Category Archives: Recipes Great for Warm Weather

Refreshing Ice Pop’s that might give you a buzz…(for adult’s only)

Posted in Cocktails, Desserts, Entertaining, Ice Pops, Ice pops for adults, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather by
Watermelon-Mint-Tequila-Popsicles 1

Watermelon & Tequila Ice pop

boozy-frozen-peach-pops-1

Strawberry, Peach & Vodka Pop’s

squeeze_orange_juice_glass-wide

Simple Ingredients…Fruit, Juice & Booze

booze

You can change the recipe by using alcohol & fruit that you like

Peaches

Fresh Fruit tastes great but fruit juice can be used to save time

berries

Making a boozy ice pop requires the right balance of booze to juice. (2 cups juice to 2 oz of alcohol seems to work)…if you use too much booze and don’t freeze them long enough (at least 12 hours) you will end up with a slushy (which will also be good just not what you intended).

You can sub in fruit and booze of your choice just keep the ratios in check…these will not get you drunk but perhaps a little buzzed.

Watermelon & Tequila Ice Pops (Vodka or Rum would also work)…

  • 4 cups watermelon (chopped in cubes)-should equal around 2 cups
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/3 cup tequila (or alcohol of choice) this is equal to about 2.5 ounces
  • Simple syrup (to make use 1/4 cup water , 1/4 cup sugar bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute)
  • Directions:
  • Blend watermelon and lime juice in a food processor until smooth (strain through a sieve to remove seeds)
  • Mix watermelon, tequila and simple syrup together and pour into Popsicle molds- do not add sticks
  • Freeze molds for 30-60 minutes then add sticks and freeze for 12-24 hours until frozen. (Keep in mind alcohol does not freeze through) so these will be solid and hold their shape but not rock hard
  • recipe from hungrygirlporvida.com

Strawberry, Peach and Vodka pops

  • 2 peaches sliced
  • 8 medium strawberries, (hulled and sliced-take the green part off)
  • 2 cups orange Juice
  • 1 oz vodka (you can add up to 2 oz if you want more punch)
  • 1 oz Cointreau (if you add more vodka add more Cointreau)
  • Directions:
  • Blend OJ, peaches, 4 strawberries, Vodka & Cointreau until smooth (there will be some pulp from fruit)
  • If there is froth on top skim with spoon and discard
  • Fill ice pop molds 3/4 to the top then add in the rest of the chopped strawberries (do not add sticks)
  • Freeze for 1 hour, then add sticks, then freeze for at least 12 hours
  • recipe from a great site (shutterbean.com)

(A short cut would be to use fruit juice instead of fresh fruit)

enjoy!

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GRANITA…. a simple, refreshing & delicous dessert!!

Posted in Desserts, Entertaining, Granita, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather by
granita

Strawberry Granita!

lemon granita

Lemon Granita-made with fresh Lemons and Limoncello

EI0719_Cranberry-Granita_lg

Raspberry Granita

granita berries

Strawberries, Lemon, Water and Sugar….all you need for a Granita!

booze

You can add any of these to the Granita for a “grown up” version.

granita multi

Granita’s can be made with many different fruits

Granita’s are originally from Sicily, they are refreshing, delicious and easy to make. I recently served the strawberry granita to a bunch of friends and everyone loved it. I served mine with cookies on the side… enjoy!

Strawberry Granita ….Granita’s can be made with any fruit (sub in fruit of choice) (makes 6 servings)

  • 3 cups strawberries (cut the green part off)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup sugar (most recipes add more sugar but it does not need it) this works

Directions:

  • Mix hot water, lemon juice and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves
  • Blend strawberries in a food processor until smooth
  • Mix everything together and pour into a metal pan (13x9x2) you want a thin layer in the pan
  • Freeze until icy around edges (about 20-25 minutes) then stir icy portion on edges into middle of pan
  • Freeze until frozen (about 1.5 hours) using a fork scrape granita into flaky texture
  • Place in bowls, garnish with fruit and enjoy!!
  • For an adult version add some booze- vodka, rum, tequila are all good choices.

