Jamón con Melón
- aka Melon Carpaccio -
This is the simplest of appetizers. Elegant and perfectly balanced. Sweet and Salty. aka Melon Carpaccio.
#summervibes
what you need
1 small, sweet, fresh cantaloupe melon
1 package good, Italian prosciutto
how to make it
Thinly slice melon. Layer on a plate with slices of prosciutto. Serve immediately.
Cucumber Mint Gimlet
With this cocktail, I officially declare it summer. This beautifully crisp invention came from a friend of mine after two bottles of Prosecco’s worth of Aperol Spritz’s and my vehement proclamation: “will you please do something with this cucumber?!” Little did I know the ‘something’ would become one of the highlights of the evening. The cucumber mint gimlet is crisp, vibrant, cool, and everything a summer cocktail should be. It also paired perfectly with our Mediterranean-themed meal which included homemade tzatziki sauce.
Green Pea Mint Soup
It’s cold. And it’s the time of year when everyone in Northern Virginia wishes they did not live in Northern Virginia. March drags on forever, and just when you think you’ve made it to spring, Easter is chilly and there is sleet on Mother’s Day. This is the all-star springtime soup. This green pea minty soup basically has a salad on top and the crema can get really creative. So break out the wasabi, the green vibes, and the blender. Best part is this thing takes all of 20 minutes to make. It is bright and vibrant; perfect for Easter, perfect for Spring. You’re welcome.
Aperol Spritz
I am interrupting your regularly-scheduled programming here on this Easter weekend to declare Spring officially arrived here in Northern Virginia. And what better way to welcome and celebrate it than with a quintessentially-summer cocktail? (I know, wishful thinking at it’s best). So in honor of my lovely niece-in-law and nephew, I give you the Aperol Spritz, which I am now fully convinced is only complete alongside homemade pizza. Still working on the pizza but, for now, enjoy the drink!