2020: The Summer of the "Pull-Up"

Preparing your kitchen for the unexpected guests and impromptu parties of 2020!

Can you believe it? We made it! We are officially 7 months into one of the strangest years in recent history. Covid 2020! As we sit by our television sets trying to make sense of the world again let us be reminded of some good things that have come out of this mess. We had a chance to slow down, let nature thrive, and you know what? Some of us actually started to miss people and human interaction. But just like everything else this year, this feeling is also unprecedented. People are craving social interaction but leery about public places and large crowds at the exact same time.

Enter the "Summer of the Pull-Up!" The opportunity has presented itself for all of us to reconnect with our loved ones on a different level this summer. I mean we can get close, close.... without it being weird. We're just catching up. The fact of the matter is life has been hitting a little different these days, and hopefully we have all taken a moment to acknowledge more of what matters. Now, we can blame it on the quarantine or the often binding social distancing policies public have been forced to adopt but the bottom line is America is continuing to watch this virus CLOSELY, especially with Flu season quickly approaching. And even as things continue to reopen collectively, we are simply less likely to meet at a restaurant or bar when we want to get together. Not just yet anyway. For instance, I could be bothered as I sit here listening to what sounds like an endless supply of Fireworks. The same fireworks that have been infiltrating the night silence since late May! But somehow I am not. I'm empathetic to the reality of the average American. We have all been locked away for months. "Bored in the house and I'm in the house bored".....We are ready to get OUT! And yes, things are beginning to open back up but the discussion remains, is it really safe to be out there right now? For this and many other reasons we will be more likely than ever to open our doors to unexpected guests this season. Why not be ready with a quick beverage, snack, or dessert? It is time to get our hostess with the mostest on! Who's with me?

In fact, the summer of the pull up has already begun. Have you found yourself more likely to stop by a friend or family members house (post quarantine) unannounced? Or maybe you have noticed people stopping by your house more often and hanging out just a bit longer than they normally would? This is because we are dying for some human interaction. We crave it. But considering the nation's current pandemic, we must be a little more flexible with the how, when, and where we choose to see one another. Covid-19 has so eloquently reminded us that the joy of people was never contingent upon the place, only the relationships. So as we invite or absorb people into our space this summer let it become our divine wish for them to be as comfortable as possible with all their food and beverage needs not only being met but also thoughtfully presented. It makes the time we spend catching up a little sweeter and the memories we make a little stronger.

So who's ready to thoughtfully knock the socks off of your unexpected guests this summer? I am going to share some of the things I try to keep on hand in light of "The Summer of the Pull Up." AND remember these recipes, tips, hacks, and links are designed to prepare you to accommodate folks that may stop by unannounced. You will be completely ready to offer them a beverage, snack, or dessert and we all know the availability of good food and beverages can turn a quick visit into a pull up party! The best part about this Summer Host Guide is that these recipes will work for any skill level and require little effort, money, or time on your part. And for your guests the whole menu will be unexpected, just like their visit, so you really have the potential WOW them with your ease of use and timing! This could also potentially increase their chances of attending an actual event if you should ever decide to host one in the future. Your tribe will remember how comfortable you make them feel anytime they pull up and they will be dying to find out what you could do if you actually had time to prepare for their arrival! As stated above, The Summer of the Pull Up has already begun. Let's get you ready to be the ultimate host/hostess all summer long with these Simple Summer Must Haves!

1. The Power of Fresh Fruit!

One of the most useful and cheapest things you can have on hand anytime of year is Fresh Fruit. Because you are buying in season you can take advantage of maximum freshness at minimum cost. Fresh fruit can be used in several different ways this summer. Consider keeping Lemons on hand for a tall glass of Old-Fashioned Lemonade with Auntie. Bananas and berries for a morning smoothie with your best friend. Fruit Skewers or fruit pizza with the kiddos. And a grape, nut and cheese tray with wine with the adults. The possibilities are endless! With this in mind heavily consider grabbing a few extra fruit items the next time you are in the grocery store. And while I would not suggest you assemble 2 dozen fruit pizzas while anxiously gazing at your front door, I would suggest that you pick a few recipes that could work for your potential audience. Only you know who is most likely to pop up. The idea here is to wash and chop the fruit ahead of time according to your needs and have the other ingredients on hand for quick prep if needed. Let no recipe you choose take more than 15 mins to assemble. Anything more than that will take you away from the visit for long enough for your guests to notice.

