Looking Forward to a Sunny Weekend Special

How do you know the drought that plagued New Hampshire for a couple of years is over? Well, look outside. If it’s not raining now, it was raining yesterday and might just rain again tomorrow. In any case, the garden is lovely and green.

I’ve got an interesting story to finish up this weekend but I’m still looking forward to some outside time this weekend. And, of course, what could be better than a cookout at the end of a beautiful summer day. Here are a few ideas:

Start with a delicious app. The corn at the farmstand is not quite local but it was picked this morning and delicious. Sounds like its a good time to try my Corn Cakes or my Grilled Corn, Black Bean & Avocado Salsa.

For a salad, I’m just loving grilled greens this summer. I tried grilled romaine for the first time about ten years ago. I was hooked. You must give my Grilled Romaine Salad.

Now on to the main course … how about … Grilled Pork Tenderloin? A great dish, to turn to it when you have a group over. A big group? No problem just double or triple the recipe. Add a tasty and good for you, make ahead Wheat Berry Salad.

Now for something sweet. Local raspberries are at the farmstand so maybe you’d like to whip up a batch of Brown Sugar Yogurt Gelato and garnish liberally with raspberries. No? How about Cherry Cobbler? (With a scoop of Brown Sugar Yogurt Gelato? … or your favorite vanilla ice cream?)

Have a great weekend and bon appétit!

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What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017

Celebrate Bastille Day Weekend Special

On July 14, 1789, anti-monarchist forces stormed the infamous Bastille Prison in Paris. Ruled by an excessive king and self-indulgent queen, France was in deep economic and political crisis. The storming of the Bastille began the revolution and the pursuit of liberty, equality and fraternity for the French people.

Zut alors! Let’s celebrate! Drink champagne and make some of your favorite French dishes. Here are some of mine:

For nibbling … first you should know that the French don’t do heavy apps like Americans. Try my Tapenade with crisp crackers or veggies. Even easier, set out a bowls of my Spicy Olives.Then again, a batch of Savory Parmesan Shortbread with Tomato Jam sounds good. Don’t forget the nuts … my Roasted Almonds or Rosemary Cashews will be perfect.

Next, move to the table. Remember, the French love a long and leisurely dinner. Why not start with a few Roasted Shrimp with Tarragon Aioli. Want something a bit lighter? How about Heirloom Tomatoes with Balsamic Reduction?

Now for the main course. I can’t think of anything better for a Bastille Day dinner than Filet de Perche. (I don’t know about you but perch is hard to find where I live. A few weeks ago, I made this recipe with haddock filets and it was delicious.) Serve the fish with steamed new potatoes or rice and Roasted Asparagus with Walnuts.

Unless you are in the mood for a roast chicken dinner. Typically French, throw a chicken in the oven and roast it to golden perfection. Add a dollop of Smashed or Mashed Potatoes. Don’t forget the Roasted Asparagus with Walnuts.

Now it’s time for the salad. (Yes, the French eat their salads after the main course.) Keep it simple (and very French) with beautiful baby greens tossed a little Classic Vinaigrette. Serve the salad with a few of your favorite cheeses and warm baguette.

For dessert … lets go with something warm and custard-y. Think French toast and give my Blueberry Bread Pudding a try. (In France, French toast is called pain perdu.) On the other hand, Blueberry Clafouti is creamy delicious and very French.

Tous à la Bastille! Have a great weekend and bon appétit!

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What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017

Long Summer Holiday Weekend Special

Well, hip hip hooray! With the Fourth of July on Tuesday, we have an extra-long weekend coming up! Get ready to dodge a few thunderstorms, enjoy a little sunshine and cook up some delicious fun. Here are a few ideas:

An all-American cookout is the default celebration for Independence Day. You’ll probably want to start with a few tasty appetizers. How about:

 

Bruschetta with Grilled Vegetables & Gorgonzola

Crostini with Red Pepper Tzatziki & Greek Salad

Summer Rolls

Baba Ganoush

There are lots of choices when it comes to the main course. Now, will it be fish or fowl, a fabulous steak or …:

Grilled Steak with Rosemary-Balsamic Glaze

Grilled Lamb with Fresh Mint

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Red Hot Barbequed Chicken

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Not Your Ordinary Burger

Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad

Grilled Shrimp with Salsa de Cacahuate y Chile de Arbol

Grilled Swordfish with Tequila-Lime Butter

Now, what to serve with it? Or bring along to that potluck:

Grilled Potato Salad

Orzo Salad with Lemony Pesto & Grilled Tomatoes

Grilled Balsamic Vegetables

Mixed Greens with Grilled Asparagus, Cucumber & Avocado

And since you don’t have to grill everything and the first local tomatoes are ready for eating …Heirloom Tomatoes with Balsamic Reduction

Of course, you’ll want to end on a sweet and patriotic note. Think red, white and blue with:

Berry Flag Cake

Double Trouble Chocolate-Orange Cupcakes

Creamy Yogurt Tart with Fresh Strawberries (you’ll have to add a few blueberries to the mix!)

