No surprise that summer makes me think about food. Actually, every season makes me think about food, but that’s beside the point. For summer, I like recipes that include elements that can be made ahead and are easy to double or triple for summertime sharing. Here are four ideas to get you started with the season.
Dinner-worthy Sausage Dogs (can’t even believe I’m calling this a recipe!)
1. Choose a kielbasa sausage link (or your fave) from the deli case, one such as Hillshire farms. Cut into almost bun-length pieces, crosswise. Slice each piece in half, lengthwise.
2. Place in your favorite steak or pork marinade (I like Allegro Creole). Cover and refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight.
3. In a saute pan over medium heat, saute julienned red bell peppers and yellow onions in a little olive oil/butter mixture until softened and translucent; do not brown. Season with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes, if desired. (note: by mixing butter and olive oil, the onions aren’t as likely to brown as when you use butter only). Remove from heat and keep warm.
4. On a preheated grill, grill sausages on both sides until charred marks appear and sausages are hot throughout.
5. Serve on Pepperidge Farm Split-top Hot Dog buns with spicy brown mustard, relish, and sauteed vegetables.
You can make these and wrap in foil for a take-along meal.
Summer Fruit Salad
1. Cut your favorite fruits (I like strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, honeydew melon, green grapes) into 1/2″ dice pieces.2. Mix equal parts honey, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, and orange juice. Pour over salad, using enough to coat well but not pool underneath
3. Stir in finely chopped fresh mint. Chill. For a yummy add-on, add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream that has some fresh lime zest mixed in.
The Key Lime Cheesecake is a little more challenging, but Drop Dead Delicious!!!! Worth the effort.
The Mojitos are my favorite “lake cocktail.” I can bring on big grins with a pitcher of that!
