Rainy day eats and treats

Photo: Kristin Peturson-Laprise

What is it about the Victoria Day long weekend?! Every year we all get excited, planning a day in the garden or out on the boat, a big camping trip or a family BBQ... and what happens? The clouds roll in, the wind blows and the rain starts. What a bummer, right? Well, a good way to feel better on a rainy day is to eat something, so here are my favourite picks to put some fun back in amongst the grey.

Popcorn is a great snack, and even one that is okay on the healthy scale. So how about a movie? I am a fan of the big screen, so my first choice is to head to the biggest screen you can find that's playing something you like. Superman vs Batman? Or are you more of a Zootopia or Angry Birds fan? I won't hold it against you if you choose to have licorice or M & M's, but I'm a purist - buttered popcorn and a good movie can make me forget even the worst of days. If you happen to be a home movie buff, then I think splurging and dressing up your popcorn is the thing to do - try one of those seasoned salts you can get at many food stores (Amola is a great brand with many options), or drizzle some truffle oil over it. You might even want a glass of Chardonnay!

Making cookies is another great rainy day pastime. In today's busy world I think the best approach is to make a batch that allows for future enjoyment as well, so icebox cookies are my go-to choice. You can still spend time rolling them out and cutting them in shapes if you like; the remainders can be rolled in cylinder shapes and frozen for another rainy day! A recipe I particularly like is Pistachio Cranberry Cookies, found from an app I love called Yummly.  It's easily adapted with different nuts, or chocolate chips instead of nuts or cranberry.

If you want something more healthy, you can make some dip. My husband came up with a wonderfully simple radish dip that works equally well with veggies or crackers or chips. It's perfect sustenance for indoor activities such as board games or jigsaw puzzles as well.

RADISH DIP

• 250 g cream cheese
• zest of 1 lemon
• handful of chives, chopped
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 bunch radishes

You could always go out for a nosh - why not take advantage of inside time and try out some local fare? In Vernon, I like to treat myself to a piece of pie at Davison Orchard when I want a lift. In Kelowna, a breakfast burrito or club sandwich with fries and house-made blackberry ketchup at Okanagan Street Food are sure to bring a smile. Penticton has the friendly folks at The Bench Market (their Fungi Panini is awesome, and weekend brunch is divine). Summerland has True Grain Bakery and their delicious gingerbread cookies with coffee, or a delectable danish.

Last, but certainly not least, is the option of making indoor s'mores. They can recreate the feeling of being around the campfire, without the risk of being soggy and cold. You can sit around the table and sing Kumbaya, or you can go high tech and play video games if you prefer. Either way, I think eating one of these will help improve your mood. Eating two will make you feel downright euphoric.

However you choose to make the most of a rainy weekend, I wish you all the best. May you find some sunshine in the company of friends and in the taste of good food.

INDOOR S'MORES BARS