Homemade Summer Condiments As Seen On Breakfast Television

Step aside, ketchup, mustard, and relish…

it’s time to level up your summer spread with DIY condiments made with pantry staple items.

Why go homemade? Because homemade = fresh, flavorful and budget-friendly without added preservatives.

These delicious & doable recipes will take your summertime eating to the next level. Get ready to impress your taste buds—and your guests!

Char’s Pickled Onions

These pickled onions were a staple in my home while Tyler & Colgan were growing up. They put them on everything! Perfect topper for burgers, sandwiches, salads and/or serve as garnish on a charcuterie board.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 mL) white (or cider) vinegar
• ⅓ cup (75 mL) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
• 1 large red onion, very thinly sliced

Directions

1. Stir together vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved (should only take a few minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Place sliced onions in a shallow dish and pour vinegar mixture over onions.
4. Let stand for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight (stirring once or twice).
5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Delicious & Doable Tip:

~ I like to store my pickled onions in a glass mason jar – this way I can see them and they don’t get lost in the back of the refrigerator.
~ Invited to a BBQ/outdoor party? Tie a decorative ribbon to the mason jar and give as a summer hostess gift.

Sweet & Spicy Lentil Dip

Canned lentils and beans are one of my go-to pantry staples. This dip takes minutes to whip up, is economical, and can be made two days in advance (be sure to give it a good stir before serving).

Slather on sandwiches and/or serve as a bed for grilled veggies off the BBQ.

Click here for my ‘Ginger Lime Lentil Dip with Roasted Turmeric Veggies’ recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 (540 mL) can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• ⅓ cup (75 mL) tahini
• zest and juice of one lemon
• ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) chili flakes
• 2 cloves minced garlic (or to taste)
• ¼ cup (60 mL) quality olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 mL) each of chopped fresh mint and chopped fresh parsley

Garnish:

• pinch of chili flakes, drizzle of olive oil and drizzle of Crosby’s Maple + Molasses (click here for product info).

Directions

1. Place lentils in a bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until roughly chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients (except for chopped herbs) and pulse until very well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl when needed. Check consistency – if the dip is too thick for your liking add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water (or more olive oil).
3. Add half of the chopped herbs and pulse until just combined. Place dip in a serving bowl and garnish evenly with remaining chopped fresh herbs, chili flakes, drizzle of olive oil and drizzle of Maple + Molasses. Serve with veggies and flatbreads.
4. Makes about 1 3/4 cup (425 mL).

Delicious &Doable Tips:

~ use chickpeas or white kidney beans instead of lentils.
~ add ¼ cup (60 mL) each of: sliced sundried tomatoes and quartered (jarred) artichokes to the food processor – for a Tuscan style lentil dip.

Mint & Dill Gremolata

What to do with leftover (or a garden full) of fresh herbs? Gemolata to the rescue!

How to use:
~ Fresh & tasty topper for grilled steak, chicken or fish.
~ stir with chopped tomatoes for a simple summer bruschetta.
~ fold into scrambled eggs or use as an omelet topper.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 mL) chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup (125 mL) roughly chopped and lightly packed fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup (125 mL) roughly chopped and lightly packed fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Finely grated zest and juice of half a lemon
• Pinch of salt and pepper (about ⅛ tsp)
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil

Directions

1. Stir together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use (up to 2 days). Stir well before serving.
3. Makes about 1 cup (250 mL).

Delicious & Doable Tips:

~ add any leafy fresh herbs you have on hand: cilantro, basil and/or fresh tarragon
~ use zest of one lime instead of lemon.

Where to Find ‘Delicious & Doable’ Across Ontario

Find ‘Delicious & Doable ~ Recipes For Real and Everyday Life’ on Amazon (click here) or at one of the below retailers across Ontario:

Type Books ~ 883 Queen Street West, Toronto
Lemonberry ~ 2 Orchard Heights Blvd #10, Aurora
Fanfare Books ~ 92 Ontario St, Stratford
Casual Gourmet ~ 1027 King Street West, Hamilton
The Post Office – 18 Front St. N, Thorold
Chef’s Paradise ~ 1314 Bank Street, Ottawa
Gift It Grey ~ 19492 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay
Creative Cook ~ 35 Manitoba St, Bracebridge
Muskoka Brewery ~ 1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge
Stephen’s Butcher Shop ~ 8 Harris St, Port Carling
Hilltop Interiors ~ 1150 ON-141, Rosseau
Cedar Canoe Books ~ 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Clark’s On Main ~ 1090 Main Street, Dorset
Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen ~ 39 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon
Farmer’s Daughter – 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Kitchen Bits ~ 1390 Kingsway, Greater Sudbury