The New Summer Vegetable Plate

Summer Entertaining 

Southern Socials 

The New Summer Vegetable Plate 

Summer-fresh vegetable combinations have long been appropriate to serve for delicious lunches. However, when petite portions have been planned, they make fun party fare. The key is to choose several recipes with components that can be prepared in advance. Miniature Jalapeño Macaroni & Cheese may be portioned & frozen up to one month in advance, then baked the day of festivities. For an unexpected offering, Buttermilk Fried Green Tomatoes prepared with small slices may be topped with Lemon-Thyme Fresh Lady Pea Relish. Make the relish up to 2 days ahead while the tomatoes may be fried a day in advance then rewarmed in the oven on party day until crisp. Be sure to toss in a few green cherry tomatoes that have been sliced in half then fried to accompany with the fresh for a lovely, contrasting garnish.

FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK 
{testing notes}

How To Juice Fresh Lemons

Citrus stars beautifully in the Lemon-Thyme Fresh Lady Pea Relish. When choosing lemons from produce bins, select fruit with a bright, uniform color. Pick them up & gently press them in your hand. They should feel firm with a slight give to them. If the zest is desired, take care of that task first by running the outer portion over a microplane grater, then slice the lemons in half for juicing. Extracting it from the citrus is simple when the correct tool is used.

The Technique

 When fresh lemon juice is needed for recipe applications, it’s important to have the right device that will release every bit. A glass juicer where the reamer is set over a small bowl to collect the juice can be used or my preferred choice is a lemon press. These valuable tools are generally coated with a non-reactive finish to prevent the acid from producing off flavors. Citrus halves can be placed in the custom fit compartment then the handles pressed together to extract the juice over a small bowl. It’s efficient enough to press every bit of juice quickly. Once the task is complete, the pulp & seeds will be left behind. Simply remove the used lemon halves & discard them. Before adding the juice to recipe applications, pour it through a small fine wire mesh sieve to collect any seeds or unwanted bits of pulp that may be in the bowl.

The Tune
“In The Mood” The Andrews Sisters

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Be sweet.