If you are hosting a backyard barbeque, a tropical luau, or a pool party this summer, today we are sharing with you our easy Summer Entertaining with Fresh From Florida Produce tips.
This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however, all opinions expressed are my own.
Woot, woot, today marks the official start to our summer break and we are celebrating it with you! To kick off the last week of school and to mark the beginning of the summer season, we decided to host a small gettogether with family and friends with a fun outdoor meal by the pool. We truly love hosting family and friends in our home and what better way to get this season started than by enjoying some of our favorite bites. So, if you are hosting a backyard barbeque, a tropical luau, or a pool party this summer, today we are sharing with you some of our easy Summer Entertaining with Fresh From Florida Produce.
Watermelon-Mint Infused Water
Whether we are hosting a quick family BBQ or an elaborate pool party the first thing I do is to create my menu and fill it in with small bites everyone can enjoy throughout the day. For our party menus, I love to include all kinds of Fresh From Florida fruits and veggies. Of course, I also like to include some cold meats, cheeses, and nuts. For this party, however, I decided to go with my motto: easy is better! I made three of my family’s favorite recipes, which I share with you below.
Watermelon-Mint Infused Water Recipe
Some time ago, my mom shared with me one of her fruit infused water recipes and ever since then, I have been a little obsessed with fresh fruit infused water. If you are hosting a summer gettogether this summer, I recommend you make this super simple, so delicious and thirst quencher watermelon-mint infused water recipe. To make it, all you need is to place 4 cups 1/2 inch-cubed watermelon (about 1 1/4 pounds), 6 sprigs mint (lightly crushed), 2 quarts of water into a pitcher with dispenser. Then, refrigerate anywhere between 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Once you are ready to serve, stir the infused water well and strain to discard the watermelon and mint solids, then add fresh watermelon and mint sprigs for garnish. I don’t add ice directly to the water, but you can do so if you don’t have a separate ice container on your water dispenser. Note: For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nicaraguan Vigor贸n
I don’t remember a time when a traditional Vigor贸n was not part of any of our get-togethers, so you know this dish had to be included here. Vigor贸n is a traditional Nicaraguan dish, which consists of a cabbage salad (chopped cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and chili pepper marinated (optional) in vinegar and salt), boiled yuca, and chicharrones (fried pork belly or fried pork rinds). This dish is so simple to make and the best part is that everyone comes back for seconds and thirds. 馃檪
Easy Nicaraguan Vigor贸n Recipe
To make my easy version of the traditional Nicaraguan Vigor贸n, you need about 2 pounds frozen yuca root (cassava), 4 Roma tomatoes, diced, 录 cup vinegar, 1 large lime, juiced, 2 teaspoons salt, two 14-ounce coleslaw salad kit (green cabbage, carrots, and red cabbage kit). You will also need two pounds of fresh fried pork skin or bagged pork rinds (found in the chips isle).
Now, to prepare this recipe, you will need to start by placing the yuca in a large pot. Fill with water, making sure to cover the yuca completely. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Cook until fork tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Note. Make sure to not over-cook the yucca or else it’ll become mushy.
To make the cabbage salad, place the coleslaw salad kit in a large bowl and add the diced tomatoes, vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. Wrap in plastic and let sit at room temperature or in the fridge until ready to serve. Once the yuca is cooked through, remove from the water and place on a cutting board. Cut into bite-sized pieces, discarding any fibrous pieces. To assemble the Vigor贸n, place the yuca pieces on individual bowls, top it with the cabbage salad and with pieces of pork rinds.
Sweet Corn with sour cream and cheese (Elotes con Crema y Queso)
Since we were kids, my sister and I have always been all about sweet corn. yum! So anytime either of us hosts a gettogether, we just have to include our favorite sweet corn with sour cream and cheese recipe. This recipe is super simple to prepare and the best part is that it can be customized to whatever your guests desire.
Sweet Corn with sour cream and cheese (Elotes con Crema y Queso) Recipe
To prepare this sweet corn with sour cream and cheese recipes, start by grilling or boiling 4-6 ears of corn on the cob (silk and husk Removed) until tender. Allow corn to cool to the touch and then take about 10 tablespoons of regular sour cream or crema Mexicana and spread generously on all sides of each of the corn. Now, generously sprinkle (or roll) the corn with cotija (queso fresco or parmesan) cheese on all sides of the corn. Optional: you can garnish your corn with chili powder, hot sauce or fresh cilantro and lime.
Now, how they say in my native country: barriga llena, coraz贸n contento, which roughly translates to a full belly, happy heart! Living in Florida makes me so happy because we can find the freshest Fresh From Florida fruits and veggies, especially my favorite sweet corn and watermelon! By the way, did you know that sweet corn and watermelon are now in season in Florida?
That’s right, Florida farmers make it super easy for everyone to eat fresh produce all year-round. The best part though is that they make it so easy to find the best in-season produce, seafood, and of course, delicious bell peppers, so we can enjoy delicious recipes like the ones you can find above. To find the freshest in-season produce, fruits and, seafood, all you have to do is look for the specially marked Fresh From Florida label (like the one pictured above).
Don’t you just love friends and family gatherings? I love it when I can catch up with good company and with great foods. 馃檪 In any case, I hope you get to try our recipes this summer and if you are looking for other delicious sweet corn and watermelon inspired recipes, be sure to Follow the Fresh on social media and/or check out the Fresh From Florida Fresh! recipe videos here.
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Looking for more delicious recipes to enjoy this summer?
Make sure to check out these other recipes below or our recipe category here.
Fresh Sweet Corn, Tomatoes & Feta Cheese Salad
Pollo Desmenuzado or Chicken Ropa Vieja (Shredded Chicken)
