EDITOR’S NOTES

to take your entertaining outside, and what better way to kick o the season than by gathering your BFFs for an al fresco girls’ night out? We’ve developed a small-plates, multi-course menu full of fresh flavours—plus a no-bake dessert—that is guaranteed to make this dinner party one to remember all summer long. Check out “Dinner in the Garden” on page 64 for inspiration.

Victoria Day is just a few weeks away! Instead of the usual burgers and salads, give your backyard BBQ some flair with the flavours of India— a favourite of this holiday’s namesake queen. Starting with a smooth golden dahl dip to a tamarind-glazed lamb main course and finishing with a refreshing orange sa ron granita, “Passage to India” on page 105 is sure to impress. If that menu feels a tad ambitious, we direct you back to the humble burger on page 132, with tips from Food Editor, Lucy Waverman, on making them the best burgers you’ve ever had!

Perhaps you’re looking for an excuse to show o all the hard work you’ve put into your garden? Consider a backyard cocktail party. We’ve got the drinks covered in “Savoury Sips” on page 76 and we o er multiple variations on crostini appetizers in “For Starters” on page 70.

Things are really starting to come into season now, with some having very small windows of availability— so don’t miss out. Ontario sour cherries are truly treasures that are delicious in dishes both savoury and sweet, as demonstrated on page 45. They’re available in large pails at most grocers, making them ideal to stock up on and freeze for when they are out of season. Also available now and worth seeking out is B.C. Wild Salmon—you’ll be amazed by its flavour in any of the dishes starting on page 89.

And finally, don’t forget Mother’s Day on May 13. Skip the reservations and take-out this year; on page 29 we’ve got a menu that even novice cooks can master, with a little help from the kids.

There are so many reasons to celebrate this time of year; we hope you enjoy the issue—and your time outside!