Aaahhh, summer. Long, lazy days by the pool sipping spiked smoothies…
Unless you have kids. Or, like a job. Or like, stuff to do.
Dirty secret is that summer is the season of about 10 weekends and 17 backyard picnics, parties, showers, barbecues and birthday parties.
Freakin’ out a bit?
Well, call me Mr. Coppertone, cause I got you covered!
Summer fare is all about light, fresh and healthy. But with a big, fat dose of Healthy!
So here’s a few easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy that are fast and fresh, and ready to impress!
Let’s start with the openers!
We all love the caprese skewers with a cherry tomato, mozzarella ball and basil leaf. De. Lish.
Not knocking perfection, but you can turn that up a notch or two with stuff you might already have in the fridge!
The Rugged Bruschetta
You’ll need:
- A Sliced Baguette
- Soft Cheese, Farmer’s Cheese or Cream Cheese
- Herbed Boursin
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Garlic Cloves
- Balsamic Oil
- Fresh Basil
A sliced baguette with a schmear of soft cheese, farmer’s cheese or - in a pinch - cream cheese works!
I love herbed Boursin, btw. Keep that stuff around. It makes everything yummier.
Chop up those cherry tomatoes (not too small, think “rustic cut”), add some minced or roasted garlic and a drizzle of balsamic and BAM!!
Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and you won’t have time to crack a cold one before those puppies are history!
Okay, need a heartier dish to pass?
Pasta!! It’s our bestie all year long, but in summer a chilled pasta salad can be a whole meal.
How about a yummy
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
You’ll need:
8 ounces pasta (shells, penne, whatever!)
1-2 cups frozen peas thawed
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
¾ cup cheddar or Colby jack cheese shredded (other cheeses work great, too! Use what you got!
1/2 pound bacon cooked and crumbled (I find prosciutto or salami work great, too)
Chopped avocado for topping, or chives, or both!
(Depending on how many people you’re joining, you may want to double this.)
For the dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried chives
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
First, cook the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, rinse the peas to thaw them. When pasta is done, rinse with cool water.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the lemon juice, until it’s got just the right tang!
Now add the peas, cooked pasta, tomatoes, cheese, and bacon to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Stir it up! Taste and add more seasonings, if you like.
I like to add some Parmesan cheese, but whatever you like. This is a very forgiving salad. It’s always sooo good. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve!
Then grab a plate before it gets devoured!
BYO? Say no mo!
Invest in a plastic pitcher with a lid and arrive in style as the most popular guest, toting a boozy summer concoction. (Full of fruit. We’re still calling these “healthy,” remember?)
Have a sip of Boozy Orange Crush!
You’ll need:
8-10 ounces vodka or orange-flavored vodka
8 ounces triple sec
3 medium navel oranges, juiced (or just use your OJ from the fridge)
Lemon-lime soda, to taste
Orange bitters, optional, to taste
1 orange slice, optional, for garnish
Fill your pitcher with ice (you can do this when you get where you’re going so it doesn’t melt too much).
Mix the vodka, Triple Sec and juice.
Add lemon-lime soda.
So there’s your app, salad and drink to share, enjoy and impress!
And all so easy!
And if you find a free day, with ZERO gatherings to attend, fill up that kiddie pool, fix these yummy summer goodies up, and enjoy all in the quiet and peace of your own backyard.
Now, THAT’S a perfect summer day…