Lemon Granita made with Limoncello & fresh Lemon Juice…

  • 6 lemons
  • 4 cups water
  • Sugar to taste (start with 1/2 cup and go up from there if you like it very sweet)
  • 2 tablespoons Limoncello
  • 3 sprigs of thyme for flavor and garnish

Directions:

  • Squeeze the lemons to make 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice
  • Add the water to the lemon juice & stir in sugar to desired sweetness
  • Add the thyme and Limoncello and let sit for 15 minutes
  • Strain the liquid into metal baking dish (the thyme and lemon seeds should not end up in the dish if you use a strainer) it should be a thin layer
  • Freeze until icy around edges (about 20-25 minutes) then stir icy portion on edges into middle of pan
  • Freeze until frozen (about 1.5 hours) using a fork scrape granita into flaky texture
  • Place in bowls, garnish with thyme and enjoy!!

What to do with ALL that Basil….Simple Basil Recipes!!!

Posted in Appetizers, Cocktails, Entertaining, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather by
Basil Hummus

Basil Hummus

Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto…Delicious on almost everything!

is

Strawberry & Basil Margarita

Tomato-Basil-Chicken

Tomato & Basil Chicken

basil

Basil

Basil & Tomato Chicken…serves 4-6, prep time 15 minutes, cook time 15 minutes

  • 1 1/2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 6 fillets
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano…Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grease a medium sized non-stick skillet with cooking spray or olive oil and set over medium high heat
  • Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper & oregano and cook about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until chicken is almost entirely cooked through
  • Turn the heat down to medium & add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook for about 4-5 minutes
  • Add basil & butter, and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste
  • Turn heat to low and let sit for about 5 more minutes

Basil Hummus Prep time: 15 minutes ,Cook time: 5 minutes, Makes about 3 cups

  • 2 cups sweet basil leaves, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed then minced
  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Up to 1/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts optional
  • Place the basil and the garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  • Add the garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, tomato paste, and pulse until the hummus is smooth
  • If using pine nuts heat in a pan with olive oil until brown & mix into hummus save a few for the topping
  • Add more salt or lemon juice to taste. Add water to the point of desired consistency.
  • To serve, place in a bowl and drizzle a little olive oil over it.
  • Serve with pita wedges, crackers, or rustic bread.

Strawberry Basil Margarita… makes 1 pitcher/8 servings recipe from thekitchn.com

  • 10 strawberries
  • 8 basil leaves
  • 1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (gold or silver)
  • Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cups of water & 2 1/2 cups of tequila mix together
  • Slice the strawberries lengthwise, and add to the pitcher.
  • Cut the basil into small pcs and add to the pitcher
  • Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours
Easy Basil Pesto (1 cup)

Pesto is delicious as a topping for bruschetta, pasta, shrimp, chicken, steak, vegetables & in sandwiches

  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic 
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional) walnuts can also be used
  • Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
  • Add the oil and mix until smooth
  • Mix in the cheese
  • Season with salt & pepper

Delicious & Easy Peach Recipes & Cocktails…One of Summer’s Sweetest Fruits!

Posted in BBQ, Entertaining, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather by
Bellini

Bellini

Grilled Peaches with Honey

Grilled Peaches with Honey

Grilled Peaches with Ricotta and Balsamic Glaze

Grilled Peaches with Ricotta and Balsamic Glaze

Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler

Peach Sangria

Peach Sangria

Farm Stand Peaches

Peaches are one of summer’s most tastiest fruits they also make delicious cocktails!

White Peach Sangria
 Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients:

  • 1 (750 milliliter) bottle white wine, medium sweetness (don’t use $$ wine-lower priced wines work great)
  • 3/4 cup peach flavored vodka (optional-the drink is good with just the wine)
  • 3/4 cup peach schnapps
  • 6 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
  • 3-4 medium sized peaches pitted and sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups of colorful fruit (any fruit works, berries work great)
  • In a large pitcher, combine dry white wine, peach vodka, schnapps, lemonade concentrate. Stir until frozen lemonade is melted. Add sliced peaches and other fruits.
  • Refrigerate sangria until well chilled, at least 2 hours, or overnight to blend flavors. Serve over ice, and use a slotted spoon to include fruit with each serving.

Bellini…Move over Mimosa and try this delicious and very easy drink instead.

