Summer Appetizer

Well, we survived our backyard bash this past weekend despite a crazy day with two kids in the baseball/softball championships and a evening full of thunderstorms!  We had about a hundred neighborhood friends filling our tented backyard and house.  It was a ton of preparation but a ton of fun!  I have been spending the last few days playing catch up and clean up. 

Despite the hard work, I love to entertain and in the summer I am drawn to ease and simplicity.  Foods that don't require an oven or even a stove.  This cool appetizer is perfect for a summer gathering.  Few ingredients that are plentiful in summer months.  

Watermelon Feta Bites

1 small watermelon sliced-

1 boxes of chunk Feta cheese

1 cup of fresh basil for garnish

optional-balsamic vinegar 

Use a small round cookie cutter to cut small circles from the watermelon slices.  Cut Feta into bit sized cubes.  Place Feta cube onto watermelon round and garnish with fresh basil leaf.  Place on to platter and drizzle with balsamic.

Super simple!  

Here are some pics from the Saturday preparation:

Happy Wednesday!

Fresh Summer Salad

It's gettin' hot round here and summer is knocking on the door.  I love summer salads.  Could eat them for every meal.  I only wish the rest of the fam felt the same way.-Ha!  This corn salad is one of my faves.  I love using our garden basil-my herb garden is exploding right now with fresh herbs!

This recipe is simple and I'm all about simplicity when get home late from all of these evening baseball and softball games.  This can be whipped up in a matter of minutes.

Fresh Summer Corn Salad

4 ears of corn cut from cob 

3 medium zucchini sliced in 1/2 inch rounds

1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped

1 garlic clove minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add sliced zucchini and garlic and saute for approximately 2 minutes.  Add the corn kernels and season with salt and pepper-cook for an additional minute.  Remove from heat and add fresh basil and white wine vinegar.  Toss and enjoy!

Hope you are enjoying the week!