Yesterday, I shared one of my favorite summer dessert recipes, panna cotta with mixed berries, with viewers on WCNC’s Charlotte Today show.   This recipe (first posted here) is always a favorite of mine when entertaining, but although berry season is quickly coming to a close, I hadn’t found time to make it this spring and might have missed the opportunity altogether if it hadn’t been for yesterday’s segment.  That would have been a tragedy.

In an effort to make sure I enjoy all my favorites this summer, I thought now was a good time to do my 2015 Minced Guide to Summer.  Selfishly, this bi-annual tradition (November and June) serves as a good reminder to me of my favorite recipes for the season.  In reading it, I hope that you find it just as beneficial and that it serves to not only remind you of past favorites, but also leaves you inspired to try something new in the kitchen.

So with that, I give you this year’s list.  Travel safely, eat well, and enjoy your summer.  Happy cooking, friends!

Because it’s hot:
Ginger, Lemon and Rosemary Tea
Roasted Plum and Ginger Pops

Because it’s hot and 5 o’clock (somewhere):
Strawberry Mojitos
Watermelon Margaritas
Mint Juleps
The Capirinha

Nibbles and Starters:
Southern Caviar
Fried Coconut Shrimp with a Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers
Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Spicy Asian Chicken Wings
Deviled Eggs with Shrimp or Curried Deviled Eggs
Vietnamese Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ricotta Herb Dip
Pickled Shrimp
White Bean Bruschetta

For those who celebrate with flame and fireworks:
Chipotle-Maple Barbecue Chicken
Sweet Tea Brined Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa
Grilled Flank Steak with Watermelon Salsa
Lime and Jalapeño Marinated Flank Steak
Grilled Fish Tacos
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki
Banh Mi Burgers with Sriracha Mayo

For the lucky ones who find themselves at the beach:
Pan-browned Red Snapper with Lemon and Capers
Shrimp Po’Boys
Spicy Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp and Feta Pasta (hot) or Shrimp, Feta, & Tomato Salad with Orzo (cold)
Macadamia-Encrusted Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa
Squid Ink Linguini with Clam Sauce
Slow-Roasted Salmon with a Dill-Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Pan-Seared Black Bass over Black Lentils

Sides and Salads:
Summer Corn Salad (this is one of the most popular recipes on Minced)
Farro with Bell Peppers and Olives
Summer Herb Tabbouleh
Grilled Vegetable and Farro Salad
Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Dill Dressing
Cole Slaw
Fried Okra
The Cheesiest Macaroni and Cheese

 

Sweet Endings:
S’more cupcakes
Upside-Down Cherry Almond Cake
French Yogurt Cake with a Tropical Twist
7-Layer Bars
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone and Ginger Snaps
Peach & Almond Clafouti
Classic Cheesecake
Granny Ivey’s Strawberry Roll
Blueberry Pie with a Lattice Crust
White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cookies
Peach & Jalapeno Pops
Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream

For Breakfast:
Beer & Blueberry Pancakes
Chewy Gooey Granola Bars

I want summer to last forever and have the time to make it so:
Peach and Jalapeño Jelly
Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce