Simple Summer Bites
It’s been a hot summer - the hottest summer we have experienced since moving to Texas. Triple digit temperatures have been constant since the middle of May and I can’t even remember the last time we had rain. There is no expected relief in sight any time soon although it has to break at some point, right? As I shared in my post last month, I have been seeking beauty in each day of this sweltering season which I have to admit is helping me keep a little better perspective - or at least I hope it is!😊 In addition to doing that, I am also doing whatever I can to keep cool both literally and figuratively as we get through this heat. Because, after all, it is summer, and heat is part of what makes this season summer.
In an effort to keep our house as cool as possible (yes, even with air conditioning), I don’t turn on the oven much, if at all, and I also keep the stovetop cooking to a minimum as much as possible too. It can be challenging sometimes to come up with yummy meals that are quick to prepare, that fill our bellies, and that don’t require the oven, but the challenge allows me to stretch my cooking creativity in new and different ways. I have had some disappointments in my efforts, but I have also had some delicious successes too so I thought I would share a few of those here with you in hopes it will inspire new tastes and ideas for you this summer as well.
Pesto
This classic is good any time of year and is simply made by using a blender or food processor. Add pesto to sandwiches, pastas, tacos, or whenever you need just a boost of flavor. You can get creative with it too by substituting different herbs, nuts, and spices while keeping the ratios that make up the classic recipe:
In a food processor or blender, mix 2 cups herbs, about 2/3 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp. nuts, and garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Adding parmesan cheese in is part of the classic recipe but you can leave it out to give it a slightly different texture and flavor.
Lemon Basil Pesto - (recipe in photo above, courtesy of Tieghan Gerard) the lemon zest and juice give this pesto a refreshing twist
Walnut Pesto - keep the basil, garlic, and parmesan, and substitute walnuts for the traditional pine nuts
Cilantro Pesto - substitute cilantro for the basil, sunflower or vegetable oil for the olive oil, and eliminate the cheese (this one is super yummy on grilled vegetable tacos!)
Pasta with Rosemary + Lemon Brown Butter Sauce
This was an experiment with a Brown Butter Sauce with Sage recipe that is a go-to dish for me in the fall. It’s incredibly easy and incredibly delicious! To add a summer flair to it, I substituted rosemary for the sage and added the zest and juice of 1 lemon. So, SO, good! Lemon adds just a touch of brightness and zest that is oh so yummy!
Melt 5 tbsp. unsalted butter and let it brown but not burn. Once it starts browning, add in 1 tbsp. chopped rosemary (or more if you like), the zest of 1 lemon, salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat off and add the lemon juice. Serve with 8oz package of cooked corkscrew, penne, rigatoni or farfalle pasta.
Notes: Double the recipe to serve with a 16oz package of pasta. You can serve with any kind of pasta, but the short pasta and shaped pasta tends to let the sauce “stick” to it a little better.
Homemade Whipped Cream with Summer Berries
Simple and elegant! Once you have had homemade whipped cream, you will never go back to store bought whipped cream. I promise! And adding a dollop of homemade whipped cream to a bowl of berries is so refreshing and one of the best summer desserts there is!!
With a hand mixer on medium speed, beat 1 cup cold whipping cream, 2 tbsp. sugar, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla until soft peaks form. It’s just that easy!
Notes: I always use a metal bowl to make my whipped cream in. Place the bowl and the beaters from the mixer in the fridge to chill before making. Instead of the vanilla, you can substitute different extracts, liquor (think bourbon, orange liqueur, rum), or caramel sauce to take your homemade whipped cream to a whole other extraordinary level!
Fruit Infused Water or Lemonade
This is my go-to for large gatherings and it is so refreshing and super simple to make! All that is required is water or lemonade (I usually use Simply Lemonade) and whatever herbs and fruit you have on hand.
Classic flavor combinations include strawberry and basil, blackberry and mint, blueberry and sage, orange and lime slices and rosemary. Just slice the fruit, unless you are using blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries, and slightly crush whatever herb you're adding as this will release the herb’s oil and infuse a little more flavor. Let sit 30 minutes to an hour before serving. If you have some leftover, turn your flavored water or lemonade into ice cubes!
I hope these ideas will inspire you to think of different ways to enjoy the best of this summer’s produce, herbs, and flavors while keeping you and your house cool and happy! I love sharing ideas, so if you have some favorite simple summer bites that you enjoy, I would love to hear about them.
Happy summer eating and creating and stay cool out there my friends!
Michele