Barbara Snow

Cleveland, OH

Planning a picnic with the children and the forecast is rain? Go anyway! Most parks have a covered pavilion, and on a rainy day, chances are you will be the only ones picnicking. Even if everyone has to be inside, pack up some turkey sandwiches, some veggies and dip, and corn chips and head for a covered porch.The kids will remember it for a long time! Be sure to take some pictures.

One of the best things about summer entertaining is cooking on the outdoor grill and keeping the kitchen cool as a cucumber! When inviting guests to come to your party, most will ask if they can bring something. Ask them to bring a side dish.Then all you need to do is put some Lemon Garlic Marinated Turkey Tenderloins on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. Allow the grilled tenderloins to rest about 5 minutes before serving on the buffet table with the side dishes. Enjoy! And for a simple dessert, think about chocolate-covered ice cream bars – everyone will love talking about how long it’s been since they’ve enjoyed this childhood treat!

Successful entertaining doesn’t mean you need to work your fingers to the bone the whole week before your party. Once you have set the date for the party, plan the menu and set a simple time line leading up to the event. Doing a little bit every day helps make party day easy and almost effortless. Think simple recipes – or purchase some of the side dishes at your local grocery store. Think simple decorations – set a simple but pretty table with garden flowers and greenery, votive candles and a real tablecloth with cloth napkins.

Sometimes neighbors gravitate outside just after dusk when the children are either in bed or chasing fireflies. So what can you serve for a fast and easy snack? If you have Italian Style Turkey Meatballs in your fridge, you have a delicious heat-and-eat snack that will be sure to please those late-night nibblers! Serve with party picks or a simple dipping sauce. You will be the talk of the neighborhood!

When grilling turkey cutlets, grill a few extra to slice into a chef’s salad for the next night’s supper. Cooking once and eating twice makes summer cooking even easier.

Using seasonal, fresh, local produce when planning your menus (for everyday dining or party fare) allows you to taste summer in every bite. Fresh herbs are another taste to enjoy and savor in the summer. A terra cotta pot of fresh herbs is easy to plant, cultivate and harvest. Some suggestions for plants are basil, tarragon, thyme, oregano, flat leaf parsley, sage and chives. Remember to use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs in any recipe calling for dried herbs.