From the beginning of May, when many will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for May 5) and Mother’s Day, through Memorial Day at the end of the month, the season for warm weather events will only have just begun. Having recipes on hand that are easy to prepare, or can be made both quickly and deliciously, not only answers the question of what to serve, but leaves time to enjoy your own party if you are hosting one.
Good paired with chilled salads, some made with store-bought pesto or salad mixes like the ones highlighted here by Canterbury Naturals, grilled chicken is always an excellent option for spring and summer events. You can grill your own, but rotisserie chicken from the supermarket can make a fine substitute, especially if enhanced with a gourmet grilling sauce, either homemade or purchased. And, if you want to serve homemade cake, but don’t like the thought of heating your oven (or kitchen) a surprisingly tasty cake, complete with ganache topping, can be made in your microwave oven in just five minutes – honest. Serve the cake as is, or with some ice cream and berries, if you like.
Most home cooks would agree that first-rate store-bought products are not only acceptable, but also often desirable for augmenting homemade meals. They save us time and more often than not, money too.
