Spectacular Summer Recipes - Don't Delay Try These Today!
Summer time is all about enjoying amazing seasonal food, incredible get-togethers and creating memories with friends and family. The pinnacle kick off for summer in my mind is the 4th of July, which embodies all of these wonderful aspects of summer. I don’t want to spend time worrying about what I’ll bring to a gathering, stress over having the right ingredients, or spend all day in the kitchen preparing. If your “don’t” list aligns with mine, read on, I have three phenomenal recipes to share that have limited ingredients, are simple to prepare, delicious and sure-fire crowd pleasers!
Carnitas Tacos: This is one of my all-time favorite Instant Pot recipes. It takes 3 minutes to prepare, has simple ingredients that rarely require a trip to the grocery store, and the end result is truly delicious! Tacos happen to be my family’s favorite dinner, but I also love serving tacos for get togethers, because everyone can customize the dish to their liking. Traditional tacos, tacos salad or a big pile of carnitas, there’s no wrong answer, and the leftovers (if you have any) are even better!
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon each of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and kosher salt
2 pounds pork loin roast (thawed)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Additional Suggestions: tortillas, beans, avocado, cotija, lime wedges, sour cream, cabbage, salsa
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix together cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt.
Rub pork with spice mixture and place in Instant Pot, along with lime juice & apple cider vinegar
Set to Pressure Cook for 50 minutes, and allow for 10 minutes slow pressure release.
Remember it will take about 15 minutes to build pressure, so full cooking time is approximately 75 minutes
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork, tossing pork in the remaining juice in the pot
Prep any additional toppings and assemble!
Adapted from Real Food Whole Life
Homemade Maple Whipped Cream: Truth be told, I didn’t even like whipped cream before I made this, I kid you not, it converted me! I love the simplicity of making it, and that it’s sweetened only with natural sweeteners. The versatility of maple whipped cream as a dessert option is wonderful, it’s good enough to stand alone, you can add berries or go all out and pair it with the almond torte and berries for a truly spectacular dessert.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup heavy cream (cold)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Assorted seasonal berries
INSTRUCTIONS
For best results use a standing mixer with whisk attachment
Add all ingredients to the mixer, and mix on medium speed for about 1 minute
Increase speed to high and mix until stiff peaks begin to form
Adapted from Foolproof Living
Almond Torte: My girls love to pretend they are contestants in a baking championship, and this is a perfect recipe for their “show.” It has a short list of ingredients, and simple preparation. It’s a winner in my book because it’s naturally sweetened, gluten free and flat-out delicious! I often make this for larger gatherings, because it’s as simple as doubling the recipe and putting it in a 9x12 pan. I promise it comes out wonderfully in a single or double batch. This can certainly stand on it’s own, but if you want to be fancy and add the maple whipped cream and berries, you’re sure to impress!
INGREDIENTS
5 eggs
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons pure almond extract
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups almond flour
Optional: zest from 1-2 oranges
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. Prepare 8” springform pan with non-stick spray. Alternately use an 8” pan with parchment paper in the bottom, and spray the sides with non-stick spray.
Beat eggs in a medium bowl or standing mixer
Add maple syrup, almond extract and salt and mix until fully combined
Add orange zest (if using) and almond flour. Mix until smooth and fully blended
Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, testing with toothpick to ensure it comes out clean
Adapted from "Good Food, Great Medicine" by Miles Hassell, MD, and Mea Hassell
I hope these recipes inspire ideas for your summer gatherings. Try them out at home, and with your friends and family. I wouldn’t share them with you if they weren’t tried and true favorites in our home first. If you’re looking for additional recipe inspiration, check out Comfort Foods Remade (ssshhhhh they're better than the originals).