Easy Summer Supper Recipes & Ideas

<h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I'm constantly looking back at my old recipes to give myself inspiration for the night's dinner... I thought you might be doing the same thing!  So, here is a compilation of some of my favorite summer dinners from the past couple of years - kebabs, skewers, steaks, soups and pasta. </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Don't forget to pin so you'll know where to look next time you can't decide what to have for dinner. </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QdKu9KgvCRJoDNkTSD1M5RGSdGmQ-WCT89v15nUI_h6BuJyvp1UdrZvFqjAl-32Xx6HM0AGWVPAmeHiH78bjGRK5IwnMCT_hGNHVq5p01_9DnDFhyfeaNVGz3AFDOdrBDu4yBUXEnLHV/s640/rat-pasta.jpg" width="426" /></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/grilled-summer-vegetables-with-fresh.html">Grilled Summer Vegetable "Bolognese" with Fresh Pasta</a></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xgWRW4VoyRUvgPFX1Xfgvdw4f1QhCYClmIVITQ0pkXHgrqPJBvDn51sdqZS5RMcEMXSu3N19NdArdLkgU2AfEH-jn2caz3ywzW9d_x4wPNuMQebRUGE4xn1xLnmKpNAW_bj9yvh8WtzN/s640/IMG_8739.JPG" width="640" /> </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/08/simple-summer-supper-menu-lemon-orzo.html">Simple Summer Supper Menu | Lemon Orzo & Squash, Teriyaki Marinated Steak & Heirloom Tomatoes</a></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZKM24dN7JOhyphenhyphen0msAWSYkK9Bhha_MuBjKdVOH3x7Wz_cPMhSac2J99-KcGyLnXBgVBJToZKsO7fNTCF6LP-oO8DOEslPdxzkqZ2p0WB9PHXDDIKlKyTjbef0oUen8-Kb5uWzmf3p0E08/s640/corn-chowder.jpg" width="426" /></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/summer-vegetable-sweet-corn-chowder.html">Summer Vegetable, Sweet Corn & Chicken Chowder</a></h4><h4 style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PflRuu_CgEAwdAYyhnwmMdtUVQAjGOw30CahxIWlXnFwIRaP-o1Qqshh_r9IagyTGOHNEZE1b7izmERvfIZy1otRLV_GYzDvhm9OgN_vme20YPWh2xkzzemandi_blQYf3godVor1gSm/s640/IMG_8682.JPG" width="640" /> </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/08/heirloom-tomato-fresh-mozzarella.html">Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread Pizza</a></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHNqge81rVKHfSXcnkb5njH9uytpMMRa5UrXFQ1j5qaURpXZ4khE7na3Jw8WNeQo9C53JdfnNbcw6dRacsSgEqJZ2RHCl1TwyWM-UaGcYsfriZBmUOo8OEDL2mMZ_Fh7MOgY2LWSW94qI/s640/IMG_7623.JPG" width="640" /> </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/grilled-steaks-with-pineapple-zucchini.html">Grilled Steaks with Pineapple, Zucchini, Mushroom Kebabs</a></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B3QYYo7ozlBv-lTrpgcwN1nSZ-A40mOM06fI36LUvZEmwr1TGbBstoUcd4KnUo5HxKFlpjaQpq8irs_hLDFpvdZnIdR3baNu29aDWGPW-ldgsKEUDKJ0381e-Gs4nEjh11dW8LfqrElZ/s640/IMG_7228.jpg" width="425" /> </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/lemon-basil-grilled-shrimp-kebabs.html">Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers</a> </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pRz11Z8xQpQ4zHGG2jSVGrnjuT-02zKH6vbgeC6NTTeh6SfiUinVsegRdbu1smbcXn0gp7ifRRUjdb0MhOW-RyvG8Q2lTGqh3w3OINPKWBZBrhpmqxtq-aKZOQMKOT9SmrXTfqC9nJ2N/s640/IMG_6313.JPG" width="640" /> </h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/brown-sugar-chili-lime-grilled-chicken.html">Brown Sugar Chili Lime Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs</a></h4><h4 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"> </h4>

Easy Summer Supper Recipes & Ideas

I'm constantly looking back at my old recipes to give myself inspiration for the night's dinner... I thought you might be doing the ...

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Tastes of Summer : 4th of July Menu Idea | Ribs, Grilled Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Garden Tomatoes Watermelon Margarita & Peach Crostata