  • Champagne or Prosecco
  • Top off with Peach juice

Peach Cobbler- One of the easiest recipes we tried

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sugar, divided
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 cups fresh peach slices
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Directions:
  • Melt butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
  • Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and milk. Stir until moistened then pour into baking dish (do not stir)
  • Bring remaining 1 cup sugar, peaches, lemon juice to a boil over high heat. Stir constantly. Pour into baking dish (do not stir) can sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
  • Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
  • We suggest serving this warm with ice cream however it tastes great at room temperature

Grilled Peaches…you can eat them straight off the grill or top them off with something yummy

  • Cut Peaches in half & remove pits
  • Brush cut side of peach halves with olive oil and place on grill, cut side down.
  • Grill until golden brown and caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Turn peach halves over and grill until slightly soft and just warmed through, about 2 minutes longer.
    Remove from grill and eat as is or top it off with something delicious… below are some great suggestions…
  • Drizzle peaches with honey or agave and top off with fresh berries, ice cream, vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze (available at Trader Joe’s) and Ricotta Cheese, garnish with mint
  • These are also great chopped up and tossed into a salad

Enjoy!!

Simple & Delicious Meal Paired with White Wine

Posted in Appetizers, Cheese Plate, Entertaining, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather, Vegetables by

The Perfect Cheese Plate with our favorite Chardonnay (Grgich Hills Estate)

Lobster always delicious with Chardonnay

zucchini

Zucchini wrapped with Prosciutto & Parmesan Cheese

potato asparagus

Baked Potato Bites

On a recent trip to Cape Cod we prepared a meal around a delicious bottle of Chardonnay…Pick your favorite bottle & enjoy! we love Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay (from Napa Valley).

Cheese that Pairs well with White Wine….

  • A “Fresh Cheese” such as Goat Cheese
  • A “Funky or Smelly Cheese” such a Blue Cheese
  • A “Creamy Cheese” such as Brie, St. Andre or Tallegio
  • Meat…add at least one …Prosciutto, Sausage or Salami
  • Fruit, fresh fruit or dried fruit (both work) lets face it no one seems to eat it but it looks pretty
  • Nuts, we love Marcona Almonds from Spain

Lobster…you can buy them already steamed but if you want to do it yourself read below

Lobster is great with potatoes (baked or boiled) & vegetables (corn is usually served but asparagus, zucchini or a nice salad is also delicious).

  • Choose a pot that is large enough for them (you don’t want to crowd them)
  • Bring 2 inches of salted water to a rapid boil in a pot with a steaming basket
  • Place Lobsters into pot & cover
  • Shake or Stir the Lobsters occasionally
  • a 2 pound Lobster should be ready in roughly 15-18 minutes, a 3/4-1 pound lobster in 10 minutes (the shell should be bright red)
  • Remove Lobsters and set aside for a few minutes to cool before cracking them
  • Serve with melted butter (don’t skimp on the butter it’s my favorite part)

Baked Potato Bites (from Cookthestory.com) serves 6-8

  • Preheat oven to 450
  • 9-10 small yellow Potatoes, cut in half
  • 2 tsp olive oil, salt and pepper
  • 1 slice of Bacon
  • 6 spears of Asparagus (trimmed)
  • 4 1/2 tsp sour cream
  • mix Potatoes with 1tsp olive oil & place in baking dish cut side up ( cooks in 15-20 minutes)
  • place 1 slice of bacon in pan to cook at same time (a thin slice of bacon should cook faster then potatoes- take out when crisp, roughly 10 minutes)
  • Asparagus, mix with remaining Olive oil salt & pepper & place in pan should cook in 4-7 minutes
  • You can cook everything in the same dish and take out items as ready
  • let everything cool (these can be served at room temperature)
  • place Sour Cream on Potato, then chopped Bacon, then Asparagus & enjoy
  • If you prefer to serve these straight out of the oven substitute sour cream for cheese (your choice but cheddar is always good and comes shredded)

Zucchini wrapped with Prosciutto & Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (serves 6-8)

  • 4 Zucchini-sliced length wise
  • 1/2 pound Prosciutto (We use San Danielle but any type can be used)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Olive oil, salt & pepper
  • Preheat oven to 400
  • In fry pan saute zucchini with olive oil until tender (about 6 minutes) remove & let it cool enough so you can touch it
  • Wrap Prosciutto around Zucchini & place in baking dish
  • Sprinkle Zucchini with Cheese, salt & pepper
  • bake for 10-15 minutes, serve warm

Enjoy!

Easy and Delicious Summer Cocktails!

