Summer is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends. The warm weather, flexible schedules and long weekends make for the perfect time of year to relax, kick back and make new memories. Here are a few easy menus and “keep it simple” tips that are high on wow, low on prep and will give you more time to spend out of the kitchen and with the ones you love:
Backyard Barbecue: Dining al fresco with the inviting smells and sounds of summer floating around it the ultimate rite of summer. Here are a few recipes that you can whip up, serve at home or bring to any backyard barbecue.
Side/Starter Dish: California Chopped Salad
Keep it simple: Make it the night before. Whisk the dressing together up to 6 hours in advance; store, covered, in the refrigerator. Dice the vegetables and Monterey Jack and store them in a separate bowl, covered, in the fridge for up to the same amount of time. Combine the dressing and diced ingredients at the last minute, first whisking the dressing until smooth if it has separated.
Main Dish: Dress up your all-American burgers.
- The easiest way to take a burger from good to great is a flavorful cheese and interesting topping. Try smoked Mozzarella with grilled, tart apples; Habanero Jack and green chiles; or Brie with a cherry chutney.
Dessert: Presidential Brownie Sundaes
Keep it simple: Make brownies in advance or purchase from your favorite bakery, bring the Real California ice cream and let people assemble their own sundaes.
Family Reunion: Family reunions are a great chance to reminisce and, of course, eat! Spend more time at the table talking and less over the stove with these crowd-pleasers.
Main Dish: Whip up a variety of pizza crusts on the grill (toasted but not entirely cooked) and set out an assortment of cheeses, meats and veggies. Once everyone has assembled their pie, designate your favorite grill master to toss them back on the grill to finish off everyone’s personal pizza. For topping ideas, check out these recipes.
Keep it simple: Serve up an assortment of your favorite cookies, brownies and fresh summer fruit for dessert. Real California whipped cream or crème fraiche makes a simple, delicious topping for all.
Parents Night In: Before the summer ends and the kid’s go back to school, send all the kids to one house with a babysitter and invite all the parents over for a night off.
Side/Starter Dish: Baked Avocado with Manchego Cheese
Keep it simple: Looking to add a little spice without reinventing the recipe? Try swapping jalapeños for the bell pepper for some extra zing.
Main Dish: Whip up a few dinner party favorites with a Hispanic-style twist.
Keep it simple: Haven’t cooked with Hispanic-style cheeses? Check out our Guide to learn more about the different varieties and usage ideas.
Dessert: Nectarine and Blackberry Crisp with Crème Fraiche
Keep it simple: Save time by buying frozen pre-sliced nectarines and frozen blackberries. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to avoid the microwave mush.
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