Deliciously Refreshing Catering Menus!
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| Maine Lobster Roll |
We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Maine to visit family. First request, “gotta have a lobster roll…” So day 1 features a trip with my brother Chris to the nearest joint featuring the ubiquitous sandwich. There is really only 1 rule when it comes to making the prefect lobster roll: keep it simple. Chunks of tail and claw meat lightly tossed with mayonnaise and served in a hot dog style bun that has been grilled on each side.. Above photo stretches the limit with lettuce; I supposed this could be forgiven…
Back in the land of Washington DC and Northern Virginia, summer continues to sizzle and cool menus continue to satisfy. Sometimes it’s just too much to turn on a kitchen oven; that’s when chilled menu items are the perfect companion. Shopping for fruit and vegetables from your favorite farmer’s market will set you up for a refreshing break from the August heat.
Let’s start with a few appetizer ideas…
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| Chilled Gazpacho |
When we cater a wedding in the summer months, this is one of our most requested passed appetizers, served in a shot glass. Tomatoes are at their most succulent in August. We partially roast the tomatoes, peppers, garlic, sweet onions and then coarsely chop in a food processor with fresh lime, tomato juice, chipotle and cucumber. Chill overnight and you are good to go.
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| Mango Salsa |
Skip your industrial packaged salsa and create your own Fresh Mango Salsa. Diced Fresh Mango, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Cilantro, Tomato, Jalapeno and a healthy squeeze of Fresh Lime – I love this served with White Corn Tortillas but you could use any chip that you prefer. I have also added fresh diced Pineapple as well as fresh Papaya. You can even throw in some fresh corn on the cob or for more heft black beans make a great addition!
Just about the easiest option is a chilled display of Shrimp Cocktail.
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| Chilled Garlic Lime Shrimp |
Truly, all you have to do here is thaw some shrimp and toss with Garlic and Lime. I use a shallow glass bowl, fill with ice and cover with plastic. This way you have a bed to keep the shrimp chilled. Any size shrimp can work, I prefer a 31-40 size which means there are between 31-40 shrimp per pound.
Moving on to side salads or even main meals with salad…
The classic once again is a Capri Salad:
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| Capri Salad |
Again your local Farmer’s Market is your friend. Sliced ripe Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Chopped and whole Basil drizzled with Olive Oil and S & P. Scrumptious.
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| Strawberry Citrus Salad |
Make your favorite mixed green salad and add fresh Strawberries and Citrus, The Citrus can be Oranges, Tangerines, Grapefruit or any combination. My favorite Salad Dressing would be a Balsamic Vinaigrette. Teatime Delicacies, Inc.’s house dressing is a Balsamic Vinaigrette with a hint of Dijon Mustard. It Rocks pretty much any salad.
You can also take your favorite salad and add a sliced Grilled Chicken Breast right before serving. I call this a Grilled Summer Salad..
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| Grilled Summer Salad |
Mixed Greens, Golden Tomatoes, Fresh Corn from the Cob, Dried Cranberry, Gorgonzola or whatever cheese you have on hand, and sliced Grilled Chicken Breast. And of course, Ruth’s House Balsamic Vinaigrette. All that’s required at this point is a glass of white wine…
Alternately, you can turn those Grilled Chicken Breasts into a Chicken Salad:
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| Grilled Chicken Salad |
Diced Grilled Chicken Breast, Sliced Spinach, Red Grapes, Almonds and Scallions. Lightly dressed with Mayonnaise or your favorite bottled Salad Dressing. For a wedding reception we serve this with small dinner rolls to make sandwiches.
Desserts can obviously be your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt. But if you want to up the game, try a Watermelon Granita.
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| Watermelon Granita |
Puree 4 cups seedless watermelon chunks with 1/2 cup sugar and TB fresh lime juice. Pour into shallow pan and freeze (approx 1 hour). Take the pan out every 1/2 hour and scrape across the frozen mixture with tines of a fork. It will gradually break into what looks like “snow” or “ice”. It reminds me very much of the classic Hawaiian treat “Shave Ice”. NOT a snow cone. It is so very refreshing any time of day or night. As a matter of fact, I think I hear-taste the siren song of the current batch I have in my own refrigerator!!
And that brings me to a close for this post on Summer Treats That Don’t Heat Up The Kitchen. One last addition:
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| Sangria |
White or Red Sangria. This is often a Signature Drink when we are catering local wedding receptions. So refreshing, and so many variations to put your own special stamp. Whether you are cooking dinner for your family or planning an event, let Teatime Delicacies, Inc. add inspiration. And don’t let the heat beat you!
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