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Summer is in full swing.  Like many people, I love to spend as much time outside in the summer as I can.  For many people, myself included, an evening out on the patio is a fantastic way to unwind and relax after a long, busy day.  Surrounded by family or friends, I love to use this time to catch up on the day's happenings and enjoy the lovely summer evening.

Want to beautify your patio area and need some ideas?  Earlier this year, fellow blogger Rebecca Stanisic wrote a blog post about her garden patio.  You can read about it here. 

I also found this patio set by BuyCanadianFirst member Flamborough.

To many people, spending the evening with friends and a great bottle of wine is more than enough to create an enjoyable evening.  There are many great Canadian wines to choose from.  BuyCanadianFirst Member Peller Estates recommends their Private Reserve Muscat VQA 2008 for such an occasion.

 

Not a wine drinker?  How about coffee or tea?  BuyCanadianFirst members have a few great alternatives for both coffee and tea.  Kicking Horse Coffee has Mocha Yoho which is a light coffee that they describe as "fruity, floral and buttery - with body".  But if tea is your preference (like myself) then BuyCanadianFirst Member Porcupine Creek Farm has some great organic tea blends like Citrus Cooler or Chocolate Spearmint.

 

Need a late evening nibble?  There are many great snacks to choose from.  I like this recipe from Theresa Albert of "Just One Bite" on the Food Network Canada.  Its healthy but has a bit of sweetness that appeals to kids and adults alike.  I think the yogurt dipping sauce sounds really good!

Fruit Sticks with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

 

Yield: 6

Ingredients

Fruit Sticks with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

• 2/3 cup whipping cream (35%) (150ml)
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (100g)

Vanilla Yogurt Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup plain yogurt (250ml)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (65ml)
• 1 vanilla bean

Directions

Fruit Sticks with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

1. Thread 6-8 skewers with a variety of your favourite seasonal fresh fruit. Here are some suggestions: Strawberries, Green Grapes, Pineapple, Melon, Orange or Clementine Segments, Peaches, Pears, Apples, Bananas. For a treat, you could also include marshmallows or cubed pound cake.
2. Heat the cream in a saucepan set on low until just steaming. Stir in chocolate and continue to heat gently until it melts, about 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and transfer to a small fondue pot to keep warm. Serve with fruit skewers.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Dipping Sauce

1. Following the basic chocolate sauce measurements and method above, whisk in 1/4 cup/50 mL each smooth peanut butter and strawberry jelly to the warmed cream when adding the chocolate. Heat until melted, stirring to incorporate additions.
   Tip: This recipe could easily be doubled. And remember, the better quality the chocolate, the better the sauce. But in a pinch, baking chocolate or even chocolate chips, works wonderfully. You could "soup up" the sauce by trying flavoured chocolates in place of the plain chocolate.

Vanilla Yogurt Dipping Sauce

1. In a bowl combine yogurt and maple syrup. Cut vanilla bean in half and scrape out seeds and add to yogurt mixture.
2. Serve with fresh or dried fruit.

Makes 1.25 cups/175ml

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Canada

So how about it?  Spend a little time outdoors this summer enjoying time on the patio.  Kick up your feet and relax while making memories enjoying time with those who mean the most to you.

Cheers!

 

Photos Courtesy: BuyCanadianFirst Members Flamborough, Peller Estates, Kicking Horse Coffee, Porcupine Creek Farm, Food Network Canada