Come For Drinks!

 

In the summer, when the weather gets hot, happy hours might be the perfect party to plan. Invite your guests for a couple of hours, serve them something light and yummy, and don't forget a delicious drink or two. Here's inspiration for your next alfresco happy hour.

Summer Cobbler Cocktail

A haute "house cocktail" to have ready for guests. The interesting ingredients include white whiskey, Grand Marnier,  blackberries, blackberry preserves, and fresh lime juice.

Southern Living

Baked Chipotle Salmon Sushi Cups

These are just the cutest! And the salmon is actually baked, not raw at all. With bits of avocado and ginger, not to mention the chipotle mayo, this is something different that most will love.

Half Baked Harvest

Pea Pesto

Homemade Pesto is my favorite, and I grow my own basil and make the pesto, myself. But I have never made pea pesto! This is so bright and beautiful, it must be delish. They say that this recipe is so good, you could eat it with a spoon.  

Broma Bakery

Antipasto Tortellini Skewers With Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

What a pretty presentation this platter makes! Feel free to mix up your skewers - some with tomatoes, some without, just to accommodate your guests preferences. But do make sure you add that drizzle of vinaigrette at the end. The toasted bread will be great for dipping!

Half Baked Harvest

Golden Layered Piña Coladas

If I am going to indulge in an umbrella drink, it's always one of these. This may be the prettiest frozen drink ever!

Pineapple & Coconut

Heirloom Tomato Tart

If you are going to spotlight any one ingredient, it better be good. It's hard to beat heirloom tomatoes. The tart filling is of ricotta and basil. You won't need to serve another thing. 

Williams Sonoma

Salmon Nicoise With Charred Scallion Pesto

Here's a fun take on the classic Nicoise salad. It makes a pretty platter, and your guests can just take what they want. This dish is packed with protein, and probably all anyone needs. I think that this recipe will be unexpected.

Williams Sonoma

The Best Guacamole

Most people love guacamole. So why not serve it? But if you do, make sure it is the best guac ever. I looked at this recipe and noticed two ingredients that I don't add in mine - red onions and lime "zest." I can't wait to try these additions.

Love and Lemons

Rhubarb Mint Mojito

It's rhubarb season, So let's make a cocktail. It's a muddled drink, which is always fun to watch. The liquor is rum, and the presentation of so sophisticcated!

Broma Bakery

The Best Cerviche

On a hot summer day or night, cerviche seems just right. It's fresh fish cured with lime juice, tossed with cilantro, cucmber, tomato, and optional avocado. Since when is avocado ever really optional?  You can use almost any kind of fish you desire. Yum!

Feasting at Home

Everything Smoked Salmon Dip

Easy to make and so delicious to eat. In fact I suggest that you make a double batch. It's that good!

How Sweet Eats

Tomato Peach Crostini With Hot Bacon Dressing

The perfect recipe to highlight the stars of summer. Any kind of crostini  is always a hit with my guests. The tomatoes and peaches are served over grilled garlic bread that has been topped with goat cheese and basi. A chic choice.

Half Baked Harvest

Citrus Mezcal Cocktail

Who knew that Tequila's sister spirit could make such a chic cocktail? If you didn't know Mezcal is like tequila but smokey with a distinct personality of its' own.

Brit + Co

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Foodie Friday: Summer Cocktails & Appetizers

{ Via: Tiffany La Belle }

Don't we all aspire to look like Tiffany's lovely lady above, while having a cocktail? Tiffany's illustration, which you can actually  purchase, inspired this post. I love Summer evenings with a good sunset,  a chic cocktail, and a beautiful bite. It's all one really needs on some occasions. This roundup features fifteen fabulous recipes that will quench your thirst, and tickle your tastebuds. Enjoy and cheers!

 

Aperol Spritz
The perfect light and fruity Summer drink. It's also elegant, bubbly, and very easy to make.
Broma Bakery

Peach Brie Pastry Tarts with Peppered Rosemary Honey
This recipe is everything that we want in an appetizer. They are quick, easy, and everyone loves them. What more can you ask for?
Half Baked Harvest

Tomato and Peach Flatbreads with Basil
What a pretty platter these will make! The base is Noon bread, and you grill it before assembling.
My Recipes

Blueberry Ginger Paloma

Truth be told, I have never had a Paloma, but they always look so good to me. The addition of blueberries and ginger really add the the perfect punch to 
this cocktail.
Heather Christo

Crudités with Chive Crème Fraîche
If you really want to social distance this summer, serve this. There will be no double dipping happening, but a whole lot of elegance.
Williams Sonoma

