Simplifying Cottage Cuisine: Mastering Outdoor Cooking

The Art of Menu Planning

The secret to a stress-free cottage experience lies in crafting a menu before you leave home. This strategy not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without the constant worry of meal preparation. The barbecue becomes your best friend, offering a versatile platform for a variety of dishes that cater to all tastes, from the gourmet foodie to the classic hot dog aficionado.

Local Delights: A Foodie's Guide

Exploring local farmers' markets and bakeries can elevate your outdoor dining experience. These gems often provide fresh fruits, vegetables, artisan bread, and delectable desserts. Some may even feature local meats, adding a special touch to your barbecue. For the latest information on farmers' markets near your cottage, check out the Farmers' Markets Ontario website.

Barbecue Favorites: Recipes for Every Palate

Boneless Marinated Flat Chicken with Veggie Packets

A popular choice at many butchers, the boneless flat chicken, especially if it's a capon, is rich in breast meat and often comes pre-marinated for convenience. Here's how to cook it to perfection:

1. Preheat the barbecue to at least 500°F.
2. Sear the chicken for 2-4 minutes per side on the lower rack.
3. Move the chicken to the upper rack, reduce heat to 350°F, and cook with indirect heat for about 20-30 minutes, flipping once.
4. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

For the veggie packets:

1. Prepare 12-inch foil pieces, one per adult.
2. Drizzle olive oil and season with Montreal Steak Spice or a mix of salt, pepper, and Herbes de Provence.
3. Layer thin slices of yams, red onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic.
4. Add more oil and herbs, fold the packets, and mark them for each person.
5. Cook on the lower rack alongside the chicken, then move to the upper rack after flipping the chicken.

Barbecue Pizza

A hit with kids and adults alike, barbecue pizza allows everyone to customize their toppings. Use individual-sized pita bread as the base for a no-fuss crust.

Toppings can include:

• Grated mozzarella or bocconcini cheese
• Fresh bay leaves, torn
• Canned pizza sauce
• Grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced
• Sliced mushrooms
• Sliced red onion
• Pepperoni or thinly sliced pepperettes
• Canned pineapple chunks
• Diced cooked ham

1. Brush pitas with olive oil and warm on a medium-heat grill for 2 minutes.
2. Add toppings and return to the grill, closing the lid for 2-5 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

For a sweet finish, try this simple yet impressive dessert:

1. Simmer 3 tbsp. sugar, 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 2 tsp. ground peppercorns until reduced by half.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high (350-400°F).
3. Grill peach halves, peel side up, for 5 minutes, then coat with balsamic mixture and grill for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with the balsamic reduction.

The Benefits of Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor cooking at the cottage isn't just about convenience; it's a healthier alternative to traditional indoor cooking. Grilling can reduce fat content in meats and brings out the natural flavors of food. Moreover, it encourages family participation and can be a fun activity for kids to get involved in meal preparation.

Conclusion

With these tips and recipes, you're well-equipped to enjoy your cottage vacation without the mealtime stress. Remember, the key to a successful outdoor cooking experience is preparation and simplicity. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and savor the taste of easy cottage cuisine under the open sky.