Having a well-stocked pantry means you can have a party in an instant. The summer is always a special time for casual gatherings. In addition to my everyday pantry I like to keep a few of these special summer treats ready for an impromptu get together. It is easy to have confidence in the kitchen when you know you already have what you need on hand to make quick, easy, delicious meals at home.
Quick Breads: Banana bread in the beginning of summer and zucchini bread for the summer-end and into fall are perfect for a simple breakfast or snack on the go with fresh fruits and yogurt. You can make multiple loaves one for now and one to keep frozen for when you need it later.
Cheese: Cheese is wonderful for simple grilled cheese sandwiches, addition to green or pasta salads, simple snacks or my favorite for entertaining cheese plates. Cheese plates are the best, no-cooking-required entertaining appetizer, first course or dessert. Get your Cheese Wheel Paring Guide to easily choose delicious pairing combinations.
Out of Hand Snacks: For on-the-go snacks or putting together a simple elegant cheese place for appetizers keep a variety of cheese, smoked sausages, crackers or chips nuts and dried fruits available.
Pizza Dough: You can get this already prepared, in 5-min mixes or make your own. Pizza dough is so versatile! Use it for pizza with any topping or as flatbread with dips and spreads. In the summer I love to grill it and keep all the heat outdoors.
Citrus: lemons, limes, oranges add flavor and freshness to water, make lemonade and easily mix up a batch of lemon curd for dessert or breakfast.
Canned Beans: Beans are great to have at any time of the year to quickly mix up a bean dip like hummus or a spicy black bean dip for appetizers or a side dish. They are also a quickly prepared and inexpensive protein source to mix in with fresh vegetables for salads, tacos, quesadillas, or salsa.
Fruit: especially melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. These are great for breakfast with yogurt and granola, snacks, side dishes and even dessert with a little ice cream. Melons in the summer are sweet and large, which makes them perfect for many people to share.
Something Special: Everyone loves a little sweet in the summer and if you have a campfire s’mores are a must have. I like to keep the fixings sealed in mason jars to have a party in an instant. This is a nice approach for a DIY snack. The jars keep ingredients fresh, clean and easy to handle and they are quite darling if you want to wrap with scraps of fabric or ribbon to match a theme.
Other freezer treats: like Ice Cream or Popsicles for children, and a batch of Brandy Smash for the adults are sure to please a summer crowd.
Pick up your copy of The Pretty Plate for more simple techniques and recipes, and learn about the five elements to make your everyday meals magnificent.
