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…
Tag: summer entertaining
Weekend Kitchen | Shrimp and Sweet Corn Risotto
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…
Al Fresco | Simple Summer Meals
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….
Sip | Rhubarb Gin Fizz (+ a Lemon Rhubarb Spritzer)
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…
Sip | Bourbon Smash + Writing for a Magazine
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,…
Greens + Things | Creamy Basil Avocado Dressing and Dip
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.
Grill | Smokehouse Bacon Cheddar Burger
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.
Sip | Americano
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…
Entertain | Grilled Whole Trout with Lemon, Fennel and Parsley
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…
Sip | Gin & Ginger Lime Sparkler
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 –…