Summer Celebrations

What to cook this weekend!

We’re in the thick of summer and with it, it should be bringing long, sun-drenched days and warm, balmy evenings— of course Irish people completely understand the reality of what this actually looks like! If we do get blessed with a couple of days of sunshine for whats left of the summer, I want you to be armed with the perfect tips and recipes to help you ease the load and make entertaining effortless and enjoyable.

Planning ahead is key and most of my meals start with a pen and a paper: Create a menu that can be prepared in advance. This allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Keeping your menu simple and fresh, particularly at this time of year, focus on recipes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. Summer produce like tomatoes, peas, berries, and herbs which are at their peak and need minimal prep to shine. A drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil and seasoning is often all summer veggies need.

For cooking methods, the grill is your best friend during the summer. Not only does it keep the heat out of the kitchen, but it also infuses delicious smoky flavours to your food. Marinate meats, vegetables, and even fruits in advance to make grilling quick and easy. Check out these three recipes below that will make any entertaining that bit more easy.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

These are perfect for summer celebrations because they can be prepared ahead of time and offer a refreshing, light alternative to all the grilled meat this time of year. Filled with prawns, fresh vegetables, herbs, and vermicelli noodles, they are easy to assemble and can be served with flavourful dipping sauces like hoisin-peanut or nuoc cham.

Get the recipe HERE.

Pork Sausage & Fennel Burgers

As a cheaper alternative to the beef burger, give these pork sausage patties a go. Spiked with fennel and topped with roasted peppers, they are particularly delicious cooked over a hot BBQ. Add a pinch of dried red pepper flakes if you like them spicy but the addition of a slice of scamorza cheese is essential for that stringy melted cheese moment as you take your first bite.

Get the recipe HERE.

Steak Platter with BBQ Basil Corn

I cook the bavette steak here on a griddle pan, but this cut of beef is ideal for a BBQ, just cooked for a few minutes on both sides, leaving it charred on the outside but juicy and pink on the inside. Serve this up platter platter style alongside some other great sides and you’ll have yourself a feast!

Get the recipe HERE.