Quick and Easy Summer Party

By Article: Donna Florio

Simplify your entertaining with this menu for a laid-back dinner party.

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Karen's Table

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Carolina Peach Sangria

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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Lemon Chicken

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Almonds

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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

Creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, juicy red tomatoes, and flavorful vinaigrette puts this recipe a cut above ordinary green beans.

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Carrot Orzo

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Carrot Orzo

Though made with orzo rather than rice, this colorful dish is similar to risotto.

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Profiteroles with Coffee Whipped Cream 

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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