There's something about ending a summer meal with a cold dessert. A slice of ice cream cake or pie tops off a supper or late lunch of spicy ribs or chicken. It's a cool way to finish, especially on a hot , humid day.
One of the coolest treats is the simple icebox cakes. These came about in the 1930s' when iceboxes became a fixture in American kitchens. Often these are a mix of cookies , pudding, sometimes fruit and whipped cream. One of the easiest is the famed Nabisco chocolate wafer log. This is also known as the zebra cake for the fun black and white stripes. It's just lining up chocolate wafers and mortaring them together with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream. This forms a log which can be left alone or dressed up for birthdays and parties. A simple decoration of shaved chocolate is fine but you can also sub in colored sprinkles for a more festive cake. A more elegant decoration is a scattering of strawberries and blueberries on the plate. The cake can also be made Magnolia Bakery style. New York's most famed bakery creates a cake shaped one with four layers of the chocolate wafers sandwiched between whipped cream. Nilla wafer cake is another icy treat that's easy to make. Layer the cookies in any kind of pan - glass or foil - and then layer with vanilla pudding, peaches, strawberries or blueberries and a layer of whipped cream.
Ice cream cakes are another frosty way to end a summer meal. They're easy to make at home, thanks to silicon cake and bread pans. I bought a silicon loaf pan which works perfectly in creating a two layer cake. I also have a smaller one that makes a cute mini cake. Again the Nabisco chocolate wafers are the perfect cake layer. DO NOT sandwich cookies. The creme filling will make for an over sugary , lumpy layer. Pulse the wafers in a food chopper and mix with melted butter or margarine to create a cake like layer. The first layer can be this or Hershey's hard shell which gives the top a nice crunchy, ganache look. Before you add the ice cream and crumbs ,brush a thick layer of it first onto the bottom of the mold. Then layer with your favorite ice creams. Add a second layer alone or with caramel or the seasonal fruit. I recently made a vanilla and sea salt caramel loaf, using Soy Delicious vanilla coconut ice cream and Smucker's Salted Caramel. Keep in mind that the caramel does get the texture of salt water taffy when frozen. You can sub in pureed or chopped strawberries or raspberries for the caramel. Ice cream pie is another cool ,sweet dessert . Get a pre made pie shell and then fill it with whatever you want. Decorate it with puffs of whipped cream, hard shell or even candy. It's a nice alternative to a birthday cake for something different.
A summer meal deserves a sweet, cold ending A slice of ice box cake or ice cream cake or pie is the perfect dessert. It cools you off while you enjoy the end of a delicious warm weather, lunch , supper or dinner.
Monday, July 15, 2019
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Summer Snap Cooking
Summer is not the time for elaborate meals or long hours in the kitchen.It's too hot to stand in front of a stove or prepare a many step recipe. It's time for snap cooking - easy stuff made in no time. There's no fuss or bother -perfect for days when it's even too hot to move.
A hot breakfast to start a hot summer day? No way. Fresh fruit is the simple and tasty yet it's not filling. Layer it in a bowl with rice or wheat puffs and Greek yogurt. Add coconut flakes, dried craisins and raisins for more flavor. Dust with flax seeds for more nutrition and protein. You can also do the same with packets of unflavored oatmeal too. Add pitted cherries and blueberries along with sliced strawberries for a filling and fast low calorie meal. If you need breakfast on the go, then think of bagels with fruity cream cheese. Using a mini chopper, pulse cut strawberries or blueberries and then add to softened cream cheese. (think the one in the container as opposed to the brick). Mix well with a fork and spread on any kind of bagel. This can also be used for a sweet lunch or you could create a savory spread using scallions You can also add ham for a more substantial filling. A savory cream cheese filling can also go well inside a pita. Pitas are a low calorie and tasty alternative to white bread. Think of hummus filled pita as a quick to make , satisfying lunch. If you're at home, make pita chips in your toaster oven. Cut the pita into triangles, brush both sides with oil and toast for five minutes at 350 degrees Farenheit.
