Delicious Canada Day Recipes: From Classic Poutine to Maple Syrup Treats

Canada Day is a time to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of our nation with family and friends. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or a festive picnic, incorporating iconic Canadian dishes into your menu will delight your guests and add a patriotic touch to your celebration. Here are some delicious Canada Day recipes, ranging from classic poutine to mouth-watering maple syrup treats, that are sure to make your party a hit.

1. Classic Poutine

No Canadian celebration is complete without poutine, the quintessential comfort food. This simple yet delicious dish features crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy.

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
• 2 cups cheese curds
• 2 cups beef or chicken gravy
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
3. Heat the gravy in a saucepan until hot.
4. Arrange the fries on a serving platter, sprinkle cheese curds over the top, and pour hot gravy over the curds and fries.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

2. Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert known for their sweet, gooey filling and flaky pastry. These delectable treats are perfect for any Canada Day gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pie dough and cut into 4-inch circles. Press the circles into a muffin tin to form tart shells.
3. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
4. If using raisins, sprinkle a few into each tart shell.
5. Pour the filling into the tart shells, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving.

3. Maple Glazed Salmon

This maple glazed salmon is a perfect main course for your Canada Day BBQ. The sweet and savory glaze highlights the natural flavor of the salmon and adds a Canadian touch with pure maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the salmon from the marinade and grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

4. Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are a no-bake dessert named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. These rich and creamy bars have a layered structure and are a favorite at Canadian gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Bottom Layer:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

• Middle Layer:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
  • 3 tablespoons milk

• Top Layer:

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Bottom Layer: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9-inch baking dish. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
2. Middle Layer: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla custard powder, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom layer. Refrigerate again until firm.
3. Top Layer: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Pour over the middle layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
4. Cut into squares and serve.

5. Canadian Caesar Cocktail

The Caesar cocktail is a classic Canadian drink that's perfect for a Canada Day celebration. This savory cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary but uses Clamato juice for a distinctive flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces Clamato juice
• 2 dashes hot sauce
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Lime wedge
• Celery salt (for rimming the glass)
• Ice cubes
• Celery stalk and lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a tall glass with a lime wedge and dip the rim in celery salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Add the vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the glass. Stir well.
4. Garnish with a celery stalk and lime wedge.
5. Serve and enjoy!

6. Tourtière (Canadian Meat Pie)

Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie that's hearty and delicious. This savory dish is a great addition to your Canada Day menu.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the salt, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Add the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon the meat mixture into the crust.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the meat filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

7. Maple Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

These maple bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious appetizer that combines sweet and savory flavors. They're sure to be a hit at your Canada Day party.

Ingredients:

• 12 large sea scallops
• 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place the scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush each scallop with maple syrup.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
6. Serve hot.

8. Bannock Bread

Bannock is a traditional Indigenous bread that is easy to make and perfect for your Canada Day celebration. Serve it warm with butter or as a side to your main dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the water and vegetable oil, stirring until the dough comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly.
5. Pat the dough into a flat round and place it on a greased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

9. Maple Fudge

Maple fudge is a sweet and creamy treat that highlights the classic Canadian flavor of maple syrup. This easy recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cream, maple syrup, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then beat the mixture until it thickens and loses its gloss.
5. Pour the fudge into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and let cool completely before cutting into squares.

10. Canadian Beaver Tails

Beaver tails are a popular Canadian pastry that’s perfect for any celebration. These fried dough treats are deliciously crispy and can be topped with a variety of sweet toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Toppings: cinnamon sugar, Nutella, maple syrup, etc.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each piece into a flat oval.
7. Fry the dough pieces one at a time until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
8. While still warm, top the beaver tails with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious and festive Canada Day menu is a wonderful way to celebrate the nation's heritage and bring people together. From classic poutine and butter tarts to maple-glazed salmon and beaver tails, these recipes showcase the diverse and delicious flavors of Canada. Visit costume-shop.com for all your party supplies and decorations to complement your culinary creations and make your Canada Day celebration unforgettable. Enjoy your feast and the festive atmosphere with family and friends as you celebrate this special day!