Oh Canada. How badly you behave on Victoria Day. The frigid overnight camping(!), the four-wheeling, the mud-bogging, the hooligan bon fires — it boggles our wee WASPy sensibilities.
Make no mistake, we love the May Two-Four — and our Canadian ale — but our favourite celebration includes being lakeside in Windermere, B.C. with croquet, cocktails, and courtesy (not in that order).
Although the spring holiday weather is almost always chilly in these parts, the long weekend wouldn’t be complete without this optimistic heritage cocktail.
SKIP AND GO NAKED
1 can frozen pink lemonade
1 can-ful of water
1 can-ful of gin
4 ice cubes
1 bottle beer, cold
Place lemonade, water, gin and ice cubes in blender. Blend until ice is crushed. Pour into four medium glasses and top with beer.
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The desired go-with for Skip and Go Naked. These babies make perfect broiled toast points.
CHEDDAR BEER SPREAD
Recipe: Bonnie Stern
Bonnie says this spread can be used for an appetizer or a filling for cold or grilled sandwiches.
1 lb (500 g) old Cheddar (or a mixture of cheese), grated
4 oz (125 g) cream cheese
1 tbsp (15 mL) grainy mustard or Dijon
1 clove garlic, minced, optional
1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 mL) Tabasco or favourite hot sauce (or to taste)
¾ cup (175mL) favourite beer
pinch smoked paprika
Combine cheese, cream cheese, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire and Tabasco in a food processor until smooth.
Add beer until spread is the consistency you like. Season to taste with salt and pepper only if necessary. Dust with smoked paprika. Makes about 2 cups.
Saucy Cherie 