Dinner can be another snap recipe. It's very tempting to get take out in this weather. You don't have to. One of the easiest and most delicious recipes to make is gazpacho. Spanish home chefs and professional ones create this cool, refreshing soup to combat the Iberian peninsula's steamy summer weather. I have a phenomenal one thanks to Susan Lewis-Solomont the former Ambassador to Spain's wife. I've varied it and included more tomatoes (namely four vine ripe tomatoes) one large green pepper, a garlic clove and a large cucumber. The recipe also calls for a chopped onion but I feel that a good dash of onion powder does the trick. A half cup of olive oil gives the blend a smooth satiny finish. Use an immersion blender and then blend everything into a creamy pale orange liquid. I love a bowl of it with sliced Italian bread drizzled with oil. Another tasty snap recipe is pasta crudo made with already cooked spaghetti or linguine. Stop & Shop offers the cooked pasta under their label. The salsa crudo is an easy blend of quartered vine ripe tomatoes, a cup of pulsed fresh basil , crushed garlic and a quarter cup of olive oil. Make a half hour before serving. Leave it out. Microwave the pasta and then pour over the salsa. Mix and serve.
A hot summer day spent cooking? No! A hot summer day making snap recipes? Yes, please! It's a cool and easy way to eat delicious and filling meals.
A hot breakfast to start a hot summer day? No way. Fresh fruit is the simple and tasty yet it's not filling. Layer it in a bowl with rice or wheat puffs and Greek yogurt. Add coconut flakes, dried craisins and raisins for more flavor. Dust with flax seeds for more nutrition and protein. You can also do the same with packets of unflavored oatmeal too. Add pitted cherries and blueberries along with sliced strawberries for a filling and fast low calorie meal. If you need breakfast on the go, then think of bagels with fruity cream cheese. Using a mini chopper, pulse cut strawberries or blueberries and then add to softened cream cheese. (think the one in the container as opposed to the brick). Mix well with a fork and spread on any kind of bagel. This can also be used for a sweet lunch or you could create a savory spread using scallions You can also add ham for a more substantial filling. A savory cream cheese filling can also go well inside a pita. Pitas are a low calorie and tasty alternative to white bread. Think of hummus filled pita as a quick to make , satisfying lunch. If you're at home, make pita chips in your toaster oven. Cut the pita into triangles, brush both sides with oil and toast for five minutes at 350 degrees Farenheit.
Dinner can be another snap recipe. It's very tempting to get take out in this weather. You don't have to. One of the easiest and most delicious recipes to make is gazpacho. Spanish home chefs and professional ones create this cool, refreshing soup to combat the Iberian peninsula's steamy summer weather. I have a phenomenal one thanks to Susan Lewis-Solomont the former Ambassador to Spain's wife. I've varied it and included more tomatoes (namely four vine ripe tomatoes) one large green pepper, a garlic clove and a large cucumber. The recipe also calls for a chopped onion but I feel that a good dash of onion powder does the trick. A half cup of olive oil gives the blend a smooth satiny finish. Use an immersion blender and then blend everything into a creamy pale orange liquid. I love a bowl of it with sliced Italian bread drizzled with oil. Another tasty snap recipe is pasta crudo made with already cooked spaghetti or linguine. Stop & Shop offers the cooked pasta under their label. The salsa crudo is an easy blend of quartered vine ripe tomatoes, a cup of pulsed fresh basil , crushed garlic and a quarter cup of olive oil. Make a half hour before serving. Leave it out. Microwave the pasta and then pour over the salsa. Mix and serve.
A hot summer day spent cooking? No! A hot summer day making snap recipes? Yes, please! It's a cool and easy way to eat delicious and filling meals.