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GSX-rz8LlEow1GLN4avnTG_UOmYDHO9shy0-J-CoQfvxqITqjXZLfWwIe43L7JZzwF5bUf6RgCAbVANje1ZbqGyXXv928AT_Z7ySdRrSDwVZ1UvK465g52IVWQCo4gmHENTRyEUhchZL/s1600/4th-menu2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GSX-rz8LlEow1GLN4avnTG_UOmYDHO9shy0-J-CoQfvxqITqjXZLfWwIe43L7JZzwF5bUf6RgCAbVANje1ZbqGyXXv928AT_Z7ySdRrSDwVZ1UvK465g52IVWQCo4gmHENTRyEUhchZL/s640/4th-menu2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2F4th-of-july-menu-ideas-ribs-grilled.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AYMci1_LQhM%2FT-s67ocZixI%2FAAAAAAAALGE%2FeFrZETPm91o%2Fs1600%2F4th-menu.jpg&description=The%20Tastes%20of%20Summer%204th%20of%20July%20Menu%0A%0ABBQ%20Ribs%2C%20Cucumbers%2C%20Tomatoes%2C%20Watermelon%20%26%20Peaches%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2F4th-of-july-menu-ideas-ribs-grilled.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In just a couple of days we'll be on our way back to Kansas City for the 4th of July.  Last year we didn't make it home for the 4th and while we had a great time watching the famed Boston Fireworks display, I hated hearing about the festivities back home.  I told Mike that we would absolutely be going back for the 4th this year.  I can't wait to spend the 4th of July out in the country at my parents' house for a casual day by the pool with the entire family.  There will be mountains of food, kids in the pool and my Brother and my Dad setting off a fireworks display that night (another benefit of celebrating in the country is that you can have your own display).  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I talked to my Mom, she already had the menu planned- most of it either from their garden, their field or one of their friends' gardens or fields.  Even the ribs would be from a local butcher and prepared by a family friend.  This menu is similar to what we'll having.  I think it sums up all of the best of summer - BBQ, sweet corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches & watermelon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1qn_pCMX6zlQu6qr0EAVQ-oXPM9XzD90AeZgLZ9pOWIwgyx1f2WElPIZUSa3rw_jc48sBfI3YcJeEzFavfRvGQdH6qH7OkPeSsfqvFf8E14eJeRetnKfh80GiGZgU9qaYmE5R1tm6_uK/s1600/IMG_2476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1qn_pCMX6zlQu6qr0EAVQ-oXPM9XzD90AeZgLZ9pOWIwgyx1f2WElPIZUSa3rw_jc48sBfI3YcJeEzFavfRvGQdH6qH7OkPeSsfqvFf8E14eJeRetnKfh80GiGZgU9qaYmE5R1tm6_uK/s640/IMG_2476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/barbeque-ribs-for-4th-of-july-bbq-ribs.html">The BEST (& easiest) Barbeque Ribs</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Nr935PjcbRuxPq3KoWh1FcMrQohp85sfKOZt4Yw4Xw29LSRgue79DSK_r8RD8s4ZAW-AOrrJ97HIQsCq60kHHlZlhzqfdJC1PYaHsTY6Et4_lMrTwNF-RImT8gYpQyanaZSxjzd0sMQ/s1600/IMG_7452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Nr935PjcbRuxPq3KoWh1FcMrQohp85sfKOZt4Yw4Xw29LSRgue79DSK_r8RD8s4ZAW-AOrrJ97HIQsCq60kHHlZlhzqfdJC1PYaHsTY6Et4_lMrTwNF-RImT8gYpQyanaZSxjzd0sMQ/s640/IMG_7452.JPG" width="422" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/grilled-corn-on-cob-summer-sweet-corn.html">Grilled Sweet Corn on the Cob </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-xa7DoWgxTgsx9PtdIgyybRuhNqelz256Ysma2fO2sNFMVBdphskEAczsINh038KMT0EWsHIZWBUl5JNVKEqT1f0AgGh0GVqyLgcG8-vinpy58oe604r61XxMHMJqCq7C_UnQS4Q9WXd/s1600/IMG_6627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-xa7DoWgxTgsx9PtdIgyybRuhNqelz256Ysma2fO2sNFMVBdphskEAczsINh038KMT0EWsHIZWBUl5JNVKEqT1f0AgGh0GVqyLgcG8-vinpy58oe604r61XxMHMJqCq7C_UnQS4Q9WXd/s640/IMG_6627.