In this week's issue of Home By Design there are a few really easy and delicious recipes!
In my recipe repertoire, I earmark a selection of staples specifically for summer. Unlike the comforting fruit desserts I adore in the fall or the hearty braises I make each winter, these special dishes are effortless and light and speak to a season that's about simplicity, not excess.
Nothing could be simpler to make-or more appealing to eat on a hot July day-than a tangle of linguine dressed with lemon juice and olive oil and tossed with shrimp, green onions, parsley, and slivers of asparagus. Penne pasta coated in a nutty arugula-walnut pesto sauce is a perfect potluck pick. A versatile corn salad can serve as a vegetable side dish or a bright salsa for everything from grilled chicken to fish tacos throughout the season. And because no summer meal is complete without something sweet and fizzy to drink, I keep a pitcher of sparkling mint lemonade at the ready in the fridge.
Fruit-studded granola bars are my final summer standby. They provide ample energy for on-the-go fun and, like all my summer favorites, are as suited to enjoy at home as they are to pack up for an impromptu picnic in the park.
Sparkling Mint Lemonade
A mint-infused simple syrup and a splash of sparkling water turn scratch-made lemonade into a sophisticated summer sipper.
Makes about 8 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Cool time: 1 hour 40 minutes
2 cups water
1¼ cups granulated sugar
2 cups loosely packed mint leaves and stems
juice of 5 lemons
4 cups sparkling water
Heat the water and sugar over medium heat in a large saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mint. Cool the syrup to room temperature, about 40 minutes. Drain the syrup and discard the mint.
Combine the syrup and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Add the sparkling water and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
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