Southern Lady Celebrate Summer 2010

When my thoughts turn to summer, I always think of white—I love white china, white linen, and lovely white flowers. Maybe it just makes me feel cool. Our incredible white dinner party, inspired by the white dinner in Paris, is a great way to plan a theme party that everyone can enjoy. People look wonderful in white, and it can be casual or dressy. Celebrate is about making each day special. I am so fortunate to celebrate each day at the ranch where Neal and I live. We planted a fruit orchard this year, and we make it a point to check the progress of our trees almost every day. I almost screamed with delight when the trees bloomed this spring. And any day now I am expecting to see little…

Farm Fresh Vintage-inspired linen place mats, laminate trays, and coasters are all hand screened and hand sewn. We think they’d make a great addition to your next backyard barbecue. Place mats feature a pig, hen, sheep, and cow and come in three colors. Set of 4 available at simrin.com and BurkeDecor.com. Dining under the Sea Thomas Paul melamine dinner plates are perfect for summer entertaining or outdoor picnics. These plates with colorful sea-life designs are sturdy and dishwasher safe. Set of 4 available at velocityartdesign.com. Juicy Dessert Bowls Sagaform stackable bowls are just the right size for cool summer treats like ice cream or sorbet. Available at BurkeDecor.com. Versatile Designs The Argyle Warm Placemat with reversible solid chocolate back is great for everyday entertaining. Either side pairs perfectly with Rae Stripe napkins. Both are made from 100%…

Heirloom Tomatoes and Pasta Makes 6 to 8 servings 2/3 cup chopped green onion 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 tablespoon roasted garlic (recipe follows) 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper 2 1/2 pounds gourmet heirloom tomatoes, cut in half and wedges 1 (1-pound) package capellini pasta, prepared according to package directions In a large bowl, whisk together green onion, oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add tomatoes and pasta, and toss to evenly coat. Serve warm or cold. Roasted Garlic 1 garlic bulb 1 tablespoon olive oil Preheat oven to 425°. Cut off pointed end of garlic; place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, and drizzle with olive oil. Fold foil to seal. Bake for 30 minutes; let cool for 5 minutes. Squeeze pulp from garlic cloves into a bowl. Store in an…

Memorial Day, recognized on the last Monday in May, is the day set aside to honor those who have given their lives for our country. Many of us also fire up the backyard grills on this patriotic holiday, initiating the summer barbecue season. So why not try one or all three of our recipes for tasty meats and companion sauces. Garden Slaw Makes 12 servings 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/3 cup vegetable oil 8 cups sliced green cabbage 1/2 unpeeled seedless cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1 cup matchstick-cut snow peas 1/2 cup sliced green onion 1/2 cup sliced radishes 1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots In a large bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper; whisk in oil. Add cabbage, cucumber, snow peas, green onion,…

Dad, Daddy, Pop, Papa—whatever you call your father, it is his big day. So roll out the red carpet, or in this case the AstroTurf, for a Dad’s Day Luncheon. To honor the World’s Best Dad, we have tasty recipes for club sandwiches and wedge fries and an easy-to-make gift book from the kiddos. Go to hoffmanmedia.com/ celebrate for instructions to make our flower “golf balls.” Choose the Right Club Sandwiches Makes 4 sandwiches 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons coarse grained mustard 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper 8 slices pumpernickel bread, toasted 4 slices deli sliced Muenster cheese 12 slices deli sliced ham 12 slices deli sliced turkey 4 slices wheat bread, toasted 8 leaves Bibb lettuce 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced 12 slices bacon, cooked Garnish: sliced pickles In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, black pepper,…

Celebrate Independence Day with an all- American menu of burgers, fries, and milk shakes. Whether you prefer turkey, veggie, fish, or our good old-fashioned Butcher’s burger (made with ground beef, veal, and pork sausage!), there’s something here for everyone. And no burger is complete without fries, of course. Each fries recipe comes with its own unique dipping sauce, but feel free to mix-and-match them all. Complete the meal with delicious homemade milk shakes—cool, creamy, and convenient for sipping outside while watching a fireworks display. FOURTH OF JULY MENU Veggie Burgers Turkey Burgers Fish Sandwiches Butcher’s Burgers French Fries and Dijonaise Polenta Fries with Horseradish Sauce Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Sauce Zucchini Fries and Caramelized Onion Dipping Sauce Veggie Burgers Makes 8 burgers 2 (15.5-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 cup plain panko ( Japanese bread crumbs) 3 large eggs 3/4 cup minced yellow…