11 summer food essentials

Summer is a sense-sational season! It's tantalizing in every way: the feeling of fresh, warm air on your skin; the sounds of children at play; the sight of your garden in bloom; the smell of the barbecue; and the taste of icy treats.

One of the best things about the summer is dining al fresco, enjoying your favourite seasonal fare. With fresh, flavourful ingredients in abundance, seasonal cooking is usually pretty simple, but innovative new tools can make it even more so! They won't cramp your creativity, but they will speed things up so you can cut down on time spent inside and make the most of the outdoors!


Zuko duo quick pop maker
Not only will these creative customized popsicles have children squealing with delight, they're bound to put a smile on adult faces, too! Make two pops at a time in under 10 minutes and six in total before refreezing is needed. Reusable sticks and drip guards will make this a pop-ular household item all summer long. Williams-Sonoma, $36.95.