Simple Summer Appetizer – Cantaloupe Caprese Salad or Skewers July 27, 2010

Since the heat wave moved in I haven’t been able to turn on my oven.  As a result, I have gotten creative with my no-cook recipes.  A caprese salad is one of my favorites this time of year, when the tomatoes and basil are at their best.  But instead of tomatoes, I substitute cantaloupe and made a delicious hip twist on this Italian classic.  Serve this combo as a salad or on mini skewers for a party (or kids).  This is a savory recipe – think of it like a vegetarian version of cantaloupe and prosciutto, another delicious sweet-salty combo. 

Seed and cut one ripe cantaloupe into chunks or round balls (with a mellon baller).  Use one container of Bocconcini (mini Mozzarella balls) and a small bunch of fresh basil.  Layer cantaloupe, Bocconcini and basil on skewers and repeat until the skewers are full, leaving an inch or so at the end.  Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Instead of skewers, make a salad using the same ingredients and tossing until combined.  Serve with a nice glass of white wine or prosecco and enjoy!

Hip Pizza Party – No Cooking Required! June 20, 2008

 

You can still host a great get-together even if cooking isn’t your idea of a good time.  By ordering some gourmet pizzas you can save yourself from cooking and still please the crowd.  Here are some tips for hosting a hip pizza party.

 

If you can find a place with wood burning or brick ovens order your pizza there.  Their pizzas will generally have a crispy, thin crust with lots of flavor.  Another option is to order from a pizza place that offers lots of different toppings so you can create your own flavor combinations. 

 

A few of my favorite combinations are:

• Goat cheese, spinach and sun-dried tomato
• Portabella mushroom, sausage and spinach
• White pizza (garlic and olive oil base) with fresh tomatoes and basil
• White pizza with arugula, figs and goat cheese
• Spinach, roasted red pepper, black olive and feta cheese
• Pesto pizza with grilled chicken and fresh tomatoes
• BBQ sauce base with grilled chicken, red onion, bacon and jack cheese

 

If you are ordering from a basic pizza place that doesn’t have an extensive topping selection, pick up a bunch of fresh basil and sprinkle chopped or torn basil over a traditional margarita pizza to add a dash of fresh flavor and bright color. 

 

A few presentation ideas:  serve pizza on a wooden pizza peel, a large cutting board, or a plain cake stand. 

 

To round out the meal, serve pizza with a simple salad with homemade vinaigrette (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh basil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice). 

 

Sliced tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella drizzled with olive oil would be a good appetizer. 

 

Dessert can be anything from tiramisu or gelato (for an Italian-inspired theme) to a seasonal fruit pie (to stick with the pizza “pie” theme).

 

Pick up a few menus on your way home tonight and invite some people over.  You don’t even need to turn on the oven!