Entertaining is my favorite thing to do all year. But summer gives me the opportunity to take it to a whole other level. I love to take full advantage of the gorgeous weather here in Connecticut.  Our porch is lit with twinkling lights, my table is a mix of all of my favorite vintage blue and white tablecloths and blue and white vases filled with my garden roses. Tons of candles and I mean tons. This all sets the scene for what has become our favorite way to spend time with family and friends. 

My menu:

Start with cocktails, Rose, Chardonnay with incredible cheeses and crackers

Main Course;

Pesto Salmon:

Large salmon filet with home made pesto – fresh basil, roasted pine nuts, olive oil

Spread pesto on fish and roast in the oven at 350 for 25 minutes.

Roasted truffle potatoes:

Toss quartered red potatoes with olive oil, course salt and pepper

Roast at 375 for 45 minutes, remove from oven and toss with truffle butter.

 

Heirloom tomatoes with Burrata and garlic croutons

 

Salad: Shaved brussels sprouts and chopped Kale with toasted hazelnuts and blue cheese

Home made salad dressing:

1/4 cup lemon juice,tablespoon of dijon, salt and peper, one minced shallot, 3/4 cup olive oil

Herb/garlic ciabatta bread

1 softened cube of butter mixed with chopped fresh herbs.  I like fresh oregano and basil salt and pepper, a sprinkle of cayenne, then wrap in foil bake for 25 at 350. Open up foil and broil for 3-5 minutes

Three berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream:

Mixed fresh berries tossed with 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, one orange zest. Then blend 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup oatmeal, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 cold cubes of unsalted butter. Combine in mixer with paddle mix until butter is a size of pea. Place berries in oven proof dish and sprinkle topping on. Bake for 40 minutes at 350. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

 

Crantucket Cookies:

Blend 2 sticks of softened butter with a blend of white and brown sugar to measure 1 1/2 cups. then add 2 eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla. In another bowl mix 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp baking soda, add to butter mixture and blend. Then add a package of white chocolate chips, 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1 cup of dried blueberries, blend. Scoop and bake on cookie sheets at 350 for 14 minutes. Perfect summer cookie. Red white and blue!