Posted in BBQ, Cocktails, Entertaining, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather by
Margarita

Margarita (without a mix)

Pink Lemonade

“Spiked” Pink Lemonade

Drink from blue moon

The Blue Moon Hot Rod

pimms

Pimm’s Cup with Lemonade

Summer Cocktails! (the recipes are all for 1 serving) A regular size shot glass should be 1-1.5oz

Pimm’s Cup with Lemonade (Drink like the Brit’s with this refreshing Pimm’s Cup)

  • 1.5-2 oz Pimm’s No 1
  • 3.5-4 oz lemonade (yellow lemonade is best)
  • 1 slice of each: Orange, Cucumber
  • 1 Strawberry
  • Mint leaf to garnish
  • Fill a tall glass with ice, Pimm’s and Lemonade
  • Add 1 Orange slice, 1 Cucumber, 1 Strawberry & garnish with Mint
  • Feel free to add more of the fruit & cucumber (it looks pretty and will add flavor)

Margarita (without the Mix…)Simple & Delicious 

  • 1/4 cup Tequila
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Triple Sec
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh is best but still good with store bought Lime Juice)
  • Agave to sweeten (optional) we prefer it with the agave
  • Mix in a shaker with Ice
  • Garnish with a Lime wedge & enjoy

“Spiked” Pink Lemonade (very easy and always a hit)

  • 1 oz Vodka (if you like a “strong” drink add a bit more Vodka)
  • 2 oz Lemonade (Pink or Yellow Lemonade)
  • 3 oz Sprite or 7-up
  • Mix with Ice & Serve in glass with Lime Wedge or Mint if you have it

“Blue Moon” Hot Rod…How they do it in East Quogue

  • 1oz Tequila (traditionally Gin is used. Drink would be good with Gin or Vodka)
  • Fresh Watermelon Puree (can substitute 1oz Cranberry & 1oz Pineapple Juice for an easier recipe)
  • Agave-just a squirt of agave to sweeten the drink (optional)
  • Mix with Ice & serve in glass with Lime wedgedrinks blue moon

AWESOME IDEAS FOR SUMMER WATERMELON

Posted in Entertaining, Recipes, Recipes Great for Warm Weather, Uncategorized by

watermelon discs watermelon and kiwi watermelon margarita watermelon-blueberry-salad watermelon and feta skewersWatermelon-Slices-Beach

 

WATERMELON is one our favorite Summer treats! 

It is outstanding with Feta, pureed into a yummy frozen drink and delightfully refreshing in a salad.  It is also perfect to slice up, seal in a plastic container, put it in the cooler and take to the beach for a refreshing snack!

Watermelon and Blueberry Salad

  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh mint
  • 1 cup seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup arugula
  • Toss watermelon and blueberries in the honey and lemon juice. Pour over the arugula. Top with chopped mint.

 

Watermelon and Goat Cheese Discs – Rum is optional

  • Cut a seedless watermelon into small round disks about a half inch thick
  • Using a metal round disc/cookie cutter/jigger (shot glass/alcohol measurer) makes cutting the disks very easy
  • RUM IS OPTIONAL – If you are keeping it safe for the little ones – skip this step – Pour rum (I used Captain Morgan) into a shallow dish with sides to hold the liquid, about 1 cup. Place watermelon in the rum and set in the frig for 30 minutes, flipping watermelon half way through so both sides soak. Remove watermelon from the rum
  • Top with goat cheese disk/mound that you press with your finger to make a disk (cold wet hands help)
  • Drizzle with balsamic drizzle
  • Top with chopped fresh mint
  • Refrigerate until ready to enjoy

Watermelon and Feta Skewers

  • cube seedless watermelon and feta into same size cubes
  • top with basil
  • stick a toothpick in it

 Watermelon Margaritas

  • Puree 1 1/2 cups seedless watermelon, 1 cup tequila, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup orange liquor or triple sec, 1 Tbsp agave or simple syrup, and 3 cups ice in a blender
  • Pour into 4 glasses and garnish with slice of watermelon and lime wedge
  • Optional salted rim

Watermelon, Kiwi, Feta (Rubik’s Cube)

  • Cut Watermelon, Kiwi and Feta into squares
  • Place 9 squares on bottom (any order you like, but mix it up)
  • Do 2 more layers of this on top so you have 3 layers all together
  • If it is not staying in place you can stick a toothpick through it on one side to keep the shape
  • Garnish with mint or basil (optional)
  • Drizzle with Olive Oil (optional)

Enjoy!