceful lovely garden as it evolves over the summer.    The menu is designed to be uncomplicated with much that can be made ahead and stashed in the refrigerator or freezer.

The Garden , Ruth Moody, 2010, Red House Records, Folk/Roots/Bluegrass “Gardens have always been magical places for me—where the tiniest seeds are planted and grow into beautiful expressions of life,” says Moody. And the magic of this album begins with her opening verse, “O light shine down on me/You know what I need/Shine down on me/Shine down on the garden.” While she’s perform­ ing on banjo, Ruth’s pure and delicate voice is lovingly accompanied by gentle harmonies and subtle strings. It’s a delightful record, perfect for dining in your own freshly planted garden. SET THE MOOD BY ANN LOUGH

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