Making: Mussels

        One of our favourite parts about summer is eating outdoors- we are lucky to have a space where we can do so quite late into the season. Right now though the air is warm and the nights are long- perfect for sitting out on the deck and enjoying a favourite meal of mussels and an adult beverage or two.

         Part of the appeal to me of mussels is that this is most always made by the Mr.- so no cooking for me- bonus! We keep the sides simple- local corn, olives, cheese and bread- sometimes a green salad- all from the Farmer's Market bought earlier on the weekend. Simple and easy are the key words here- it's too hot to pause overly long in our kitchen.

        Mussels can seem a little intimidating but could not be easier- the Mr.'s basic recipe goes something like this- saute half an onion, celery and garlic in olive oil in a large pot- once onions are translucent add in 1 litre of vegetable broth and a splash ( bottle) of beer. You can also add a can of stewed tomatoes or white wine instead of beer. Throw in mussels- we usually get about 2.5 pounds for our family- place the lid on the pot and steam mussels until the shells start to pop open. Garnish with parsley- serve and enjoy!

        Now not everyone in our family likes mussels- The Boy has no issue and devours pretty much everything that graces his plate- Miss Lo on the other hand is not so keen on most types of sea food- we just make sure there is an extra piece of corn for her! Living on the Coast these Littles have experienced more foods than we ever did growing up- sushi, lobster, crab, mussels, squid- they don't know how lucky they are!

         In the summer our little table out on the deck hosts so many small gatherings for our family- nightly once August sets in and the air ceases to move inside our apartment- the breeze off Burrard Inlet cooling our sweaty necks and flushed cheeks. While this small gathering may not be a Kinfolk worthy photo shoot- there is something oh so good in what we are doing- eating locally- together- gathered - and that is all that matters to us.