Summertime Garden Party Menu

photo credit: shepaused4thought.com

Isn’t it so hard to slow down?  To make time for yourself?  To do something just for fun?  It sure is for me, and when I do it, it never fails to remind me that I should make a bigger effort to do it more often.  

Last week I had the most delightful time with some of my favorite fellow food blogger friends.  Together we created a Summertime Garden Party with delicious, seasonal summer flavors, a fabulous time cooking, and a whole lot of laughter.  It was so much fun and I hope you’ll gather a few friends and do the same before summer’s over.  I’m super excited to introduce you to these awesome women and their delicious recipes.left to right: Christina of Christina’s Cucina, Moi, Kelly of Tasting Page, Cathy of She Paused For Thought, and Judy of My Well Seasoned Life

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To get the party started Kelly made Spicy Mango Citrus Cocktails.photo credit: tastingpage.com

Welcome! I’m Kelly from Tasting Page, and happy to kick off the Summertime Garden Party with an all natural fruit focused beverage.  My blog focuses on unprocessed, real food recipes and this one is no exception. This refreshing summer drink uses no refined sugar because we have all the sweetness we need from ripe mangos, juicy oranges and a squeeze of lime. Mint brightens things up and jalapeño throws in some spice. Depending on the summer soiree you’re looking to have, you can top this with sparkling water for some effervescence and clear-headed thinking, or have some fun, and throw in some tequila to get the party started.

 

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 Cathy shared her Fresh Tomato & Strawberry Gazpacho Recipe.photo credit: shepaused4thought.com

Hello! I’m Cathy from She Paused 4 Thought and I think summer entertaining should be simple, flavorful and visually appealing. My blog focuses on getting out of a rut in the kitchen with fun, uniquely combined whole foods with a global spin. This gorgeous gazpacho will have your guests swooning over a unique combination of garden fresh tomatoes and seasonally ripe strawberries. You can make this ahead of time and keep it chilled until your guests arrive. Garnish with strawberries or mint and keep the party rolling.

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My turn.  I made my Sweet and Spicy Tomato-Mango Goat Cheese Appetizer. photo credit: shepaused4thought.com

I love rich and intense flavors, and serving them in ways my friends will never forget. This scrumptious summer appetizer is no exception — creamy goat cheese, Spicy Serrano Tomato Preserves, and fresh mango make this a bite to remember!photo credit: shepaused4thought.com

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Judy made what I think is the best lamb I’ve ever had, Lamb Skewers with Mint & Feta Salsa and Lima Bean Purée.  photo credit: shepaused4thought.com

I’m Judy from My Well Seasoned Life, where I write thoughts and stories on food, travel and many points in between.  I made Lamb Skewers with Mint and Feta Salsa for our party. I love to make this dish for the lamb haters out there. After one bite, I’ve heard my guests proclaim, “this is the best beef I’ve ever tasted!” It can be served as a starter or main course, depending on how large you want to make your skewers. Serve it at your next party for beef and lamb lovers alike.

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And for dessert Christina made this super pretty Summer Berry Meringue Roulade.photo credit: christinascucina.com

Hi I’m Christina from Christina’s Cucina, a Scots-Italian who has been baking since I was 7 years old. Today, I’m sharing a fresh fruit and meringue dessert to end your meal. I was inspired to create this dessert based on a recipe card I saw while in the UK at a Mark’s and Spencers grocery store. It’s fresh, light and balanced, and should be a perfect way to end your Summertime Garden Party!  Enjoy!

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And there you have it — a most delightful and delicious Garden Party Menu!  Cheers!

photo credit: tastingpage.com

A view from the table like this doesn’t hurt either.  🙂 So let’s all try to slow down a little, soak up summer, enjoy time with friend and eat well.

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