Ripe Recipes for a Summer Soirée
Summer officially kicks off tomorrow, and during this time of year when the pickings are exceptionally ripe, fresh produce is a must-have to create the ultimate seasonal meal. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that make the most of summer’s finest fruits and vegetables.
A delicious and savory start to any summer soirée, a Tomato and Mozzarella Tart is one of my go-to recipes during the summer months. Whether hosting a laid-back afternoon picnic or a lavish evening affair, this summertime favorite is a wonderful alternative to the starter salad and celebrates one of the season’s most versatile fruits – fresh tomato. After adorning the pastry shell with luscious mozzarella and tomato slices brushed with garlic oil, I turn to my Thermador 30-Inch Professional Series Combination Oven. Electronic oven control provides precise heating, ensuring that the tart is perfectly puffy. Once my shell boasts a deep golden-brown bake and my mozzarella is meticulously melted, I sprinkle with fresh basil, slice into sections and serve. This delicious dish certainly lives up to its hype.
For a magnificent main course that is sure to please the whole family, a Roasted Chicken and Vegetables recipe is one of my all-time favorites. This versatile meal can be prepared with an assortment of sides and vegetables and provides the ultimate opportunity for incorporating fresh seasonal produce. From carrots, onions, and potatoes, to succulent summer squash and peppers, the possibilities are endless. To prepare, I return to my Thermador 30-Inch Professional Series Combination Oven. After seasoning my chicken with salt and pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice and dried tarragon, I arrange my seasonal veggies around the meat and place in the oven on a broil pan to bake. My chicken is convection roasted to perfection.
No summer menu is complete without a delectable dessert – and I’ve got a few to share! In honor of the season’s sweetest selection, one of my favorite summer treats is a homemade Blueberry Cobbler. Made with fresh, picked-over blueberries, ground cinnamon and lemon zest, this rich dish is the perfect way to top off your meal.
For a treat of the lighter variety, Margarita Pops are a must-have at any summer gathering. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange bitters and your preferred seasonal fruit (strawberry and watermelon are my top picks!), these refreshing pops can be enjoyed throughout the day or saved until after dinner. To ensure the popsicles are perfectly chilled until serving time, I store in my Thermador Under Counter Double Drawer Refrigerator and Freezer. With touch electronic controls for precise temperature management, the versatile unit sees to it that my frozen sweets beat the summer heat.
To create this sumptuous summer menu, check out the full recipes below. What’s your favorite seasonal dish? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or on our social channels: www.facebook.com/thermador, @ThermadorHome and @Thermador.
