This summer, stop struggling to find the time and money needed for formal entertaining and focus on casual, inexpensive get-togethers in your own back yard. Make the switch from uptight to laid-back and get ready to greet company with a glass of wine in your hand and flip-flops on your feet. Whatever the occasion, here are a few major ideas that require only minor planning.
Barbeque Bonanza
Invite friends to dinner and serve barbecue's most-loved creations - steaks or shish kebabs - but treat them to an Argentine twist with chimichurri sauce, the barbeque sauce of Argentina. It's easy, delicious and will add spice to any occasion.
Finely chop six garlic cloves, two shallots, two cups of parsley, 1/4 cup of oregano leaves, one tablespoon of salt and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Add a cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup of water and marinate the meat and veggies overnight in the sauce. Grill over a medium heat and kick back with a glass of Malbec from Quara. Named for the Incan term for llama, this new, casual wine, made from Argentina's signature varietal, is rich, fruity and very easy to drink. Alternatively, pour Argentine Beef Cabernet Sauvignon, for a robust, full-bodied flavor that stands up to any spicy foods.
Salute to Your Street
Celebrate summer’s most explosive holidays with drinks and dips. Great dips are always in demand and can be served with anything. Try an Asiago tomato dip by mixing 10 sun-dried tomatoes, 8 ounces of cream cheese, a cup of grated Asiago cheese, 4 ounces of mushrooms, a bunch of green onions and 2 cups of sour cream.
Then, toast the nation and your neighbors with wine blends from Luna di Luna. Packaged in patriotic hues of red and blue to add color to your block party, the light and crisp Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio in a brilliant-blue bottle and fruity Merlot/Cabernet in a radiant-red bottle make it easy to color any holiday red, wine and blue.
Potluck Picnic
Don't know what to cook? Let guests bring their favorite foods while you provide a simple dish, like a seared tuna salad, to cool down a sizzling day.
Combine 3 cups of chopped bean sprouts, 2 cups of halved snow peas, a cup of sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of chopped scallions, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Rub 1 pound of tuna with a tablespoon of lemon juice and salt and pepper. Place the tuna on a preheated skillet and cook on medium high for two minutes on each side. Finally, slice the tuna and toss it with the salad and your favorite light dressing.
As a complement, try a return to Argentina with a fresh, fun wine like Quara's Torrontes. A native varietal that produces dry, white wine with a tropical fruit aroma, Torrontes is perfect to sip as you watch the sun set.
Remember to keep every event guest-friendly and relaxed. All of these ideas are inexpensive and complemented with refreshingly new wines from around the world that make the most of any bash without breaking the bank. In fact, keep a couple of bottles on hand and celebrate summer's everyday occasions. - ARA
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