To-eat list: 15 dishes to make before September

Strawberry shortcake

One of early summer's most enjoyable desserts, with layers of fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries and crumbly, sweet cake. When to make it: Now — strawberry season only runs through the end of July. Get the recipe.

Pie

You can't go through summer without a slice of golden pastry, filled with summer's best fruits. Change up your filling as the fruits in season change from month to month. When to make it: Start now, with rhubarb while it's still available, then move along to cherries (July), blueberries, and peaches (August). Get our rhubarb pie recipe.

Grilled corn on the cob

Crisp cobs of corn, right off the grill, are a hot ticket item during the summer barbecue season. (We love to dress it up with herb butters for a little extra flash.) When to make it: Corn is at its peak during August, but as soon as you start seeing it at your local stores and markets, get grilling! Try our recipe. 

Peaches and cream

From this peaches and cream cake to a warm, crumbly peach crisp, this mouthwatering dessert combination is only at it's best for a short time every year. When to make it: August is the time to indulge — don't miss out on buying big baskets of this juicy stone fruit. Get the recipe. 

Classic burger

Don't forget the classics; a perfectly cooked patty, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and bacon is the hallmark of great weekend barbecues and easy summer eats. When to make it: All summer long. Get the recipe.

Ice pops

A perennial favourite, ice pops are one of the ultimate ways to cool down on a hot summer afternoon. When to make them: Start now, and keep a batch in the freezer all summer. Get the recipe.

Hot dogs

Another easy summertime snack, they're great cottage fare, and they're campfire-friendly. Plus, this year, you can take this ballpark staple on a world tour of flavours with our haute new toppings. When to make them: All summer long. 

S'mores

Whether you barbecue them at home or over the campfire, summer should never come to a close before you've had the chance to get a little messy with melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows and crumbly graham crackers. When to make them: On your next weekend at the lake, or over a campfire, beneath the stars. (Staying in town this summer? Try 'em on the barbecue, or flip the script and make our frozen s'mores cake, pictured above.)

Grilled chicken

Barbecued chicken, segmented or whole, is a versatile and easy-to-master dish to have in your grilling arsenal. Whether you like it saucy, spicy or simply seasoned, its a staple on our summer menus. When to make it: Anytime you feel like firing up the 'cue.

Ice cream

It's summer's most famous dessert, and we've come up with the easiest way to make it at home (no ice cream maker required!). So go ahead, indulge that triple-scoop craving anytime you're in the mood. When to make it: Now! Get all 31 flavours here.

BBQ bruschetta

These warm and crisp slices of baguette are topped with juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a basil-caper vinaigrette.
When to make it: When summer tomatoes are plentiful — August through September. Get the recipe.

Ice cream sandwiches

Skip the boxed bars and go homemade! Chewy brownie layers bookend slices of boxed vanilla ice cream for this eye-catching summer dessert. When to make it: During a midsummer heat wave. Get the recipe.

A rack of ribs

Sticky-sweet ribs are worth the extra effort at least once this summer, and we have a variety of ways to grill 'em. When to make them: For a long-weekend family barbecue. No barbecue? Follow our tips for oven-roasted ribs here.

Homemade lemonade

Summer's ambrosia. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or with an added kick (try our boozy version), this summer, don't forget to make at least one pitcher. When to make it: for hot afternoons, lazy cottage weekends and family picnics. Get the recipe.

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