Late summer events take place during a bountiful time of year when gardens and farms are overflowing with ripe, flavorful produce. This is the perfect season to create event menus that celebrate the richness of the harvest. Incorporate fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs at their peak. At Joy Wallace Catering, we love designing menus that showcase the best of what late summer has to offer.
Here are some inspiring menu ideas to help you plan late summer events with feasts that highlight the vibrant flavors of the season.
Appetizers and Starters
1. Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad:
- Description: Celebrate the vibrant colors and sweet flavors of heirloom tomatoes. Pair them with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Why It Works: Tomatoes are at their best in late summer, and this simple yet elegant dish lets their natural flavor shine.
2. Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Skewers:
- Description: Skewers of juicy grilled peaches wrapped in prosciutto, drizzled with honey, and garnished with fresh thyme.
- Why It Works: Peaches are a late summer favorite, and grilling them brings out their sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the salty prosciutto.
3. Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Sauce:
- Description: Crispy zucchini fritters with shredded zucchini, fresh herbs, and a hint of Parmesan. Served with a tangy lemon yogurt sauce.
- Why It Works: Zucchini is abundant in late summer, and these fritters are a delicious way to use up the surplus.
Main Courses
1. Grilled Vegetable Ratatouille:
- Description: A rustic, Provencal-inspired dish. Features grilled eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, slow-cooked with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
- Why It Works: Ratatouille is a classic way to highlight the best of the summer harvest, and grilling the vegetables adds a smoky depth of flavor.
2. Corn and Tomato Risotto:
- Description: Creamy risotto with fresh corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and a splash of white wine. Finished with Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Why It Works: Sweet corn and tomatoes are a match made in heaven, and they bring a burst of summer flavor to this comforting dish.
3. Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Stone Fruit Chutney:
- Description: Tender pork tenderloin coated in a fresh herb crust. Served with a chutney made from late summer stone fruits like plums, peaches, and apricots.
- Why It Works: The savory herbs complement the sweetness of the stone fruits, creating a balanced and flavorful main course.
Sides and Salads
1. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad:
- Description: Roasted beets tossed with arugula, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Why It Works: Beets are at their peak in late summer. Their earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese and bright citrus dressing.
2. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter:
- Description: Ears of corn grilled to perfection. Corn is lathered with a zesty chili lime butter, finished with a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Why It Works: Corn is a summer staple, and this dish adds a flavorful twist with the combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy elements.
3. Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables:
- Description: A hearty grain salad featuring farro. Also roasted summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and a lemony vinaigrette.
- Why It Works: Farro provides a nutty base that pairs well with the roasted vegetables, making this a satisfying and wholesome side dish.
Desserts
1. Peach and Blackberry Cobbler:
- Description: A warm cobbler made with ripe peaches and juicy blackberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly biscuit crust and served with vanilla ice cream.
- Why It Works: Peaches and blackberries are in their prime in late summer, and this cobbler is a comforting way to enjoy their flavors.
2. Fig and Honey Tart:
- Description: A delicate tart with a buttery crust, filled with creamy ricotta, fresh figs, and a drizzle of honey.
- Why It Works: Figs are a late summer treat, and their sweetness is enhanced by the honey and creamy ricotta.
3. Watermelon Sorbet:
- Description: A refreshing sorbet made from pureed watermelon, lime juice, and a touch of mint.
- Why It Works: Watermelon is synonymous with summer, and this sorbet is a light and refreshing way to end the meal.
When hosting late summer events, offer your guests a wealth of fresh, flavorful ingredients that can be used to create unforgettable dishes. By incorporating the best of the season’s harvest into your menu, you can delight your guests with vibrant, farm-fresh flavors. At Joy Wallace Catering, we are passionate about using seasonal ingredients to craft menus that celebrate the bounty of nature. For more information on our catering services and to start planning your next event, get in touch today.