Summer Recipes – Crowd Pleasers

Every city in the world may not be as hot as Los Angeles is right now but man oh man, have we been on a heat wave! Since you’re bound to go through a Summer season of your own I wanted to share with you my favorite summer recipes that are definite crowd pleasers.

So for your next girls day, catch up brunch, bbq, or BYOB- I’ve got you! These will take you no time at all and you probably already have the ingredients to get cookin’. Here’s a Summer ‘salad’ and two of the yummiest and easiest cocktails.

Disclaimer: if you know me than you already know this ‘salad’ is not an actual traditional leafy green ‘salad’. It’s one of my go-to summer salads though and one of my best girlfriends introduced me to it!

Lentil Salad- this is a cold salad 

1. one package of cooked lentils from Trader Joe’s
2. one whole bruschetta tub- drained of juices
3. chopped red onion and cucumbers
4. chopped kale would be yummy here too with some sprinkles of vinaigrette but we were out
5. salt & pepper

• mix all together, top with some fresh basil, enjoy with home made tortilla chips (like we did) or by itself, or even over a real traditional leafy salad 😉

Summer Spritzer – so refreshing! 

1. your favorite rose´ wine
2. sparkling water (I used watermelon because yummm)
3. whatever fresh fruit you like

• fill your glass 2/3 of the way with the wine and top with bubbly water and fruit

Homemade espresso martini frappe  – slushy and perfect for hot days when all you wanna do is crunch on ice

1. cold brew, iced coffee concentrate, or espresso shot
2. whatever milk you like, I used almond coconut for creaminess
3. 4-5 ice cubes
4. drizzle of maple syrup
5. Kahlua – I used a whole shot just because

• combine coffee, milk, ice, and maple syrup into a blender. Top with Kahlua and stir, garnish with espresso beans. ENJOY!

P.S. did you know today is National Tequila Day?! One of my favorite adult beverages has a whole day! For my fellow wine moms/people out there, this is for you. I’m concocting an entire recipe list for tequila don’t you worry!