Shrimp, Scallop and Pancetta Skewers

We've been trying to figure out how many pounds upon pounds of butter we've been using in the Canadian Living Test Kitchen in the last few weeks. With developing recipes for the 2012 holidays, the bags of sugar, flour and packs of eggs and butter seem to dissapear just as fast as they make their way into our kitchen. The consensus seems to be that we stopped counting after 18 pounds of butter!

The wintery treats of the day make me crave anything summery come dinner (if I'm still hungry for a proper meal that is!). Lighter fares are usually welcome, like these fresh seafood skewers. We enjoyed them alongside grilled radicchio - a lovely addition to any summer barbecue - and a caprese salad with plump heirloom tomatoes and a caper dressing.With a few colourful blooms on our balcony and a gentle breeze, I can't think of a more perfect hot spring night.

And if you're looking for the perfect book to dive into this summer, take a look at the list in the comment section of my latest giveaway, Apron Anxiety. Chocolate Shavings readers share some of their favourite food-related reads. I've added a few to my to-read list already! And if you haven't entered the giveaway, you have a few more days to do so here.