Friday, July 12, 2019
The LPS The LBD Of Summer Salads
As any fashionista can tell you LBD stands for Little Black Dress.It's a simple black sheath that can be dressed down for day and the office, and dressed up for a night out. What you add to it determines its' use. The same can be said of this LPS - little pasta salad. Dress it up or down.
Ingredients
1 pound package of any small bite pasta such as shells (above) ,rotelli, elbow macaroni or even penne.
Anything you have on hand.
1/2 cup olive oil (I prefer Bertolli)
Cook pasta. Drain and cool for two to three hours before serving. For this I used four diced vine ripe tomatoes and one diced green pepper. Onion powder was sprinkled in for more flavor.I added some sliced salami for protein but you can add what you want, such as left over grilled steak or chicken. Tuna in olive oil gives it a nice summer by the Ligurian coast vibe. Try some pitted olives and feta for a Greek Isle twist.Toss in some basil, rosemary or oregano, Dried dill is another way of varying it. Freshly picked herbs from basil to mint can also be added to the mix.
Have fun with this salad. Use these ingredients or any that strike your fancy. Have fun dressing up or down this LPS.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Foodtruck To Freedom
To some a food truck means a quick , tasty lunch . Yet to others it has a more significant meaning - freedom. That's the case with sisters Ana and Paola Fernandez and Ana's wife, Katherine Rengifo. The work may be hard but there are payoffs.
Amelia Nierenberg , a contributor to the prestigious Boston Globe , The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Yale Daily News wrote this thoughtful piece about the trio for yesterday's New York Times Food section. Both Fernandez' and Ms Rengifo emigrated from Venezuela, a country that's still unraveling as this is being written.Ana and Katherine came here for a vacation leaving behind a bathing suit design company and store on Margarita Island a popular destination off the Venezuelan coast. Paola joined them in New York.It was iffy for them to return. Most of their family and friends had already left and urged them to do the same. They were granted what's known as an open asylum claim citing fears of persecution from the government. There's uncertainty in whether they will be allowed to stay, yet they are building their food business despite that. The couple have done everything they could to bring in an income. They've worked as nannies and line cooks, along with cleaning houses and making coffee still. The food truck is a Sunday only affair.
Luckily the food truck has provided both stability and money. They made favorite foods to help them combat homesickness. Familiar flavors made them feel like they were almost home - almost. Last December, after hearing about Smorgasburg, the weekly outdoor culinary bazaar in trendy Williamsburg, they brought those familiar flavors for an audition of sorts to its' headquarters in Crown Heights. One of the founders of the weekly food fest, Eric Denby was struck by their personalities. He gave them a shot. Their food truck, Vayalo Cocina,Let's Go Kitchen in Spanish was born. One Venezuelan specialty is street hot dogs. This popular dish is a hot dog loaded with bacon, onions, avocado and several sauces. It's called Tumba Rancho, roughly translated into "bringing down the house because it's so overloaded that it can fall apart while eating it. Then there are the arepas, savory cornmeal cakes. One is a vegan, full of tomatoes, avocados and olive oil, called the Mama Gladis, named for the Fernandezes mother , still in the country. The three cook some the food at a friend's apartment Saturday to be sold on Sunday. They hope to expand with a delivery only service along with another stand.
A food truck isn't just a food truck. It is a way out and a way up for so many cooks and chefs. For the Fernandez-Rengifo family it is both, a way out of a turbulent country and a way up to a better life.
Amelia Nierenberg , a contributor to the prestigious Boston Globe , The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Yale Daily News wrote this thoughtful piece about the trio for yesterday's New York Times Food section. Both Fernandez' and Ms Rengifo emigrated from Venezuela, a country that's still unraveling as this is being written.Ana and Katherine came here for a vacation leaving behind a bathing suit design company and store on Margarita Island a popular destination off the Venezuelan coast. Paola joined them in New York.It was iffy for them to return. Most of their family and friends had already left and urged them to do the same. They were granted what's known as an open asylum claim citing fears of persecution from the government. There's uncertainty in whether they will be allowed to stay, yet they are building their food business despite that. The couple have done everything they could to bring in an income. They've worked as nannies and line cooks, along with cleaning houses and making coffee still. The food truck is a Sunday only affair.
