Summer Time Food Favorites-Appetizers

Summer -- what images come to your mind when you say the word?  What I love the most about summer is to have a picnic.  Don't you love a picnic?  Whether it is at a park, beach, a roadside stop during a tour through the countryside or in your own back yard, a picnic brings out the best in everyone.  It could be because of all the delicious food that gets served and passed around.  What are some of your favorite dishes for summer time fun?

Join me as I reveal some of what I believe to be the best summer time foods in my four part series, Summer Time Food Favorites, including appetizers, side dishes, main dishes and desserts.  In addition, some of the "tried and true" recipes which have been around for many years, now have a new, added twist to them.  After many years of searching for the best recipes, each category will include my final top picks.

Lets kick off the series by beginning with appetizers.  I can honestly say that some times in the hot and humid days of summer, appetizers like these mentioned below serve as an entire meal when low appetites require something cool and light.

First on the list of delectable appetizers that I rely on for hot summer days are sriracha chili sauce deviled eggs.  Originally, my recipe for deviled eggs that has been made by my mother for years included dijon mustard.  Changing out the mustard for the spicy, red-peppery taste of sriracha sauce adds a bit of heat and new interest.  Don't miss the recipe which can be viewed at https://sites.google.com/site/thelittleyellowcornerstore/appetizers/sriracha-deviled-eggs

And with the abundance of crisp and crunchy home-grown cucumbers, the petite Italian herb cucumber sandwiches sprinkled with freshly cut dill from the garden are cool, refreshing and scrumptious.  For the recipe, stop by at https://sites.google.com/site/thelittleyellowcornerstore/appetizers/italian-herb-cucumber-sandwiches

And, of course, our summer couldn't be without Mr. Fisherman's garlic and lemon-pepper smoked salmon.  The catch this year has been good with one of the snags being a 24-pound salmon.  Served in chunks on some large-size sesame crackers with a dollop of wasabi mayonnaise, it can awaken anyone's taste for summer.

Some herb-infused olive oil for dipping with warm, crusty bread straight from the oven is beyond delicious.  I add plenty more of grated parmesan cheese and extra dried oregano to the oil since I love the flavors and the additional cheese adds a bit more saltiness.  Serve some dry red wine with the herb-infused oil and bread and it just might enhance the burst of flavors that come through with every bite.

For the recipe to the Herb Olive Oil for Dipping, visit https://sites.google.com/site/thelittleyellowcornerstore/appetizers/herb-olive-oil-dipping-oil

These simple, but flavorful appetizers are sure to please guests who enjoy snacking on something light but with savory, gratifying substance.

What are your favorite appetizers for summer?

Join me next time for the second in the series--Summer Time Food Favorites-Side Dishes.