Host a "Lavish Happy Hour" ~ refreshments, tapas & 'tizers... recipes to love!
"Whimsical tapas & 'tizers floral plate trio"
Gather special friends and host a
"Lavish Happy Hour"
On warm summer evenings
"Lavish Happy Hour"
On warm summer evenings
just before the sun sets,
take time to relax and enjoy
refreshing cocktails and tapas!
Serve a few of our favorite recipes
(posted at the bottom of this page)
on these "whimsical" cottage-inspired
floral plates.
_____________________________
Serve guests refreshments,
tapas & appe'tizers'
simple & tasty recipes they'll love!
"Summertime gin & tonic with an herb twist"
2 oz gin (perhaps Bombay Sapphire or Hendrick's)
4 oz - tonic water (for a "subtler" tonic try "Q")
1 lime - slice into 6 wedges
1 English cucumber
3 sprigs of rosemary or thyme
ice
* * *
peel 1/2 of cucumber
add 3 slices of peeled cucumber in a glass with
1 sprig of rosemary & juice from 1 lime wedge & 1 oz gin
muddle w/the back of a spoon
strain through a mesh strainer into
a serving glass
add ice, a few slices of "unpeeled" cucumbers
top with remaining gin & tonic
garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme
_______________________
"Mini-Italian garlic bruschetta"
4 medium - ripe tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
pinch of coarse salt - to taste
dash of freshly ground pepper - to taste
fresh basil - coarsely chopped
red onion - finely chopped - optional
2-3 garlic cloves - peel & leave whole
favorite Italian bread or French baguette - sliced 1/2"
* * *
pre-heat oven to 375
halve tomatoes, remove seeds & chop
place chopped tomatoes in a bowl, mix . . .
olive oil, a generous pinch of coarse salt,
dash of pepper, red onion & basil
* refrigerate for at least 20-30 mins before serving
lay out sliced bread onto cookie sheet & brush
each slice with olive oil
bake 12-15 mins - keeping a close eye for perfect toasting
while toast is hot, cut garlic cloves in half & rub generously onto
each slice of toast
heap a spoonful of tomato mixture onto toast & serve on
a lovely tray
_________________________
"Sweet tomato caprese kabobs"
cherry tomatoes - rinse & dry
basil leaves
ciliegine (cherry sized) mozzarella or goat cheese
1-2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 cloves minced garlic
pinch of coarse salt - to taste
dash of freshly ground black pepper to taste
pinch of brown sugar
balsamic vinegar
pesto - optional
bamboo skewers
* * *
whisk olive oil, salt, pepper,
garlic & brown sugar - set aside
wrap cherry tomato in 1 basil leaf - skewer
1 mozzarella ball - skewer
repeat ~ 2x
lay on a decorative plate
drizzle olive oil mixture & a bit of balsamic
garnish with a dab of pesto
________________________
"Grilled shrimp avocado lettuce wraps"
jumbo shrimp
2-3 tbsp olive oil
pinch of coarse salt
dash of freshly ground black pepper
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro - chopped - more to taste
carrots & daikon radish - julienne
avocado - thinly sliced or chopped
chives - chopped for garnish
butter bib lettuce or endive leaves
* * *
in plastic bag....
toss shrimp w/1 tbsp olive oil, salt,
pepper & garlic
set aside for 5-10mins then grill shrimp
in a bowl....
whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, lime juice & cilantro
(season to "taste")
julienne radish & carrots - add to dressing & toss
let grilled shrimp cool ~ add to dressing & toss
spoon into lettuce or endive leaf
garnish with a few slices of avocado &
a sprinkle of chives
* * * * * * * * *
Every "Hour is Happy" when celebrated with friends!
bon-appetit!
. Laurel .
~ Lavish Three ~
A destination designed to Lavish Your Heart,
Your Soul & Your Home
Discover beautiful home decor,
heartfelt gifts, lavish jewelry, lifestyle tips,
inspiring stories & more!
We joyfully donate a portion of all sales
each season to our featured nonprofit
Visit our Lavish "Your Heart" page to learn more
about this season's organization,
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Lifestyle tips, traditions & more
Sunny days, picnics & laughter....A few SUMMER refreshments to ENJOY together!
Summer is right around the corner and thoughts of picnics, outdoor dining, gatherings with friends and family come to mind...
Avocado-Toast ~ an appetizer to LOVE! ...from the Lavish kitchen
For most of us... dinner with friends usually means heading out to a restaurant. Although my husband Tim & I love to discover new eateries or frequent our favorites, we try to host meals in our home...
Pucker-UP!! it's LEMON season... Delicious lemon bars from the Lavish kitchen
When a friend delivers lemons, make lemon bars! This is one of my favorite lemon bar recipes! Made with a full cup of lemon juice & several tablespoons of zest, it is tart, sweet & absolutely delicious! ...