Luckily the food truck has provided both stability and money. They made favorite foods to help them combat homesickness. Familiar flavors made them feel like they were almost home - almost. Last December, after hearing about Smorgasburg, the weekly outdoor culinary bazaar in trendy Williamsburg, they brought those familiar flavors for an audition of sorts to its' headquarters in Crown Heights. One of the founders of the weekly food fest, Eric Denby was struck by their personalities. He gave them a shot. Their food truck, Vayalo Cocina,Let's Go Kitchen in Spanish was born. One Venezuelan specialty is street hot dogs. This popular dish is a hot dog loaded with bacon, onions, avocado and several sauces. It's called Tumba Rancho, roughly translated into "bringing down the house because it's so overloaded that it can fall apart while eating it. Then there are the arepas, savory cornmeal cakes. One is a vegan, full of tomatoes, avocados and olive oil, called the Mama Gladis, named for the Fernandezes mother , still in the country. The three cook some the food at a friend's apartment Saturday to be sold on Sunday. They hope to expand with a delivery only service along with another stand.
A food truck isn't just a food truck. It is a way out and a way up for so many cooks and chefs. For the Fernandez-Rengifo family it is both, a way out of a turbulent country and a way up to a better life.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
A Sous Vide Summer
Is boiled food the way to go in the summer? Surprisingly yes! Using a sous -vide can actually make for tender, butter soft beef cuts. Barbecued steaks will no longer have that chewy "shoe leather" texture.It's a much needed step for the perfect outdoor meal.
Melisa Clark wrote about it in today's New York Times Food section. A sous-vide is now a must have for cooking cuts that will be later seared on an outdoor grill. What is a sous -vide? It's really a method of vacuum sealing food and immersing in warm water with temps ranging anywhere from 120F to 140 F. The actual machine kind of looks like a meat thermometer and turns any large pot into a hot tub for food.The wand , also called a thermal immersion circulator, heats and circulates the water around. It's not just for beef, chicken, pork and fish. Veggies can also receive the sous-vide method. Amazon sells the sous vide wands and the prices vary from $200 to $400 however Ms. Clark has found some that only cost $45. Only a few years ago they were $1000, and used only by food techies and chefs. She recommends them and assuages home chefs that their kitchens will not heat up with sous-vides the way they would with other appliances. Also special sealer bags don't have to be bought. The food can be put into a plastic or silicone bag and the air squeezed out of them.
The recipes are delicious and perfect for the grill. They just require a quick time on the grill to acquire a nice crust and color. Anyone can make them. Ms. Clark interviews interviews New Orleans cinematographer, Jake Springfield, who is far from being a chef. However when friends come over he treats them to sous vide cooked tenderloins that have a quick sear on his backyard grill. The food comes out perfectly. The recipes are easy . Ms. Clark offers sous-vide steaks with spicy salsa verde, sous- vide ginger pork with celery slaw and a sous-vide salmon with caper-parsley vinaigrette. To be honest the celery slaw would be good with any barbecue meat however it offsets the pork which is marinated in a soy sauce, sriracha, ginger and smooth peanut butter. This is a perfect Saturday night dinner for the family dish as is the salmon with the vinaigrette The fish is basted with an herb paste of dill, parsley and scallions. The vinaigrette has a good dose of scallions and parsley, spiked with capers and cloves. Of course the best dish is the sous-vide rib steaks with a sinus clearing salsa verde. Jalapenos and harissa give this normally mild steak sauce a jolt. The steaks, though, would be good just on their own, thanks to being rubbed with garlic paste and rosemary.
For those barbecue chefs , buy a sous-vide to create the best tasting meats. It's a definite plus to any backyard cookout. Any meat - and veggie will be at their flavorful best.
