Summer (Food) Lovin’

The heat is on across the Northern Hemisphere and the days of hot soups and chili are over. No one wants comfort food when it’s 120 degrees in Arizona and you’ve got clients to feed!

Through the hot months, think about light, fresh dishes and refreshing drinks – mojitos, anyone? Or maybe some fresh lemonade for clients less inclined to drink alcohol.

For dinners, grilled chicken is always a hit, maybe with a side of sautéed veggies or maybe shish kebab. Gazpacho is a cool, fun soup that won’t leave your clients feeling heavy.

Throw a side of fruit salad on the plate. Put out some grapes, cheese and fancy crackers for clients to munch on between meals. Corn on the cob? Grilled or boiled, it’s always a hit! Make sure there are toothpicks and plenty of napkins available, though. And if you’re going to do corn, how about go all the way with a makeshift summer picnic and make some burgers?

Mix it up a bit with the burgers, though – give them some flavor! A favorite recipe:

1. Start with 1 pound (more depending on how many guests you’re serving) of ground beef.
2. Mix in a cup of diced onions, 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, two cloves chopped garlic.
3. Form patties and grill to order. Add cheese – a mix of cheddar and goat is divine!

Stuffed peppers are also a popular summer favorite and you can use a variety of meats or make them vegan or vegetarian if that’s what your clients prefer. Try something on the Asian side – grilled pork with bok choy? A stir fry? So simple and easy!

Play around with spices to see what goes well together. Often you can tell by how they smell. You can do so much with them – create a tasty marinade or use them as a garnish. The sky’s the limit (pun intended).

And of course, don’t forget the potatoes. A cold potato salad is a great summer dish, but you can also mix some sliced red potatoes with rosemary, olive oil and a little sea salt and grill or bake them for a tasty side. French fries are so dull, aren’t they?

Shop the local farmers’ markets for fresh ingredients and get creative. A little vinegar, some strawberries, a bit of spinach … It will all add up to exciting, fun, tasty summer treats that your clients will love!