The Hip Hostess » Summer

Simple Summer Appetizer – Cantaloupe Caprese Salad or Skewers

hiphostess — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:00:02 +0000

Since the heat wave moved in I haven’t been able to turn on my oven. As a result, I have gotten creative with my no-cook recipes. A caprese salad is one of my favorites this time of year, when the tomatoes and basil are at their best. But instead of tomatoes, I substitute cantaloupe and made a delicious hip twist on this Italian classic. Serve this combo as a salad or on mini skewers for a party (or kids). This is a savory recipe – think of it like a vegetarian version of cantaloupe and prosciutto, another delicious sweet-salty combo.

Seed and cut one ripe cantaloupe into chunks or round balls (with a mellon baller). Use one container of Bocconcini (mini Mozzarella balls) and a small bunch of fresh basil. Layer cantaloupe, Bocconcini and basil on skewers and repeat until the skewers are full, leaving an inch or so at the end. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Instead of skewers, make a salad using the same ingredients and tossing until combined. Serve with a nice glass of white wine or prosecco and enjoy!

Party in the Garden

hiphostess — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:00:41 +0000

Host a garden party with ideas from my July 2010 column on The Family Groove.

http://www.thefamilygroove.com/jul10_EntertainingOnTheEasy.htm

Host a Father’s Day “Cook-In”

hiphostess — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:00:54 +0000

Don’t let the rain ruin your plans for a Father’s Day cookout. You can still throw your favorite father a BBQ in his honor - just shift gears from a cookout to a “cook-in.” Here’s a menu that you can make on the grill or in a grill pan.

Cookout or “Cook-In” Menu

Black bean and corn quesadillas

Chips and mango salsa

Coffee and chili rubbed steak

Chopped cucumber, red pepper and tomato salad

Chipotle mashed potatoes (add 2 Tbs. chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce to your favorite type of mashed potatoes)

Grilled Asparagus

Espresso chocolate chunk cookies

Fruit kabobs (thread chunks of fresh fruit on bamboo skewers and drizzle with honey and fresh lime juice)

Vodka spiked lemonade or peach iced tea sweetened with agave nectar

Assorted ice-cold beer

http://hiphostess.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/coffee-chili-steak-rub/

http://hiphostess.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/espresso-chocolate-chunk-cookies/

Fiesta Menu

hiphostess — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:00:21 +0000

A fiesta makes for a great summer theme party. A south-of-the border menu lends itself to some simple, no-cook recipes and delicious frozen drinks. I used the menu below for a summer fiesta theme party I threw on my roof-top. The menu was based on fresh, local ingredients that are at their prime this time of year. Check back over the next few days for posts with recipes and pictures.

Fiesta Menu

Appetizers

Warm Peach Salsa & Goat Cheese Dip with Cumin Dusted Pita Chips

Texas Caviar (Bean) Dip with Fresh Sliced Vegetables

Tortilla Chips with Salsa Fresca, Chipotle Salsa & Avocado Dip

Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dipping Sauce

Main Event

Black Bean Enchiladas

Organic Beef Taco Bar (warm corn tortillas, beef taco filling, shredded chipotle cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa fresca & guacamole)

Chipotle-Citrus Slaw

Dessert

Margarita Key Lime Pie with Toasted Almond & Graham Cracker Crust

Mellon Ball Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Mexican Chocolate Brownies

Drinks

Mexican Beer (Corona, Negra Modelo)

Frozen New Jersey Peach Margaritas

Favors

Sweet and Spicy Toasted Pepitas