Cool For The Summer
It’s mid-summer and if you’re lucky, you’ve probably experienced more than a few sticky hot days. Today I’m highlighting some truly cool, truly refreshing gift ideas to help get you through the last few weeks (eep!) – and gifting occasions. From weddings to weekend stays at a friend’s cottage to backyard BBQs to dining parties al fresco, any of these gifts would make a rockin’ addition.
Walter Craft Caesar Mix – $10.99 @ BYOB Toronto
You didn’t think I’d be skipping my All-Canadian focus this post did you? Nope! I’ve hit the payload with this hostess-gift appropriate gift idea that reinvents a Canadian classic cocktail with all-natural, high quality ingredients. Brewed right here in Canada, this tangy Caesar mix is just waiting for a dash of vodka. Plus it’s available in two ‘spice levels’ to suit your tastebuds.
Fox Run Maple Leaf Set – $10.49 @ Amazon.ca
Cookie cutters may not scream refreshing summer treat, but beauty (and creativity) is in the eye of the beholder. Case in point? Use these multi-sized cookie cutters to slice up watermelon, then soak it in booze and freeze it for a tangy, refreshing summer treat that’s truly a grown-up version of this summertime favourite. Want the recipe? Check it out on the blog Once Upon a Cutting Board.
DAVIDsTEA Iced Tea Gift Sets – $20 each
I was never an iced tea person till I was at a dinner party where someone served up a watermelon variety of DAVIDsTEA. Consider me hooked from that point on. Not every tea is potent enough to be worthy of iced tea treatment, but DAVIDsTEAs are so flavourful and offer handy instructions so you can enjoy their teas hot (for a rainy day) or cold (for a hot one). These cute gift sets come with 12 single serving packages of scrumptious flavours like Pink Lemonade and Green Passionfruit, but as a heads up, there’s a bunch of stuff in general that’s on sale right now from their iced tea shop!
Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker – $239.97 @ Amazon.ca
The ultimate summer treat has to be ice cream – but instead of paying for pricey soft serve at the ice cream parlour, why not whip up some sweet treats at home? Whip up tangy sorbets and sweet soft ice creams in no time (well, apart from the standard 12+ hours of freezing time for the bowl) with this handy countertop device. Plus, it comes with three ‘add-ins’ compartments. Open the one you want and it’ll feed into the chute right into the ice cream!
Genuine Health Fermented Greek Yogurt Proteins+ – $36 for a tub
It’s easy to get carried away with sugary sweet treats and beverages during the summer – but given it’s also bathing suit season, it’s key to still make healthy choices in how you choose to satiate your thirst or appetite. One trick? Sneak some healthy protein into your favourite summer foods. Canadian brand Genuine Health’s Fermented Greek Yogurt Proteins+ is a relative newcomer on the market, but it’s got plenty of benefits you should consider. Fermentation is all the buzz right now because it’s easier to digest and promotes a healthy gut environment. It’s also easy to absorb – one serving of Fermented Greek Yogurt Proteins+ will net you 25 g of protein (an average diet looks for about 60-80 g of protein per day).
Looking for a refreshing, easy way to add more protein to your meals? Try this sweet, gluten-free Mediterranean Citrus Tart at your next backyard BBQ or gals’ gathering. It’s sure to stun – and everyone’s jaws will drop when you spill its secret healthy ingredient!
Crust
½ cup walnuts
½ cup shredded coconut
¾ cup medjool dates, pitted (approx. 11-12 whole dates)
2 tbsp ground flax seed
1 tbsp cacao nibs
Filling
2 scoops (1 serving) vanilla fermented Greek yogurt proteins+
1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk, chilled
1 lemon, juiced and rind grated
3 tangerines, juiced and rind grated
¼ tsp psyllium husk
Garnish: (optional)
Thinly sliced tangerines and lemons
Arrowroot powder
Directions:
In food processor add walnuts, coconut, pitted dates, flax seed and cocoa nibs. Pulse until crumble texture begins to form.
Place crust crumble in a medium sized 8” quiche/tart pan. Evenly spread the crumble, pressing down and up the sides to form an even crust. Tip: press ¼ up pan side and press vertically down along the individual grooves to create a sturdy edge.
