3 Fancy and Easy Summer Recipes

Summer is the perfect time to host dinner parties.  Summer is also when you don’t want to spend a ton of time preparing and cooking for a dinner party.  Not to mention, dinner parties in general can be a lot of work!  To make hosting easier, we have put together 3 fancy and easy summer recipes.

Bruschetta Bar:  Bruschetta bars are the easiest when it comes to tapas style eating.  Grilled bread, tons of veggies, different sauces, meats, various cheeses and voila dinner!

Tapas on Crusty Bread - Selection of Spanish tapas served on a sliced baguette.

Ingredients

  • 1 large loaf of bread, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • olive oil for drizzling
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 handful fresh arugula
  • 1 cup charred corn (you can take an extra shortcut and grab a bag of frozen charred corn at Trader Jpe’s)
  • 1/2 cup caramelized onions
  • 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
  • assorted cheeses
  • assorted meats
  • Whatever dipping sauces you choose!  Red peppers, balsamic vinegar, etc.

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill over medium high heat.
  2. Generously drizzle the bread with olive oil on both sides. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the slices of bread to the grill and grill for a few moments until grill marks are present. Flip and continue to grill the bread on the other side for a minute more. Remove and set aside.
  3. Remove the garlic from it’s paper and carefully rub the garlic on the toasted bread to give it an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Arrange the toppings on a large platter or table and serve with the grilled bread.

 

Watermelon Feta Salad:  This salad is light, cool, and refreshing!  It is the perfect combination for a summer party!

salad with watermelon and feta

Ingredients:

6 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Balsamic vinegar-optional

Directions:

1. In a large bowl combine watermelon, red onion, feta, and mint. Stir until ingredients are well combined.

2.  Serve Chilled.

 

Lemon Grilled Shrimp Kabobs:  The easiest, most flavorful way to prepare shrimp!

shrimp kabobs

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 lemons, thinly sliced and halved
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
  • Thread shrimp and lemon halves onto skewers. Place skewers onto the prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and roast just until pink, firm and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.*
  • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Stir in lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme and basil until fragrant, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve shrimp skewers immediately, brushed with butter mixture and garnished with parsley, if desired.

 

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