taste of summer

Shop Girl was going to write a blog about the sounds of summer; you know kids splashing in a pool, the mellow sound of a screen door slamming, tree frogs and crickets singing and chirping..but then I remembered FOOD and the delicious smells and tastes and the casual dinner parties we throw in our own back yard.

Summer is in full swing and bistro lights weave their way through the branches of our old walnut trees lighting the laughing faces of our guests. So many of these gatherings are casual and easy to prepare. The main thing is to give the guests a memorable evening. Wonderful flavors, warmth, if there is an unexpected nip in the air, hence our chiminea and new addition of an outdoor standing propane heater. The seating needs to be comfortable and conversations interesting... dress code "come as you are"...

I love planning a menu and often experiment with a new recipe. I hate anything complicated but love all the Mediterranean flavors. Extra virgin olive oil, lemons, tomatoes, thyme, capers, olives, good Parmesan (use a peeler to get those cool curls) and never skimp on the garlic, ever!

I start out every summer meal by roasting onions and peppers in olive oil in a 425 degree oven. Sometimes I throw in a few smashed garlic cloves w/ the skin still on. Salt and pepper to taste or not. There are very few rules here. Those roasted onions and peppers are usually done at the beginning of every week and sometimes frozen. They add flavor to many dishes...I like the subtle taste of fresh thyme and have a small herb garden with the basics. So, I usually throw that in if I'm accenting a roasted squash as a side dish. I roast the squash a day or 2 before. If you want your guests begging for more toss a handful of toasted almonds on the squash too. Pasta is easy and casual and always a crowd pleaser. Lately, I've been adding the most scrumptious garlic finishing oils from the Gift Shop to the pasta and tossing with basil and making those cute Parmesan curls for the topping.

The other great thing about the finishing oils is the fact that it tastes good on tons of things.

Good French bread, sliced tomatoes, even over steamed fresh green beans. For a last minuet get together you cannot go wrong with a few staples in your pantry. Good bread with dipping oil, decent Parmesan, pasta in all shapes and sizes, (I'm a linguine girl, myself) crisp romaine, a few tomatoes and lemons. If you have nuts you can toast or roast them and bring out the earthy sweetness that enhances pasta, salads and veggies.

The easiest food to prepare is meat. I'm a non meat eater but since I love to feed people I cook whatever they want. Of course roasted garlic chipotle finishing oil on your chicken or steaks will have them licking the plate. (lucky for you it's in your Gift Shop at Memorial) Well, those are a few of my trade secrets and I will be sampling the oils this Friday at the Memorial outdoor Market. Look for Big Papa and his BBQ sauce and Chow Chow too. Chow Chow is a relish that tastes good on everything (especially a sub sandwich). It hails from the south and is fun to say. Big Papa is a local and last year the customers bought 2 and 3 bottles of his BBQ sauce. I've made BBQ sauce and rubs from scratch but why bother when this staple is so easy, affordable and yummy? So, delight your friends and throw a party! If you're lucky they will bring lots and lots of wine!!