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Sliced Garden Tomatoes <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3Ck7kppYZ-yjtPitUjB72a2qMFxbfgMv8oaPwhfDGxyxFmFQoaB2USwhUqhJdj8orKE_YVs4jH-o12w5FMSWVFMith8ca97sZ9IVZ5zK7P9WYc7uvmvvV7DCncIPoPII9RvA4G3Kl7Cy/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3Ck7kppYZ-yjtPitUjB72a2qMFxbfgMv8oaPwhfDGxyxFmFQoaB2USwhUqhJdj8orKE_YVs4jH-o12w5FMSWVFMith8ca97sZ9IVZ5zK7P9WYc7uvmvvV7DCncIPoPII9RvA4G3Kl7Cy/s640/IMG_3893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/classic-cucumber-onion-pasta-salad.html">Old Fashioned Cucumber Salad </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFsWe_OxPCwh5Yg7uMzJbg8co44eLEe2mcgRfbl7IWSpjfth6YsIyYcqGKlL-9lURsCZojtdyVVybtr8LfyLZFpU9FdAl_d0N6crPHzL-DNZBo41Dt26lGrvzBoqo4RJigLmJt1lY0Fu8/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFsWe_OxPCwh5Yg7uMzJbg8co44eLEe2mcgRfbl7IWSpjfth6YsIyYcqGKlL-9lURsCZojtdyVVybtr8LfyLZFpU9FdAl_d0N6crPHzL-DNZBo41Dt26lGrvzBoqo4RJigLmJt1lY0Fu8/s640/IMG_4198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/peach-crostata-simple-summer-peach.html">Easy Peach Crostada </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPhZKo357q1J6WX1sCtDe8mCIFvkeHfRl0Yjsam4k0FUCEIz3emk_K2h7EfSA9vYl05j9x3UZI9KbVnDqIbODMD7uaZCO8Db_gOcUMpnbxgaguHgIL2Bu6921M1JoaIfLD-zTT-N3zK0x/s1600/IMG_4292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPhZKo357q1J6WX1sCtDe8mCIFvkeHfRl0Yjsam4k0FUCEIz3emk_K2h7EfSA9vYl05j9x3UZI9KbVnDqIbODMD7uaZCO8Db_gOcUMpnbxgaguHgIL2Bu6921M1JoaIfLD-zTT-N3zK0x/s640/IMG_4292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br /> <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/peach-crostata-simple-summer-peach.html">Easy Peach Crostada </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHmoqKXDHXEOpWUWbd2CYFISUnOc7Go8qJ_p-Plw3WYo3ppa9_SfhH20ujgj9EwGMB4Jker5VD7uAsMgTWaSaAVQJeemoOSLXUbn9RJpJdh-0EIUiZDPDeR-ErIYbbh1iYUS15BioA5GB/s1600/IMG_6686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHmoqKXDHXEOpWUWbd2CYFISUnOc7Go8qJ_p-Plw3WYo3ppa9_SfhH20ujgj9EwGMB4Jker5VD7uAsMgTWaSaAVQJeemoOSLXUbn9RJpJdh-0EIUiZDPDeR-ErIYbbh1iYUS15BioA5GB/s640/IMG_6686.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/frozen-watermelon-margarita-with.html">Watermelon Margarita</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfMiKzY235tH_Apqf-m4-JT5TmY3U7UxVaAZQfMFqn71CZ-YnWvx5ZUwtGoZV7ftaNrgk-WTZSzdy1iJxdL4jVvamzUzxg2AHnMkVVp_RI_RYMKpj2Fu_7Rw4A6D0VPT5h8V8K887hYwf/s1600/4th-menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfMiKzY235tH_Apqf-m4-JT5TmY3U7UxVaAZQfMFqn71CZ-YnWvx5ZUwtGoZV7ftaNrgk-WTZSzdy1iJxdL4jVvamzUzxg2AHnMkVVp_RI_RYMKpj2Fu_7Rw4A6D0VPT5h8V8K887hYwf/s1600/4th-menu.jpg" /></a></div>Here is the easy to pin strip!<br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2F4th-of-july-menu-ideas-ribs-grilled.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AYMci1_LQhM%2FT-s67ocZixI%2FAAAAAAAALGE%2FeFrZETPm91o%2Fs1600%2F4th-menu.jpg&description=The%20Tastes%20of%20Summer%204th%20of%20July%20Menu%0A%0ABBQ%20Ribs%2C%20Cucumbers%2C%20Tomatoes%2C%20Watermelon%20%26%20Peaches%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2F4th-of-july-menu-ideas-ribs-grilled.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Tastes of Summer : 4th of July Menu Idea | Ribs, Grilled Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Garden Tomatoes Watermelon Margarita & Peach Crostata

