This past December 2023, TILife’s copy editor, Elspeth Naismith, presented "Call for Recipes!" The article showed a tea towel that hangs proudly in her kitchen, which provides the ingredients for a "Traditional 1000 Islands Shore Dinner." It was written by the late Les Cook, renowned Canadian fishing guide.
Elspeth suggested that our River communities have many farmers, restaurants, store keepers, and yes, both year round and summer residents, who have favourite recipes that all have special River meanings.
Mojito-Sangria
Love mojitos? Here’s a thirst-quenching cocktail that's perfect for sipping beside the River!
Suggested by Glennis Newton, who makes this drink every summer for her step-son’s birthday.
Glennis wrote:
I make this every summer for my step son’s birthday on July 3.
It’s a perfect sipper while sitting on the deck and enjoying company. Over the years we have cut in half the amount of sweet in the rec
ipe. John reminds me to make it for him every year (as if I would forget!)
Her recipe comes from a Chatelaine magazine recipe.
Our adaption is presented here:
St Lawrence Mojito-Sangria
Serves: 4 Cooling time: 1+ hrs Active time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
24 fresh mint leaves
4 Tbsp simple syrup
12 oz (350 ml) white rum
4 oz (120 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
16 oz (500 ml) chilled dry white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio) and/or 16 – 26 oz (500 to 750 ml) chilled soda water (or to taste)
Crushed ice
Instructions:
Reserve 4 – 8 mint leaves and muddle the remaining leaves and the syrup in a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice. Add the rum and lime juice.
Shake vigorously, then pour into a pitcher. Chill for an hour or more.
Divide Mojitos between four chilled glasses, add reserved mint leaves, and serve topped up with white wine, soda, or a little of each.
To make simple syrup: In a small pot, mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup water. Stir and bring to a boil – but don’t let the sugar burn. Transfer to a jar and chill at least one hour before using. Keeps well, refrigerated, up to 2 weeks. If you prefer a less sweet syrup, then reduce the amount of sugar.
And What about Summer Kitchen Hacks?
Washing romaine lettuce without a spinner
Cut off end, then run under cold water - spread leaves out a clean tea towel. Lay the lettuce leaves out one after the other, sideways. Fold over the top and the bottom of the tea towel and then start at one end and roll - If you have a large elastic band, you can gently place it over the roll. Place in the fridge and it is ready to be used over the next 2-3 days.
Use Coffee Filters
Lots of new uses for coffee filters - Look them up on Pinterest, but my favourite is using them as a cover on a plate going into the microwave.
What did I forget?
Keep a shopping list going all the time - keep it in a handy place in the kitchen - then when the time comes to get in the boat, cross to the mainland, find the car and get to the store - you you won't forget to buy the mayo.
Do you have a recipe or a Hack... send them along to: Info@thousandislandslife.com
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 6, June 2024, Recipes
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