One thing I love more than making good food, is making good food for best friends. Cue Fond Life Gatherings (hint: fall, winter, & spring version to come).
Menu
Watermelon Tequila Cocktails | caprese salad | bacon wrapped asparagus | watermelon with feta & mint | summer greens | pesto goat cheese burgers | grilled peaches
Caprese Salad
Just so you know, I made this one up as I went along, so measurements are more “guidelines.”
Ingredients
2c Heirloom Tomatos
1c Lightly Packed Basil Leaves
1 Large Package Mozzarella Cheese
3T Olive Oil
2T Balsamic
Instructions
Coarsely chop tomato, basil, & mozzarella & combine in large serving bowl.
Mix in olive & balsamic just before serving.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
I’ve made this for groups of people a number of time over the years and no matter how much I make, there are LITERALLY never any leftovers. No matter how much I make. So be prepared for mild mannered people to become ravaging savages around these puppies.
Ingredients
Bacon
(cut in half width-wise)
1 Bunch Asparagus
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Wrap bacon around 1-3 asparagus stalks depending on their width, securing with tooth picks (see photo).
Place on non stick baking sheet & bake at 350 degrees until bacon is done to your liking & asparagus is crispy & bathed in bacon deliciousness.
Let cool slightly & serve.
Summer Greens
I make this in big batches for the week super quickly by using the microwave bag of brown rice and adding in a rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
Bag of mixed greens
1 Large Can Mandarin Oranges
1/4c Walnuts
1/4c Green Onions, chopped
11/2c Brown Rice
1/4c Feta Cheese
1/2c Olive Oil
1/4c Balsamic Vinegar
1/3c Honey
2T Cream
Salt & Pepper
Instructions
Mix first six ingredients into a large bowl.
Combine last five ingredients into a bowl and whisk until combined well.
Just before serving, toss the salad with the dressing.
Watermelon, Mint & Feta
It’s as easy as it sounds.
Ingredients
1/2 Watermelon
(cut to your preference)
1/3c Feta
3T mint
Instructions
Place watermelon on serving platter & sprinkle with mint & feta.
Cover & chill until ready to serve.
Grilled Peaches
I had a hard time pitting the peaches with a spoon, but I think there are some special tools you can get to make it easier. I, on the other hand, asked the strong men hanging around to give me a hand.
Ingredients
Peaches
(halved, pits removed)
Vanilla Ice Cream
Instructions
Grill peaches, pit-side-down over medium heat until soft.
Top generously with ice cream & devour.
Pesto & Goat Cheese Burgers
Makes 10-11 small patties.
Ingredients
1 Batch Walnut Pesto Recipe
2lbs Ground Beef
Salt & Pepper
2 Cloves Garlic, coarsely chopped
Goat Cheese
Burger Buns
Instructions
Mix beef, 1/4c pesto, garlic, & salt & pepper.
Form into patties, cover & chill until ready to grill.
Grill over medium heat until desired done-ness has been achieved. Top with goat cheese for the last few minutes of grill time to let it melt into the patty.
Serve with extra pesto on the side & desired garnishes & condiments.
