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Holding on to Summer, for just a bit longer…

Holding on to Summer, for just a bit longer…

The Harvest Moon was magnificent in New York last night- signaling the official arrival of Fall with the Autumnal Equinox arriving in 1 Day, 4 Hours and 42 Minutes from now- marking the end of summer.

But I’m not ready for pumpkin spiced lattes quite yet. Don’t get me wrong, I love Autumn and live for the color and beauty that will soon serenade us. But this year, there’s a desire to hold on to summer, just a bit longer.

After months indoors and away from loved ones earlier in the year, outdoor gatherings were more special this summer. Aside from a fondness for grilling and backyard soirees, I love the simple joys of the summer- including the garden erupting with color. After June’s blooms and July’s long days, the garden’s glory in the month of August was, exactly that, glorious.

The roses perfumed the oasis. The hydrangeas courted the bumble bees, and the marigolds echoed the scent of the earth while murmuring the colors of the sun. And amidst the garden’s complete unawareness of a global pandemic, we were able to come together. In backyards and parks and beaches, slightly less weary of the difficulties brought on by the crisis. Summer is synonymous with joy… this summer we went into it with hopes it would be better than the last and looked forward to reuniting with friends and family. And of course, we shared delectable meals together.

The gatherings were smaller, but the flavors were big none the less. From beautiful salads with fresh herbs, to gorgeous grilled vegetables or citrusy seafood served with chilled wine and casual elegance. There were times we deferred to a classic American burger too, but whatever we ate, we enjoyed it together and felt alive again.

Savory Salmon with Herbs, Sweet Rainbow Grilled Vegetables, Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad, and Roasted Zucchini Salad with Parmesan and Balsamic Greens are a few favorite recipes which capture the ethos of summer.

And while Autumn may be 1 Day, 4 Hours and now 32 Minutes away, we can capture the spirit of summer at any time by making these recipes and remembering fondly the smiling faces we shared them with once upon a summer.

Summer is casual so big doesn’t mean complicated, rather bold flavors highlighting the flavors of the season prepared along with family favorites.

Savory Salmon with Fresh Herbs

Rainbow Grilled Vegetable Platter

Roasted Zucchini Salad with Parmesan and Balsamic greens

Watermelon Feta Salad

Fresh Mint and Basil from the Garden
The Ever-Ethereal Knockout Roses
French Lavender adored by Bumble Bees & Butterflies
Lavender + Mint Iced Tea
Golden Marigolds with their heavenly earthy scent

Musical Inspiration: “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young

Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

The quintessential salad of summer! Watermelon with feta, fresh mint, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sweet watermelon and salty feta compliment each other beautifully  and the fragrant mint takes the refreshing flavors to new levels of delight. 

This is a no-recipe recipe. Ingredient quantities don’t have to be exact for great results. You can also play with adding peppery arugula, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion or some diced chilies for a bit of heat. Add a squeeze of lemon or red wine vinegar if you add these other vegetables.  Feel free to substitute fresh basil or oregano for mint, all work nicely. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar could be a nice addition to this salad- if you do add those make sure to serve and eat immediately.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ -3 pounds seedless watermelon (about 1 small or 1/4 large), rind removed, cut into 2-inch chunks or varying sized triangular pieces.
  • ½- ¾ cup cup feta cheese
  • ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons olive olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 cups arugula (optional)
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  • Place watermelon chunks in a large bowl. 
  • Add olive oil, mint, and arugula (if using) and gently toss until watermelon is evenly dressed. 
  • Season lightly to taste with salt and pepper. (The feta will add saltiness, so be light handed with the salt).
  • Transfer salad to a wide, shallow platter and spread out evenly. 
  • Crumble feta over the top. Drizzle with more olive oil and a few grinds of black pepper.
  • Garnish with remaining herbs and serve immediately.

~Tip
Ideally you want to use Greek or Bulgarian sheep’s-milk feta for a creamier and tangier flavor than what most domestic cow’s milk cheeses provide.

Watermelon is wonderful. We love enjoying it all summer long. Just as it, along with fresh mint from the herb garden, or in the recipe highlighted above with creamy feta cheese. Happy Summer!


The Perfect Burger Recipe

The Perfect Burger Recipe

For years I hosted a big Memorial Day BBQ for our friends and family. The menu was simple but the flavors were big. So was the guest list. The menu featured classics like burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and veggies, along with lots of side salads and condiments like homemade pickles.

The star of the show, a classic American Hamburger. Over times I learned to perfect what friends light-heartedly call “The Naz Burger”. It’s simple to make and a crowd pleaser. I may pride myself on the hundreds I’ve made over the years, but the truth is anyone can make a great burger if you use good quality meat and keep the seasoning minimal. My not-so-secret-anymore secret recipe is beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. That’s it. Four ingredients to bliss. 

In my opinion, a charcoal grill is best. Of course you can make burgers on any grill or even on an indoor skillet, but to capture the true essence of a good old American cookout, a perfect smokey grilled burger is the ticket.

Tips~

  • For maximum flavor, ideally you want meat that is composed of at least 20 percent fat.
  • Keep meat in the fridge until ready, cooking burgers cold keeps bits of fat solid, resulting in great flavor.
  • Make evenly shaped patties, ensuring one side is not thicker than the other for even cooking.
  • Creating an indentation in the center of the patty prior to cooking helps prevent bulging once on the grill. 
  • No matter what you’ve seen on TV, resist the urge to press down on the burgers with a spatula, this only spews juices on the fire, causing the burger to dry out and the flames to flare up, charring the meat. If burger is cooking too quickly, simply move to a colder side of the grill.

Ingredients
3 pounds ground chuck beef, 20% fat
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
6 Brioche or regular hamburger buns

Preparation

  • Start a charcoal fire or turn on your gas grill to medium-high.
  • In a large bowel, combine Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper with meat, gently mixing all ingredients by hand. Careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Form the patties into approximate 4″-diameter, 3/4″-thick burgers, simultaneously pressing the top and the side to ensure they are not too loose. Continue rotating and cupping the meat until you’ve formed a  patty.
  • Using your thumb make small indentation in the center of the burger without going all the way through (patties will resemble donuts).
  • Place burgers on the hot grill and cook, without moving for about 3-4 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the hamburger over and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium.
  • Remove the burgers from the grill and rest them for a few minutes while you toast the buns.
  • Top the burgers with whichever condiments and toppings that you enjoy. 

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Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!


Happy 4th of July from Basil & Roses! Hopefully you’re having a wonderful holiday, taking a moment to learn about our history (here’s a reading of the Declaration of Independence), and if you’re lucky like me, enjoying a nice hot summer day with friends & family.

And of course what would a summer holiday be without gathering around the fire for the great American pastime of BBQ!

We love to grill around here and what better than a juicy and delicious burger topped with homemade pickled onions? Nothing complicated. In fact, the secret to incredible burgers is shockingly simple! It all hinges on one single secret ingredient… Worcestershire sauce!

Good beef, salt, pepper, and the delicious umami flavor of Worcestershire sauce, which marries beautifully with meat. That’s it!

Homemade pickled onions are just as simple, but add a real nice tang and contrast the natural fats of the beef.

Happy grilling, friends!