Marketplace Events: LONG WEEKEND

Showing posts with label LONG WEEKEND. Show all posts

Sep 4, 2015

Wonderful Watermelon: A Sensational Summer Tribute

DRINKS, LABOR DAY, LABOUR DAY, LONG WEEKEND, RECIPE, RECIPES, SUMMER, SUMMER OBSESSIONS, SUMMER RECIPES, SUMMER SALAD, WATERMELON, WATERMELON SALAD No comments

Labor Day is this Monday and with it comes the unofficial end of summer. We’ve had a glorious couple of months, but we all knew it couldn’t last forever. As summer vacation comes to a close, we’d like to encourage folks to send this wonderful season off in style.

Not sure how you should mark the occasion? Celebrate Labor Day weekend with the epitome of summer foods: watermelon. This tasty treat can be done up in hundreds of unique and delicious ways. Grill it, mash it, blend it, chop it, and more – friends and family will be thrilled. Check out our fun recipes below and say goodbye to summer with a salute to watermelon.

With Feta – Not only do these appetizers look and taste amazing, they’re also exceptionally easy to make. Chop your watermelon, add a sprig of mint, cube your feta, and skewer. You can drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you want to knock your guests’ socks off (or not, it’s your call).

Image via Bites Of Bri

With Prosciutto – Here’s a dish you don’t see every day: melon and prosciutto salad. Another sweet and savory creation (if you haven’t noticed, feta and watermelon pair very well together) this is a lovely summer meal. It’ll keep everyone cool and satisfied.

Image via Lynsey Loves Food

With Chicken & Blue Cheese – Not one for feta or prosciutto? They aren’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve got this tasty chicken, blue cheese and watermelon creation. Placed on a bed of spinach this is a delicious and healthy combination.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

With Basil – Expecting vegetarian, vegan or gluten intolerant visitors? We’ve got you covered. This watermelon basil salad has the crunch and flavor to satisfy many, while keeping most dietary restrictions in mind. Plus, it’s a snap to make!

Image via Oh, Sweet Basil

Jerky – You’ve heard of beef jerky and pork jerky, but watermelon jerky? This is definitely one of the most creative ways we’ve heard of cooking with watermelon. But it’s also incredibly simple and yummy. All you need is a food dehydrator and a watermelon and you’re good to go.

Image via Dash Of Butter

Grilled – Have you ever grilled a watermelon before? Something sort of magical happens. This recipe calls for the melon to be grilled with mandarins and honey, which caramelizes as it heats up (yum!). Sprinkle with granola and yogurt if you want, or just eat this sweet treat on its own.

Image via Capture By Lucy

Sorbet – The final days of summer always seem to be the hottest. You think the end of August and beginning of September will start to see chillier temperatures, but it just gets hotter. If you’re trying to beat the heat this weekend here’s a recipe that’s sure to help. Watermelon sorbet is so simple. All you have to do is freeze a cubed watermelon, blend it, let it set in a pan, and refreeze it.

Image via Pure Wow

Sangria – Watermelon, strawberries, lemons, wine, and vodka combine to create a sensational summer cocktail. Sipping these bad boys on your porch is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Image via Show Me The Yummy

Mojitos – Sangria not your thing? Try making watermelon mojitos. We already know from our salad and skewer recipes that watermelon and mint make a lovely couple. Add a little rum and see what happens! (As Martha would say, it’s a good thing!)

Image via Martha Stewart

Jell-O Shots – We saved the best for last! These Jell-O shots are totally adorable and delicious. They’re a bit more work than some of our other recipes, but you can be sure they’ll add a splash of fun to every party!

Image via BuzzFeed

We hope these fun and flavorful watermelon recipes help you celebrate the last long weekend of the summer in style. If you try your hand at any of these dishes make sure to share snaps of your creations with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram!

Some of you may be dreading fall’s arrival, but we’re excited. Summer is fabulous, but fall means the start of home show season! To celebrate the start of this lovely time, we’re offering 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events homes how of your choice! Visit our Facebook ticket deals to learn more! Happy Labor Day from our family to yours!

6 Memorable Memorial Day Desserts

DESSERT, ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY, LONG WEEKEND, MAY 24, Memorial Day, RECIPE, RECIPES, RED WHITE BLUE, treats No comments

Can you believe it’s almost Memorial Day weekend? That’s right, the first long weekend of the summer is just days away and we can’t wait for it! In anticipation of the BBQs, firework displays, and get-togethers everyone must be planning, we thought we’d go ahead and share some of our favorite patriotic desserts. These tasty dishes red, white, and blew our minds – so make sure to serve them up at whatever celebration you’re having this weekend.

Star Spangled Snacks – These ooey gooey bars will have everyone oohing and ahhing. Somewhere between marshmallow treats and cake, this yummy concoction will be the star of your celebration!

Image via The Gunny Sack

Patriotic Pops – Watermelon, coconut, and raspberry combine to make these delicious, extremely refreshing desserts. Perfect for youngsters or the young at heart, this treat is sure to pop a smile on anyone’s face!

Image via The Little Kitchen

Sneaky Snow Cones – These little snacks may look like snow cones, but they’re actually cupcakes! Surprise friends and family with this disguised dessert; they won’t believe what they’re tasting!

