Originally published in the July 2012 issue.
by Renee Loux
Summer is the high season for outdoor gatherings to celebrate warm weather and make the most of evening’s lingering natural light. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, simple is generally better. Backyard cookouts and picnic takeouts call for tasty fare, light foods and nothing too fancy or fussy.
In most parts of the country, summer brings a bounty of just-picked produce, and the fresher it is, the fewer the steps required to make delicious dishes. By keeping just a few staples on hand—cold-pressed olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh herbs and lemons, a good sea salt and freshly ground pepper—the cook will always be prepared to put together a delectable, trouble-free spread. Options run from grilled goodies to marinated and tossed salads that give the hosts time to enjoy their company. Complete the treat by serving skewers of fresh, ripe, cut fruit for dessert—an easy, healthy and welcome alternative to rich and complicated or store-bought sweets.
Creating a fun and festive atmosphere for backyard gatherings is easy, without a lot of fanfare. String up twinkly lights and use natural wax votive candles placed in empty jam and jelly jars to protect them from the wind. To ward off mosquitoes and generally keep bugs at bay, encircle the patio, deck or park picnic area with citronella candles or incense. Fire pits always make an outdoor gathering feel more special. A mesmerizing center of attention, they also warm up the evening as the temperature drops.
To keep serving and cleanup easy, use eco-friendly disposables. Look for plates made from recycled content or bagasse (derived from sugar cane fiber), cutlery sourced from biodegradable, plant-based plastic and recycled-paper napkins. Give guests instant access to a nearby compost bin, garbage can and recycling bin, or designated carry-away bags.
Happy summering!
Renée Loux is an organic chef, restaurateur, green expert and media personality. Her books include Easy Green Living and The Balanced Plate. Visit ReneeLoux.com.
Tasty Ways to Savor Summer
Grilled Black Bean Quinoa Patty
These flavorful patties are a hearty and complete source of protein, a popular, plant-based option for traditional burgers. Ground flaxseed mixed with water works to bind the ingredients together in place of eggs. When grilling, be careful to flip them gently, so that patties stay together; they’re equally delicious cooked in a skillet on the stove. Serve on a whole-grain pita and load on the toppings. For a gluten-free alternative, use ground tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
Yields 6 to 8 burgers
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed, drained and spread out to dry for 20 minutes; divide into two equal parts
2 Tbsp Vegenaise
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed, mixed with 3 Tbsp water
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or ground tortilla chips, as needed
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Toppers
Salsa
Avocado slices
Lettuce
Sliced red onion
Pickles
1. Drain and rinse black beans in a colander. Shake and let stand for a few minutes for excess liquid to drain. Spread out on a clean, dry towel; blot dry with another clear, dry towel; and let stand to dry for 20 minutes. This can also be done in the oven—spread on a cookie sheet and dry at 300° F for 15 minutes.
2. In a food processor, place half of the beans, Vegenaise, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and crushed red pepper. Chop in pulses to create a coarse purée. Transfer to a medium bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed and water. Let stand 5 minutes to thicken. Mix into the black bean mixture and add remaining beans, quinoa, breadcrumbs or ground tortilla chips, onion and cilantro. Mix until combined. If the mixture looks too wet to hold together, add more breadcrumbs or ground tortilla chips. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Form into 3- to 4-inch-circumference patties. If time allows, let chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm and for flavors to develop.
5. On a grill preheated to medium-high and brushed with oil, cook patties until crisp and brown, turning once, 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Or heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned, turning once, 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
Watermelon Mediterranean Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Avocado and Olives
This dish embodies the zenith of summer, when watermelon and tomatoes are at their height. Paired with refreshing cucumber, buttery avocado, savory olives and bright herbs, this pastiche of flavor and texture is a perfect accompaniment to any backyard or picnic party.
Yields 4 to 6 servings
3 medium heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 cup watermelon, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 avocado, cut in half, pitted and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped (Castelvetrano olives recommended)
1 Tbsp chopped basil
1 Tbsp chopped mint
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. In a bowl, place tomatoes, watermelon, cucumber, avocado, olives, basil and mint. Toss gently.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over tomato-watermelon mixture and toss gently to mix. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Pesto Grilled Corn on the Cob
A pesto-packed twist on a backyard party classic, grilling corn in its husk yields tender kernels and a delectable natural sweetness.
Yields 6 servings
6 ears unhusked corn
Pesto
1 cup packed basil leaves
1 clove garlic
2 Tbsp pine nuts
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 Tbsp olive oil
1. Oil grill and preheat to medium high.
2. Fill a large bowl with cold water.
3. Keeping the husks attached at the base, peel back the husks of each cob and remove the silk. Cover the cobs again with the husk.
4. Soak the corncobs in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes to prevent husks from charring too quickly.
5. In a food processor, place basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt and pepper and chop in pulses for maximum mixing. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Set aside.
6. Place corn, covered in its husk on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill, let it cool enough to touch and then remove husks. Return to grill and cook, turning to lightly char all sides, for an additional 5 to 7 minutes total.
7. Remove from grill and generously brush with pesto. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper if desired and serve hot.
Peach Basil Green Iced Tea
Peaches and basil are a refreshing flavor combination to embellish this cooling iced tea. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and good-for-you phytonutrients.
Yields 4 to 6 servings
6 peaches, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup agave nectar
4 cups water
4 green tea bags
1 cup basil leaves
4 cups boiled water
Basil leaves for garnish
1. In a saucepan, place peaches, agave nectar and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
2. Place peach mixture in a blender and blend until smooth (always be careful when machine-blending hot foods). Pour through a sieve or strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain into a pitcher.
3. Bring an additional 4 cups water to a boil. Pour over tea bags and basil and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and basil. Pour into pitcher with peach nectar and chill in the fridge until cold. Stir before serving, as the peach nectar tends to separate; serve over ice garnished with basil leaves.
Strawberry Honey Lemonade
This honey-sweetened lemonade is flush with fresh strawberries for a perfect balance of flavor and thirst-quenching enjoyment.
Yields 4 to 6 servings
1 pint strawberries, washed, trimmed and cut in half
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup warm water
5 cups cold water
1. In a blender, place strawberries and 1/4 cup lemon juice and blend until smooth. Pour through a fine sieve and press with the back of a spoon or pour through a strainer lined with cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard pulp.
2. In a pitcher, mix together honey and warm water and stir until honey is dis
solved. Add strawberry juice, remaining lemon juice and cold water. Mix well and serve over ice.
Watermelon-Mint Limeade
1 small watermelon (or half of a larger melon), diced
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/3 cup agave nectar
2 Tbsp chopped mint
1 Tbsp chopped basil
Pinch crushed sea salt
2 cups ice
1. Using a chinois or other fine-mesh strainer, push the watermelon through the mesh using a sturdy wooden spoon, to push through all the liquid into a bowl, leaving behind the pulp and seeds. Pour the liquid into a pitcher with the lime juice, agave nectar and a pinch of salt. Chill well.
2. Just before serving, add the mint and basil to the liquid, and blend the mixture in the blender in two batches, adding a cup of ice to each batch.
Future fun: Freeze leftover portions into popsicles for an easy treat on another day.
Recipes from The Balanced Plate and Living Cuisine, by Renée Loux, and ReneeLoux.com; limeade recipe courtesy of Beth Bader, co-author of The Cleaner Plate Club.
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