Sunshine food

 
photography by: Niel Herman

The sun is out, the weather warming up, so invite over some friends. Linger over a glass of wine or two, languish over some simple, rustic dishes, throw in some fresh seasonal salads and don’t forget something sweet to nourish the soul.

Settle in, enjoy the company, take your feasts outdoors whenever possible, clink your glasses to a toast, because summer has just begun!

Cheers!

Try these easy dishes next time you entertain:

• Gnocchi with asparagus, mushrooms and Parma ham. This simple Italian dish passed on by a special family friend, has dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• A cold meat platter, served with hummus, tzatziki, cured marinated olives, some melon slices, a caprice salad and slightly warmed ciabatta bread 
• Roasted peppers, assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit, marinated artichoke hearts, mixed salad greens and fresh bread
• Store-bought roast chicken served with this pea, mint and lemon salad (add some goat’s cheese) and lightly roasted potatoes (sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon zest)
• Nectarine-and-couscous-tabbouleh, serve with succulent steak strips, hummus and warm pitas