Halibut Cheeks, Pasta, Strawberry Hazelnut Salad for Canada Day
Canada Day is this weekend and I am excited. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country that is welcoming and accepting of all. As I was planning my menu for the weekend I thought I would share a few of my favourite recipes and ideas, a few of my own and few from other Canadians.
This weekend I am aiming for festive and kid-friendly with a few special drinks and appy's for the adults.
The first recipe is a fresh local fish dish with salad. It uses BC halibut cheeks, local strawberries, hazelnuts and locally made pasta. I made these recipes for a local food recipe contest, it is fresh, Canadian and red and white, what more could you ask for?!
Halibut Cheeks and Lemony Local Pasta
Arugula Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette, Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese
BC Halibut Cheeks, Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette and Lemony Local Pasta
Then there is the uniquely Canadian Cocktail, the Caesar, perfect for brunch or happy hour alike. 
How do you like your Caesar, spicy or mild? Traditionally garnished with celery and a lime wedge or garnished with various other pickles and vegetables (Mmmm spicy beans anyone)? What about a protein garnish of bacon, prawn or smoked salmon? I like mine with a whole salad worth of ingredients so it doubles as an appetizer during happy hour. Why not set up a make-your-own Caesar Bar and let everyone make their own 🙂
Perfect Canadian Caesar
Ingredients
- 1 Lime Wedge
- Celery Salt
- Generous Cubed Ice
- 5 oz Clamato Juice
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 3 dashes each Worcestershire + Tobasco or to taste
- 1 Celery Stick, PIckle Beans or other garnish
Instructions
- Place celery salt in a saucer. Cut slit through middle of lime wedge and slide it around the rim of your tall cocktail glass and then dip it in the celery salt to coat the top edge.
- Fill glass loosely with cubed ice then add Clamato, Vodka, Worcestershire and Tobasco and stir well.
- Add your celery stick or other garnish, sit back and celebrate Canada! Cheers!
For an appetizer, here's a super easy and tasty looking dip I plan to make this weekend that was in my Canadian Living magazine this month, Mediterranean Yogurt Dip. (Picture below is from Canadian Living magazine)
This dip is simply a few delicious ingredients on a bed on thick Greek yogurt in beautiful Canada Day colors. I will serve it with cucumber slices and pita wedges or pita chips.
Rhubarb Salsa
I also plan to make Ceviche and Salsa served with tortilla chips.
Click here for my Rhubarb Salsa recipe or my more classic Pica de Gallo recipe.
Another Canadian traditional food is Bannock from the First Nations people. I was reminded recently of how my mom used to prepare it for us, wrapped around a stick and cooked over a campfire. This is so fun for kids and when it is done, there is a pocket in the middle to add some jam, nutella, a savory spread or just some butter. Here is a recipe and article on making Traditional Bannock from CBC or you can do what my mom did when we were camping and use Bisquick and water. Instead of cooking it in a pot or pan, gather sticks that are about ¾"-1" diameter (make sure they are clean on the roasting end). Form the dough over the last 6 inches of the stick then let everyone roast their own over the fire and once done fill with your favourite jam or eat with dinner like a biscuit.
My top picks for dessert this weekend are my easy and delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake or Berry Parfaits. Simple and delicious, these are kid pleasing desserts individually served in clear glasses to show off the fresh summer berries. Check out this Fool recipe from Flavour and Savour, it has a raspberry rhubarb blend which looks so yummy but I'm planning on keeping it even more simple and just using fresh berries.
Do you have any Canada Day traditions? Did you try any of these recipes? I'd love to hear all about it below.
Happy Canada Day to you all!!! Enjoy your family, friends and freedom <3 Cheers!
My Neighbor's Flag-Happy Canada Day
Happy Canada Day! We are blessed in this country. Your recipes are enticing; may have to crash the festivities 🎉🇨🇦
Sounds good!