Dining In: Dinner unwrapped

Entertaining in the summer months is often more of a chore than a pleasure. That’s why we suggest this simple seasonal menu that is refreshing, delicious and easy to prepare in advance. Try it with friends or family for lunch, brunch or supper. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Lemon-scented Baked Fish and Summer Vegetables Wrapped in Parchment is one of our favorites. Baking fish in parchment paper is an easy all-in-one dish that’s also a healthy and delicious way to prepare it. Placing the vegetables on the bottom and layering the fish on top allows the vegetables to bake in the juices of the fish, creating their own sauce and making them tender and delicious.

We recommend using any one of the many types of flaky fish found in local waters, such as redfish, red snapper or drum. Salmon, which is not a local fish but is readily available, also does well. Changing up the vegetables and herbs will also add to the flavor of the dish. Aside from the squash, zucchini and new potatoes in our recipe, you could use asparagus, broccoli, carrots or fresh spinach.

Be creative and customize this dish to your own personal taste. Give the dish a Mediterranean flair by using briny olives and capers along with the tomatoes. This dish is great to prepare ahead and pop into the oven once your guests arrive so you can enjoy the company and not be stuck in the kitchen all night.

Our Basil-infused Vodka Gimlets are a refreshing cocktail for a warm summer evening. The simple syrup infused with basil makes this easy cocktail seem a bit more fashion-forward. If basil doesn’t suit your palate, try using fresh mint in its place. We suggest making a double batch of the simple syrup and keeping it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Fresh fruit pies are a treat in these warmer months, and our Fresh Strawberry Pie with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream is cool and refreshing. It is made with seasonal strawberries cooked down in a sugar/honey mixture and fresh lemon. This recipe uses a ready-made piecrust that is baked off in the oven. The whole recipe takes just a few minutes to assemble and can be prepared a day ahead.

Get the recipes below!