The dog days of summer require something cool, strong, and slightly sweet - this one is just the ticket. Quick and easy to whip up…but impressive as a pre-dinner cocktail or for just sippin’ on the back porch. Feel free to increase the amount of vodka depending on your day -
Something magical happens when goat cheese is paired with summer tomatoes and juicy ripe peaches. This super quick salad works well as a starter course, but also equally impresses as an appetizer when served with our firecrackers or buttery grilled toast. We especially love the bright green nuance of fresh basil and mint from the garden, even though added bits of zesty arugula or watercress would make this the summer salad to end all summer salads….
Nothing on the planet is more delicious than fresh tomatoes steeped in olive oil, basil, and fresh garlic. Our SUMMER TOMATO TOAST is simple, but promises to be the belle of this year’s Fourth of July pool, lake, or river party. The tomatoes gain sweet complexity the longer they sit…so prep about an hour before guest arrival to ensure maximum flavor…and guest adoration.
Our simple version of this classic summertime cocktail includes muddled cucumber and Arkansas strawberries that elevate it to a whole new level. Barely sweet, heady, with bright red berries, lemon, and fresh mint that screams “SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!”
Mushrooms when cooked properly are the epitome of umami; I love this recipe as a side dish, but it’s also killer as a vegetarian main course as the base for sliders…it’s also excellent as an accoutrement to pizza.
The high heat grill ensures a crispy mushroom, so be sure to keep the burners on high through the cooking process. Morels are a seasonal treat, but worth the addition to the mix during the Spring months if you can find them. Thump thump!
Equal parts sangria and punch, this Fourth of July favorite is the perfect refresher to quinch the thirst of everyone at the party. Easily made ahead of time, then pulled from the fridge and poured over minty ice cubes and frozen strawberries (or not) make for not only a pretty, delicious summer cocktail - but also one that is relatively low in alcohol, so guests can sip, sip, and sip without risk of becoming over served and unruly.
