Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a delicious and refreshing salad. This tomato, burrata, and peach salad is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and creamy. The burrata cheese is the star of the show, and the peaches and tomatoes add a touch of sweetness. Burrata is a fresh Italian cow’s milk cheese that is made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy texture and a mild, milky flavor. Peaches are a symbol of summer in many cultures. Did you know that in China, peaches are a symbol of longevity and immortality!?
Ingredients:
2 balls of burrata cheese
2 peaches, sliced
2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced
olive oil
salt
black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Arrange the peaches, tomatoes, and burrata cheese vertically on the serving platter.
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tips:
Use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
If you don’t have burrata cheese, you can substitute mozzarella or goat cheese.
This tomato, burrata, and peach salad is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the summertime. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you’re looking for a light and flavorful salad, give this one a try!
Here are some additional ideas for customizing this salad:
Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Use different types of tomatoes, such as heirloom tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
Add some other fresh herbs, such as mint, or oregano.
Drizzle the salad with a different type of dressing, such as a honey-balsamic dressing or a vinaigrette dressing.
Use grilled peaches
I hope you enjoy this delicious and refreshing salad!
Blue and white is a classic color combination that has been popular for centuries. It is often associated with the sea, sky, and purity, and it can create a sense of elegance and sophistication. Blue and white table decor can be used to create a variety of different looks, from formal to casual.
Start with a blue and white tablecloth. This will provide a classic backdrop for the rest of your tablescape.
Add blue patterned napkins. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. When done correctly, mixing patterns can create a stylish look. However, it’s important to choose patterns that complement each other.
We used rattan round placemats and bamboo napkins rings; using various textures will help create visual interest and make your tablescape more dynamic. The plates are melamine. White melamine plates are a versatile and durable option for summer tablescapes. They are easy to clean and care for, making them perfect for outdoor dining. They are also lightweight and stackable, making them easy to transport and store. Acrylic glasses are a versatile and durable option for drinkware. They are made from a clear, lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic, perfect for outdoor events. We are absolutely in love with the design of this one .
Hydrangeas are a quintessential summer flower, and you can’t go wrong adding them as your centerpiece. They are beautiful and versatile flowers that can be used in various ways. Hydrangeas in baskets are a beautiful and elegant way to add a touch of nature to your table. Baskets can create a unique and eye-catching centerpiece.
A white and blue tablescape can be quite simple, but it’s important to keep the overall look simple. Too many elements can be overwhelming and detract from the beauty of the colors. No matter what your style, there is a white and blue summer tablescape that is perfect for you. With a little creativity, you can create a tablescape that is both beautiful and inviting.
We love hydrangeas; they are one of our favorite flowers. It was one of our grandma’s favorite too; maybe that’s why we like them so much. It reminds us of her!! They are so simple yet have a significant presence with their large flowerhead. They always stand out, whether it is an all hydrangea arrangement or mixed with different flowers.
If you want to learn how to arrange flowers, hydrangea is a great place to start. They are easily accessible at most grocery stores and one of the easiest and least expensive arrangements to create.
Hydrangeas take a lot of water and can wilt quickly if not properly cared for. As soon as you bring them home, cut each stem at a 45-degree angle and put them immediately in water; this will allow the blooms to drink more water. When purchasing from your local store, often they come with flower food; make sure to use it.
If you are picking from your garden, after cutting them, boil water and dip each hydrangea stem into it for thirty seconds and then place it in a vase with room temperature water.
Hydrangeas drink water from their bloom heads as well, and spraying water on them helps prevent them from wilting. In case they do wilt, you can dunk its whole head in room temperature water.
Keep your hydrangea arrangement at a cooler temperature and away from drafts or direct sunlight. Replace the water every other day. With proper care, your hydrangea arrangement can last for weeks.
Potted hydrangeas look so beautiful and will last much longer than cut ones, especially if you pick one with few blooms and lots of buds.
Water the plant often, feel the soil, and if the top layer feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water it. Drainage is essential; make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the container you selected. Place your potted hydrangea where it receives bright light but not direct sunlight.
Calling all Lime lovers. This semi-homemade cake is easy and quick to put together. It’s light and packed with fresh flavors—the perfect ending to a summer dinner.
