We like to think that Veranda is about more than beautiful homes in an irresistible community. We think it’s about connections — meeting up with neighbors and enjoying impromptu parties. So in Veranda spirit, we’ve come up with a few no-cook recipes you can bring to add to the spread at your next neighborhood get-together.
Cucumber Salads
Cucumber salads are refreshing, and you don’t really need to measure anything. Use English cucumbers so you don’t have to dig out the seeds. Slice on a diagonal and then add whatever summer vegetables strike your fancy. Some of our favorites include red bell peppers, red onions, sliced cherry tomatoes, jalapenos and snap peas. Pour a bottled Italian or wine and vinegar dressing over the top and marinate for a minimum of two hours or overnight.
Southwestern Bean Salad
Sure you could put together the traditional three-bean salad, but why not get creative? Mix canned black beans, cooked rice, roasted bell peppers, serrano chilies, cilantro Mexican cheese blend, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with a spicy vinaigrette dressing and top with avocado and sour cream. Consider layering the ingredients for an Instagram-worthy effect.
Southern Peach Salad
Is it a side dish, a dessert or a relish? You decide. Toss together peeled, chopped peaches, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme and some sweet white wine — a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer would be perfect.
Cold Pork Sandwiches
Nothing wrong with adding appetizer-sized sandwiches to the menu. Use a rustic bread sliced thick and pull out the insides leaving a shell. Pile high with Porchetta (found in the deli case) or ham, provolone cheese, an Italian meat such as prosciutto, arugula, red onion and sliced tomatoes. For a gourmet touch, spread olive tapenade on the bread slices or top the filling with bottled Giardiniera. Hold it all down with mini toothpicks.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Who doesn’t love a good ice cream sandwich? Use oversized store-bought cookies from the bakery in an assortment of flavors — go wild and look for red velvet, ginger snap or Snickerdoodles. Gather an assortment of ice cream flavors. Soften the ice cream and spread it on the cookies. Use a lot to make a good-sized sandwich. For a festive touch roll the completed sandwich in nuts, sprinkles, mini-chocolate chips and coconut. Wrap sandwiches individually and keep in the freezer until it’s time to party!