In just a couple of days we'll be on our way back to Kansas City for the 4th of July.  Last year we didn't make it home for the 4th ...

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Father's Day Menu : Sliced Flank Steak, Grilled Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes, Sliced Avocados & Mini Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream

<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN5q5siTRZ5ZmKsqbMSYmxYMjeHtqLqCXPUOSUp-G3vfgWjGBxagjeSuKiH1QEuqTdVjktrUFlfTNChTs5Qoio2QEbpmw6rRqLb4LvujC4WCcBM22teOROwh09acL32LrnTlGcyWdnKOB/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN5q5siTRZ5ZmKsqbMSYmxYMjeHtqLqCXPUOSUp-G3vfgWjGBxagjeSuKiH1QEuqTdVjktrUFlfTNChTs5Qoio2QEbpmw6rRqLb4LvujC4WCcBM22teOROwh09acL32LrnTlGcyWdnKOB/s640/IMG_7471.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div>In honor of Father's Day weekend, I've decided to share some of Mike's favorite things in hopes of inspiring your Father's Day celebrations. <br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Ffathers-day-menu-sliced-flank-steak.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-w_PS8_mH2NA%2FT9s3241RwRI%2FAAAAAAAAK9I%2FH4A_pAWTLYk%2Fs1600%2Ffathers-day-pin.jpg&description=Father%27s%20Day%20Menu%20%3A%20Fresh%20%26%20Flavorful%0AGrilled%20Flank%20Steak%20with%20Chimichurri%20Sauce%0ASliced%20Avocados%20%26%20Heirloom%20Tomatoes%0AGrilled%20Sweet%20Corn%0AIndividual%20Peach%20Cobblers%20%26%20Ice%20Cream%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Ffathers-day-menu-sliced-flank-steak.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div>He's definitely a steak and potato sort of guy... but with a twist for the summer months.  This is Mike's idea of a perfect Summer meal- steak, tomatoes, avocados and grilled sweet corn.   In the colder months the avocado, tomatoes and corn would be replaced by a baked potato loaded with sour cream and butter, and the steak would be a <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/filet-mignon-filet-of-beef-seared.html" target="_blank">filet crusted with salt and pepper</a>.<br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSK9gyb54e8j1piVvH9nNF8veIQC9kBJEoeMyes6EIvOmLvKHBhN7tB_X3absYL7jVmpWouLGKPD4_2ERxGHPeLvHiO7rmQT1jwDYg2CCi-1BWmMU1Hw6s1OeEi6jJjJdpGrfD4x5i29f/s1600/IMG_7482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSK9gyb54e8j1piVvH9nNF8veIQC9kBJEoeMyes6EIvOmLvKHBhN7tB_X3absYL7jVmpWouLGKPD4_2ERxGHPeLvHiO7rmQT1jwDYg2CCi-1BWmMU1Hw6s1OeEi6jJjJdpGrfD4x5i29f/s640/IMG_7482.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />In the summer, he loves this lighter, fresher version. We top the sliced flank steak with a spice and herb filled chimichurri sauce that gives it so much flavor. I love that flank steaks are really inexpensive (usually about $7-8/pound) and cook in just a couple of minutes. This entire dinner is ready in 15-20 minutes from start to finish.<br /><br />Here is the recipe for the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/spicy-chimichurri-sauce-for-grilled.html" target="_self">Chimichurri Sauce.</a></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kt8Gp1rvXU3FQf4Q7RAvQR6d0zqUcxWKxjKAaSD5z9fX7aoWthJ9FWMT74nQ38Q36rhShKj2J9cyYe9dvb_dRWYRGn8rslFM7fHbgXZZBAqmkxfnHBJNzw_CmQJc-7BG-zeShRfYFoXD/s1600/IMG_7479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kt8Gp1rvXU3FQf4Q7RAvQR6d0zqUcxWKxjKAaSD5z9fX7aoWthJ9FWMT74nQ38Q36rhShKj2J9cyYe9dvb_dRWYRGn8rslFM7fHbgXZZBAqmkxfnHBJNzw_CmQJc-7BG-zeShRfYFoXD/s640/IMG_7479.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />Our all-time favorite sides are sliced tomatoes and avocados.  Real summer tomatoes aren't here quite yet, so we opt for these heirloom cherry tomatoes that have great flavor all year long.  There is no prep, no cooking- I just slice them, drizzle them with really good olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  He loves it every time.</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgir4YqIAETtj6KqgEXGsNKmYrABOXBnOfT-igju964luYT1dasKORR5Cjh739cEasLN7POEt9n1zqx5qxLZzhDovplQbCdOg-b9SsNVvTzK9ARap2hGE9pTGGFU21ro60AJfuPxr1VPG/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgir4YqIAETtj6KqgEXGsNKmYrABOXBnOfT-igju964luYT1dasKORR5Cjh739cEasLN7POEt9n1zqx5qxLZzhDovplQbCdOg-b9SsNVvTzK9ARap2hGE9pTGGFU21ro60AJfuPxr1VPG/s640/IMG_7481.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />When the corn is good, I throw a couple of ears on the grill that have been brushed with butter and salted.  Stay tuned for the recipe and method.</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDW-AO280biSs0wah4yr13cTSCHjfcTaEHJ4HxtXwWoApVoUqxvY5zvRgVoM13JhZDtulDbqpbNsE5XnhMaHzYpTNXnUGhSlgshhEd4nDsEKGBikyiOKWeOSb_PmqtNV4khwR1QlY_2LZ/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDW-AO280biSs0wah4yr13cTSCHjfcTaEHJ4HxtXwWoApVoUqxvY5zvRgVoM13JhZDtulDbqpbNsE5XnhMaHzYpTNXnUGhSlgshhEd4nDsEKGBikyiOKWeOSb_PmqtNV4khwR1QlY_2LZ/s640/IMG_7475.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />Isn't this a beautiful dinner?!  There is really no excuse.  This dinner costs about $15-20 and takes 15-20 minutes, start to finish.</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOa17O5-ga3AvBVfTG0saQrOkpjp4eEjoaHdfJB3rU6EEtRgMYMwW4i-JTpW83FK5UvGleI03zdGOETwKjOhLBUYJadhVpX8f50VS5tYSlwgbzj6eSXlGzSCMCbUncwUyzx1-P6DVoD1O/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOa17O5-ga3AvBVfTG0saQrOkpjp4eEjoaHdfJB3rU6EEtRgMYMwW4i-JTpW83FK5UvGleI03zdGOETwKjOhLBUYJadhVpX8f50VS5tYSlwgbzj6eSXlGzSCMCbUncwUyzx1-P6DVoD1O/s640/IMG_7433.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />For dessert?  </div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/individual-peach-cobblers-with-vanilla.html" target="_blank">Individual Peach Cobblers with Vanilla Ice Cream</a></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">.  I make big batches of crumble topping and keep it in the freezer.  When I go to the store I grab whatever fruit looks good- berries, peaches or apples.  I toss the fruit in a little sugar and flour, put it in a small bowl, then top with a handful of my pre-made crumble topping from the freezer.  They bake for about 15-20 minutes.  Here is the recipe for<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/individual-peach-cobblers-with-vanilla.html" target="_blank"> Individual Peach Cobblers with Vanilla Ice Cream.</a></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsn1d8CXUZoLeWmhzFxKCEa6sU870lKpU9wx-6GNcRxbjV9gH9pIb9zh5opETPBILKEnGiTlf_XjSq7GuDeRpQCj0prLHS-TXwXOdxrApylS5D3aAdorNMcSPDYP60X83wjhiN9NSkXgU/s1600/fathers-day-pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsn1d8CXUZoLeWmhzFxKCEa6sU870lKpU9wx-6GNcRxbjV9gH9pIb9zh5opETPBILKEnGiTlf_XjSq7GuDeRpQCj0prLHS-TXwXOdxrApylS5D3aAdorNMcSPDYP60X83wjhiN9NSkXgU/s1600/fathers-day-pin.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />Here is the easy to pin strip!</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Ffathers-day-menu-sliced-flank-steak.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-w_PS8_mH2NA%2FT9s3241RwRI%2FAAAAAAAAK9I%2FH4A_pAWTLYk%2Fs1600%2Ffathers-day-pin.jpg&description=Father%27s%20Day%20Menu%20%3A%20Fresh%20%26%20Flavorful%0AGrilled%20Flank%20Steak%20with%20Chimichurri%20Sauce%0ASliced%20Avocados%20%26%20Heirloom%20Tomatoes%0AGrilled%20Sweet%20Corn%0AIndividual%20Peach%20Cobblers%20%26%20Ice%20Cream%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Ffathers-day-menu-sliced-flank-steak.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"><br />Come back later today for all of the links to recipes and instructions!</div><div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;"></div>

Father's Day Menu : Sliced Flank Steak, Grilled Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes, Sliced Avocados & Mini Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream

In honor of Father's Day weekend, I've decided to share some of Mike's favorite things in hopes of inspiring your Father's D...

