While most of the country is sweating out the heat wave of the century, here in the Bay Area we’re bundled up in sweaters dreaming of warmer days. And yes, I know, I should be used to this after twelve years. But just because the fog rolls in like a cold, wet blanket every July doesn’t mean a New England gal stops wishing for warm summer nights and lightning bugs.
Luckily, most of the farms around here are located in warmer inland climates, so no matter what the forecast holds in SF, the selection at the farmer’s market still smacks of summer— corn, tomatoes, peaches and other ripe things that drip down your chin while you eat them. I suppose that’s how the menu for our recent dinner party became a celebration of summer flavors to chase away the foggy blues. I stopped short of cranking up the heat in the house to 85 degrees so I could wear a sundress, but with a menu full of sun-drenched flavors I think I still managed to deliver that summer night feeling I was going for.
The menu:
Blackberry Lime Cocktails with Muddled Mint
Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto (I know it’s really more spring than summer, but the asparagus at Whole Foods was so thin and gorgeous, I couldn’t resist.)
Grilled Flank Steak with Roasted Peach “Mole” Sauce
Watercress Salad with Endives and Toasted Almonds
Here’s to backyard garden parties…even when you have to hold them indoors.
Good stuff TIffer!! Keep it up- some yummy ideas for me to try when cooking with my parent in Delaware- can’t wait! doubt I’ll be able to cook these dishes as well as you but I’ll give it a shot- your energy and joy is so transparent- very inspirational! xox Katter
Delish! Minus the cilantro salad 😉
Thanks for the encouragement ladies. Maral, try the salad with basil instead of cilantro–I’ll bet it would be just as good. And the pancetta is totally optional.