Take full-fat coconut can out of refrigerator, scoop out the cream at the top of the can and place it into a blender. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon and 3 tangerines (mind the seeds!), grate the rind and pour into blender. Add fermented Greek yogurt proteins+ and of psyllium and blend well.
Pour filling mixture into crust and place into refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set. Take out and garnish with thinly sliced tangerines and or lemons.
Use arrowroot powder (fine white powder) for a sprinkled icing sugar look. If spread thinly, arrowroot powder will not affect taste, and is much lower calories. It is sustainably harvested and processed and is frequently used as a thickener.
Optional: Serve with a side of coconut whip cream! To make coconut whip cream add the chilled cream of 1 full fat coconut milk (scoop cream off top) add mixer or blender with 1 tbsp maple syrup and whip until stiff.
Fact: the yellow of the lemon peel and deep orange of the tangerine peel give the filling its pale golden hue, which in a traditional recipe comes for egg yolk. It adds the nutritional benefit of Vitamin C and antioxidants such as bioflavonoids.
Want to try the magic of Genuine Health’s Fermented Greek Yogurt Proteins+? I’m giving away $100 worth of protein bars and powder from the brand to one lucky winner. Here’s how to enter:
1) First & foremost: you must be a subscriber to the Canadian Gift Guide to enter this giveaway. It’s as simple as finding ‘The Gift of Gab’ box in the righthand column and dropping in your email or clicking follow. Then leave me a comment below by August 17, 2016, telling me your favourite stay-cool gift idea from this post.
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around August 18, 2016 to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Follow Genuine Health on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway,tagging them + me (@cdngiftguide), linking back to this post. Share your Tweet link in a separate comment below.
PSST! Be on the lookout for more on Genuine Health in the next few weeks – you’ll have another opportunity or two to earn an entry into this draw! Just keep reading the CGG 🙂
Canadian Gift Guide 
Fox Run Maple Leaf Set would be a lot of fun.
https://twitter.com/sherrykinnear/status/758268657550159872
I love the cuisinart soft serve ice cream maker. Perfect for summer!
Oh the soft ice cream maker would be my pick!
I want to say the ice cream, but feel like I should say the tea. I love David’s tea anyway!!
The Caesar mix looks like a refreshing addition to this hot summer!
The soft ice cream maker sounds like something to die for.
I would really like the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
I like the ice tea
I like the maple leaf cutters. I am a subscriber
I love the David’s ice tea idea, I had some in the cupboard I forgot about! Haha
Great ideas – love the healthy Caeser Mix and the greek protein.
@Cdngiftguide @genuinehealth greek protein giveaway chk it out. I tweeted @Corkrosy
No question the Cuisinart ice Cream Maker.
I’d be the hero with the grandkids and their friends with the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker.
I’d never heard of fermented Greek yogurt proteins+ so ir’s my pick. The GF tart sounds great!
How could you not pick that Cuisinart Ice cream maker??!! I would love that. And I’m a subscriber too. thanks.
I love the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. What a great summer idea.
mmmm I CAN see myself using the soft serve ice cream maker …wonder what you can do with if it you use Greek yogurt? ah the ideas…and fruit LOL
https://twitter.com/jackalJarrod/status/758320811887386625 thanks for the chance, I’m a subscriber
ohh,I love the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker -that looks super COOL!
My favourite is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Tweet: https://twitter.com/SeedsToHealth/status/758328589653676032
I love the cuisinart soft serve ice cream maker
https://www.cocktailemporium.ca/collections/cocktail-mixes/products/walter-all-natural-craft-caesar-mix-well-spiced
Walter Craft Caesar mix looks really good.
The ice cream maker is definitely my favourite
The Cuisinart soft serve ice cream maker sounds wonderful.
Ice cream maker all the way baby. Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker @ Amazon.ca
The watermelon pops looked interesting, but can’t help but think how bad rum pops would taste. Soak them in a berry cooler or cider and you’ve got a plan.
The ice cream maker would be a hit for the grandkids but for me it would be the Caesar Mix.
I like the Genuine Health fermented Greek yogurt proteins+, great for smoothies
The ice cream maker would be so fun!