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Ladies Night Cocktail Party on the Patio | Summer Entertaining

Sometimes I'm amazed by how things have a way of working out.  Last year, after living in Concord for a couple of months I had met a couple of people.  Literally, a couple of people.  Sure I waved at our neighbors and at the people at the dog park, but I hadn't met anyone that I would've called a friend- someone that I would've wanted to meet for coffee or invite to dinner.  As a person who spends a lot of time by myself working from home for myself, I'm used to braving the 9-to-5 alone until Mike gets home.  After a couple of months I remember saying to Mike - I miss friends.  Not only do I miss <i>our</i> friends- which is a big deal entirely, I miss <i>having</i> friends.<br /><br />A few days later my neighbor, Jenny (also married to a Mike...), whom I had never met pulls over on the side of the road while I'm walking the Mr. and invites me to a Mom's Night Out- a Friday night at a local restaurant with a group of girls that need a night out.  Sometimes I'm amazed how things work out. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD-eJ_oL1426h6jUefQY5TRtKfdAWsyLxUeWyL9Dd-x07HghyphenhyphenEYi832fx3dlF10WHmTEIeDSdej-ugu_64mRcLvECGbU5R7MEmGgHmvdUU1O1Xd3eBKTaWeeG1qk_FyoMILWJOXH11ty-/s1600/IMG_7158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD-eJ_oL1426h6jUefQY5TRtKfdAWsyLxUeWyL9Dd-x07HghyphenhyphenEYi832fx3dlF10WHmTEIeDSdej-ugu_64mRcLvECGbU5R7MEmGgHmvdUU1O1Xd3eBKTaWeeG1qk_FyoMILWJOXH11ty-/s640/IMG_7158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ladies Night Cocktail Party on the Patio</span></i><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fladies-night-cocktail-party-on-patio.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tShkBNuIX70%2FT9C2LzRuHiI%2FAAAAAAAAKqw%2F-6lKxJi_Bmo%2Fs1600%2Fpatio.jpg&description=Ladies%20Night%20Cocktail%20Party%20on%20the%20Patio%20%7C%20Summer%20Entertaining%20Idea%20%0A%0AWhite%20Peach%20Sangria%2C%20Creamy%20Crab%20Dip%2C%20Tomato%2C%20Zucchini%20%26%20Olive%20Bruschetta%20%26%20Bit%20Size%20S%27mores%0A%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fladies-night-cocktail-party-on-patio.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br />It has been so fun for me to get out, meet some local ladies and chat-  just the perfect thing for a new gal in town.  This month I invited the crew to my house for sangria and appetizers on the patio.  Stay tuned this week for more details and all of the recipes!<br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFj2H_1XPQxLQmrStiEpbz5vDSc6xZKu7T3ZigspfuKiRDE0tu5Yo8LmWhyUPn0cOOhQpS1QBMGDAhqhiXqX0WAiW0bccrbrh1vIdH7dccEWpKNcVDz60N1GIv0BGgigLkKX703hPbVS_/s1600/IMG_7354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFj2H_1XPQxLQmrStiEpbz5vDSc6xZKu7T3ZigspfuKiRDE0tu5Yo8LmWhyUPn0cOOhQpS1QBMGDAhqhiXqX0WAiW0bccrbrh1vIdH7dccEWpKNcVDz60N1GIv0BGgigLkKX703hPbVS_/s640/IMG_7354.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">White Peach Sangria</span><br /><br /><i>I think Sangria is a great thing to serve when you're hosting a cocktail party.  It's not just wine, it's not just a cocktail... the best part of both worlds and everyone loves it.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/white-peach-sangria-summer-cocktail.html" target="_blank">White Peach Sangria Recipe >></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguPNRVJcig4oVQVN4BBWgOqxkl96C2VgwIwmzL4qIEJwp_q_3gG2I78ipOgBR-DLeSwEZmz9MPKtRdaCmdLUklDY4d5eQ576lNGx3ifABYM2TQese55w0-QNl6w1TmBFYNK4qo_FvSOMW/s1600/IMG_7118.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguPNRVJcig4oVQVN4BBWgOqxkl96C2VgwIwmzL4qIEJwp_q_3gG2I78ipOgBR-DLeSwEZmz9MPKtRdaCmdLUklDY4d5eQ576lNGx3ifABYM2TQese55w0-QNl6w1TmBFYNK4qo_FvSOMW/s640/IMG_7118.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Creamy Crab Rangoon Dip </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">with Vegetables</span></span><br /><br /><i>Everyone loves Crab Rangoon.  Period.  This dip version is basically the cream cheesy filling of the crab rangoon served hot with cold veggies... so good!  