Strawberry Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze

Like all Canadians I tend to revel in the warming weather and all that it brings along with it - particularly the abundant growing season. There isn't a whole lot that's more exciting than finding spring's fresh greens that you know will lead to summer's bounty.

And the first berries of the season? Watch out. Food tastes like food again and nothing is sweeter than a bright red, freshly picked, local strawberry. In fact I'm hoping to go strawberry picking this weekend so I can really stock up on this summer staple.

In my mind, the first crop of the season was always going to be just one thing - these strawberry doughnuts, and the lemon glaze was a no brainer to keep it all in balance. And I'm super happy I did! These were nice and cake-y and the strawberries added an awesome burst of flavour in every bite. The glaze was a nice tart/sweet finish.

In the photos you'll notice that the doughnuts look barely glazed, but in fact they were twice submerged with hardening time in between. Next time I make these (and there will definitely be a next time!) I'm going to make a thicker glaze, partly because I like how it looks, and partly because I like the ever so slight crunch on the outside before getting to the cake-like inside.  The flavour is all there, but the visual isn't quite on point for me (I'm picky). Glaze recipe below adjusted accordingly.

Well we should probably just get to what we all came here for, the recipe!

Keep reading for more!

Saturday Stuff

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Just in case you weren't bombarded with "TGIF" messages yesterday, today is Saturday! And just in case you had never guessed, I like Saturdays, a lot. Though I had a pretty great week that ended with three days up north for some work training (no complaints from me!) Saturday is still a wonderful, glorious day. I'll be enjoying brunch with a lovely friend and hopefully some sun after a few days of rain. 

I hope you'll also be enjoying brunch with a lovely friend and some sun, oh and here's a few links for you to enjoy as well.

Until next time!

These ridonkulous brownies should probably on "to make" list this weekend. Just saying. 

If you're not meeting a lovely friend for brunch, perhaps you could try these strawberry cornmeal griddlecakes instead. It's a win-win. 

Wise words from wise women are always a must read!

What!? Hanging lamp and hanging planter in one!? uh yes please!

Please, someone I know make one of these mini neighbourhood libraries, put it in your front yard, and delight your neighbours. 

Did you see this salad? Because it's pretty great. If I do say so myself!

Have a great weekend!

Watermelon Feta Salad with Fresh Mint

When you think of salad, what do you imagine? Leafy greens? A smattering of crunchy veg mixed with plump tomatoes, perhaps? What about fresh crispy watermelon tossed with salty feta, sweet grape tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and finished with cool mint? Because that's what we're serving up today and it's de-freakin-licious!

Pretty sure this is my new summer favourite. So good. So simple. So yes, please!

I kept it light on the dressing with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, just to give it a little more punch, and while I totally recommend this, you could also choose to go without all together and still have a tasty combo on your hands (or in your mouth, whatever).

This salad would be great in so many scenarios and can take you from a quick lunch at the office to a picnic in the park or backyard barbecue all the way up to a lovely dinner party. In all scenarios you end up with a light and refreshing salad that can stand on its own or be a playful companion.

Do you have any summer favourites? Share below!

Keep reading for the recipe!