Melisa Clark wrote about it in today's New York Times Food section. A sous-vide is now a must have for cooking cuts that will be later seared on an outdoor grill. What is a sous -vide? It's really a method of vacuum sealing food and immersing in warm water with temps ranging anywhere from 120F to 140 F. The actual machine kind of looks like a meat thermometer and turns any large pot into a hot tub for food.The wand , also called a thermal immersion circulator, heats and circulates the water around. It's not just for beef, chicken, pork and fish. Veggies can also receive the sous-vide method. Amazon sells the sous vide wands and the prices vary from $200 to $400 however Ms. Clark has found some that only cost $45. Only a few years ago they were $1000, and used only by food techies and chefs. She recommends them and assuages home chefs that their kitchens will not heat up with sous-vides the way they would with other appliances. Also special sealer bags don't have to be bought. The food can be put into a plastic or silicone bag and the air squeezed out of them.
The recipes are delicious and perfect for the grill. They just require a quick time on the grill to acquire a nice crust and color. Anyone can make them. Ms. Clark interviews interviews New Orleans cinematographer, Jake Springfield, who is far from being a chef. However when friends come over he treats them to sous vide cooked tenderloins that have a quick sear on his backyard grill. The food comes out perfectly. The recipes are easy . Ms. Clark offers sous-vide steaks with spicy salsa verde, sous- vide ginger pork with celery slaw and a sous-vide salmon with caper-parsley vinaigrette. To be honest the celery slaw would be good with any barbecue meat however it offsets the pork which is marinated in a soy sauce, sriracha, ginger and smooth peanut butter. This is a perfect Saturday night dinner for the family dish as is the salmon with the vinaigrette The fish is basted with an herb paste of dill, parsley and scallions. The vinaigrette has a good dose of scallions and parsley, spiked with capers and cloves. Of course the best dish is the sous-vide rib steaks with a sinus clearing salsa verde. Jalapenos and harissa give this normally mild steak sauce a jolt. The steaks, though, would be good just on their own, thanks to being rubbed with garlic paste and rosemary.
For those barbecue chefs , buy a sous-vide to create the best tasting meats. It's a definite plus to any backyard cookout. Any meat - and veggie will be at their flavorful best.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Vegan Vacations
It's that time of year when vacations beckon.Yet for vegans it can be rough, especially when they visit a city or resort that is more carnivore friendly. Herbivores need not worry.There are ways to get through a holiday away.
If you're adventurous, then consider vegan travel sites. One of the most meatless cities is Toronto, Canada. One neighborhood ,Parkland, is even nicknamed called Vegandale because of the large amount of vegan restaurants there.If you go , then also try the first vegan "butcher" Yamchops that offer coconut chip bacon and beet burgers. However this fascinating New York of the North has other attractions such as a Hockey Hall of Fame and Yonge-Dundas Square which features outdoor concerts and community activities. If it's warm then visit some of the city's many beaches. A lesser known place is Campbellville, home of happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary. This farm, located not that far from Toronto is a sanctuary to all animals, from pigs to chicken who were slated for the slaughterhouse.It started with a little pig Esther, her two dads, realtor Steve Jenkins and Derek Walters , a magician(!) and how she grew into a 600 pound beauty. Space was needed for her so the sanctuary was created.Abused and abandoned farm animals were added in the ensuing years. As for a place to stay there is the Mohawk Inn and Convention Center, however the hotel restaurant is a chop house. Go to the nearby smaller restaurants and cafes for vegan options.