You can also serve it with fried wontons if you really want to go for the crab rangoon thing. </i><br /><br /><i>Here is the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/creamy-crab-rangoon-dip-with-vegetables.html" target="_blank">recipe for Creamy Crab Rangoon Dip</a>! </i> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot86FvSACvEMwth3asMRMOtjBnHbHqCZBLbx5ZvRrjiz9tWq6EKdDj0bjp5Aj1whsqWjKJO4BshklsMWLwIRsiX6CkkS3snRR2nLVvltNBfRjYYJhq-Zi61LuWYoemHc0CBg-r4hmQ65l/s1600/IMG_7146.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot86FvSACvEMwth3asMRMOtjBnHbHqCZBLbx5ZvRrjiz9tWq6EKdDj0bjp5Aj1whsqWjKJO4BshklsMWLwIRsiX6CkkS3snRR2nLVvltNBfRjYYJhq-Zi61LuWYoemHc0CBg-r4hmQ65l/s640/IMG_7146.jpg" width="426" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Summer Tomato, Zucchini & Olive Bruschetta</span><br /><br /><i>This is one of my favorites this year.  It is fresh and healthy- always nice to have a light option at a cocktail party so your guests can graze all night without feeling bad!</i><br /><br /><i><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/tomato-zucchini-and-olive-bruschetta.html" target="_blank">Recipe for Summer Tomato Zucchini & Olive Bruschetta, here! </a></i><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTwRBRxhqL5TrkNIIOJyK16qKnzVqnkBWjtP5FTnB-M6T5t4h46nQkeRuMAOYfKOOdUIX1SQoed5s_DlpQKkiFemGsAUh-gRIPAGN-VHQdBJKHP-cP2aun9xjRkG0ASHSCs6Q3EyqFoYZ/s1600/IMG_7228.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTwRBRxhqL5TrkNIIOJyK16qKnzVqnkBWjtP5FTnB-M6T5t4h46nQkeRuMAOYfKOOdUIX1SQoed5s_DlpQKkiFemGsAUh-gRIPAGN-VHQdBJKHP-cP2aun9xjRkG0ASHSCs6Q3EyqFoYZ/s640/IMG_7228.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers</span><br /><br /><i>This was one of my most popular menu items when I was a caterer.  The flavors are amazing with the shrimp... inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, of course.  They work just as well as a main course with pasta or a steak, if you're really going all out.</i><br /><br /><i>Here is the recipe for <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/lemon-basil-grilled-shrimp-kebabs.html" target="_blank">Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers</a>! </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlp33OfcBLqYTWUkv03NFQ88ebcwLGg2xuZuzM1gh_CoEskOABp9895qOV2Y7mG_9csyAwPj_n9hDYHv8OnFaWOLeSyQu4T7hSfBhraY8g5WR0QtEAj-LrjDsytclmCzbpgBUjqEGaCR9/s1600/IMG_7103.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlp33OfcBLqYTWUkv03NFQ88ebcwLGg2xuZuzM1gh_CoEskOABp9895qOV2Y7mG_9csyAwPj_n9hDYHv8OnFaWOLeSyQu4T7hSfBhraY8g5WR0QtEAj-LrjDsytclmCzbpgBUjqEGaCR9/s640/IMG_7103.JPG" width="476" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Bite Size S'mores</span><br /><br /><i>These were the hit of the night!  They are all of the goodness of the messy campfire treat without the bonfire or sticky mess.</i><br /><br /><br />Stay tuned this week for more details and all of the recipes!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN2zY4M2DBheDOf4vHf0dY7c_wEFgg85Cog9k9RFoH0G8r3y32r0tUGbKO4X5SujqR6SEP5fNWOuJiA0z684DUxdKZWRqqpwBiikPu2EVu2rhRNxd2IU2HZQwCjoMJk7brTRMoezcci_q/s1600/patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN2zY4M2DBheDOf4vHf0dY7c_wEFgg85Cog9k9RFoH0G8r3y32r0tUGbKO4X5SujqR6SEP5fNWOuJiA0z684DUxdKZWRqqpwBiikPu2EVu2rhRNxd2IU2HZQwCjoMJk7brTRMoezcci_q/s1600/patio.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i>Here is the easy to pin strip!<br /> <a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fladies-night-cocktail-party-on-patio.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tShkBNuIX70%2FT9C2LzRuHiI%2FAAAAAAAAKqw%2F-6lKxJi_Bmo%2Fs1600%2Fpatio.jpg&description=Ladies%20Night%20Cocktail%20Party%20on%20the%20Patio%20%7C%20Summer%20Entertaining%20Idea%20%0A%0AWhite%20Peach%20Sangria%2C%20Creamy%20Crab%20Dip%2C%20Tomato%2C%20Zucchini%20%26%20Olive%20Bruschetta%20%26%20Bit%20Size%20S%27mores%0A%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fladies-night-cocktail-party-on-patio.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

Ladies Night Cocktail Party on the Patio | Summer Entertaining

Sometimes I'm amazed by how things have a way of working out.  Last year, after living in Concord for a couple of months I had met a cou...

