Quick and Easy Summer Party

Karen's Table

This fresh summer menu is guaranteed to please your dinner guests. Its creator, Karen Brosius, executive director of the Columbia (South Carolina) Museum of Art, is a terrific cook and often hosts the museum’s young professionals group at casual gatherings. The vibe of this meal is relaxed, fun, and definitely delicious.

Carolina Peach Sangria

Start your menu with this refreshing Southern version of the classic wine punctuated by fresh peaches and raspberries. Make the sangria the day before to allow the flavors to blend.

• Recipe: Carolina Peach Sangria

Lemon Chicken

A flavorful lemony chicken breast anchors the meal. A simple sauce and lemon slices make an elegant presentation for the skillet-cooked chicken.

• Recipe: Lemon Chicken

Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Almonds

These green beans are far from ordinary; the fresh garden veggie is mixed with creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, juicy red tomatoes, and flavorful vinaigrette.

• Recipe: Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Almonds

Carrot Orzo

Though made with orzo rather than rice, this colorful dish is similar to risotto. The creamy pasta perfectly complements the Lemon Chicken and flavor-filled green beans.

• Recipe: Carrot Orzo

Profiteroles with Coffee Whipped Cream  

These small cream puffs are the perfect finishing touch to your meal. The 4-ingredient dough is surprisingly easy to make, and a simple Coffee Whipped Cream fills the crisp shell. Prepare the puffs up to 2 days in advance and store them cooled and unfilled  in an airtight container.

• Recipe: Profiteroles with Coffee Whipped Cream