Start by baking two boxes of lemon supreme cake mix accordingly to the box baking instructions. We divide the batter in 4 round cake pans (about 9”). Allow cakes to cool completely in the pan. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
Now, it’s time to make the frosting!! In a large bowl, using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment beat the whipping cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken. Keep mixing, add the condensed milk and the confectioner sugar. Increase to high speed, and beat until the cream is very stiff, and stands in firm peaks on the beater when it is lifted from the bowl.
Stop mixing and slowly add the lime juice and using a French whisk mix all together. Your lime Chantilly will be ready!
Let’s assemble the cake! Turn the cakes down and using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface. Place the 1st cake layer on your cake stand. Spread about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting evenly on top. Top with the 2nd cake layer, and evenly cover the top with another 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting. Do the same with the 3rd and 4th layer.
After the last one, spread the remaining frosting on top and around the sides using an icing spatula. Use a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting on the sides of the cake. Decorate the cake with lime and mint.
Bake the 2 boxes of lemon cake mix accordingly to the box baking instructions. We divide the batter in 4 round cake pans (about 9”);
Allow cakes to cool completely in the pan. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
Frosting
In a large bowl, using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment beat the whipping cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken. Keep mixing, add the condensed milk and the confectioner sugar. Increase to high speed, and beat until the cream is very stiff, and stands in firm peaks on the beater when it is lifted from the bowl.
Stop mixing and slowly add the lime juice and using a French whisk mix all together. Your lime Chantilly will be ready!
Assemble
Turn the cakes down and using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface.
Place the 1st cake layer on your cake stand. Spread about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting evenly on top. Top with the 2nd cake layer, and evenly cover the top with another 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting. Do the same with the 3rd and 4th layer.
After the last one, spread the remaining frosting on top and around the sides using an icing spatula. Use a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting on the sides of the cake.
Flower Arranging can be a little overwhelming for most people, especially if you mix different types of flowers and colors. This one is though super simple and easy to follow. We used small white ivory hydrangeas, ivory roses, and green hypericum berries, all of which can be found year-round.
The first step is to fill the vases with room temperature water; add warm water if the flower buds are tight and you want to help them open up faster. Don’t forget to add flower food to your vase water (they usually come with the flowers when you purchase them at grocery stores)! It will help slow down bacterial growth.
When trimming the stems, make sure to do it at an angle. Doing this ensures that the flowers will absorb plenty of water and nutrients. Remove all the leaves from the stems, make sure there are no leaves below the waterline. Start with the roses, slowly and gently, remove the guard petals that are wilted and/or have black edges.
Next, if you want the blooms to open up, gently blow onto them. Place three roses in the vase.
Next comes the green berries; place one on each side of the roses (don’t forget to remove all the leaves from the stem). Hypericum Berries make great fillers to any arrangement, and they also give texture and volume. The following step is to add the hydrangeas to each side of the berries. Keep repeating this pattern until you have filled your entire vase. Refer to the video below. Happy Arranging!
As we approach fall, do you get that itch for the new season but also want to hang on to summer just a little longer? Then, this transitional tablescape is perfect for you!
Let’s start with the flowers, our favorite element when setting the table. Annual sunflowers bloom from summer into autumn, and they are easily accessible. You can find them at floral shops and most grocery stores. We even saw a bunch of them at Target a few weeks ago. Sunflowers can brighten up any table decor and lift anyone’s spirits. They stand out in any setting with their long and strong stems and their large and bright leaves. Less is more when it comes to this type of bloom, by just adding a few of them to your table will add such an impact. They sure will cheer your decor and your guests.
They have such a strong presence, that we like to keep them solo and never mix them with other flowers. Their stems are so unique, long, and strong that they deserve to be visible. We don’t like to cut them too short, but also be aware of their height as you don’t want to block your guests’ line of sight and obstruct conversation. We used these Pottery Barn bud vases, which also help prevent obstruction. If you are using taller arrangements, narrow and clear vessels are best.
Now, let’s talk about the chargers; the Juliska rustic rope natural chargers add warmth and an autumn vibe to the decor. This hue of brown is perfect for the fall.
Go neutral with the plates. Since the sunflowers, chargers, and napkins have three different colors, it’s best to keep them simple. We love Juliska Berry & Thread dinner and salad plates; they go so well with nearly everything. A set of neutral plates like white and ivory solid pieces is timeless and versatile. You can dress them up or down with different napkins, placemats, and chargers. Keep it in mind when purchasing a set of dinnerware.
