The Ultimate Summer Soiree

A little party never killed no body… Well, a killer dinner party might. Sydney Observer presents a summer dinner party menu fit for six that is bound to satisfy your guests.

Kate Boyle

 

DRINK: Rasberry Limoncello Presecco – Makes 6

 

Source: damndelicious.net

 

A refreshing, bubbly, and sweet summer cocktail that you can make in just 5 minutes!

 

Ingredients:

 

• 3 cups prosecco, chilled
• 1 cup limoncello liqueur, chilled
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 6 sprigs fresh mint

 

Instructions:

 

1. In a large pitcher, whisk together prosecco and limoncello.
2. Serve over raspberries, garnished with mint, if desired.

 

ENTRÉE: Baba Ganooj

 

Source: wikia.com

 

A traditional Lebanese dip that’s light and vegan-friendly.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• ½ clove garlic, mashed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 packet Lebanese bread

 

 

Directions:

 

1. Peel the eggplant, and bake or steam until tender. Mash in a bowl with a spoon.
2. Mix in the sesame oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic, and beat until as smooth
3. Mound on a plate or in a shallow dish
4. Pour the olive oil on top
5. Sprinkle with parsley
6. Tear up sheets of Lebanese bread into small pieces for dipping

 

 

 

MAIN: Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat’s Cheese – Makes 6

 

Source: www.recipegirl.com

 

Spinach is a great source of iron, and is a healthy substitute for lettuce in this gourmet salad.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 8 cups chopped spinach (1 bag)
• 1 cup halved cherry or Roma tomatoes
• 1/2 cup corn (frozen, canned, or cut off the cob)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

 

Dressing:

 

• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 

Directions:

 

1. Place spinach in a large salad bowl.
2. Add remaining salad ingredients.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
4. Pour over the salad and toss.

 

 

DESSERTS: No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits – Makes 6

 

Source: yummyhealthyeasy.com

 

With no baking involved, this cheesecake parfait makes for a glutton’s delight – and will make an ideal foodie photo for your Instagram account!

 

Ingredients:

 

• 6 arrowroot biscuits
• 3 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 (8-oz) package light cream cheese
• 1 (1-oz) package sugar-free instant cheesecake cake mix
• 1½ cups milk
• 1-2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

 

Method:

 

1. In a food processor, combine arrowroot biscuits, melted butter and cinnamon. Process until crumbly.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until softened.
3. Reduce the speed to low, and gradually add in the milk, a little at a time (mixture will be watery). Beat in cake mix until the filling is thick and smooth.
4. In glasses, layer arrowroot biscuit crumbs, blueberries, cheesecake filling, strawberries, cheesecake filing and top with more arrowroot biscuit crumbs. Serve with spoons and enjoy!