Twitter bonus – https://twitter.com/canadacontest/status/758374100641382400
My favourite stay cool idea is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker.
I’m already a subscriber. I like the David’s Tea Iced tea gift sets best, because I love iced-tea. I was born/raised in Canada, but my mother was from North Carolina, so, I make my own iced-tea (as everyone in NC does!). The powered stuff actually takes a little odd to me, as I’m used to making my own.
for sure the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker – $239.97 @ Amazon.ca is my favourite cool down idea
I’m a subscriber to the Canadian Gift Guide. My favourite stay-cool gift idea from this post is definitely the Genuine Health Fermented Greek Yogurt Proteins+ … it is swimsuit weather after all
The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker looks amazing!
We tried Walters Caesar mix at Brewers Plate this year & it was so good!
Bonus Entry: Followed Genuine Health on Twitter and Tweeted https://twitter.com/SoulSeeker0/status/758496246957047808
I love the Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker!
Ceasar mix
I love the protein powder and the maple leaf cookie cutters!
The Ceasar Mix would be a lovely stay cool gift idea.
Followed on twitter and tweeted https://twitter.com/amt946/status/758713803156533248
I subscribe by email already 🙂 My favorite stay cool tip is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I have to say, it’s the ice cream maker
bonus https://twitter.com/ctuomi_a/status/759410809776857088
soft serve ice cream maker sounds great
I love the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker most!
tweeted https://twitter.com/VictoriaEss2/status/759819728382812160
Love the ice cream maker
Twitter bonus https://twitter.com/lululuv11/status/759879834981937152
The ice cream maker would be great to have.
The Cuisinart ice cream maker would be cool
The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is my favourite.
Soft ice cream maker
I think that the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is the best idea for a present ever.
I love the soft serve ice cream maker, what a great idea!
I love the soft serve ice cream maker!
I’m not a Caesar fan (I know that’s terribly unCanadian), so I’ll go for the Cuisinart soft serve ice cream maker as my favourite.
Love the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. Would love to be able to make ice cream from home.
Fox run maple leaf set would be perfect.
I would love the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
the ice cream maker would rock this hot summer
That soft-serve ice-cream maker would definitely keep me cool during the summer
Tweeted below.
Good Golly Miss Molly My choice is Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. . Wow, prize package is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. 🙂 Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the package to eat. A life changing exp.
I absolutely love tea!, Not knowing davids tea had iced tea packages I’m definitely running to the mall to get some tonight ! Choose me please!
My favourite is this Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. I could *live* on soft serve year-round!
ice cream maker would love for my grand daughter
Soft serve ice cream machine would keep my family cool all summer.
Love the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker!
Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker … love ice cream…favorite guilty pleasure!
Davids Tea…mmmm!
A am a subscriber. My favourite stay-cool gift idea is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker.
ice cream maker. entry pls
The ice cream maker looks amazing!!
caesar mix looks good
My favourite would be the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker.
The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker would be an awesome way to stay cool this summer
davids tea is amazing
I love the Fox Run Maple Leaf set
~Jonnie
this is my favorite Walter All-Natural Craft Caesar Mix – Classic Spice
I am all about Davids Iced Teas this summer but the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is pretty sweet (haha)
bonus entry: https://twitter.com/lusciouslm/status/763154017170042880
My favourite is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
My favourite stay-cool gift idea from this post is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. Yes!
That would have to be the ice cream machine:).Thanks!
The Ceasar mix sounds great.
I adore the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker!! It is deffinitely on my wishlist! I am also a subscriber to your blog via email.
I love the Fox Run Maple Leaf Set. What could be more Canadian
What could be more Canadian than the Fox Run Maple Leaf Set
David’s Tea gift sets!!! Yes Yes and Yes!!!
Davids Tea Iced Tea – i’m not a fan of pop or alcoholic drinks, but i LOVE some refreshing tea. Great in the summer and winter.
I love the Davids Tea iced tea sets. So refreshing!
My favourite cool idea from your post is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker.
My favourite stay-cool idea is the fermented Greek yogurt proteins+. I just bought the Walter Craft Caesar Mix – it is good but very spicy!
My favorite is the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. I could make some many different cool treats with this machine.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/sharklady71/status/766108720485064704