An Easy Summer Dinner Menu
Summer dinners are supposed to be stress free. After all, who wants to stand over a hot stove when it feels like an oven in your backyard? And just because you are throwing a summer party, don't feel like you have to plan an elaborate menu that requires overheated activity. Just simply walk into your kitchen or out to your grill and create a delicious dinner in a snap:
The Appetizer: Crostini
A bruschetta (brew-SKET-ta) is one of many variations of toasted bread, olive oil, and garlic from Italy and it is justly popular all over the world. Meant to be eaten as a dish in itself, today a bruschetta is often served with a topping, though then it's technically a crostino (literally "little crust"). The traditional Roman way of preparing a bruschetta is to cook the bread in oil to toast it, while the Tuscan fett'unta ("anointed" slice) is toasted first, then drizzled with warmed olive oil, not only a little lighter but less work. And I've included a version of Italian-American garlic bread that won't make you expire from garlic poisoning.
The Salad: Grilled Romaine
Yes, this is grilled, and it's just as much fun to make as it is to eat.
The Main Course: Chicken Chipotle Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Shredded chicken in a smoky fiery sauce, topped with refreshing cool avocado salsa, makes an outstanding combo. Another great recipe for leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie.
For Dessert: Grilled Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
How about a little summertime makeover? A fun twist on an old classic.