As the fourth instalment of our Epicurean Evenings series, where we present DIY menus made of well-researched curated recipes, this trio of flavor-packed culinary curations is perfect for celebrating the summer season. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a grand Hardcore Carnivore Camo rubbed rack of lamb, embarking on a cultural tour with duck Fattoush, or delighting in seafood pasta with a delicate rosé sauce, these summer menus won’t disappoint.

Each menu is paired with well-suited appetizers and desserts to make your dinner party a breeze, allowing you to focus on your guests. By highlighting the quality of ingredients and the variety of tastes, these menus emphasize the joy of food and the warmth of community.

So, get your hands dirty, enjoy the process, and your guests will feel connected to the food because of the effort that went into making it. Choose a menu, follow the recipes, and continue your culinary adventure with The Gourmet Host!

The Lamb Barbecue Feast

This menu highlights creative and rich American cuisine, featuring dishes from inspired recipe creators. From the sophisticated appetizer to the bold main course and the delightful dessert, each dish offers a unique taste experience.

Appetizer: Roasted Fennel Citrus Salad

Roasted Fennel and Pine Nuts, Blood Orange, Mozzarella with Mustard, Honey, Citrus Vinaigrette

Clementine, Clem Foodie

Start with a citrus appetizer inspired by Clementine from Clem Foodie, a recipe blog from France. The earthy roasted fennel and pine nuts are complemented by the zesty sweetness of blood orange and creamy mozzarella. It’s all tied together with a mustard, honey, citrus, and fresh thyme vinaigrette.

Main Course: Camo Seasoned Lamb Rack

Hardcore Carnivore Camo Seasoned Lamb Rack with Charred Lime, Fresh Mint, Serrano Chili, and Shallot Sauce paired with White Wine, Parmesan, Thyme, Mushroom Risotto

Jess Pryles, Hardcore Carnivore and Jeanine Donofrio, Love & Lemons

Enjoy a sophisticated rack of lamb from Jess Pryles, seasoned and grilled to perfection. The lamb is paired with a bold fresh mint dressing accented by charred lime, Serrano chili, and shallots. These ingredients offer a mix of zesty, spicy, and refreshing flavors.

Accompanying the lamb is a creamy mushroom risotto from our favourite plan-forward recipe blog, Love & Lemons. The risotto features earthy mushrooms, white wine, Parmesan, and fresh thyme.

Dessert: Rhubarb Frangipane

Pistachio Rhubarb Berry Jam Frangipane

Spring 2022 LCBO Food & Drink Magazine

Conclude your meal with a dessert from the Spring 2022 LCBO Food & Drink Magazine. This frangipane combines nutty pistachio, tart rhubarb, and sweet berry jam. The result is a harmonious and satisfying end to your dining experience.

Comforting Italian Rosé Pasta

This menu is a celebration of Italian cuisine, renowned worldwide for its quality ingredients, simplicity, and variety of tastes. From the earthy richness of roasted mushroom crostini to the classic Caesar salad, succulent shrimp rosé pasta, and indulgent tiramisu, each dish captures the essence of Italy’s culinary excellence.

Appetizer: Mushroom Crostini

Roasted Mushroom Crostini with Red Wine and Herbs Accent

Samantha Ferraro, Little Ferraro Kitchen

Kick off your meal with a delectable appetizer from Samantha Ferraro, the creator behind Little Ferraro Kitchen. The roasted mushroom crostini combine earthy mushrooms with rich red wine and aromatic herbs, all served atop crisp crostini. This savory bite is a perfect blend of umami and herbaceous notes, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Salad: Homemade Caesar Salad

Classic Homemade Caesar Salad

Jenn Segal, Once Upon a Chef

Next, enjoy a timeless classic from Jenn Segal, creator of Once Upon a Chef. This homemade Caesar salad features a homemade creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly balances flavors. The anchovy-rich dressing provides a savory depth. While the fresh romaine lettuce offers a refreshing crunch that your guests will no doubt want seconds of.

