Al fresco dining to make the most of warmer weather

Maple smoked salmon fishcakes

As we head towards the summer and the days slowly start to get warmer, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about dusting off your garden furniture, digging out the barbecue and embracing the al fresco dining experience.

Whether you’re planning a socially distanced garden party with all your friends or just a quiet barbecue with your family, we’ve got plenty of delicious, maple-infused recipes for you to try.

These maple smoked salmon fishcakes are great for spring and provide a quick, healthy option for your al fresco lunch. Made with ingredients including sweet potato, shallots, dill and spring onion, these fishcakes go brilliantly with a side salad and a dollop of mayonnaise.

If you’re looking to channel those summer vibes through your al fresco menu, why not try this maple Panzanella salad? Taking just 20 minutes to prepare and make, it will give you plenty of extra time to entertain your guests or relax in the garden with your family.

To bring the ‘fakeaway’ vibe to your outdoor kitchen and really impress your guests, this spicy jerk chicken burger with maple slaw is the perfect option. The delicious sweet and spicy flavours make it ideal for a summer lunch and the tangy Caribbean flavours combined with the sweetness of the maple syrup are sure to get your tastebuds tingling!

For those of you that are planning on firing up the barbecue, this maple sugar pie rub BBQ pork belly recipe is the one for you. The sweet, smoky rub made with maple syrup lifts the pork belly, while the spicy creamed corn and charred Hispi cabbage make for excellent sides.

To add a vegetarian option to your al fresco menu, try making Kate Veggie Desserts’ maple chipotle cauliflower tacos. Made with maple syrup, chipotle, lime and cumin, they’re packed with flavour and, served with avocado, coriander and red cabbage, make a delicious veggie meal!

We all know that no garden party or barbecue is complete without a dessert and this berry and maple pavlova will be the perfect finishing touch. It’s an irresistible dessert with a crunchy, sweet outside and a more-ish chewy inside, and the wonderful seasonal berries certainly give it that summer feeling.

We’d love to see your al fresco dining creations so don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Did you know?

Québec exports its maple products to more than 50 countries

Everywhere it goes, consumers of all ages appreciate maple’s unique flavour.

Scientists are studying maple’s potential health benefits

Studies now underway include those on the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols naturally present in maple syrup, with a recent study indicating that maple syrup is better for cardiometabolic health than refined sugar.

Maple syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in most recipes

In cake and most dessert recipes, for each 250ml (1 cup) of syrup used, simply reduce the stipulated amount of liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) by 60ml (1/4 cup).

A natural source of energy

Maple syrup is a natural source of energy. Check out our recipes for food and drinks before, during, and after exercise.