Alfresco Summer Entertaining

Having friends over and catching up over dinner and drinks has to be one of life’s simplest but best pleasures – especially in the summer. Although the last few weeks have been unseasonably cool, summer is apparently back soon with a bang. (Hopefully).

To prepare for these long summer nights, I’ve put together a great summer menu that is simple and easy to prepare with fresh, seasonal ingredients. All these recipes are tried and tested so it’s definitely a menu to keep up your sleeve for when the sun does come back…

Bruschetta Bar

This bruschetta bar has to be the perfect starter for a summer dinner party. This one is by Californian native Gabriella who writes the famous food blog What’s Gaby Cooking. What I love about it is that anything goes and you can mix and match all the things you love – it’s also a great idea if your guests are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements. 

Ingredients + instructions –>> click here.

Chargrilled Lamb Shoulder with Tomato and Feta Salad

The great thing about this recipe is that it is so quick, easy and delicious! Served with the tomato and feta salad ensures it’s a super fresh and tasty dish. The recipe is by one of our favourites Donna Hay – all her recipes are fantastic and fail-safe.

Ingredients + instructions –>> click here.

Crunchy Baby Potatoes

These quick and easy potatoes go really well with the chargrilled lamb and salad. Simple, fresh and delicious.

Ingredients + Instructions –>> click here.

Chocolate Orange Cake

Originally by kitchen goddess Nigella, this recipe for chocolate orange cake is dairy and gluten free…and it’s absolutely delicious. The photo above and recipe are from the Neighbour Food blog – a great resource for tried and tested recipes.

Ingredients + instructions –>> click here.

Images: 1 – Local Milk / 2 – What’s Gaby Cooking / 3 + 4 – Donna Hay / 5 Neighbour Food