Summer seasonal produce - planning + tips
Summer Seasonal Produce
I enjoy cooking with seasonal produce as much as possible. I am fortunate enough to live on the central coast of California, where we have delicious fruits and vegetables growing locally all year round. The list provided is simply a guide, to illustrate the produce that is most fresh and naturally growing for the season. As a bonus, cooking with seasonal produce helps to cut down on environmental impacts of growing/shipping non-seasonal produce.
Apples
Apricots
Arugula
Avocados
Basil
Beets
Bell Peppers
Blackberries
Blueberries
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chickpeas
Cherries
Chilies
Chives
Citrus (depending on variety)
Collard Greens
Corn
Cucumber
Eggplant
Fennel
Figs
Garlic
Grapes
Green Beans
Green Onions
Lavender
Lemongrass
Lettuce
Limes
Mangos
Nectarines
New Potatoes
Onions
Papaya
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Plums + Pluots
Raddichio
Radishes
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Scallions
Shallots
Spinach
Strawberries
Summer Squash
Sweet Peas
Sweet Peppers
Swiss Chard
Tomatillos
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Summer PARTY PLAN
Nothing says summer to me more than a Margaritaville themed party! The thought of delicious food shared with friends and family outside with a cold margarita instantly relaxes me. Here is my outline for a fabulous summer Margaritaville party.
This party plan served as our Katharine’s Kitchen launch party, held at my house. Our backyard was filled with laughter, delicious smells, kids running in every direction and the promise of the care free days of summer on the horizon!
Drinks
My homemade margaritas (lots of fresh lime) o Corona and Pacifico (with lime wedge)
Appetizers
My homemade guacamole and chips
Bacon wrapped pineapple (bowl of fresh pineapple as well)
Main Course
Hawaiian pulled pork sliders
Quesadillas for kids that aren’t into sliders
Coconut, lime rice
Fresh green salad (with mango, cherry tomato, thin sliced red onion, red/yellow bell pepper, cucumber, sunflower seeds and almond butter salad dressing)
Pull out veggies/fruit from this salad (pre-dressing) for the kids
Dessert
Mini key lime pies
Lime/coconut popsicles for the kids
Décor
Bowls of fresh limes, fresh pineapples, fresh flowers, tiki torches, basket of leis for guests
Music
Jimmy Buffet station on Pandora
KATHARINE’S TIPS
Following these tips will help get you started using the Katharine’s Kitchen method of meal planning and cooking.
Tip #1
Following the Katharine’s Kitchen method of meal planning means keeping your kitchen/pantry stocked with key essential ingredients. By keeping frequently used ingredients on hand, meal planning becomes about shopping for the protein you’re in the mood for, along with a few other ingredients to complete the recipe. On my website you will find a complete list of key kitchen/pantry staples, along with a variety of recipes, rotating monthly. You can also visit my website to sign up for my weekly meal planning service!
Tip #2
Simplify your grocery shopping trips by dividing and conquering! I suggest going to the grocery store twice per week, shopping for three meals during each trip. Save one night of the week for going out, ordering in or leftovers. Have a plan for the three meals you’re shopping for, before you leave the house (visit my website for great recipes, rotating monthly, or sign up for my weekly meal planning service). Write a list of all the ingredients you will need buy, including any kitchen/pantry staples and other items specific to your family’s needs. Once your plan is in place, all you have to do is buy what is on your list and you’ll have everything you need for each delicious meal!
Tip #3
Each recipe included on my website I’ve created or chosen specifically keeping in mind the use of minimal pots, pan, gadgets, etc. Who wants to have an overflowing sink of dishes to do after enjoying a lovely meal? Not me, that’s for sure! Rest assured that following the recipes on my website, or my weekly meal planning service, will help minimize the mess in your kitchen and dishes to do later that night!
Tip #4
Before I begin cooking, I always take out all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Next, I look at the recipe and prep anything that needs to be chopping, sliced, etc. This little bit of prep will greatly help to minimize stress during the cooking process!
Tip #5
Do the dishes during your meal prep! Typically, there is a point in each recipe where something needs to simmer, sauté, bake, etc. and there is an opportunity to get a few dishes done. Doing the dishes as you go along, will significantly reduce the number of dishes there are to clean after the meal.
Tip #6
Plan your weekly meals around the activity level you expect for each day. I plan easy/make-ahead meals on the days when my schedule is packed and save more intricate recipes for the days when I have a bit more time to meal prep.
Tip #7
In addition to planning meals around my expected activity level, I also like to plan meals around the weather forecast. I like to match the meal I’m preparing with the mood of the weather. Before I head to the grocery store, I take a quick peek at the weather for the week ahead. This little bit of advanced planning helps me decide whether it’s going to be a cozy crockpot night with a bold red wine or grilling fish tacos in the backyard with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc.
Tip #8
Rule – Always, always, always use freshly ground black pepper, it really makes a difference!
Tip #9
When you’re entertaining in the summer, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen, away from your guests, for the whole party. Instead, choose dishes that can be made in advance and served at room temperature. That way, you can have everything plated ahead of time, so that you will be free to enjoy the party with your guests!
Tip #10
Summertime is all about grilling! The summer season is not a time to be stuck in the kitchen or have your oven heating up your already overheated house. Get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather and grill, grill, grill!