Pink Vodka Watermelon Lemonade
Lemonade and vodka are a delicious duo. Add some watermelon, and you have the perfect lazy day libation!
Half Baked Harvest

Herbed Goat Cheese Dip
Just what you need when you are in a hurry. This recipe comes together in five minutes. And it's made with plain non fat yogurt, so it is 
somewhat healthy!
What a Girl Eats

Watermelon Salsa
Give me all of the watermelon recipes please. Not being much of a fruit eater. this is the one that I can eat at every meal. This recipe is light enough to eat on a chip or spread on almost any dish, especially fish!
The Girl Who Ate Everything

Summer Campari Sangria
Sangria just screams hot Summer days and evenings to me. I love making it, and by that, I really mean that I love taste testing it. This recipe features citrusy notes with lemon juice, orange juice and Cointreau. Of course the star of the
 show is rosé. Yum!
Inspired By Charm

Fig and Mascarpone Cracker Appetizers
A very simple Summer appetizer recipe that can be put together in a flash. It calls for a specific cracker (which looks delish) but feel free
 to use what is on hand.
The Seaside Baker

Shrimp and Scallops with
 Lemony Soy
The Japanese style marinade works very  fast with a combination of  tart citrus and salty soy sauce.
Food And Wine

Pineapple Peach Agua Fresca
This cocktail is sure to refresh you on Summer's hottest days and nights. It's not super sweet, but if you are a fruit lover, it will hit the spot.

How Sweet Eats

Mini Lobster Rolls
Aren't these the cutest things ever? Mini brioche hot dog buns create the look with the perfect ratio of buttery bun to lobster meat.
Pure Wow

Prosecco Peach Spritz
Balsamic vinegar adds a tart splash to this sweet bubbly drink.
Half Baked Harvest

Mexican Street Corn Dip With Avocado
The perfect summer dip. It's like eating grilled corn on the cob, without the mess or kernels in your teeth. A dash of sriracha gives it a kick.
Shared Appetite

 
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Foodie Friday: Summer Cocktails & Appetizers

Spirited Recipes For Dad's Day

{ Via: Williams Sonoma }

Most men think they are grill masters. My Dad was, and now my husband thinks he is. This year, entice Dad to have a seat with a cocktail he can't resist. Then cook him up something that is infused with spirited flavors. These 12 recipes are unexpected, but oh so interesting. Dad is sure to love them. 

Jameson Whiskey Blue Cheese Burger
As if this recipe doesn't sound good enough, it's topped with a Guinness cheese sauce + crispy onions!  Most Dads will find this burger irresistible.
Half Baked Harvest

Whiskey Sour Tart
Not only Dad, but the entire family will love this boozy dessert! It even looks like the iconic cocktail.
Gourmet Traveller

New York Strip Steaks with Bourbon Steak Sauce
Maybe my favorite steak is also dad's, too. The ingredients for the steak sauce are stunning!
Williams Sonoma

Bourbon Banana Cream Pie
My own Dad would have lost his mind with this recipe. Mom's was good, but without bourbon.
Completely Delicious

Gingered Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash
This summery cocktail is a mix of muddled peaches, thyme, honey and lemon juice. It's all topped off with ginger beer, which everyone seems to love. I haven't tried it yet. I give this cocktail concoction A+ for looks!
Half Baked Harvest

Bourbon Brown Butter Peach 
Dutch Baby
Doing Brunch? Better make plenty of these (Dutch) babies! It's topped off with ice cream.
Ohhh My!
Broma Bakery

Grilled Whiskey Glazed 
Cedar Planked Salmon
Sweet and sticky, buttery and cedar-y. Can you say heaven?? Because that’s exactly what this recipe says to me. 
Simply Scratch

Frozen Boozy Arnold Palmer
This recipe transforms the classic iced tea-lemonade combo into the perfect drink to sip while the grill is doing
 its thing.
Epicurious

Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Everything is better on a stick!  The homemade bacon paste and bourbon infused barbecue sauce,  really brings a depth of flavor to this dish.
Host The Toast

Bourbon Bacon Marshmallow S'mores
Dad will have to beat me to the stick to take the first bite of this ooey gooey treat. Oh boy!
How Sweet Eats

Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon 
BBQ Sauce
I often find myself using some kind of "spirits" in my barbecue sauce. If you haven't made your own yet, do give it a try. It is soooo much better that the bottle. I think these ribs are picture perfect. Don't you?
What Should I Make For...

Boozy Roasted Strawberry Sundae With Coconut Hot Fudge Sauce
Roasted strawberries? That in itself sounds amazing. The booze used is bourbon, and you will find that in the strawberry sauce. 
Who could resist?
Heather Christo



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