With this wonderful heat wave that we have been having, it has been feeling more like a humid Hilo (Hawaii) morning these days, than a regular Vancouver summer.  Since I am always cold these days, bundled up in blankets, I am by no means complaining about this fantastic weather.  Frankly, I would be happiest in 40-degree Celsius weather with 50% humidity all the time, though my hair turning into a poufy curly Afro may indicate differently.

In this magnificent weather I find it is necessary to combine good music and drinks to the mix, making my day that much better.   Now as many people know, I am limited in the foods I eat, since I don’t “do” wheat, dairy and most meat or fruit.  Its not that I don’t like meat, dairy or wheat, it is simply a love-hate relationship, I love wheat, and wheat hates my stomach.  So finding yummy summer foods is a bit more involved than throwing a couple hot-dogs onto the barbeque and making some chocolate milk shakes. (Though now that I have just said that, I really want to go make a Vegan Carob milkshake).

During this summer weather I have gotten the chance to make various versions of non-alcoholic drinks that don’t taste like I’ve dumped a vat of white refined sugar into them and dropped in a slice of lime and 2 ice cubes.  Nothing against those fruity sweet sugar drinks, but when it is warm out I like to replenish my system with glorious H2O, not hummingbird feeder juice.  I recently went to Earls Restaurant and ordered a blackberry spritzer, (which according to the menu, was soda water and blackberries – Yummy sounding), but upon taking a sip I sadly found out that all it consisted of was a large glass of 7-Up, six ice cubes, and a whole whopping five (yes you read that right, only five) blackberries.  Not only was it a huge disappointment for me (that the waitress didn’t seem to be all that concerned about), I also found out that Earls Restaurants, Milestones and several other large chain restaurants no longer carry any Non-Alcoholic beer, their only non-alki options are over sweetened virgin margaritas, soda pop, $8 Bottles of “mineral” water or the ever popular suggestion, tap water.

After that whole debacle I have now figured out recipes I can make at home for non-alcoholic beverages for the summer heat, which I also make with a bit more “kick” (a.k.a. alcohol) for my family and friends.  So my own rendition on a non-alki blackberry drink goes as such.

Blackberry Spritzer – 3 Servings

2 Cups of Frozen Blackberries

¾ Cup of Fresh Mint leaves

3 Cups Sparkling Water (Citrus Flavoured)

1 Lime Cut into slices

¼ Cup Agave Nectar (Honey if no Agave Nectar Available)

2 cups of Ice

Take the mint leaves and ½ a cup of the Blackberries and crush into a muddled paste at the bottom of a small pitcher.   Heat the agave nectar (or organic honey) in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds – until warm. Pour nectar over blackberries and mint mixture, while gently stirring, let sit for 5 minutes.  Place lime slices/wedges into the pitcher, ice and add Sparkling water.  Serve and enjoy for a refreshing summer cooler.

(For the alcoholic version: Before adding the Sparkling Water, Add 3 shots of Triple Sec or Orange Brandy, and then add 3 shots of White Rum.  Enjoy!)

Being able to enjoy a nice cold drink without overloading the sugar just makes my day, though what really has been keeping me going on these hot days has been using quinoa in my cooking.  It surprisingly is delicious when cold, and mixed with other items. By the way, quinoa is a light fluffy seed, that when cooked tastes like nutty rice or couscous.  Here’s my most recent cooling lunchtime recipe.

Quinoa Onion Cucumber Salad

1 Cup Cooked Yellow Quinoa

1 Cup Cooked Red Quinoa

2 Medium Cucumbers (Peeled)

½ Cup Chopped Parsley

¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Basil

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or 1 Cup Plain Yogurt

1 Cup Chopped White Onion

2 Diced Jalapeño Pepper

2 Large Lemons – Squeezed Juice

¼ tsp Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

Optional Meat: 1 Cup Shelled Cooked Shrimp or Scallops

Optional: Corn Tortilla Chips

Take cooled yellow and red cooked quinoa and mix into a large bowl and add peeled and chopped cucumbers, parsley, basil, salt and pepper to the quinoa mixture and stir in Olive Oil or Yogurt until mixed through out the bowl. Add the Chopped White Onions to the bowl, diced jalapeño peppers and pour in lemon juice. Stir thoroughly.  If you eat seafood, add shrimp or scallops to this dish now, and stir in.  Let sit in refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours, and then serve.

Now I like this dish especially when I let it sit overnight, since it is really refreshing with some corn tortilla chips.  Now if you eat dairy, adding a cup of plain yogurt into the mixture instead of olive oil is absolutely tasty, but sadly I can’t find any soy-free, dairy-free yogurt lately.

Does anyone have any good suggestions for tasty foods or drinks for a hot summer day? I am always looking for a low sugar option (I can use almond or hemp milk instead of dairy too).

Now to go hunt down new fun foods at the Market on Yates in Victoria, BC.  I have my fingers crossed that they will have my favorite wheat-free pizza in stock, and maybe even Soy-free Yogurt.

Hope everyone is enjoying the heat, make sure to drink lots of water, and use sunscreen!