Hello sweet readers! How is your summer going? Has it been filled with fun and relaxation?
I’ve been negligent where the “party” part of my blog is concerned so I thought I’d share a recent menu for a very simple summer barbecue we hosted earlier this month. When I say simple well, that might be an understatement.
Menu
Appetizer – we prepared a simple cheese board with crackers, almonds and a couple of cheeses we enjoy
Main Course – Grilled Santa Maria Tri Tip
Orzo Salad
Dessert – Fleur de Sel Chocolate Chip Cookies with Vanilla Ice Cream
Super simple. Below is the recipe for the orzo salad. The Tri Tip we used came from Costco: Bailey’s Pre-Marinated Tri Tip. I adapted the orzo recipe from Ina Garten’s recipe for Roasted Shrimp & Orzo. I knew I wanted to prepare the Santa Maria Tri Tip so I didn’t need the shrimp. If you would like to see her original recipe it can be found HERE. The chocolate chip cookie recipe is Nestle’s Toll House recipe with 2 changes. I used Ghiradelli Bitter Sweet Chocolate Chips and before baking I sprinkled the tiniest pinch of flaked fleur de sel. The cookies were a hit and our friends thought it was some fancy new recipe.
We enjoyed appetizers under the trees and when it began to cool down we moved to the dining room for the dinner and dessert.
*Readers that don’t have a Costco or a Trader Joe’s nearby here’s a recipe for Santa Maria Tri Tip: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/santa_maria_style_tri_tip/
I wish you a Happy Week during this summer season. If you have questions concerning the recipe, please email me or leave a comment, I promise to try to answer any and all questions. I will be taking a bit of time off from blogging as Olivia, our granddaughter, is coming to stay with us for a couple of weeks (oh, and her mommy and daddy will be joining us for one of the two weeks). ♥
Garden, Home & Party 
debra@5th and state said:
being in the landscape industry, summer means work and more work…….
but this looks doable karen, i feel a party coming on!
xo
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, I know what you mean, summer if fun but always more work in the garden (which I believe we both love!) This was truly super simple and tasty. I hope your summer is going well. We’re heating up, but what would summer be without heat? xo, Karen
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 7:16 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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msshe said:
That salad recipe looks delicious! And your backyard looks so inviting. Sheila
Sheila E http://www.mykentuckyliving.blogspot.com
apologies for typos from autocorrect …Sent from my iPad
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Karen B. said:
Hi Sheila, The orzo salad is super easy and you can add ingredients you love. I added roasted asparagus and cut it into bite sized pieces but almost any summer vegetable works. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 7:46 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
This looks to be a good recipe for summer entertaining. Simple and delicious foods, prepared before the guests arrive (mostly), so one is available to enjoy one’s guests. Everything looks relaxing and perfect, though much thought and effort has been exerted behind the scenes. I think there is no such thing as “effortless entertaining” and I’m sure you’d agree. Thank you for sharing.
Karen B. said:
CD, I’ve always maintained that while summer meals sound easier, the whole process of entertaining (which I truly enjoy) is way more work. You have to have your garden in company ready mode, windows have to be sparkling and on top of that you have to clean and cook! LOL This make ahead meal was pretty painless though. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 8:09 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Looks great, Karen. I’ll have to try that tri tip. We’ve made the Costco pulled pork and it was yummy. Did you make the orzo salad the day before?
I’ll be right over for some of those cookies. 🙂
Have fun with Olivia! Looks like you’re all set for tea parties in your beautiful garden.
Karen B. said:
Vicki, Yes, I made the orzo salad the day before, but I added the parsley and mixed in the roasted asparagus just before the guests arrived. I also recommend that the orzo salad sits out an hour or so before serving. It isn’t as flavorful when it’s icy cold. (I know this because I ate leftovers) 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 8:20 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
What a delicious meal! I’ve wanted to try the orzo salad recipe for a long time and I think I have the motivation (thanks to you) to finally make it. Enjoy your visit with the kids.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda.
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 9:43 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Your comment about “windows sparkling” made me laugh because I can barely see out the kitchen windows when the sun is shining in! Guess I’d better get busy! That dinner looks delish!
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, Fortunately Mr. B. doesn’t mind washing windows (odd because he doesn’t like to do many of the household chores) and he does a very good job. He has to be asked because he doesn’t always notice the dust and water spots, but he’s generally happy to oblige! Want me to send him up your way? =) Karen
On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 7:55 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Constance said:
The changes to the tollhouse cookies sound fabulous!
