Sir Real Paddle Meals

August-September 1997

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Deb Leach

You have seen his photographs-the blue hues of Chilko Lake of the Ts'yl-os poster, the covers of outdoor guides and magazines. Paddling with him is a Sir Real experience as he shoots stock footage and obsesses about beer. Real shares his favourite pot-licking recipes from the Hakai Recreational Area of British Columbia.

Penne Pasta with Pesto for 4

Cook 1 1/2 lb penne in large pot of boiling water for 12 minutes. (You can use 1/2 seawater). Drain and stir in 3/4 c (6 oz) pesto sauce, a handful of pine nuts and "squirted" baked garlic (see below).

HINT: Look for tubes of pesto in Italian delis and you add the olive oil; or decant homemade or bottled pesto into reusable plastic tubes.

Baked Garlic

If you can have a beach fire, bake garlic for a sweet and mellow taste sensation.

Cut the top points off 1 bulb of garlic and peel off excess papery layers, keeping bulb intact. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a sprinkling of spices-basil, thyme or oregano. Wrap in foil and bake in glowing coals until soft-about 20 minutes. "Squirt" the baked cloves out of their skins into pasta or spread onto baquettes or crackers.

Kayak Style Mussels for 4

When you are positive that red tide (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) is not a problem, paddle past mussels on rocks at low tide and scoop some (24-36) into your boat. On shore, scrub shells and trim the beards.

In a large pot, sauté 6-8 green onions and 1 clove of garlic in 3 tbsp melted butter.

Add 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer 2 minutes. Toss mussels in pan and cover tightly.

Cook 5-7 minutes over very bright coals.

Serve with crusty bread and lots more wine.

Jumped Up Fruit for 4

In a large pot, dump 1 lb. of assorted dried fruit. (Real likes dried apricots, apples, prunes, muscat raisins and figs.) Cover with water, and heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and splash in Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

Bon Appetit!