Happy summer – have a great weekend and bon appétit!

For a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog Click Here!!

What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017

It’s Summer! Weekend Special

It’s time for some summer fun. Swimming, boating, biking, tennis or golf, name your sport and have a great time. Just be sure to end the day with a delicious cookout with family and friends.

Not sure what to throw on that grill? Let the southwest inspire you!

Start the evening with a craft beer, chips and a great salsa. May I suggest my Grilled Corn, Black Bean & Avocado Salsa?

On to dinner, you can’t go wrong with a burger. I think that everyone will enjoy my Southwest Turkey Burgers. Complete your meal with a spoonful of Jicama Slaw and Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad.

For dessert, the first local strawberries are here! How about Panna Cotta with Strawberries or Strawberries with Yogurt Cream?

Happy summer – have a great weekend and bon appétit!

For a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog Click Here!!

What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017

Happy Father’s Day Weekend Special

Okay Daddy-o, it’s time for a little celebration. We’ll be fêting my dad with a little lunch on Sunday. What about you? Most dads will take casual over fancy any day. Casual doesn’t mean ordinary. Make your celebration special with a delicious cookout.

I’m still a bit up in the air when comes to my menu. I’m debating between stocking up on some artisanal sausages. What could be easier? Or throwing some burgers on the grill. Still pretty darned easy! With goat cheese and sundried tomato aioli, my Not Your Ordinary Burger is simply spectacular. My sister is bringing a salad. However, you might like to try my Insalata Caprese . The first tomatoes are in at our local farm stand! Dad might also like a spoonful of Grilled Potato Salad.

For dessert, I’m leaning toward Strawberry Tort.

However, if you’re thinking of dinner rather than lunch, you’ll still want to start with an appetizer or two. How about Roasted Beet & White Bean Hummus and Rosemary Cashews?

Next, you’ll want to try my Insalata Caprese.

For the main course, your dad will love my Grilled Steak with Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic & Rosemary-Balsamic Glaze. Throw a few asparagus spears and red potatoes on the grill and you’ve got dinner!

Dessert … you still can’t go wrong with Strawberry Tort.

Happy Father’s Day! Have a great weekend and bon appétit!

For a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog Click Here!!

What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017

Another Dreary Weekend Special

Good golly Miss Molly … will it never end. Yes, indeed it looks like another dreary weekend. Although it might not actually rain until Monday, partly cloudy and very cloudy are in the forecast. Forget May flowers, it’s June already. In some places, it is already summer.

Alright, if you can’t play in the sun, you might as well invite family and friends around for a delicious dinner. How about an evening inspired by the sunny Mediterranean?

Get out the retsina or ouzo and try your hand at my Crostini with Cucumber, Radish & Feta or Crostini with Red Pepper Tzatziki & Greek Salad. If you want to really impress, then whip up a batch of my Spanakopita Triangles.

Assuming no downpours, you’ll need the grill again for the main course. I hope that your friends and family enjoy my Grilled Lamb with Fresh Mint as much as mine did the other night. If it’s raining or you don’t want to deal with the grill, try my Chicken with Onions & Olives or Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs. Serve any and all of the above with my Lemony Green Rice or Israeli Couscous. Complete your dinner with Grilled Ratatouille Stacks.

Save room for a sweet. I can’t help but go for strawberries this time of year. While we are still waiting for local berries, you can always make due with what’s in the market from California or New Jersey. Try my Fresh Berries with Creamy Lime Custard or Panna Cotta with Strawberries.

Stay dry and have a great weekend! Bon appétit!

For a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog Click Here!!

What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017

Memorial Day Weekend Special

They’ll be three or four deep at the deli counter at the supermarket. The long line of trucks and SUVs with trailers and boats will create what passes for a traffic jam in Elkins. A constant stream of walkers and runners will pass my house. What’s with all the hustle and bustle? Oh, that’s right; it is Memorial Day Weekend in New Hampshire. The summer people are back.

Memorial Day Weekend is always a busy time with lots to do to get ready for summer. With a mixed bag of rain, clouds and sun, you’ll need to juggle indoor and outdoor chores. When all that prep work is done, reward yourself, family and friends with a delicious dinner.

Relax with a glass of wine and dip into my Roasted Beet & White Bean Hummus and a few Rosemary Cashews.

Get out the grill for the main course. I’ll be grilling lamb this weekend. What about you? Maybe you’d like to try my Grilled Lamb Chops with Lemon-Mint Yogurt Sauce. Lamb not your thing? How about Grilled Swordfish with Olive & Caper Salsa. Lemony Green Rice will be delicious with either. Complete your dinner with a tasty Asparagus Salad with Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Time for a sweet. You will find both strawberries and rhubarb in the market. If you have not tried my Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup – please do! Or save the Rhubarb for Muffins and try my Strawberry Shortcake with Cardamom Cream. Feel free to add a few blueberries for a patriot dessert of red, white and blue.

Have a great weekend! Bon appétit!

For a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog Click Here!!

What’s up with you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below.

Want more? Click here for more seasonal menus! © Susan W. Nye, 2017