August 23, 2012

The Dog Days of Summer

the dogs of summer

 

By Clarke Showroom Consultant Jenny Tredeau

Relax, enjoy, and savor the month of August. It’s flying by. Don’t even utter the words, “back to school” around the children…as this is their time for fun and should be yours too! Summer is time to kick back, keep your watches on your night stand and just let the sun guide you through your day.

The savory and sweet flavors of summer are abundant and some of the simplest recipes can make for the perfect picnic, appetizer, party dish or snack.

I’d like to share a few of my simple summer favorites.

Watermelon Salad: Watermelon, diced in bite size pieces tossed with a balsalmic rice wine vinegar, strips of red onion, salt and pepper to taste and served over arugula or spring mix and topped with fresh feta – refreshing, light and yummy!

Caprese Salad: What’s more flavorful than a freshly picked vine ripened tomato? Slice and serve with sliced buffalo mozzarella, rolled prosciutto, fresh cut basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper (and if I am serving to Dad, add some capers and a little balsalmic too!).

Grilled “anything” with veggies and rice: Chicken marinated in your favorite BBQ sauce, steak tips in a bourbon glaze. Skewer sliced Vidalia onions, shitake mushrooms, grape tomatoes, garlic cloves, sliced summer squash and zucchini…drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Start your grilling. Simmer up a long grain wild rice pilaf or kick it up with a Spanish rice pilaf…slice chicken and steak tips to bite size portions, remove veggies from skewers – toss it all together with the rice and voila!

Dessert: Any mixture of your favorite berries, peaches and plums…simply slice, dice and toss together in a bowl sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar and toss lightly. In a chilled bowl, using a hand mixer…pour a container of whipping cream, add one tablespoon of confectioners sugar at a time, a touch of vanilla extract and some five spice or cinnamon to taste…mix well with electric mixer until it begins to peak. Add confectioners sugar as needed until you reach the peak. Serve fruit over sliced pound cake or shortcakes and top with your homemade whipped cream (drizzle a little melted chocolate too!). Simple and sweet treat.

Beverage: Mix your favorite juice or juices with club soda – garnish with fresh raspberries, lime, mint leaf and serve over ice (add vodka or rum if you’ve over 21!)

Keep August simple and sweet with these favorite treats! Be sure to eat outside and create ambiance with fresh cut flower arrangements and candles!

And, to finish up your summer on a high note, and prepare for next year, visit an authorized Wolf and Sub-Zero dealer in your area and enjoy special end-of-the-season savings on outdoor appliances now.

For even more great grilling recipes, click here.