emma sumrell

By: Emma Sumrell

SUMMER IS HERE!!!! and with summertime comes a long list of new recipes and a call from my kitchen. this is my favorite time of year to cook. The smell of burnt BBQ and bonfires throughout the neighborhood immediately put me in a good mood. so, today i am going to be sharing a few of my favorite recipes i like to make this time of year. 

without further ado, grab a frosty beverage (preferably one with a high ABV) and join me on this culinary journey where each dish has the potential to be either a masterpiece or an absolute dumpster fire. but at least we’re having fun!!!!!!

cowboy caviar dip

• one can of black beans
• one can of pinto beans
• one can of sweet corn 
• one can sliced black olives 
• one green bell pepper
• one red bell pepper
• red onion
• green chiles 
• one avocado 

(everything drained)

• one packet low sodium taco seasoning ( you can also make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, CRP, etc)
• olive oil
• white wine vinegar 
• juice of two limes 

mix everything in a bowl and let it sit overnight. i also add extra of the dressing because to be honest the dressing makes it. it’s so GOOD and refreshing this time of year.

drink pairing: corona & lime

italian pasta salad

• one box of chickpea pasta (i like Banza)
• mozzarella pearls
• sliced fresh basil
• chopped fresh parsley
• roasted red peppers
• sliced black olives
• red cherry tomatoes (Whole Foods has the best- never forget there’s a difference between grape and cherry tomatoes)
• chopped cucumber
• chopped red onion
• sliced kalamata olives 
• chopped turkey pepperoni
• chopped salami 
• feta 
• italian dressing ( i like Primal Kitchen- a healthy version of italian dressing with avocado oil)

mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and let sit over night. i use a veggie chopper from amazon and it saves so much time- an absolute life saver (Veggie Chopper). 

drink pairing: sauvignon blanc 

BBQ pulled pork sliders in the slow cooker

• seasoned bbq pork shoulder roast
• 2 bottles of sweet baby rays bbq sauce (i like sweet n spicy but use whatever flavor you prefer. and it HAS to be sweet baby ray’s. i don’t make the rules)
• one bag of plain cole slaw
• salt & pep
• apple cider vinegar
• mayo (i like primal kitchen- it’s a healthier alternative)
• hawaiian rolls

put the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker with one bottle of bbq sauce and cook on low for 6-7 hours. while the pork shoulder is cooking, mix together the cole slaw, acv, mayo & seasonings and let sit for the duration of the slow cooker. once it’s done shred the pork and toast the hawaiian rolls. layer the pork on the rolls with extra bbq sauce and top with cole slaw.

drink pairing: bourbon lemonade: bourbon of choice, homemade lemonade, fresh mint & cherry to garnish

i hope you enjoy these summer themed recipes and remember: whether you’re grilling up bbq, creating a fresh seasonal salad, or experimenting with fruity concoctions, the key ingredient is always cocktails. cheers! xoxo