My mouth is watering and I will DEFINITELY try that fleur de del next time! Hmmmm, maybe some extra vanilla extract and a few walnuts and pecans too:)
Karen B. said:
Constance, That’s a good idea, maybe even use the vanilla bean paste which makes the flavor shine! We freeze them when I bake so that we aren’t as tempted to devour them all within 3 days! Karen
On Thu, Jul 24, 2014 at 2:44 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Design Chic said:
Orzo salad is a summer favorite – can’t wait to try. We will be with our daughter, grandson and son in law next week and are so excited. Isn’t it just the best, Karen? Enjoy…
Karen B. said:
So true, grandchildren are the icing on the cake of life, to be sure. Enjoy your time with sweet Will. Karen
On Thu, Jul 24, 2014 at 5:55 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Anita Rivera said:
Good morning Karen! Your party section here is divine. Colorful, delicious possibilities and ideas galore for décor are a welcoming sight to me as we experience the last weekend of JULY! NO! I go back to teaching on August 25 this year and I want to milk each party day for what it’s worth!
Thank you dear Karen for participating in the link party and for coming to visit yesterday. It was so wonderful and your addition to the Chelsea Flower Show made me want to get on a plane to London!
Have a sensational weekend! Anita
Karen B. said:
Anita, Thank you so much for your always thoughtful and kind words. This summer has flown by. I have one blog friend that returns to teaching this month! Savor your final month of summer and I’ll look forward to your next post. xo, Karen P.S. I’m so happy I clicked on the link to your site a few weeks past. I’m thoroughly enjoying your artistic posts.
On Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 5:33 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Maria @ The Good Life said:
These all look so delicious! I am a huge friend of Orzo salad and this recipe intrigues me because of the flavors. Definitely bookmarking.
Karen B. said:
Hi Maria, The think about this salad, at least for me, is you can assemble it the day before and then let it sit at room temp for an hour or so before serving. Easy is always good during the warm summer months. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend. Karen
On Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 7:36 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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taylorgreenwalt said:
Everything looks so good!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Julie. I hope some summer relaxation with your family and friends comes your way this summer. Xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Kristy Woodson Harvey said:
Have SO MUCH fun with your family! Sounds like a wonderful time! These recipes look so yummy. Thanks for sharing!
Keri said:
Simple maybe, but perfect– definitely. I was perusing the web for Labor Day weekend ideas, & tri-tip was on my mind. Sounds so good. I hope you’re enjoying your time with your family. See you again soon. 🙂
taylor greenwalt said:
Everything sounds so good and looks beautiful…love your table setting!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Julie. It really was easy and tasty, my favorite cooking combination. 🙂 Summer is flying by. I’m always ready for the next season. I hope all is well with you and your family. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Anita Rivera said:
Dear Karen! Happy Sunday to you! I just “looked up” from my poetry writing to find you came by my blog. Thank you!
You mention my “creativity knows no bounds.” Oh, yes it does. Today for example, I am hitting a wall. I have met my match: POETRY.
Creativity is an odd thing at times, and when I face up to techniques, exercises, drafts, challenges of any kind, that is where my creativity really “shines” in the light of difficulty! I am trying to write a poem for my Tuesday evening poetry workshop held in my home, and this one is shining a rather revealing light on me. Poetry is not easy, but it’s worth the effort!
I so wish you a creative break filled with strengthening for the next attempt at making something that you are pleased with. I start teaching again on August 25 and will go in having been refreshed with yet more ideas, challenges and skills to share with my French students. PEACE and beauty to you! Anita
Karen B. said:
Hi Anita, Wow, poetry *is *challenging. I work hard on becoming a better writer each year, poetry is a little beyond reach for me. I do love the idea of a challenge, however, and will bear in mind your inspiring willingness to tackle new things. Best to you in this new journey.
Enjoy the rest of your summer break. I always enjoy your posts. xo, Karen
On Sun, Aug 10, 2014 at 2:51 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Design Chic said:
Give me tollhouse cookies in any formula – can’t wait to try!! So hope you are enjoying your vacation!!
Karen B. said:
They are pretty delicious. I’m with you, any version of Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies get my vote. xo, Karen
On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 7:26 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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The Lady's Life said:
Oh my! What a fantastic menu. I have never made orzo, and I’m inspired now. I LOVE your idea of a little Fleur de Sel on the Tollhouse cookies! I jazz mine up too with better chocolate chips, but truly, that’s still about the best Chocolate Chip cookie recipe out there. Thanks for sharing! Yum! xo, N.G.
Karen B. said:
This particular orzo recipe is very fresh tasting, not at all heavy or rich…ideal for summer.
I’m trying to cherish these last several weeks of dining al fresco and the longer days. 🙂
xo,
Karen