I know what you’ve been thinking lately, “I’d really love to create a big summer feast with family and friends, but I don’t know where to begin?!” I know this because I went through the exact same thing just recently. Now that Julian and I have moved into a house, we’re looking forward to entertaining more often because we actually have the space for it. With just a few helpful tips and tricks up our sleeves, we can all create an amazing summer get-together that everyone will enjoy. And that’s no joke. The first thing is that you want to keep things simple. Simplicity is key. Now is not the time to make a five course meal that will keep you in the kitchen all day long. You’ll never enjoy the dinner that way. Choose dishes that are seasonal and easy to make; that don’t require too much attention at the stove. A set it and forget it mentality is your friend. Whatever you can create ahead of time will save you a lot of heartache. While casual is best, that doesn’t mean you have to let presentation go out the window. Finally, don’t be afraid of color when it comes to serving and displaying the beautiful food you’ve created. Le Creuset‘s signature enameled cast-iron cookware and stoneware is now available in Williams-Sonoma’s new and exclusive color, Teal. All this means is that you can brighten up and add color to your meals all summer long by serving the food right in the cookware itself. It’ll add a pop of color to your summer spread. The cool thing about Le Creuset is that their cast iron pieces are still manufactured in the original factory in France that opened in 1925. You really can’t beat that.
I’m sharing three recipes to help you create that ultimate summer meal. The first is a Summer Roast Chicken with Peaches. While roasting a chicken in the heat of summer might sound like the worst thing ever, keep in mind that nothing can beat a roast chicken especially when made with seasonal fresh peaches, shallots and herbs. Embrace it. I’m also sharing a recipe for a Grilled Summer Vegetable Quinoa with Pistachios and Feta. It’s a salad jam-packed with so much seasonal flavor you won’t know even know what to do! And no gathering is complete without a signature cocktail. My Grilled Watermelon Sangria will keep you going back for more…which is both good and bad. Depends on how you look at it, really. I’ll tell you one thing that is good though, and that’s a GIVEAWAY! I love giving stuff away because it makes me feel like Santa Claus or Oprah, and thanks to Le Creuset, I’m giving away a 4 1/2 qt Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Deep Covered Baker in exclusive teal to one lucky winner! This giveaway is a little different in that I’m hosting it on my Instagram. So head on over to my account and follow me (if you don’t already) so you don’t miss the post with all the details! You got this!
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