Meals at the Cottage: 7 Easy and Delicious Ideas for Summer
You’ve been looking forward to this all week and now you’re finally here! Feet dangling off the dock and your only goal is to unwind. A stay at to the cottage is all about disconnecting and recharging… unless you spend your time stressing about what to make for lunch and dinner!
Eating well at the cottage doesn’t mean trading your downtime for hours in the kitchen. With a few good ingredients, a bit of preparation and some easy recipes, you can enjoy summer without the stress. Say goodbye to the mental load!
Looking for meal inspiration at the cottage? The La Belle Excuse team has handpicked some of its favourite gourmet recipes for just you.
What to Eat at the Cottage: Simplicity is Key
Wanting simple meals doesn’t mean having to settle for hotdogs and hamburgers on repeat. You can still enjoy flavourful meals with minimal effort.
Planning for a few essential, versatile and high-quality ingredients will help you feed your crew without slaving away in the kitchen.
Basic Ingredients for Fuss-Free Meals
Keep these on hand for easy, no-fuss vacation meals:
- Quality Olive Oil
- Fresh vegetables (that you can eat raw or grilled)
- Easy-to-prepare protein: fish, sausages, legumes
- Fresh herbs, Flavoured Vinaigrette, artisan mustard
Good bread, cheese, olives
Snacks, Snacks and More Snacks!
If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the golden rule: they’re always hungry! So be sure to bring along a variety of quick, satisfying snacks.
- Apples, clementines, kiwis (avoid bananas—they attract mosquitos!)
- Store-bought or homemade compotes
- Mixed nuts, dried fruits and seeds (favourite: sunflower seeds, because you can spit the shells on the ground guilt-free!)
- Crackers, spreads, hummus
7 Simple and Delicious Recipes for the Cottage
Here are some quick and easy recipes for some delicious gourmet inspiration.
Cheese, olives, charcuteries, grilled vegetables, olive oil drizzle: perfect for cocktail hour.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with fleur de sel and served warm on the patio.
A hint of Mediterranean zest on the grill.
Add a splash of lemon and chives… it’ll taste just like vacation.
Chicken, lamb, sausages, vegetables, herbs and olive oil: Sunshine on a plate.
Its yogurt-dill dressing will thrill your taste buds!
Cool and protein-packed for hot summer lunches between dips in the lake.
Local Culinary Discoveries
Vacation also means local discoveries! Make sure you visit the local markets if there are any (List of Quebec Markets and Local Products). Fresh vegetables and fruits are always a treat! And don’t pass by a bakery without going in to grab some warm bread.
This summer, say goodbye to complicated meals. Savour the moment and take a break from daily chores. A few essentials ingredients in the fridge are all you need to whip up simply delicious meals for you and your crew.
And remember, if you need to stock up, visit us at our charming boutique in Saint-Liguori. Let our deliciously local creations inspire you!
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