Another vegan city is - what else - New York City. Manhattan boasts 600 (!!!) good vegetarian restaurants such as Blossom On 9th, This trendy eatery serves the Impossible Burger topped with everything from soy bacon to vegan mozzarella. They also serve a Sunday brunch complete with mimosas and bellinis. As for a quick bite go to Molly's Cupcakes which has build your own toppings cakes and cream filled ones. Manhattan is home to famed vegan Stella McCartney's store. She offers leather free shoes and bags along with ethically made clothing.They carry everything from footwear for men and women, bags and clothing. Europe also boasts vegan cities for those wanting to go overseas. London and Berlin are known for their animal consciousness.London has the humorously named Temple of Seitan which hosts a huge variety of different burgers and faux chicken. There is also Ms. Cupcake, a 100 per cent vegan restaurant. Check out the history of British veganism which started in the 1830's at Alcott House, Ham , Surrey. Berlin, home to centuries of history and amazing cathedrals has its' own chain of vegan supermarkets Veganz!Then there is Sao Paulo Brazil which boasts 280 vegan eateries plus open markets. It is also an art center so catch up on Brazilian art at Museo de Arte de Sao Paolo.
A fun vegan vacation can be had. There are cities and farm that cater to the meatless lifestyle. Visit them and enjoy a wonderful holiday.
If you're adventurous, then consider vegan travel sites. One of the most meatless cities is Toronto, Canada. One neighborhood ,Parkland, is even nicknamed called Vegandale because of the large amount of vegan restaurants there.If you go , then also try the first vegan "butcher" Yamchops that offer coconut chip bacon and beet burgers. However this fascinating New York of the North has other attractions such as a Hockey Hall of Fame and Yonge-Dundas Square which features outdoor concerts and community activities. If it's warm then visit some of the city's many beaches. A lesser known place is Campbellville, home of happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary. This farm, located not that far from Toronto is a sanctuary to all animals, from pigs to chicken who were slated for the slaughterhouse.It started with a little pig Esther, her two dads, realtor Steve Jenkins and Derek Walters , a magician(!) and how she grew into a 600 pound beauty. Space was needed for her so the sanctuary was created.Abused and abandoned farm animals were added in the ensuing years. As for a place to stay there is the Mohawk Inn and Convention Center, however the hotel restaurant is a chop house. Go to the nearby smaller restaurants and cafes for vegan options.
Another vegan city is - what else - New York City. Manhattan boasts 600 (!!!) good vegetarian restaurants such as Blossom On 9th, This trendy eatery serves the Impossible Burger topped with everything from soy bacon to vegan mozzarella. They also serve a Sunday brunch complete with mimosas and bellinis. As for a quick bite go to Molly's Cupcakes which has build your own toppings cakes and cream filled ones. Manhattan is home to famed vegan Stella McCartney's store. She offers leather free shoes and bags along with ethically made clothing.They carry everything from footwear for men and women, bags and clothing. Europe also boasts vegan cities for those wanting to go overseas. London and Berlin are known for their animal consciousness.London has the humorously named Temple of Seitan which hosts a huge variety of different burgers and faux chicken. There is also Ms. Cupcake, a 100 per cent vegan restaurant. Check out the history of British veganism which started in the 1830's at Alcott House, Ham , Surrey. Berlin, home to centuries of history and amazing cathedrals has its' own chain of vegan supermarkets Veganz!Then there is Sao Paulo Brazil which boasts 280 vegan eateries plus open markets. It is also an art center so catch up on Brazilian art at Museo de Arte de Sao Paolo.
A fun vegan vacation can be had. There are cities and farm that cater to the meatless lifestyle. Visit them and enjoy a wonderful holiday.
Monday, July 8, 2019
The All Inclusive Backyard Party
The warm weather is the best time to get to know your neighbors. No one is cooped up. Everyone is out and about. Why not take it a step further and have an all inclusive backyard party. Friendships can be forged. recipes can be changed. Best of all lessons about inclusiveness can be learned.
