Summer is the ultimate party season. It is filled with tons of long days and warm nights, ideal for gathering family and friends. The season’s vibrant energy lends itself to several festive occasions from pool parties, and backyard BBQs, to elegant beach bonfires and garden soirees. The season is characterized by fresh and seasonal produce, which plays a huge role in the creation of a delicious and colorful menu. On its part, the amazing weather invites outdoor games and activities that keep everyone excited and entertained. At the focal point of any gathering and celebration, is food. Lucky for you, there are so many options to consider during this season. From appetizers like grilled vegetable platter to mains like BBQ ribs, and desserts like fruit salad, it can be agreed that the list is endless. While you may be wondering what to prepare for your family, friends, or relatives, this discussion aims to bring to your knowledge some great catering ideas to consider in summer 2024.
Appetizers
Summer party catering in 2024!
Grilled Vegetable Platter
There is no better way to match the decorative scenes that characterize the season, than with a platter full of charred colorful vegetables. Besides coming with loads of nutrients, the platter will satisfy your caloric needs while at the same time aiding your digestion due to the high fiber content. Toss the vegetable pieces in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and grill the platter for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred before drizzling balsamic glaze then serve and enjoy.
Deviled Eggs
The many outdoor activities, singing and making merry can leave you with a large caloric deficit. There is no better way to replenish your energy requirements than with this appetizer. Simply put, these are garnished boiled eggs to prepare your buds before the main course is served. Boil your desired number according to the size of the gathering. Remove the shells and cut them into halves, separating the yolk and the white. Mash the yolk and mash them with pepper, salt, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Spoon the yolk mixture back to the whites and garnish with paprika, then enjoy.
Main Dishes
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Start the recipe by preheating the oven to 300⁰F so that it will be ready for when you are done preparing your ingredients. Mix your preferred spices and rub them all over the pork shoulder. Put the shoulder in a roasting pan, cover with a foil paper and roast for 6 to 7 hours until it is tender. Shred the shoulder into tiny strips, mix with sauce and serve on buns with coleslaw. Be sure to start this recipe early so that by the time you are done with marking the day, say after observing a moment of silence at 3 pm, your pork shoulder will be ready.
BBQ Ribs
As previously noted, one of the things that characterize a summer party is grilling food. Sitting around the grill waiting for BBQs, as you make merry will make the party great and memorable. Start by bringing the oven to 300⁰F as you remove the membrane on the ribs, and then pat them dry. Rub the ribs with a pre-prepared mix of spices of your choice and cover them in a foil paper then roast them for 2-3 hours. Bring the oven to medium heat, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and grill them for 10 minutes until they caramelize.
Sides
- Corn on the Cob
Husk the corn and remove the silk on it. Grill it for 10 to 15 minutes and remember to turn it occasionally. Once ready, serve with salt, butter and pepper and enjoy.
- Coleslaw
To make this tantalizing side, mix mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Add cabbage and carrot and toss until well coated. Season with pepper and salt and enjoy.
Desserts
- Fruit Salad
There is no better way to wrap up a summer party than with a load of vitamins laced with the sweet tastes of a fruit salad. To make this, chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces, combine them in a large bowl and toss gently. Garnish with mint leaves, and drizzle some honey or lime juice for more flavor.
As you may have realized, these recipes may take quite some time to make. For some people, this may pose some inconvenience when you want to spend with family and friends. Catering services come in handy so that you can have a great day with family and friends.