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Summer Sensations: Seasonal Specials for Sun-Kissed Palates

imageBySeema BuxJuly 14, 2023
Summer Sensations: Seasonal Specials for Sun-Kissed Palates

Dive into summer with our sensational seasonal specials. From light and refreshing salads to mouthwatering BBQ delights, capture the essence of sunshine in every bite.

Summer Sensations: Seasonal Specials for Sun-Kissed Palates

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, there’s no denying that summer is in full swing. And with the arrival of this vibrant season, our taste buds crave refreshing and light flavors to complement the sun-kissed days. From juicy fruits to crisp vegetables, summer brings an abundance of seasonal delights that are perfect for creating sensational dishes. So, let’s explore some of the summer sensations that will leave your palate craving for more!

Here are a few ideas for summery seasonal specials that will tantalize your taste buds:

  • Watermelon Wonder: Nothing says summer like a juicy slice of watermelon. Bursting with sweetness and hydration, watermelons are the ultimate summer fruit. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into salads, salsas, or even beverages, watermelon adds a refreshing touch to any dish. Try pairing it with feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delightful combination of flavors.
  • Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze: These skewers are a classic summer combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the flavors of the other ingredients.

Here is a simple recipe for Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (pearls or ciliegine size)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil, leaves removed from stems
  • 2-4 tablespoons balsamic glaze, store-bought or homemade

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the balsamic glaze if you are making it homemade. To do this, simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it has reduced by half and is thick and syrupy.
  2. Thread the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
  3. Drizzle the skewers with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

Tips:

  • For a more flavorful skewer, you can brush the mozzarella balls with olive oil before threading them onto the skewers.
  • You can also use other types of tomatoes, such as grape tomatoes or plum tomatoes.
  • If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil.
  • You can also add other ingredients to your skewers, such as prosciutto, grilled eggplant, or roasted red peppers.

Enjoy!

  • Shrimp scampi with linguine: This dish is a classic Italian seafood dish that is perfect for a summery meal. The shrimp are cooked in a garlicky white wine sauce that is tossed with linguine pasta.

Here is a recipe for shrimp scampi with linguine:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound linguine pasta, cooked according to package directions

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
  3. Add the white wine and lemon juice to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. Stir in the butter and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve immediately over the cooked linguine.

Tips:

  • You can also use vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
  • If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or water.
  • You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy!

  • Fish tacos with mango salsa: These tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional fish taco. The fish is cooked in a light batter and topped with a mango salsa that is made with mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Here is a recipe for fish tacos with mango salsa:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound white fish fillets, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 corn tortillas

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the cornmeal and vegetable oil.
  4. Dip the fish fillets in the flour mixture, then coat in the cornmeal mixture.
  5. Place the coated fish fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. While the fish is cooking, make the mango salsa by combining the mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  7. To assemble the tacos, warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat.
  8. Top the tortillas with the cooked fish, mango salsa, and any other desired toppings, such as shredded cabbage, avocado, or sour cream.
  9. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • You can also pan-fry or grill the fish fillets.
  • If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas or taco shells.
  • You can also add other ingredients to the mango salsa, such as jalapeño peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers.
  • Get creative with your toppings! There are endless possibilities.

Enjoy!

  • Peach cobbler: This classic dessert is the perfect way to end a summer meal. The peaches are baked in a sweet and buttery cobbler topping.

Here is a recipe for peach cobbler:

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups sliced peaches, peeled and pitted (about 6 medium peaches)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to coat.
  3. Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, and sugar. Stir until crumbly.
  5. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the peach mixture.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
  7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips:

  • You can also use canned peaches for this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well before using.
  • If you like your cobbler extra sweet, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the topping.
  • You can also add other ingredients to the topping, such as oats, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

  • Tropical Treats: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with the flavors of mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts. These exotic fruits are synonymous with summer and can be enjoyed in various ways. Blend them into smoothies or freeze them into popsicles for a refreshing treat on hot days. Incorporate them into salsas or chutneys to add a sweet and tangy kick to grilled meats or seafood.

These are just a few ideas for summery seasonal specials that you can enjoy this season. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

So get out there and start exploring all that summer has to offer! Whether you’re grilling out in the backyard or dining al fresco at a local restaurant, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for creating summery seasonal specials:

  • Use fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. This will ensure that your dishes are at their peak flavor.
  • Keep things light and refreshing. Summer is a time to enjoy light and refreshing dishes that won’t weigh you down.
  • Use bright and vibrant colors. Summer is a time for color, so use it to your advantage when creating your dishes.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to summery seasonal specials, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

With a little creativity and imagination, you can create delicious and refreshing dishes that will perfectly capture the essence of summer. So get cooking and enjoy the season!

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