Of course the most important part is the planning. Unlike a block party which requires a permit three months in advance, a backyard party can be put together even in a week.Put aside time on a Friday or Saturday for a meeting of where it will be held.It doesn't necessarily have to be in the biggest yard. You could set up tables and folding chairs in the driveway and leave the backyard for contests and games. Secondly, write down a list of who's bringing what.The menu should be an all inclusive one, with neighbors and yourself cooking up family or ethnic dishes. Remember that neighborhoods are international these days and there are going to be a lot of delicious dishes from around the world. Encourage people to bring their family's best recipes. Also consider dietary restrictions and allergies for both adults and kids. It's up to the planning committee if alcohol will be served. Serve it if everyone is OK with it. Usually barbecues or outdoor meals usually call for just beer for the grown ups and soda and juice for the kids.The same goes for meat which certain religions forbid. You may want to go for an all vegan bash.
Apart from neighbors bringing in their family dishes there should be typical summer foods too. Have plenty of hot dogs and burgers for the kids and diehard barbecue lovers. Different sausages such as brats and Italian sausages can be cooked for something different. If you're making the last make sure you have sauteed peppers and onions too for a good hoagie sandwich. Your neighbors may bring over unusual with non traditional meats like mutton or goat. Embrace the difference. You and your family will expand their culinary tastes as well as you picking up a new recipe.Also have some classic American sides like macaroni salad which is easy to make. If that's one dish to make too many consider picking up a tub of it from your local supermarket or deli. Throw in potato salad and coleslaw too, if no one is making those. A fun dish that's universal is roasted corn. Have differently flavored butters, such as lemon and tarragon on hand for easy slathering. As for desserts, you can't go wrong with watermelon wedges. They're refreshing and a favorite. You could buy a Sno Cone machine and make frozen treats for everyone. They're only $44 on Amazon and will probably used many more times. Homemade ice cream cake is another treat as are homemade ice cream cupcakes.
A neighborhood backyard party is a fun way to meet the neighbors and try new dishes. Barriers can be torn down and new friendships forged. It's also a great way of celebrate the summer.
Of course the most important part is the planning. Unlike a block party which requires a permit three months in advance, a backyard party can be put together even in a week.Put aside time on a Friday or Saturday for a meeting of where it will be held.It doesn't necessarily have to be in the biggest yard. You could set up tables and folding chairs in the driveway and leave the backyard for contests and games. Secondly, write down a list of who's bringing what.The menu should be an all inclusive one, with neighbors and yourself cooking up family or ethnic dishes. Remember that neighborhoods are international these days and there are going to be a lot of delicious dishes from around the world. Encourage people to bring their family's best recipes. Also consider dietary restrictions and allergies for both adults and kids. It's up to the planning committee if alcohol will be served. Serve it if everyone is OK with it. Usually barbecues or outdoor meals usually call for just beer for the grown ups and soda and juice for the kids.The same goes for meat which certain religions forbid. You may want to go for an all vegan bash.
Apart from neighbors bringing in their family dishes there should be typical summer foods too. Have plenty of hot dogs and burgers for the kids and diehard barbecue lovers. Different sausages such as brats and Italian sausages can be cooked for something different. If you're making the last make sure you have sauteed peppers and onions too for a good hoagie sandwich. Your neighbors may bring over unusual with non traditional meats like mutton or goat. Embrace the difference. You and your family will expand their culinary tastes as well as you picking up a new recipe.Also have some classic American sides like macaroni salad which is easy to make. If that's one dish to make too many consider picking up a tub of it from your local supermarket or deli. Throw in potato salad and coleslaw too, if no one is making those. A fun dish that's universal is roasted corn. Have differently flavored butters, such as lemon and tarragon on hand for easy slathering. As for desserts, you can't go wrong with watermelon wedges. They're refreshing and a favorite. You could buy a Sno Cone machine and make frozen treats for everyone. They're only $44 on Amazon and will probably used many more times. Homemade ice cream cake is another treat as are homemade ice cream cupcakes.
A neighborhood backyard party is a fun way to meet the neighbors and try new dishes. Barriers can be torn down and new friendships forged. It's also a great way of celebrate the summer.
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