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The best of The Café's fun, fresh and delicious recipes for the summer season!
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, I decided it would be fun to pull out some favorite summer recipes from The Café archives...
I was just thinking that you might be entertaining guests or heading to a patriotic celebration, and might appreciate some fun and delicious ideas too. So here's the best of The Café's summer best - 10 Favorite Summer Recipes from The Café
Red, White and Blue Salsa - I love to serve this fresh, yummy salsa with chips as an appetizer or snack, but it also makes a delicious and quite patriotic topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Mexican Chopped Salad - this one seemed to go viral almost immediately. It's one of our most popular recipes ever and has been pinned 775,000 times (probably more, by the time this is published)! I've gotten tons of letters from readers all over the world who have tried it and fallen in love with the fresh, Southwestern-inspired flavor.
Israeli Couscous and Orzo Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes - whenever I make this salad and take it to a gathering, it disappears super fast and the bowl is always scraped clean! It's perfect for parties, picnics and get-togethers with family and friends.
Tomato, Avocado and Fresh Mozzarella Tartines - Need something fun for a light, casual meal? Gotcha covered! These open-face French-inspired sandwiches are healthy, pretty and so... good! Just be sure to make extras!
Caprese Salad with Fresh Corn - A fabulous salad with classic Caprese ingredients, along with a delightful surprise - lots of fresh, sweet corn. It just seems to scream SUMMER!
Fresh Corn, Bell Pepper and Zucchini Crustless Quiche - if you're trying to stay healthy, light and lean, but love to entertain for breakfast, brunch or lunch, this easy, fabulous quiche probably has your name written all over it! It's loaded with flavor but uses Greek yogurt instead of cream or half and half. That means you can feel quite justified in having second helpings!
Sweet Cherry Freezer Jam - have you been seeing the big displays of beautiful cherries at the markets, recently? I can eat my weight in them, but I also love to make this easy freezer jam and recapture the fabulous sweet flavor on toast and/or ice cream when the cold wind blows. The great part? There's no canning knowledge needed since you store this delicious jam in the freezer!
Strawberry and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta - If you want to be super patriotic and serve a fabulously delicious dessert that can be made ahead, this is your number. It's made with fresh strawberries, cream and vanilla bean paste. Does it get any better?
Pink Lemonade Ruffle Cupcakes - to me, lemonade and summer are pretty much synonymous. These fun and pretty cupcakes are also crazy delicious, and there's a super easy technique to get the pink piped ruffled-icing look.
Lemon Cheesecake with Glazed Berries and Shortbread Crust - This is a big-time favorite here at The Café. It's super versatile (you can use any type of berry or topping) and can be made ahead. Oh, and it wouldn't be fair not to warn you that you'll very likely find your guests fighting over the last slice!
So there you have it - 10 Favorite Summer Recipes from The Café. The more I dug through our four years worth of Café recipes, the more fun, summery recipes I discovered. That's the problem with being a food blogger - there's always a drive to forge ahead and create new taste sensations. Sometimes, I just forget to look back!
Happy Fourth of July, and thanks to all the brave and dedicated men and women who fought to make the freedom we celebrate a reality!
P.S. And if you haven't settled on an appetizer for your upcoming get together, be sure to check back on Friday for the freshest, most delicious bruschetta you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting: Fresh Corn and Feta Bruschetta.
amane says
The Couscous is NOT Israeli, it's Moroccan
http://www.mymoroccanfood.com/home/2015/4/23/7-moroccan-seven-vegetables-couscous
Chris Scheuer says
You're probably correct Amane. It's Moroccan in origin but when you purchase it in the supermarket here in the US, it's labeled Israeli Couscous or Pearl Pasta.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Everything screams summer and beautifully so. I would have difficulty choosing one or two so I'd better make them all. 🙂
Susan says
Beautiful round-up of colors and flavors, Chris! Have a wonderful 4th!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
This post is such a keeper Chris! Love all your choices. Still adore that Mexican Salad from the first glance at Cinco de Mayo.
Liz says
Oh, boy, it's so hard to choose a favorite from this marvelous summer round up! I'm making desserts for our 4th of July party, but I'm really thinking I need to throw one of your gorgeous salads into the mix, too. Your blog is such a treasure trove of inspiration. Happy 4th!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These colorful and tasty recipes would all be a hit for the 4th of July!
Chris Scheuer says
Indeed! 🙂
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Loads of great dishes here! Where to begin? 😉 Particularly like all the fruit ones -- summer fruits are the best!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks John, I'm a sucker for fruit desserts too!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Every single recipe looks super scrumptious but I have to say the caprese salad caught my eyes. Wishing you a very Happy 4th of July, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Happy Fourth to you too Denise, I love anything caprese!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
What a great round-up, Chris! So many great, fresh ideas for summer eating. I'm ready to dig in right now 😉
Adina says
I just love to look at these pictures. So bright and colorful, it is really a joy for the eyes. 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Adina!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
So many beautiful colours Chris! I would say that I'm jealous but I am actually sitting here in month two of winter with the doors and windows open and a 3/4 length top on. I could almost call it summer if I stood in the sun!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Claire, it sounds quite lovely there. Definitely not bad for winter!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
All ten of the recipes are gorgeous and delicious. It would be hard to pick a favorite.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Dawn, I appreciate your kind words.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
The colors are amazing! I want to try each and every one of these recipes. Summer perfection 🙂 Have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I see some of my favorites on here - this could be my menu for the rest of the season!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sue! I know I had forgotten about some of these!
Monique says
You two are uber talented..thanks so much for everything you share with us!
Happy Fourth of July to you and yours.
Chris Scheuer says
Monique, you are so sweet, thanks for your encouragement!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
What a beautiful summery roundup! That cheesecake with glazed berries is my favourite.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Angie, that's a favorite of mine too 🙂