It’s no mystery why spritzes are the darlings of Italian aperitivo (similar to American happy hour). With their effervescent nature and low-alcohol content, merrymakers can enjoy a spritz or two and feel refreshed and relaxed without stumbling into the dinner hour. I mentioned in last week’s post that we mixed up a batch of Aperol spritzes for recent guests before sitting down to a summery risotto, so this week I thought I’d share the recipe with you. Continue reading
Summer entertaining doesn’t have to be a grilling occasion. A few weekends ago we invited friends for a casual dinner on the porch, where we skipped the open flames for a light, creamy risotto. And if you want the full truth…I was dying to set the table with my hand-painted shellfish bowls. So this time I let the table setting dictate the main course, and I knew my summery shrimp and corn-studded risotto would be a match made in heaven. Continue reading
Who’s ready to dive into relaxation mode? Please tell me you are! Summer certainly took its sweet time arriving this year, as everyone from the Midwest to the East Coast knows. Now that the weather has turned glorious, there has hardly been a moment or a meal I’ve spent indoors, which equals heavenly summer casual. Bare feet, simple food, sunshine, the end. Continue reading
Happy Fourth of July, all! Question…what are you bringing to your neighborhood barbecue or fireworks celebration? If you’re not sure yet, I have the answer. This refreshing, simple, and utterly unique summer cocktail is a crowd pleaser. I LOVE these for big social gatherings because everyone can enjoy them – and honestly, the non-alcoholic spritzer version is every bit as yummy as its ginned up cousin. Tart, sweet rhubarb-lemon simple syrup brings a flavor punch as well as visual payoff with its festive Nantucket red hue, while the sparkly club soda refreshes and hydrates. If you can’t find rhubarb, substitute raspberries for an equally beautiful and delicious simple syrup. Continue reading
The August issue of Sheridan Road hit mailboxes yesterday. It brings me so much joy to create cocktails and recipes for the magazine each month, and choosing what to make is a big part of the fun. The magazine’s fabulous editor (and I’m not just saying that – she really is a dynamo), Dustin O’Regan, will share with me the stories she plans to feature, providing me with a springboard for ideas. From there I develop recipes that marry what’s happening in the magazine with ingredients that highlight the current season. Continue reading
The upside of feeling tied to the house during the kitchen renovation – time spent in the garden! Tending to it diligently along with cooperative weather have the vegetables off to a great start and the herbs in plentiful abundance. Continue reading
Independence Day, one of my absolute favorite holidays, is just around the bend! Celebrate with this juicy, decadent version of the all-American classic at your holiday barbecue. Topped with smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, and crispy thick-cut bacon, it brings simple grilled fare to a whole new level. Continue reading
It’s officially summer! Is there anything better than sipping an icy cocktail with friends on a warm summer night? One of my favorites is the refreshing, bittersweet Americano. Created in Italy during the 1860’s and originally known as the Milano-Turino, it was renamed the Americano after American expats in Italy who adopted it as their drink of choice during Prohibition. Continue reading
Happy Summer everyone! I hope the sun has been shining in your corner of the world. Construction on the kitchen is moving along, though I am absolutely dying to get in there and cook. Three and a half more weeks, if all goes as planned! Luckily, the weather has been incredible, so we’ve made good use of our grills. I thought I’d share my recipe for Grilled Whole Trout with Lemon, Fennel and Parsley, posted last summer on the aesthete and the dilettante. It is simple enough for a weeknight family meal, yet perfect in presentation for your next get together. Be sure to choose a fish with firm flesh, clear eyes, and a super clean smell – don’t be afraid to ask for a closer peek! I chose trout because it was fresh and local, but snapper would be a great substitute.
Memorial Day is the unofficial opening weekend for barbecues and casual summer get-togethers. While chilled rosé and iced buckets of beer are perfectly respectable (and delicious) offerings, consider serving a light and refreshing cocktail to kick off your next warm weather gathering. This fizzy Gin and Ginger Lime Sparkler also makes a wonderful mocktail – skip the gin and you have delicious minted ginger ale to serve guests of every age! Continue reading