Summer is here! While entertaining looks a little different right now due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we can still dream and plan for the days to come when we can all gather together again. Nothing lifts the spirit quite like a pretty table, fresh flowers and a delicious menu.
Set a beautiful table perfect for any summer event with hues of blue and white and add fresh flowers with a pop of color in bright pinks, purples, reds and yellow. To honor our Southern roots, napkins in blue and white gingham are preppy and perfect. Magnolia plates add another layer of pattern and color to this tablescape and are an easy way to add a bit of Southern flair to your place settings.
Start the evening with a signature bourbon drink, Thyme Will Tell along with a Bacon Jam Brie appetizer. Add bowls of Bronnie’s Brittle in fun flavors to the table for a taste of delicious Alabama-made peanut brittle. Keep the menu simple for a more casual dinner with BBQ Pork Sliders, Bacon Jam Caprese Salad, and have your guests bring potluck sides fit for a BBQ dinner. End the evening with classic S’mores.
However you kick off your summer, I hope it is filled with fresh food, lots of laughter and full of friends even if it is from a distance for now. Happy Summer!
Special thank you to the following: Floral Design: Tori Brinson Design; Bacon Jams: TBJ Gourmet; Southern Peanut Brittle: Bronnie’s Brittle; BBQ Rub: Dixie Dirt; Magnolia Plates: Draper James
Thyme Will Tell
(adapted from Town and Country)
2 oz Bourbon
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp sugar
Fresh orange slices for garnish
Fresh thyme for garnish
Add bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar to cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and strain into chilled rocks glass. Garnish with orange slice and fresh thyme.
Bacon Jam Brie Bites
(adapted from TBJ Gourmet)
Fruit and grain crackers
Balsamic & Fig Bacon Jam
Brie bites, cut in half
Honey
Fresh thyme
Layer crackers with brie and bacon jam. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
BBQ Pork Sliders
What you Need:
Hawaiian rolls
Pork tenderloin
Dixie Dirt Rub
Apple slaw
Cut rolls in half and set aside. Rub tenderloin with Dixie Dirt and broil for 8 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Mix apple slaw and set aside. Slice tenderloin into ½ pieces. Layer each roll with one piece of tenderloin and top with apple slaw mixture. Enjoy!
Bacon Jam Caprese Salad
(recipe from TBJ Gourmet)
2 large ripe tomatoes
4 oz The Bacon Jams Red Chili & Garlic Spreadable Bacon
2 large balls of fresh mozzarella cheese
8 whole pieces fresh basil
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Slice the tomatoes into round, half-inch circles. Do the same with the mozzarella. Lay the tomato slices out on a serving dish and top each with one slice of fresh mozzarella. Drizzle the olive oil over each piece and then do the same with the balsamic. Dollop The Bacon Jams Red Chile & Garlic Spreadable Bacon evenly on each piece, then top each with a basil leaf and serve.
Leave a Reply