Summertime alfresco dining… picture this; blue skies, beaming sun, and blooming flowers. It might sound like a scene from Southern Europe, but this is the beautiful English summer that’s here to stay (for now at least!)
There’s nothing better in this weather than being outside enjoying delicious food and gorgeous drinks with your family and friends. I have been asking around the Liga office to find out what the favourite summery foods are this year to inspire us all!
For Olivia, it has to be a super refreshing watermelon salad. Tossing in fresh mint, creamy feta, chopped nuts and a drizzle of olive oil. It works as the perfect summer starter, but honestly, it’s so moreish you’ll be snacking on it all day long.
And, what’s summer without endless barbecues? Those sizzling sounds get us salivating, especially when it’s Jennie’s chicken kebabs. Marinate the chicken in fresh lemon juice and oregano, then place on a skewer. Once grilled, dip into a side of homemade tzatziki, and momentarily you may feel as if you’ve floated off to a Greek island.
For Aimee and Josh, it’s all about the chicken wings. Aimee likes them bathed in a smoky barbecue glaze, slightly charred and seriously sticky. Josh likes them fiery, in a lip-tingling sauce that packs a punch. Chop up some zingy spring onions and scatter all over. Both are totally addictive, with juicy, tender meat that falls right from the bone.
A classic for a reason - the beautiful burger. James crafts his burgers at home, seasoning to perfection, then slapping them on the grill. After a few flips, the burger is topped with cheese, then into the bun with all the trimmings. There you have it, melt-in-the-mouth meat, oozing cheese, shredded lettuce, sauces galore and so much more… You could even pop some slices of onion on the griddle, giving them time to caramelise, adding a bit of sweetness to your burger.
In Cornwall, we’re blessed with the most fresh and delicious fish. One of Jamie’s favourite summer delicacies is bringing a gorgeous piece of hake to its finest form. Laying the fish on foil, and topping with a knob of creamy butter, a slice of zesty lemon, and an aromatic clove of garlic. Sprinkle over some seasoning and fold over the foil to keep the hake neatly tucked away. After some time over the coals, you can unravel to reveal a delicately flaky and buttery soft fish. Divine.
An absolute showstopper centrepiece dish is David’s homemade seafood paella. Indulge in the best catches of the day, selecting king prawns, mussels and monkfish. All combined with the paella rice, smoky chorizo, vibrant peas, sweet chopped tomatoes, and a fragrant mix of onions, garlic, saffron and paprika. Of course, the chef cannot reveal all his secrets, but a hearty stock is the key to drawing out all those delicious flavours. Present to the table garnished with a scattering of parsley.
To top it all off, for dessert, Laura loves a British classic - Eton mess! Crumbling sweet meringue, then folding in rich whipped cream and packing in loads of juicy strawberries. The perfect finish to any summertime feast.
Of course, the meal always tastes better when sat on a Liga placemat…
