Image by PussNBoots

The three components of this dish, cherry, lime, and bourbon, complement each other so well that I’m surprised this drink isn’t a standard summertime picnic fare. To add some sparkle to your drink, substitute sparkling water for plain. On hot August evenings, add extra ice and run it through a blender for a frozen treat.

Cherry-Bourbon Limeade

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeeze lime juice
• 1 cup simple syrup
• 4 cups ice water
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups bourbon

In a small bowl, toss cherries and sugar. Set aside to macerate at room temperature for 1 hour.

In a tall pitcher, stir lime juice, syrup, bourbon, and water. Add cherries with their juices and mix well. Serve immediately in tall glasses or champagne flutes.

Serves 6-8.

For those of you heading off to Labor Day picnics this weekend in the US, why not try this salad for something a bit different? The mint and vinegar are a refreshing combination - mix in a shot or two of tequila for an extra kick.

Sweet-Tart Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 pints fresh strawberries, quartered
• 3 tart apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 leek, washed and very thinly sliced crosswise
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 bunch mint, cut into thin strips (chiffonade)

Toss apples in white wine vinegar to prevent browning. In a large bowl, combine apples, strawberries, and leeks. In separate small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and butter. Toss salad and dressing; top with mint. Serve immediately.

Serves 6-8 as a dessert, or 10-12 as a side dish