ParentsCanada

A buttery pecan shortcake crust, fluffy coconut whipped cream and fresh strawberries come together in these pretty, summery strawberry shortcake crunch bars. Part shortcake, part cream pie, these strawberry-studded bars are made for summer. The coconut whipped cream keeps things light and luscious, while a nutty shortcake crust gives every slice a little crunch.

Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado and fresh cheese get tossed with basil and a simple balsamic dressing for this tomato, cucumber and mozzarella salad. Inspired by a classic Caprese salad, this fresh, colourful version adds crisp cucumber and creamy avocado to the usual tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Tossed with a quick balsamic dressing, it’s an easy summer side that makes the most of peak-season produce—and comes together in just a few minutes.

Fresh ingredients cook together in individual foil sole, potato and veggie packets for an easy, all-in-one dinner with practically no cleanup. There’s a lot to love about a dinner that cooks all in one neat little package. These foil packets trap steam inside as they cook, keeping the fish tender while the potatoes and veggies cook alongside it. They’re also fun for kids, who get their own packet to open at the table—just make sure an adult handles the initial burst of hot steam.

Earthy roasted beets, nutty wild rice, chickpeas and creamy goat cheese come together in a hearty, colourful salad that works just as well for lunch as it does alongside a family dinner. This is the kind of salad that earns a spot at the table when you want something fresh but substantial. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the beets, while wild rice and chickpeas give it enough heft to hold its own.

Parents spend years looking forward to the next stage, convinced it will be easier. The truth is a little more complicated. Every year my family goes to a cottage for a week. It’s nostalgic (we’ve been going to the same little beach town since I was a kid), hilarious, fun, exhausting and—with six kids ranging in age from three to 18—chaotic. My girls are in the middle of the cousins, at ages 11 and 14. We’ve been here for five days now, with one more to go.

Packed with fruit and protein-rich yogurt, this quick orange-banana-berry smoothie is a refreshing way to refuel after school or camp, the pool or a busy afternoon outside. When everyone comes through the door hungry, this orange-banana-berry smoothie is ready in minutes. Frozen berries make it thick and frosty, banana adds natural sweetness and yogurt provides enough protein to help keep everyone satisfied until the next meal.

Sweet summer peaches, crisp vegetables and maple pan sauce transform simple chicken breasts into an easy skillet dinner that's ready in about 20 minutes. Fresh peaches are one of the best parts of late summer, and they shine in this quick weeknight dinner. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savoury chicken and crisp vegetables, while the simple maple pan sauce ties everything together. No fresh peaches? Canned peaches work beautifully the rest of the year.

Cheesy and herby, these tender basil and aged cheddar scones the perfect companion to soups, salads or a even just pat of salted butter. If your basil plant is producing faster than you can use it, these savoury scones are the perfect solution. Bake a batch while fresh basil is at its peak, then freeze a few for an easy breakfast or afternoon snack that delivers a little taste of summer any time of year.

Clean out the fridge and get dinner on the table at the same time with this endlessly customizable basic frittata that makes delicious use of leftovers. A frittata is like a quiche but without the crust. It can be filled with just about anything and is a great way to use leftover cooked veggies, roasted potatoes, meat or even pasta. Bits of cheese can be grated and tossed into the mix or add cubed stale bread and have yourself a strata.

Unexpected but classic ingredients come together in this hearty sausage, walnut and rapini pasta that's packed with flavour and ready in about 30 minutes. Crunchy toasted walnuts add texture, protein and heart-healthy fats to this satisfying pasta, while lemon zest brightens every bite. It's an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little special without requiring much extra effort.