What’s in Season in July?

Hello Summer, hello July, and welcome to month 7 of our Monthly Produce Guides!

This is the season we wait all year for, the time of plenty. Our gardens, local famers markets, and supermarket produce sections are filled with glorious choices.

If July isn’t National Zucchini Month, it should be, right? If you garden, you might be regretting that decision to plant more than a couple zucchini plants, as each one produces enough zucchini to feed a family of four. No worries! We have you covered with dozens of recipes for zucchini and summer squash.

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Don’t Let a Lack of Outdoor Space Stop You From Entertaining This Summer

What says summer more than barbecuing? (Hint: pretty much nothing.) Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have expansive and Pinterest-worthy backyards to host our nearest and dearest for some grilling and cocktails. For those of us unlucky enough to have to sweat through the warmer months in tiny studio apartments, entertaining between Memorial Day and Labor Day can be tough.

So what exactly do you do when you want to entertain and your only “outdoor” space is your fire escape or the hallway outside your apartment? Here’s how to host a festive summer party even if you don’t have a backyard.

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

The first thing you need to do if you’re throwing a bash in a cramped space is to temporarily get rid of any furniture or decor that makes the space feel untidy. “First, declutter your inside space,” says Anticipation Events owner Elizabeth Tulipana. “You will be surprised how much room you have if you shift around some key furniture pieces.” Stash unneeded furniture in a bedroom or spare closet and use some folding chairs to make sure there’s enough seating for your guests, without crowding your space with bulky furniture.

Bring Summer Indoors

Emily Henderson

Don’t have access to outdoor space of your own? Bring the outside into your home, recommends Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs. “Bring in the palms!” Correale says. “Bring in extra plants and place around your space. Maybe add a bit of string lighting around the windows or in the space. Use a summer gingham tablecloth or something that screams summer.” Throw together a tropics inspired playlist or pull up Spotify and queue up some island-y music.

Keep decor on theme as well, says entertaining expert Jennifer Porter of Satsuma Designs LLC. “Light a beachy scented candle in the powder room to keep every room welcoming,” Porter says. You can also use stir sticks, festive drink umbrellas, and serve up apps on skewers to “turn up the summer celebrating,” she says.

Skip The Fridge And Stove

Tiny fridges and lack of counter space can make prepping for a party a real pain, experts say. Instead, come up with a menu that requires minimal prep. “Platters for finger foods that don’t need refrigeration are sure to be a crowd-pleaser,” Tulipana says.

Correale suggest sticking to grilled or cooked proteins like beef, chicken, or fish kebabs and room temperature sides that don’t require refrigeration or heating up, like a grilled corn salad, heirloom tomato salad, grilled asparagus, or farro or lentil salad.

Chowhound

Don’t have access to a full size grill? Get a tabletop one or fake grill marks with a versatile panini press.

Rethink The Bar

When you don’t have a large refrigerator or bar area, you have to work with what you have. Don’t have much surface area to keep drinks chilled? “Use the bathtub as a giant cooler,” says  Correale. “Fill with ice and fill with champagne, wine, vintage sodas [and] artisanal water bottles.”

Limited counter space means it’s probably best to avoid an elaborate bar or drinks set up. Instead, make one or two special drinks, says Tulipana. “This will eliminate bottles and cans from event mess,” she says.

Target

Borrow Outdoor Space

It might seem obvious, but keep in mind that just because you don’t have outdoor space doesn’t mean you don’t have access to it. If you can’t quite convince your suburb-dwelling friends to host a soiree, you can plan a meetup with friends at a local park. Make it a potluck so all the cooking duties don’t fall on you and tote along a Frisbee, horseshoes, or a bocce ball set. You can search here to find a park near you where you can host your get-together (and make sure to read up on any grilling and food and drink regulations for your meeting spot). Happy picnicking!

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10 Summer Flatbread Recipes That Look Like Works of Art

The term “too pretty to eat” may be one of the most overused expressions among foodies. (“Foodies” is another great example of an industry word that deserves a premature death, but I digress). That being said, these sweet and savory flatbread recipes, most of which highlight the beauty of summer fruits, may actually live up to the cliché. From berries and peaches to pears and figs, the seasonal indulgences, utilized at the peak of their harvest, pair perfectly with cheeses, fresh herbs, and greens. Frankly, I’m not sure if I want to eat the dishes on this list or hang them in an museum. Scroll through and decide for yourself.

Strawberry, Pear, and Pesto Flatbread

Carl’s Bad Cravings

This is the best use of red and green I’ve seen since Christmas. Juicy strawberries paired with delicate pears and pesto is the flavor profile I never knew I needed in my life, but now can’t get enough. Get the recipe.

Grilled Flatbread with Potato, Chèvre, and Herbs

Chowhound

Tangy goat cheese and herbs make this masterpiece a perfect grilled treat for summer. Get our Grilled Flatbread with Potato, Chèvre, and Herbs recipe.

Peach, Basil, and Mozzarella Flatbread

Tastes Better from Scratch

Having this flatbread every day for lunch would be peachy-keen, but only during the summer months. If you’ve ever tried a peach during the winter, you know that it’s almost as bad as snow, ice, the flu, and every other horrible aspect of the season. Get the recipe.

Blueberry, Feta, and Honey-Caramelized Onion Flatbread

Kitchen Confidante

You had me at honey-caramelized onions with this one. While feta and blueberries are certainly delicious ingredients, I just want more of the onions. (And a breath mint, please.)  Get the recipe.

Pear, Bleu Cheese, and Walnut Flatbread

The Novice Chef Blog

Pear with me as I devour this pear, bleu cheese, and walnut flatbread in less than 30 seconds. No matter the season, this classic combo never goes out of style. Just ask Taylor Swift. Get the recipe.

Grape, Brie, and Arugula Flatbread

Tidy Mom

While I certainly prefer my grapes in rosé, this is an excellent plan B. In fact, it probably pairs amazingly with rosé or any summer blend. Let’s get this happy hour started, like, yesterday. Get the recipe.

Blackberry, Basil, and Ricotta Flatbread

The Stay at Home Chef

If you’re reluctant to buy blackberries, pairing them with ricotta is the perfect introduction to the seed-heavy fruit. It will absolutely be worth the hour of flossing you’ll have to do after. Get the recipe.

Bacon, Onion and Fig Flatbread

Chowhound

The bacon craze is still out of control, which means I despise people who say “everything tastes better” with it. WRONG. In fact, let’s change things up a bit and make the following statement: bacon tastes so much better with figs. Don’t believe me? Try it yourself. Get the recipe.

Grilled Cherry, Goat Cheese, and Arugula Flatbread

Recipe Runner

The George Washington cherry tree incident may be a myth, but I can imagine a young future president chopping one down to make this recipe. How else was he supposed to reach the cherries? Either way, #worthit. Get the recipe.

Raspberry Nutella Flatbread

Go Go Go Gourmet

I obviously wouldn’t leave a dessert flatbread off this list. Do you think I’m crazy or something? Nutella is a no brainer, but the tartness of raspberries take this dish from delicious to death-inducing. And I say that in a great way, obviously. Get the recipe.

Related Video: Flatbreads Around the World

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No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Get Recipe!

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