Summer foods--a guest post

Today we have a guest post for Alexandra from Alex's Journeys. She's a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com.

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Summer time comes; your wardrobe changes, activities change, and your desire for different types of food changes. If you are vacationing at the Hamptons, boating on Lake Norman, or staying cool in the air conditioning; here are some delicious recipes that everyone can enjoy in the summer.

Caesar Salad

This popular salad began with a recipe from Italian immigrant Livio Santini. Santini gained employment with restaurateur Caesar Cardini. Cardini obtained the recipe, moved to Los Angeles in 1935 and opened another restaurant. The recipe became synonymous with his name. The Caesar salad is commonly served in the Hamptons and across the country.   

- Mix the garlic into the olive oil and allow to stand overnight.

- Brown the bread cubes in ¼ cup of garlic oil until lightly browned on all sides. Drain on paper towels.

- Break lettuce into pieces in a large mixing bowl.

- Add salt and pepper to taste.

- Add remaining garlic oil and toss, covering all leaves. 

- Add eggs to center of lettuce.

- Squeeze lemon over eggs and mix, which creates a thick, creamy dressing.
- Add Parmesan, anchovies if desired, and mix. Serve immediately. 

Chicken Marsala

This chicken masala dish is quick and easy, and a combination of French and Italian cuisines.

1/4 cup of flour

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano

4 boneless chicken breast halves - skinned and pounded until 1/4 inch thick

4 tablespoons of butter or margarine

4 tablespoons of olive oil

2 cups of sliced mushrooms

3/4 cup of Marsala wine

   

- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper and oregano.

- Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.

- Melt butter or margarine in oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

- Place chicken pieces in pan and cook until lightly browned.

- Turn chicken, add mushrooms and wine. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, turning chicken once.

- Remove chicken when juices run clear and continue simmering sauce until thickened.

- Serve chicken and sauce over pasta or rice.

Watermelon Agua Fresca 

This refreshing and healthy summertime drink is a common beverage served throughout Mexico.

1 seedless watermelon (about 5 pounds), chilled

½ cup of cold water  

1 tablespoon of honey, mixed with 1 tablespoon of hot water

1 pinch of salt

1 lime sliced

Ice cubes made with fruit juice (optional)

- Puree watermelon and water in a blender or food processor until smooth.

- Add honey dissolved in water and pinch of salt, stir.

- Chill mixture for at least three hours before serving.

- Leave mixture chunky or pour through a sieve to remove fruit.

- Pour into glasses and garnished with lime slices

- Using ice cubes made from the watermelon enhances the overall flavor of the beverage.