Make the Most of Summer’s Bounty
As we dive into summer, you'll notice an abundance of tomatoes at the farmers' markets. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes on their own, but their versatility in summer meals makes me go absolutely bonkers for them. If you're into it, now is the perfect time to make tomato sauce and soups to freeze for cooler weather. My Best Tomato Sauce and Roasted Tomato Bisque are two classics I return to repeatedly. I love having them on hand for those days when I can’t be bothered to do more than heat something up. You can even use the tomato sauce to make big pans of lasagna and freeze for a rainy day.
During the summer months, you’ll also find fresh herbs alongside the delicious tomatoes. In my newest Tomato and Peach Panzanella (included below), I added mint for a little surprise, and I was thrilled with how well they paired. For the traditionalists, there's a Tomato and Basil Quiche included which is my most shared and saved recipe ever on Pinterest!
For those of you who don’t like tomatoes, don’t worry! I’ve included a recipe for the Rum Punch my parents make when I’m home in the Berkshires. It’ll instantly transport you to the tropics, but be warned—they pack a real punch. Serve them alongside some nibbles to avoid finding your friends asleep on your front lawn the morning after your party!
This Tomato and Peach Panzanella is a summery twist on the traditional Italian salad. The peaches add a sweet note that perfectly balances the acidity of the vinaigrette. With both peaches and tomatoes in season, you can easily find all the ingredients at the farmers' market!
Ah, how I adore this dish! Pan con Tomate is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy fresh tomatoes. Its simplicity lets the tomatoes truly shine. Serve this as a starter at any barbecue, and your friends will go crazy!
Look no further for a quick and easy recipe perfect for any impromptu gathering! My Super Simple Bruschetta can be prepared in under 15 minutes, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It's the perfect appetizer to enjoy with a refreshing drink, especially while relaxing on the back porch in this warm weather.
I know, I know—everyone says it's too hot to cook right now. So if that's the case, here's my suggestion: save this recipe for cooler days and just enjoy the vodka! My Rigatoni in Vodka Sauce is so incredibly good that it's the most requested dish I make so it really is worth firing up the stove. If you want to savor the flavors of the season, make the vodka sauce now and freeze it for cooler weather.
There’s truly no better combo than tomato and basil so it makes total sense to put them together for this recipe! I love making this quiche on a quiet Saturday morning. If I’m in the mood, I'll make my own pie crust, but a store-bought one can be just as good! My Tomato and Basil Quiche is also perfect for a simple dinner paired with a light salad.
Get ready to embark on a tropical escape with this effortlessly delicious Rum Punch! It's a breeze to mix up and perfect for serving in a big pitcher. Just chill it in advance, and it will be ready to delight your guests as soon as they arrive. But beware – these babies are strong!