It's July and entertaining revolves around air-conditioning or water. If you are lucky enough to have a pool this is for you. If you don't have one, this menu is perfect for the hostess or host who wants to cook in the cool of the morning and have only the simple items to make as the guests arrive. If you do have a pool and want to have a party outside, do beat the heat by calling for the party to begin after the sun begins to set, and night time breezes begin to stir. Pool-side is lovely, but a patio, park, or picnic area will also work.
We have decided on a Latin theme for this party as the heat of the food will awaken summer tastes and cool the palate. Do use the theme and bring out your heavy pottery, bright-colored linens of reds, yellows, greens and blues, and strings of red peppers as well as bright summer flowers to decorate the tables and the eating areas.
The recipes we share here are from Argentina and Brazil. For drinking guests we would suggest icy drinks of fruit juices and rum as well as South American beer or wine. For you and those who don't drink, make drinking water by placing orange, lemon, lime, and cucumbers slices in a large container with mint leaves. Ladle into iced pitchers and serve. You won't believe how refreshing this is on a hot summer night.
To make centerpieces, use a zester and score citrus fruits in a decorative patterns. Pile on large ceramic platters or in bowls. Add flowers and pineapples and different kinds of fresh chile peppers that you place onto picks so that your table says Latin fiesta. Nothing says that the plates have to match. In fact, using hand painted dishes and large hand blown crystal plates by different artisans will make the Latin theme exciting.
(for the recipes, click on The Recipes or click on the individual recipe above)
