Let’s get cooking!
The summer months are perfect for grilling, potlucks, backyard get-togethers and lots of seasonal fruits and veggies. If you know me personally you know that aside from photography, I love to cook and entertain, and so I thought I’d throw together a list of some of my favorite summer (and pretty simple) recipes that my family and I love to make whether it’s a night in or a big backyard feast with friends! Now, I can’t take credit for most of these recipes so everything is linked to the appropriate sources, but I have included a family favorite that we created ourselves after a great family vacation. And, while we do grill a bunch in the summer, my husband tends to be the grill master, so you’ll notice I’ve stuck to some great dishes that are perfect for nights away from the bbq, or to go alongside something you have whipped up on the grill. I hope you’ll check them out, and be sure to let me know if you give any a try!
Real Simple Turkey Burgers
There’s nothing better than a burger on the grill in the summertime, and why not make it a little healthier when you opt for this lighter turkey version! This recipe includes sliced avocados and a zesty lime mayo – the perfect condiment for the juicy turkey. We generally skip the oven fries (because I am lazy- but you don’t have to!) and usually opt for quick lighter side, like a this Kale Salad with Apples and Cheddar or a pasta salad!
*Recipes from the NYT cooking blog require a low cost subscription but it’s soooo worth it!
Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata
This one is always a hit when having company over in the summer- light and fresh and perfect when peaches are in season! The flavors of the peppery arugula, sweet peaches, and zingy herb oil all play so well together on your palette. The almonds even add a nice little crunch. Oh and what’s better than some hidden prosciutto on the bottom! For a twist sometimes I like to crisp the prosciutto up a little in a pan first. Yum!
Peach and Cashew Biryani Salad
Chef Biju is a local Denver chef, who has brought his Indian heritage to a city that sometimes feels a bit lacking in culture and diversity. This is a super unique take on a biryani – an Indian side dish that is traditionally served hot with cooked meats, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. We eat it hot the day I make it, but leftovers are just as good cold the next day! This is one of my all time favorite recipes!
Tropical Jerk Chicken w/ Mango Salsa
If you haven’t stumbled across Tieghan Gerard’s cooking blog ‘Half Baked Harvest‘ then you are seriously missing out on a gold mine. Recipes are posted daily and most of then are super duper tasty. This was a delicious one we discovered last summer and I am not sure what could be better than some marinated chicken on the grill (ok so I liked there is ONE grilling recipe here!) and some tropical salsa! Spicy, tangy, sweet- it’s everything!
Pasta with Green Beans and Almond Gremolata
The lemony, crunchy, herby gremolata topping is the star of this show! This is such a nice summery pasta dish- not too heavy and whether you can use fresh green beans from your garden or just grab some from the store, I assure you this is a dish you will love.
*Recipes from the NYT cooking blog require a low cost subscription but it’s soooo worth it!
Best Gazpacho
A crisp, cold soup is perfect on a hot summer day, but over the years I have found it quite hard to find a recipe that matches the taste and consistency of the amazing gazpachos I have had at delicious tapas restaurants – until this one. Be sure to follow the directions to a T (especially the part about blending it) and you won’t be disappointed! Be sure to serve with a baguette fresh out of the oven for dipping!
*Recipes from the NYT cooking blog require a low cost subscription but it’s soooo worth it!
Our Own Tomato, Arugula, Spinach Noodle Burrata
This Lassahn Family concoction is inspired by a dish we had at an Italian restaurant in the Outer Banks a few years ago on vacation. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ingredients:
1-2 Packages Trader Joes Spinach & Chive Linguine (whatever will feed your family)
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
Burrata Cheese
Arugula
Basil Pesto
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
Cook the pasta to taste.
Halve the tomatoes and layer in a shallow bowl with pasta, arugula, tomatoes & some burrata.
Dress with a bit of pesto, drizzles of olive oil & balsamic vinegar to lightly coat the arugula and tomatoes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake
This list of summer favorites wouldn’t be complete without some seasonal desserts! This cake is perfect if you make use of strawberries from your garden or the local farmers market, particularly the ones that are small and juicy (not overgrown with pesticides!). I promise everyone will love this cake, particularly if you serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream!
*Recipes from the NYT cooking blog require a low cost subscription but it’s soooo worth it!
Fresh Lemon Mousse
There’s nothing more refreshing than citrus, and you can’t go wrong with a recipe that comes from the Barefoot Contessa herself- Ina Garten. This lemon mousse is pure, simple and oh-so-delicious. When I have served it at get togethers there hasn’t been a drop left behind….it is a total crowd pleaser with kids and adults alike!
Are you hungry yet?
Well that’s a wrap for summer eats…but don’t put your spatula and fraying pan away just yet, because I have recipes coming out my ears and I promise to come back in the fall with some tasty suggestions of what to cook up for some hearty and warming fall and winter dishes! I hope these summer bites got you hungry and inspired though, and if you have any recipes to share with me I am always interested to try something new- just drop me a line! And if you need a photographer for that special get together, or on your summer vacation, I am here!
