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Happy-Gourmand

Last call for summer

Why is it that summer always seems to be the season that goes by the fastest? 

No matter how many sunny days we enjoy, there are green tomatoes in the garden when the days cool off and marshmallows left unroasted even as the nights expand in length. 

This year, it is my goal to check my list of wishes earlier, so that I may better achieve more of them. I thought I’d share a few of them here, in hopes that they would inspire you to do the same – or perhaps you might want to add them to your list.

For Hubby and me, camping is a treat in summer. In summers past, there wasn’t much of a chance for us to get away during our busy work season. A positive consequence of all this time off is more camping. That also means more camping meals like the ones I mentioned a few weeks ago (scroll down for recipe links) and fun adventures like Stovetop Chocolate Cake

We love to spend time on our paddleboards, an activity that works just fine with social distancing. If you don’t own a board or kayak, try renting for a day — this is a great way to get out on the lake. It counts as exercise too, which means you burn off calories — ones that can be replenished later by enjoying a treat. 

I love nostalgic treats in summer. Everything from popsicles to fancier delights are in my sights. This summer, I want to make a Famous Chocolate Refrigerator Roll for dessert. Simple but elegant, with just those wafers and whipped cream sandwiched into a log.

(One small note: In Canada, the cookies come from Mr. Christie, not Nabisco, but they are the same.)

With all the outings and travelling involved in camping and picnics and such, road snacks are important. I’ve decided to try homemade items since I have the time, and another nostalgic recipe came up in my search. 

Who remembers “gorp”? It was said to be the original trail mix, made back in the ‘60s, supposedly standing for “good ol’ raisins and peanuts, even though the usual mixture had other goodies such as M&M’s or chocolate chips. 

There is a recipe for Gorp Bars that is on my list of things to try – I figured that sticking all the bits into the bar would help avoid picking runaway raisins and peanuts out of the car seats over the winter.

The last call at a bar is traditionally made just a half hour before closing, which in my humble opinion doesn’t really offer enough time to pack any more into the moments left.

Instead of trying to choke down one more drink at the last minute, I propose we savour that last minute by adding more moments ahead of it.

We all could use a few extra indulgences in the wake of all the change that has happened this year. I know there will still be green tomatoes, probably more than I can make into relish. I want to make sure I have enough gooey marshmallows while gazing at the stars to tide me over the winter.

 I’d like to remember this summer as the one I managed to fill right to the top with moments… the tastes and smells and sights of the year that stood still in some regards, even though summer whizzed by.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, which means she is someone passionate about people having a good time. 

Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, service programs, and special event coordination.

Kristin enjoys her own experiences too, and that is what she writes about in this column. She and her husband Martin Laprise (also known as Chef Martin, of The Chef Instead) love to share their passion for food and entertaining.  

Kristin says:

"Wikipedia lists a gourmand as a person who takes great pleasure in food. I have taken the concept of gourmandise, or enjoying something to the fullest, in all parts of my life. I love to grow and cook food, and I loved wine enough to become a Sommelier. I call a meal a success when I can convey that 'sense of place' from where the food has come . . . the French call that terroir, but I just call it the full experience. It might mean tasting the flavours of my own garden, or transporting everyone at the table to a faraway place, reminiscent of travels or dreams we have had."

 

E-mail Kristin at:  [email protected]

Check out her website here:  www.wowservicementor.com

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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