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Celebrating Tomato Season | Tomato Tasting Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwrw2-DUaQuSW3aXkPoChMW4Yzw9o5yVdjYdIRLxlZ3_LPB5s16DEAaNvJVTCafV5D6zxDLfTSnRvEWfV5lJb70NpdBE5AdQ_PJhNfCyxezSD89Qrs8OdGtvm7M02Bt6Nc1ePy2sor2BD/s1600/tomato+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwrw2-DUaQuSW3aXkPoChMW4Yzw9o5yVdjYdIRLxlZ3_LPB5s16DEAaNvJVTCafV5D6zxDLfTSnRvEWfV5lJb70NpdBE5AdQ_PJhNfCyxezSD89Qrs8OdGtvm7M02Bt6Nc1ePy2sor2BD/s640/tomato+mag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Recently, I was asked to contribute to the <a href="http://www.thepartydress.net/the-party-dress-magazine/issue-6/" target="_blank">The Party Dress Magazine</a>.  My contribution was to be... a party celebrating Tomato Season.<br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fcelebrating-tomato-season-tomato.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F--QRg9fOAn9I%2FT8zPhRlaTHI%2FAAAAAAAAKi4%2FhUjN3LPnJOQ%2Fs1600%2Ftomato-strip.jpg&description=Tomato%20Season%20Dinner%20Party%20Menu%20%7C%20Summer%20Entertaining%20Inspiration%20by%20Jenny%20Steffens%20Hobick%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fcelebrating-tomato-season-tomato.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8B9Cl_BEyHLZyfMiQNBNpqCX8OtkRKN-tcY9JQEEd54up5e32ts4Dhe6NNT1bcyQ6e4sq_gT1DRF_zTIvE0j39HgRcamAmCg-z7miSraGaRTHVWGdqUsh93NbjPKYkjkfhuVnUhfdUeY/s1600/tomato++mag+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8B9Cl_BEyHLZyfMiQNBNpqCX8OtkRKN-tcY9JQEEd54up5e32ts4Dhe6NNT1bcyQ6e4sq_gT1DRF_zTIvE0j39HgRcamAmCg-z7miSraGaRTHVWGdqUsh93NbjPKYkjkfhuVnUhfdUeY/s640/tomato++mag+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It was an easy task for me as for the last three years I have attended my cousins' <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket" target="_blank">Fahrmeier Farms Tomato Days back in Kansas City</a>- a festival held at their farm with local chefs that prepare recipes featuring heirloom tomatoes picked fresh from their fields.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJJF6qZkKEaqwouxS_fPVOUZpZaSPCcWa2UNd0nZMaHEMJHUBU4rT8fI32HDFbAx1v7Ed8pNlHtKOdyOfFK2O0oJT6ApLg9gRhABik6hrFrrR3QjSecRK6Ned6CrXP-4Ciae5e5Yl0HFX/s1600/IMG_6633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJJF6qZkKEaqwouxS_fPVOUZpZaSPCcWa2UNd0nZMaHEMJHUBU4rT8fI32HDFbAx1v7Ed8pNlHtKOdyOfFK2O0oJT6ApLg9gRhABik6hrFrrR3QjSecRK6Ned6CrXP-4Ciae5e5Yl0HFX/s640/IMG_6633.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Many of the chefs had created great inventive dishes- sorbets, spicy gazpachos, soups, etc., but my favorite stop at the festival was the actual tomato tasting tent.  They had out every variety (15+), sliced ready for tasting and comparing- inspiration!  A tasting would be the perfect start for my Tomato Celebration Dinner Party. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4fLiSRvVQ94_VuShSlF8P2etT203q5qjs0VZxM40I2tM2UhIaESPR2jn-fiPepzfEi4Mw26YvoG5Rd2nuEubLoSQW7wC6KcTps6vdYCbKFCdGRWP8OgE2i4GnVeNdy0SkoyQ0hZjeJQV/s1600/IMG_6660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4fLiSRvVQ94_VuShSlF8P2etT203q5qjs0VZxM40I2tM2UhIaESPR2jn-fiPepzfEi4Mw26YvoG5Rd2nuEubLoSQW7wC6KcTps6vdYCbKFCdGRWP8OgE2i4GnVeNdy0SkoyQ0hZjeJQV/s640/IMG_6660.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />So, for the Tomato Celebration Party, I decided to start the evening off with the "Tomato Tasting" instead of hors d'oeuvres.  I displayed a variety of sliced tomatoes and a board, served with sea salt and a bit of fresh basil... the perfect and simplest way to enjoy real summer tomatoes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82_bQTSb7glZkDC06NeFSCtDPxoNqM2Orcf2gNl3ptuW6W917UUcM95iCaCKaRXWQ7Hzzf9jDC7lGrUo2Fm_ze-d8oMncdRkqgbs_bLDNLO3APh6YVxGXmIptfyfgB68lEiMPtKwqpy3Q/s1600/IMG_6686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82_bQTSb7glZkDC06NeFSCtDPxoNqM2Orcf2gNl3ptuW6W917UUcM95iCaCKaRXWQ7Hzzf9jDC7lGrUo2Fm_ze-d8oMncdRkqgbs_bLDNLO3APh6YVxGXmIptfyfgB68lEiMPtKwqpy3Q/s640/IMG_6686.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />With the Tomato Tasting I offered another Summer favorite- Frozen Watermelon Margarita with an Heirloom Cherry Tomato Garnish.   <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/frozen-watermelon-margarita-with.html" target="_blank"><i>Fresh Watermelon Margarita Recipe- here!</i></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kYDGK-kdaFDBhT325Gq5H1JBTsMAUjDU1nFk_B6VlaiqCLGJwWUtZ6ThiorslTNXcocXdl2oQ0C-JJ4kz3aTEgxyuNyi-6AhYxKgEt4sNBaC6BgHBPhQ41dbIxwBm6HgAH0ufka8n2O6/s1600/IMG_6575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kYDGK-kdaFDBhT325Gq5H1JBTsMAUjDU1nFk_B6VlaiqCLGJwWUtZ6ThiorslTNXcocXdl2oQ0C-JJ4kz3aTEgxyuNyi-6AhYxKgEt4sNBaC6BgHBPhQ41dbIxwBm6HgAH0ufka8n2O6/s640/IMG_6575.