Image via Bakerella

Outrageous Oreos – Oreo pops are already a fan favorite. They’re easy to make and easy to eat. Add some red, white, and blue? You’ve got a Memorial Day staple!

Image via Makdoodle

Playful Pizza – There’s something especially fun about dessert pizza. You can display your toppings beautifully and the mix of flavors is always delicious. To incorporate red, white, and blue, this pizza has strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – and these fab fruits sit atop cream cheese and a brownie crust. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Image via Better Recipes

Festive Flag Cakes – Use red velvet cake and blueberries to create a delicious tribute to Old Glory! These simple layer cakes are the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day.

Image via Erica's Sweet Tooth

We hope you and your loved ones have a sweet, safe, and fun Memorial Day weekend!

Summer of Skewers: How to Throw a Kebab-ecue

APPETIZERS, BARBECUE, BBQ, DESSERT, ENTERTAINING, Garden Parties, Kebabs, LONG WEEKEND, Main Dishes, Outdoor Entertaining, RECIPE, RECIPES, SKEWERS, SUMMER, SUMMERTIME No comments

The first long weekend of summer is almost here! Are you ready to celebrate? This year, spice up your traditional barbecue, and throw a kebab-ecue! Serving your apps, main courses, and desserts on kebabs means half the mess and double the fun – what could be better? Try some of our unique recipes below and kebab’s your uncle, your guests will be sure to stick around.

Hearty Hawaiians – Pizza has already proven that pineapple and ham go well together. We’re sure this sweet and savory combo will be a crowd pleaser.

Image via She Wears Many Hats

Skinny Salmon – This grilled salmon has the right kind of fats and nutrients, without all the calories. It’s just what you need if you’re still working on your beach body.

Image via Skinny Taste

Cool Caprese – These refreshing morsels will definitely wow your guests. Whether your party is dressed up or down, this kebab will complement the affair.

Image via Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrows

Open Sesame Chicken – Inspired by your favorite Chinese dish, this kebab promises to be moist, rich, and delicious.

Image via A Dash Of Sanity

Taste The VeggieRainbow – Vegans can also enjoy the kebab theme. Treat them to a rainbow of vegetables: beautiful and cruelty-free.

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Honey, I’m Lime Chicken – A little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet. These yummy skewers are a great way to spice up your party!

Image via Kitchen Meets Girl

Frogmore Stew or Low CountryBoil –If you aren’t from the South you may not have heard of this crazy good meal, but trust us, this is one you’ve got to try! Baby potatoes, seafood seasoning, shrimp, sausage, and corn? It’s a game changer.

Image via Framed Cooks

Marvelous Moroccan Fish – This Middle Eastern delight is an impressive looking dish that doesn’t take too much work to create. The marinade is a little time consuming, but it’s worth it.

Image via Jelly Toast

Simple Sausage – These easy snacks are a snap to put together and make for a totally flavorful meal.

Image via Mommy's Kitchen

Tortellini Treat – Time to get even more creative with your kebabs. Incorporating pasta into this style of food isn’t usually attempted, but it should be! These skewers are tasty and unique.

Image via Real Women & Homes

Playful Peaches – Fruit and cheese is a classic combination for a reason. As you know, we’re big fans of fusing sweet and savory, and this kebab does just that. Sweet peaches, salty cheese, and seasoning; it’s music to our ears and we’re sure your guests will feel the same way.

Image via My New Roots

Crazy Candy – Yes, candy kebabs are a bit of an obvious dessert, but we love these little guys. They’re so colorful and fun. If you have youngsters (or the young at heart) at your BBQ they’ll be thrilled to see these treats.

Image via A Dose Of Serendipity

Strawberry Shortcake – This dessert is probably the most complex kebab on our list, but gosh it's delicious. Plus, it's really the cherry (or should we say strawberry) on top of your kebab-ecue. We’re sure the memory of this dessert will stick with your guests for a long time.

Image via Karen In The Kitchen

We hope this helps you plan your long weekend menu. Stick it to all those other barbecues and enjoy a kebab-ecue! You’ll be the toast of the town.

Long Weekend Cottage Tablescape

COTTAGE, COTTAGE COMFORT, DINING, DINING ROOM, GTA HOME SHOW, LONG WEEKEND, MAY 24, NELLA CASA BELLA, PICNIC TABLE, RUSTIC, SHABBY CHIC, Table, TABLESCAPE, Toronto, URBAN BARN, VICTORIA DAY No comments

Gearing up to hit the lake this weekend? To get you into a cottage state of mind, we're showing you Nella Casa Bella's stunning "Cottage Comfort" tablescape from our recent GTA Home Show in Toronto. Featuring Urban Barn furniture and accessories, this shabby chic tablescape demonstrates that rustic elements can work with modern accessories if colours are kept consistent throughout. Check out the whole space below and get ready to dive in to cottage-themed decor this weekend!

What will your cottage comfort tablescape look like?

4th Of July Recipe Roundup!

4TH OF JULY, BERRIES, BLUE, ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, JULY 4TH, LONG WEEKEND, PARTY, RECIPE, red, White No comments

Who knew there were so many great ideas out there for Independence Day? Below are 10 amazing recipes and tips to have your table decked out in red, white, and blue this year. Now the only issue you'll have is deciding which ones to make!