It’s the short season of Indian Summer, which reminds me of being by the water. I have many memories of time spent by the sea: from the Chesapeake Bay to Narragansett Bay to Long Island Sound and beyond. So what better way to enjoy the last summer hurrah than eating delicious foods that the Barefoot Contessa would serve at her Hamptons home?
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The Cocktail
We’ll begin with a refreshing frozen cocktail – the frozen gin & tonic. While I’ve been a G&T fan for many years, I’ve never tried it frozen – exciting! Eden from Sugar and Charm has added a bit of cucumber to her recipe. That will work for Honey because he’s a fan of cucumber drinks.
The Dip
Bluefish is one of those foods you either love or hate. It’s a Northern specialty, and I love it! Smoked bluefish pâté will satisfy that flavor of the sea you’re craving during your Indian Summer Party.
I have made this version by author Philip R. Craig many times – sometimes I crave bluefish, and this dip hits the spot. (Craig wrote 20 mystery novels set on Martha’s Vineyard and included many recipes throughout the series.)
The Protein
A Hamptons menu calls for a 2nd seafood dish. So, let’s take a lesson from the Barefoot Contessa herself and serve briny mussels. Ina adds a saffron mayonnaise to accompany the mollusks – anything mayonnaise-based works for me!
The Skewer
Every summer party needs a burger. Brenda, the Sugar-Free Mom, has a great recipe for mini cheeseburger skewers. Unless you don’t eat red meat, one can never go wrong serving a burger to an American. And this one looks pretty enticing to me!
The Crunch
Maya from Wholesome Yum has my heart with this recipe – not only does she show us how to make the thinnest, crispiest zucchini chips, but she also recommends several different dipping sauces. Hmmm…a truffle aioli would be fabulous!
The Veggies
Roasted veggies are a tasty way to get your 5-a-day in your tummy. Evelyn from My Turn For Us makes a fantastic platter of mouthwatering veggies you and your guests will enjoy.
The Nosh
The little snack that you can’t stop eating! That’s what these Rosemary Spiced Nuts are. Inspired by nuts offered at Trader Joe’s, this recipe is yummy. And addicting!
The Sweet
I love a no-bake dessert, and this cheesecake fits the bill. Continuing the lime theme from our frozen cocktail is fun. Dorothy from Crazy for Crust has an excellent recipe for a no-bake key lime cheesecake. You can make it gluten-free by using gf graham crackers.
Did you enjoy your trip to the Hamptons? I hope you try these recipes (don’t be afraid of the bluefish!) and let me know your thoughts. I fondly remember the Hamptons – especially those gorgeous Shingle Style homes.
See you at the next Wine Down!