What we love the most about these Serena and Lily napkins is their neutral color. They are so versatile and can go with nearly any table decor. They are simple but yet add so much charm to the tablescape.
Finally, candles! These small CB2 tea light candle holder are subtle and informal but still adds that touch of warmth and intimacy to the ambiance.
There is nothing like a meal alfresco on a nice day with family or close friends. We put together this tablescape for a special lunch with our mom and sister. Yes, we have a younger sister who lives in NYC!!! Due to COVID, we hadn’t been together for 1.5 years, and oh boy, we missed spending time together. This table decor is so simple and casual but so inviting at the same time.
Let’s start with the color scheme, we picked the traditional blue and white palette. You can never go wrong with this color combination. Next are the placemats, wicker and rattan ones are great options for outdoor entertaining. The light natural color of these charger plates was the perfect backdrop to the blue and white plates. These placemats are from Pottery Barn, we have them in two different colors. They are so versatile and go well with so many different styles of plates.
We used melamine plates and acrylic glasses; they are great for the summer when eating outside. These Q Squared Dinner Plates are so beautiful and have a Mediterrane fell to them. How stunning is this design!? The water goblets are also from Q Squared; we absolutely love their design, and they are also so durable! Unfortunately, they don’t carry this exact one anymore. The wine glasses are from William Sonoma. There are so many acrylic glasses available, and they came in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. There are endless options for every taste.
Bamboo flatware is one of our favorites!!! We use them all the time in the spring and summer. They will never go out of style, making them an excellent investment. They add a fresh and casual look to any table decor. This bamboo flatware is from Pottery Barn and is very wallet-friendly compared to other brands.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints, as long as they complement each other. The plates and napkins’ different patterns and shades of blue look so lovely together.
Finally, the centerpiece!! Ditch the flowers for fruits! If flower arrangement is not your forte, or you want something different, fruits are a great alternative. How charming is this bowl of peaches!? They added a pop of color, and they are in season now, bringing that summer feel to the table decor.
How stunning is this shade of Dianthus!? We love this flower because it has an extraordinarily long vase life. It’s a great one to add to your home decor. They come in many colors and textures, so there is one for every taste. You can easily find them in your grocery store. They are simple flowers, but they can stand out in a room when combined with a gorgeous vase. Follow the tips below to help you replicate this arrangement.
For an environmentally friendly option, choose chicken wire instead of floral foam. Another advantage is that the flowers can drink naturally, helping with their longevity. Don’t let chicken wire intimidate you; they are easier to use than you think.
First, start by selecting one with large holes as it will be much easier to place the flowers. Next, cut the chicken wire in a square shape (a piece larger than your container’s base). The following step is to fold it into a cushion shape, ensuring the sharp edges are twisted in and tucked inside the rim of the vase. The objective is to create a cover for the opening of your vessel.
When creating your flower arrangement, one important tip is proportion, including the height of flowers. Traditionally, for a well-balanced arrangement, the length of the flower stems should be one and a half to two times and a half the height of your vase. If you’re using a tall vessel, the entire arrangement should be two and a half times the height of the container. For smaller vases, like this arrangement, the final bouquet height should be one and a half times the size of the vase.
Fill your container with water and place the dianthus in the vase. This arrangement is incredibly easy to make!!!
On warm days, salads are a natural choice! I’d rather be outside enjoying the weather in the summertime than in the kitchen cooking, and the summer salads are the perfect solution. They are not only simple to toss together, but there are also so many delicious options.
I have made this citrus salad on a few occasions, and it appeals to everyone at the table. The different oranges paired with the creamy burrata cheese are packed with flavors and so fresh. It’s bursting with creamy and citrusy flavors.
The secret to this salad is to use as many varieties of oranges as you can find to make a colorful plate. The mix of colors is so appealing! The different types of citrus fruits will also bring a good mix of texture and sweet and bitter elements.
Ingredients:
Citrus fruits: I mixed navel, blood oranges, and grapefruits, but you can use any firm orange or even mandarins and tangelos.
Burrata cheese: is a pouch made of stretchy cheese much like mozzarella. It comes in different sizes. You can get the small ones and use a small burrata per person on a single serving salad plate. Or you can get a large one and place it right in the middle of the serving plate (like I did!).
Fresh Mint: The fresh mint gives the perfect final touch.
