There is perhaps no better accompaniment to a summer barbecue or picnic than a good potato salad. But there are a lot of bad potato salads out there. And I have never been a huge fan of mayonnaise-only potato salads. To me, they tend to be heavy and gloopy and no one wants to eat one that’s been sitting around in the warm weather. And I also prefer a minimum of add-ins. I … [Read more...] about Mustard Bacon Potato Salad
Snacks And Starters
Melon Rosé Sangria
Pink and pretty and refreshing. Okay, a little girly. But this lovely summer sipper will cool you off with a little sophistication. The pink wine available in the US has come a long way from “white zin” and the eighties wine bar, and I urge you to seek it out. It is a crisp summer wine and there are great, affordable versions from France like La Vieille Ferme and South … [Read more...] about Melon Rosé Sangria
Zucchini Lemon Muffin Gems
Classic zucchini bread is a summer staple for anyone who has a garden or frequents the farmers market. I always seem to have one extra zucchini lying around. But I find the typical spiced zucchini bread recipe, though delicious, a little heavy in summer, so I adapted a classic English lemon drizzle bread recipe to include zucchini in cute little mini-bite form. These little … [Read more...] about Zucchini Lemon Muffin Gems
Pickled Field Peas
Field peas are one of my favorite things about summer. I freeze them in little baggies to pull out at the height of the winter blahs to remind me of the warmer months. I always seem to remember them as warmer months, not miserable, stifling hot and humid. On Saturdays, when I am cooking and putting by my farmers market purchases, I put them on to cook with some piece of pork, … [Read more...] about Pickled Field Peas
Fresh Basil Aioli
Aioli is the creamy, garlicky mayonnaise of Provence, traditionally made in a mortar and pestle. But the food processor makes this a quick, easy delight. Add a hit of fresh basil, and it is a fresh summer tomato’s best friend. Good on a simple sandwich or just spread on a thick slice. It also makes an amazing dip for a beautifully colorful display of summer vegetables. I … [Read more...] about Fresh Basil Aioli