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />For the setting, I created a custom <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-table-setting.html" target="_blank">Painted Linen Napkin (the easiest craft you'll ever do- see other samples here!)</a> with red stripes on an oatmeal linen.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-table-setting.html" target="_blank"><i>Click here for more details on the setting.</i></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gd1OcuUgER4PG37hEiDThlZkJjG_Y6TAVQFH9ELYoXCL2hTP9IvGZDktZpwNmzDwjZ258be3A26Si9jSBPGx_v0ghPcHPoG-P6P3oElg3OxMx_SYnQXsejKoReSJ5XjuRtcV7oviZLFf/s1600/IMG_6667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gd1OcuUgER4PG37hEiDThlZkJjG_Y6TAVQFH9ELYoXCL2hTP9IvGZDktZpwNmzDwjZ258be3A26Si9jSBPGx_v0ghPcHPoG-P6P3oElg3OxMx_SYnQXsejKoReSJ5XjuRtcV7oviZLFf/s640/IMG_6667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the main course, I decided to use the tomatoes in a different way than typically served- they're grilled.  In fact, I used every Summer vegetable I could find- tomatoes, eggplant, squash, peppers- brushed them with olive oil, then they were grilled and tossed with fresh pasta.  The tomatoes and eggplant broke apart, creating this amazingly fresh and flavorful sauce that coated the pasta- it was almost the texture of a meaty bolognese sauce.  It was really amazing- Mike was convinced there was meat in it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/06/grilled-summer-vegetables-with-fresh.html" target="_blank"><i>Summer Vegetable Bolognese with Fresh Pasta Recipe, here!</i></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayI4zOAZp_bvGaoYjm3sfXw4UAzGj01j5mRikDP0wWNjfl1_nItrXFuQ0sukEnoqWpR85px-7doObD-tbp9X0o92IA-hrmDo4X1l5Sul00Swwu4hkpF41PqrjwDgo40vVP76DFLX4w34g/s1600/IMG_6553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayI4zOAZp_bvGaoYjm3sfXw4UAzGj01j5mRikDP0wWNjfl1_nItrXFuQ0sukEnoqWpR85px-7doObD-tbp9X0o92IA-hrmDo4X1l5Sul00Swwu4hkpF41PqrjwDgo40vVP76DFLX4w34g/s640/IMG_6553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It had never occurred to me to grill tomatoes.  They had such great flavor from the grill and were cooked perfectly- ready to fall apart into a sauce, but not into a mushy mess.  The texture was amazing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJzrjxGeAGQsmHqGVVjD3JlTkqebyMs_yfRW0iLEYPTsFuAnWHvxcb1v55mRYjoeE38PyOFPHJ110HPrxXbOj2ZEZwujxlqOswpejtmIKoCvB4FCOx4r_xK_S1qoGM4SLvOmfhwL3CXqR/s1600/IMG_6677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJzrjxGeAGQsmHqGVVjD3JlTkqebyMs_yfRW0iLEYPTsFuAnWHvxcb1v55mRYjoeE38PyOFPHJ110HPrxXbOj2ZEZwujxlqOswpejtmIKoCvB4FCOx4r_xK_S1qoGM4SLvOmfhwL3CXqR/s640/IMG_6677.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>For dessert, a really fresh taste of the best of Summer- a Strawberry, Watermelon and Tomato Salad with a sweet basil drizzle.  Recipe coming later this week!<br /><br />For more Summer Inspiration, visit my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-guide-recipes-grilling-party.html" target="_blank">Summer Entertaining Guide home page</a>- I've created links and shortcuts for everything from great Grilled Appetizers, Summer Menus, Tomato Recipes, Simple Summer Table Settings, Summer Travel and more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5YJQMjNNJMFz1zLYs52zO6CvTcC8i4azOUKdvDtE3_1uU8ShBwxM4e7pLFJstcQTELu39W8XqkdJLlrWuZfrs4DqvwCCc8K7RWdSaNe2eFnLFWkxJ7EF3VsQVGYI-JOIufhbKmFkvCST/s1600/tomato-strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5YJQMjNNJMFz1zLYs52zO6CvTcC8i4azOUKdvDtE3_1uU8ShBwxM4e7pLFJstcQTELu39W8XqkdJLlrWuZfrs4DqvwCCc8K7RWdSaNe2eFnLFWkxJ7EF3VsQVGYI-JOIufhbKmFkvCST/s1600/tomato-strip.jpg" /></a></div>Here is the easy-to-pin strip! <a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fcelebrating-tomato-season-tomato.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F--QRg9fOAn9I%2FT8zPhRlaTHI%2FAAAAAAAAKi4%2FhUjN3LPnJOQ%2Fs1600%2Ftomato-strip.jpg&description=Tomato%20Season%20Dinner%20Party%20Menu%20%7C%20Summer%20Entertaining%20Inspiration%20by%20Jenny%20Steffens%20Hobick%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fcelebrating-tomato-season-tomato.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

Celebrating Tomato Season | Tomato Tasting Party

Recently, I was asked to contribute to the The Party Dress Magazine .  My contribution was to be... a party celebrating Tomato Season. It wa...

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