casual fare...

here is some beautiful inspiration for your next casual outdoor deck party.
menu for a laid back evening...

the key to this menu is keeping it effortless and fun. arrange all the items together on a huge wood cutting board for a look that says “summer abundance.”

mixed olives ~ (queen, kalamata, ceringola)

fresh figs, clusters of grapes, ripe pears

brie with almonds & honey

1 wedge of brie, about 12 ounces
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1 large french baguette

preheat oven to 350 degrees. place brie in a baking dish. drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted almonds. bake for 10 minutes. serve with thick slices of french bread.

ricotta with toasted pine nuts

1 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup orange blossom honey
2 cups good-quality whole milk ricotta
2 tbsp  mint leaves torn
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

begin by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. toss over low heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. reduce heat to low and add the honey. mix well so the nuts get coated evenly and honey melts. allow to cool slightly, then add to a large bowl. add the ricotta, olive oil, mint and salt and pepper, to taste. refrigerate until the ricotta firms up a little before serving with grilled bread.

then turn last night's herb roasted chicken  into a pulled chicken salad sandwich. mix pulled cold chicken, some mayonnaise, grey poupon mustard, capers, pepper, salt, garlic powder, and a dash of tabasco to taste. add arugula and tomato {if desired} and top on toasted english muffins!


don’t forget the macaroons & crisp white wine or red if you so desire!



or pack up a wedge of creamy brie, juicy berries, some crusty bread  & tiny bottles of wine they simply beg to be packed into a basket and toted to the water's edge for a lazy afternoon or evening.


love sent, xo