Coffee Cup Monday: Summer Entertaining, Part TWO |

Photo: Jonathan Borba

Happy Coffee Cup Monday~

We are on “Entertaining” Part TWO this week. Let’s explore dining in the garden, getting outside and making the backyard look inviting. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage:

(Sprinkle iced coffee with whole coffee beans, you can chew them! Talk about Zoommmming! LOL)

… and take a peek…

Dining in the garden

Day or night, it’s always fun to enjoy eating outside especially in your own backyard with your own food in good weather! A nice change from being cooped up all winter.

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Photo by Alejandra Montenegro: pexels.com

Backyard Summer Decor

I saw something like this in the outdoor dining space of a small restaurant on my way to work one day and I gasped when I saw it because it was so whimsical and pretty! I think this would be a great idea for your summer backyard even if it were only 3 lines of them.

Beautiful Garden Area

Recipe Suggestions

Pasta Salad

I absolutely love bow-tie pasta for a pasta salad, it’s so hearty with a good bite to it. Just add tomatoes, peas and fresh pesto sauce made with basil from the garden, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil and lemon in a blender or food processor. Instant Sumer in your mouth, and that AROMA! Yum!

Grilled Chicken

I love to brine chicken breasts for 24 hours in sugar and salt dissolved in warm water, add squeezed halved lemons and oranges in their skins, with thyme and rosemary. I take them out the next day, pat dry and grill on a hot grill turning for char grill mars. Serve with some potato salad and done. So good!

Figs & Cheese

You can’t go wrong with having cheese boards, crudité platters and charcuteries already made up the day before company or just for you and your family sitting outside after dinner with a few glasses of wine enjoying the warm breeze. It’s light and fulfilling and a healthy snack as well.

Grilled Steak

I like to pat a crushed black peppercorn and salt coating on my steak and let it dry out in the fridge overnight uncovered. This is called dry-brining, and it can improve its flavor and texture. You can dry-brine for 1-3 days. This process tenderizes the steak and allows for a more even browning and a better crust.

Good Weather Food

Enjoy the beautiful weather and keep essentials on hand and you’ll always be ready for anything.

Don’t Forget the Iced Coffee!

Don’t forget to decorate

We keep food on hand for an impromptu gathering but do not neglect the yard! There are so many fun things to add like the umbrellas above. Plant some pretty plants, add candles and water fountains even.

See You Friday~