Instructions:
Cutting off the peel and white pith from each citrus wedge is essential. I personally prefer cutting the oranges in half and resting the orange on the cut surface before I slice away strips of peels and the white membrane.
Slice the oranges crosswise 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. It should not be too thick, either too thin; otherwise, they can break easily.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all the seasoning this easy salad needs. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh mint leaves.
With a small, sharp knife, cut the oranges in half and rest the orange on the cut surface. Slice away strips of peels and the white membrane to expose the flesh all around the oranges.
Slice the oranges crosswise 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Place the ball of burrata in the center of a serving plate and arrange the segments of orange around.
Drizzle generously with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, scatter over the torn mint leaves and serve.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ADM. All opinions are 100% mine.
When it’s summer, is there anything better than a refreshing drink full of flavor?? We don’t think so. In fact, we love exploring new cocktail recipes and making them with fresh ingredients filled with fascinating flavors.
Margaritas are a classic. This sweet, sour, and salty drink is one of the most popular in the world. It is easy to replicate, and there are hundreds of versions for every taste. This summer, we added cape gooseberries and serrano peppers for a special twist to this classic.
Some of you might be wondering what cape gooseberries are and what they taste like? Cape gooseberries, also called goldenberries, are a bright golden yellow fruit. They have a unique flavor: sweet, tart, tangy and tropical, and are loaded with nutrients. You’ll instantly notice both sweet and sour flavors when the berry bursts in your mouth.
You can enjoy cape gooseberries in a variety of ways:
• You can eat them like you eat grapes and cherry tomatoes, for snacks.
• Swap the cherry tomatoes with cape gooseberries and use them in sauces and salads.
• Add them to a cheeseboard
• They are also great in desserts and make for a tasty gooseberry curd cheesecake.
• They also work well in cocktails.
Serrano peppers are versatile chiles that are not too spicy and not too mild. Their perfect balance of heat makes them delicious in a wide range of dishes and drinks.
Cape gooseberries and serrano peppers are on ADM’s list as two of the top 5 ingredients that should be on everyone’s radar this Summer. ADM is a leader in the development of ingredients and flavors for foods and beverages. ADM believes that ingredients do not have to be used in certain ways. Instead, being creative with different flavor and ingredients combinations unlocks limitless opportunities to experiment with different trends. We could not agree more!! Experimenting with new ingredients and flavors is fun, and you will most likely create something unique and personal. We decided to incorporate both the cape gooseberries and serrano peppers in our favorite summer drink.
Where to buy cape gooseberries and serrano peppers?
The major grocery stores carry both cape gooseberries and serrano peppers. They are in the produce section and can be found year-round. The gooseberries can also be labeled as goldenberries.
Now that you know more about the two secret ingredients that we will add to our margarita let’s jump to the recipe.
To make the best margarita mix, you need to have on hand two main ingredients:
• Tequila: Silver or reposado is considered to be the best tequila for margaritas, but any type of tequila will work.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice: Fresh flavors are always the best, so we recommend juicing your own limes right before you make your cocktails.
These two ingredients are the base of any margarita. The following ingredients are the add-ons that will give your drink that special twist.
• Fruit: nearly every fruit pairs well with tequila. As we like to be creative with different flavors, we incorporated the cape gooseberries into this famous drink.
• Something sweet: If you would like to sweeten your margarita, we recommend adding agave syrup, simple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice.
• Spice it up: The serrano pepper has a nice flavor and mild heat. Its heat pairs so well with the fresh lime juice and the cape gooseberry. Just make sure not to add too many seeds, as that is where the heat hides. You should also keep in mind that the longer the pepper sits in the drink, the spicier it will get.
• Club Soda: A splash of Club Soda will add a little fizz to the drink.
• Last, but not least…ICE!
That is all you need to have your spicy, tart, slightly sweet, and refreshing spicy cape gooseberry margarita!!! The full recipe is below.
Ingredients:
• 6 Cape Gooseberries
• 2 oz Tequila
• 1 tbsp Freshly Squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 Serrano Pepper
• Splash of Club Soda
• Agave – optional
Instructions
1. Add the gooseberries to a cocktail shaker along with the lime juice.
2. Muddle the gooseberries with a muddler, add tequila and shake vigorously.
3. Pour into a cocktail glass, fill with ice, add a splash of club soda and add the serrano pepper.