Main Course: Shrimp Rosé Pasta

Shrimp Rosé Pasta with Chili Flakes and Parmesan

Sha, Nomadette

For the main course, savor the Shrimp Rosé Pasta from Sha, creator of Nomadette. This dish marries succulent shrimp with a creamy rosé sauce. It’s enhanced by a hint of chili flakes and the umami richness of Parmesan cheese. The pasta’s smooth texture and the seafood’s sweetness blend perfectly, offering a comforting yet elegant main dish.

Dessert: Tiramisu with Mascarpone

Tiramisu with Mascarpone, Cocoa, and Coffee-Soaked Ladyfingers

Tastes Better from Scratch

End your meal on a high note with a classic tiramisu from Tastes Better from Scratch. This dessert layers rich mascarpone with cocoa and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creating a luxurious treat. The combination of creamy, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors provides a perfect balance, making this tiramisu an irresistible finale.

Entertaining your guests with this menu beautifully showcases the timeless appeal of Italian cuisine. With its delicate appetizer, a refreshing salad, a comforting main course, and a luxurious dessert, this menu highlights the simplicity and variety of tastes that make Italian food beloved around the globe.

Herbaceous Duck Fattoush Salad

We explore Middle Eastern origins with our final menu. Returning to our favourite protein, a Duck Fattoush Salad paired with our favourite German Nutmeg Infused Spätzle. We end with a Tart Cherry & Mint Blender Sorbet that is an easy-to-make, refreshing palate cleanser.

Main Course: Duck Fattoush Salad & Spätzle

Duck Fattoush Salad with Yoghurt Tahini, Fresh Mint, and Citrus Dressing paired with German Nutmeg Infused Spätzle

Dish Magazine and Marbalet, AllRecipes

This menu is centers around the vibrant flavors of a Duck Fattoush Salad from the New Zealand-based Dish Magazine. This dish combines duck breast with fresh cucumber, tomato, radish, and chickpeas with a creamy and citrus yoghurt tahini dressing. The addition of fresh mint elevates the dish, adding a refreshing herbaceous flavor that complements the savory duck perfectly.

Accompanying the salad is our favourite traditional German side of Nutmeg Infused Spätzle, submitted to AllRecipes by Marbalet. These soft, tender dumplings are infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of nutmeg. Combined, this pairing is a comforting and unique side that beautifully complements the rich duck breast and zesty salad.

Dessert: Cherry Sorbet

Tart Cherry & Mint Blender Sorbet

Jeanine Donofrio, Love & Lemons

Conclude your meal with a refreshing Tart Cherry & Mint Blender Sorbet from Love & Lemons. This dessert is a perfect blend of tart cherries and cool mint. It offers a delightful palate cleanser with a vibrant, fruity flavor. The sorbet’s light and refreshing nature makes it an ideal end to this flavor-packed menu. Your guests will leave with a lasting impression of sweet and tangy satisfaction.

This final menu brings together the best of Middle Eastern and German culinary traditions. The herbaceous Duck Fattoush Salad and comforting Nutmeg Infused Spätzle are perfectly balanced by the light and refreshing Tart Cherry & Mint Blender Sorbet, making it an ideal combination for both flavor and ease of preparation.

Celebrate Summer with Flavor

These three carefully curated menus provide a delightful way to celebrate summer and the joy of communal dining. The Lamb Barbecue Feast offers bold American flavors perfect for grilling, while the Comforting Italian Rosé Pasta showcases the elegance of Italian cuisine. Finally, the Herbaceous Duck Fattoush Salad takes you on a journey through the Middle East and Germany, combining tender duck with comforting spätzle and a refreshing sorbet.

Each menu is designed to highlight the quality of ingredients and the variety of tastes that make each cuisine special. By focusing on the effort, care, and guest engagement, these menus emphasize the joy of food and the warmth of community.

So, get your hands dirty, enjoy the process, and create unforgettable moments with these delicious summer feasts!