Quick Summer Fare

Even though most store and TV are pushing the fall season , it's still summer,it's still August.That means hot day where all you want to do is eat light.Nothing beats a brochette or shish kabob.They"re fun and easy to assemble, especially for a party. David Tanis of A City Kitchen provided us with the recipes for an easy warm weather meal in yesterday's New York Times Dining section.As always the French have taken just simple roasting and turned it into a high art.Yet it was probably France's soldiers of a few centuries ago.Their swords became cooking implements at night roasting bits of meat over open flames.Brochettes are fun to make and there are all sorts of combos,from seafood such as scallops and shrimp to chicken and beef.These can be custom made ,tailored to family and friend's taste as well as dietary restrictions.Another plus is that these shish kabobs can be made the night before.leaving the day of the party free for cleaning and getting the patio ready for guests.Grilling time is only three minutes over a medium hot fire.Since this goes fast ,and they get eaten quickly , it's best to make a whole platter of about twenty sticks.Also use double skewers.This ensures that the meat won't fall off and slip into the coals. Mr.Tanis has some excellent recommendations for the skewers.For one bamboo is about the best for spearing and works well over a grill.His offerings are red chile pork and coconut curry chicken.The first is a marbled pork shoulder cut into manageable pieces .The sauce uses roasted and pureed tomatoes with the kick of New Mexico red chile powderToasted cumin is also added to balancing it out.If you want a less kickierIt still has cayenne but also turmeric and coconut to tame it down.It's made with chicken breasts ,again sliced.You could also try a London Broils sliced, marinated in just olive oil and lemon.Add sprigs of Rosemary and oregano.Mr. Tanis recommends serving the brochettes with pita (more on that tomorrow) or small rolls.I would keep the French theme with basket of thinly sliced French bread. Sides should also be kept simple.Think just plain tomatoes and a green bean vinaigrette to ladle next to the brochettes. The summer is still around.It calls for a simple to make, simple to cook meal like brochettes.Pick your favorite meats ,marinades and spices to create tasty shish kabobs, perfect for a warm night.