It's the season for outdoor grilling and gathering! Gather your posse and chow down on some of my favorite summer fare:
To start, simply pop open the barbecue and grill up some good old American food: burgers and hot dogs - for a fun twist, do some in miniature!
- -hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhGirl with Burger - La Bohémienne photography, Hot Dog -
Roy LichtensteinMake sure to provide your guests with all the standard condiments, (ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.) plus some more interesting toppers like finely cut grilled bell peppers for the hot dogs, and grilled avocado slices to top your burgers and sliders (mini burgers) - now just find a manly man to cook it all up while you host this backyard bash!
hhhh In addition to your meats, take advantage of the amazing produce the warm weather brings with
sweet summer corn, a
fruit salad and a delicious
mix of greens...
With fruit salad, you really can't go wrong, just cut up any fruit you feel like mixing, from
berries to
melon, to
citrus - just be sure to avoid anything with seeds, dispose of any fruit pits, and, in my personal opinion, skip the apples - experience tells me they quickly lose their flavor when sitting out in the hot sun. To finish it off, put your colorful mixture in a bowl or even a large vase to show it off, and squeeze some lemon juice over it all to keep the fruit from getting soggy during your festivities.
.......
As for a salad, mix up something light, crisp, and refreshing. Skip the heavy Caesar dressing, and try something a little sweeter, here are the ingredients I enjoy in a summer salad - mix in any ratio you like:
Mixed Greens
Spinach
Bleu Cheese
+
Candied Walnuts
and/or Unsalted Shredded Almonds
+
Dried Cranberries
and/or Dried Cherries
+
Red Grapes
+
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing -
try
Marie's salad dressing: top quality ingredients and a superb taste!
You can't have a summer party without a
thirst-quenching summer cocktail! Here are two great recipes that are perfect in big batches for your outdoor bash:
Sweet Sangria Luxe
Ingredients
1 Bottle of your favorite white wine
(This recipe is just as delicious with a good red wine, if you so choose)
1 Lemon cut into wedges
1 Orange cut into wedges
1 Lime cut into wedges
1 Peach cut into wedges
1 Cup sliced strawberries
1/2 Cup lemonade or limeade
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 shots of apricot, peach or "berry" flavored brandy
2 Cups ginger ale
Optional: one can of diced pineapple pieces with juice
Process ingredients in blender until smooth.
Pour into margarita glass (you may frost rim of glass by rubbing juice on rim and dipping in granulated sugar, if desired).
And for the finale...
Last but not least, though these drinks are very sweet, don't be afraid to provide your guests with a little something in the dessert family, here are two delicious cool treats:
h hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh image via missgraciousliving.southernaccents.com
Hoodsie Cups
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh image via www.hphood.com
These little delights are only 100 calories, have both chocolate and vanilla ice cream inside, so there is something to please all your peeps, and are self comportable - the cover even doubles as a spoon, so they have the only necessary utensil inside!
Lindy's Homemade Italian Ice
Lindy's Homemade Italian Ice is a great alternative for your non-lactose-loving guests. More slushie than solid, this dessert goes down smooth and has the best texture of any single-serve Italian ice I've ever tried - plus at a cool 100 calories and available in 7 different flavor options, this is the only slush welcome during the summer months!
Alright Hippie Luxers, have a very Boho-Chic Backyard Bash!
Peace and Love,
la bohémienne