2. Why Simple Syrup?

Simple Syrup, also known as “sugar water" is a syrup made from dissolving white granulated sugar into an equal amount of water. Simple Syrup is (by far) the most common sweetener used by bartenders for cocktails. Consider this – when drinks are cold, it takes longer for sugar to dissolve into them. Creating a sugar syrup in advance means there’s no risk of an undissolved sugary substance in the bottom of your glass when served. It’s also for this reason that simple syrup is the perfect sweetener for other cold drinks like iced tea & lemonade, and why hip coffee shops are starting to replace their sugar packets with simple syrup. If you are likely to be serving beverages consider making and keeping this industry "go-to" sweetener on hand. It will assist you in making both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 part Sugar

• 1 part Water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and turn on the heat.

2. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and remove immediately from the heat.

3. Place in a sterile container and cool before using

3. The Scoop on your favorite Dips.... Tostitos would be so proud :)

A savory oven-ready dip can be so helpful when feeding a crowd, but who has the time to put the ingredients together while attempting to keep your guests entertained? No worries, we can make it ahead! Take a look at the recipe below, once all of your ingredients have been combined. Simply line your casserole dish with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray. Lay the dip on top. Cover with saran wrap and freeze. Once frozen take the dip out of the dish and put it in a freezer bag for later use. Once your guests arrive, pop this baby in the microwave for a quick defrost, put it back into your intended dish, top with an additional ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, then toss in the oven at 350 degrees. 25 mins later. Amaze your guests with a warm dip and some chips or pita bread that they were not expecting. In fact, they didn't even see you make it! They will be Floored! You don't have to stop here though you can freeze a variety of dips, remember only you know your potential audience. I particularly love Spinach Artichoke dip for this because unlike some other popular dips the flavor stands up even after it has been frozen and most of your guests will like it. The next time you have an extra 20 mins put it together! You will be so happy that you did!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• ½ cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

4. The "Guac Pac"

Everyone loves a good chip and dip! Make this quick snack even quicker by creating your very own guac pacs! It should include all of your add ins measured and ready to go! Imagine everything you need in one bag. just mash your avacados, squeeze your lime, and back to your guests you go!

Guac Pac Ingredients and Assembly: Can be made and stored 3 days in advance. Label accordingly.

At your leisure assemble the following ingredients:

2 diced roma tomatoes

Handful of fresh cilantro

1 small diced red onion

1-2 Roasted Jalapeno, diced

When you are ready.....

• Simply mash 4 avocados. Chop your cilantro, add your bagged ingredients, squeeze your limes (2) add ¼ teaspoon garlic salt & ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper! That's it! You are finished. No 15-20 min prep time here! You can put that together in 5mins or less! Quick enough for your guest to go to the bathroom and return to a delicious surprise!

5. Summer Sicles

For a cool snack on a hot day, why not make some fruit sicles? This Healthy yet Delicious treat is made with coconut milk and contains fresh fruit! They are a hit among any crowd but are especially pleasing to the younger persuasion. And let's face it, they are a much healthier alternative to their sugary frozen counterparts. Be beautifully prepared the next time the neighborhood kids camp at your house or when your family members come by who are kid friendly. Having enough foresight to prepare a snack aimed toward kids is an impeccable way to show them you were thinking about them. Who wouldn't want to pull up to that!

Summer Sicles Recipe

• 1 (15 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup honey, divided

• 3/4 cup blueberries

• 3/4 cup chopped strawberries

1. Whisk together the coconut milk, vanilla and 2 Tbsp of the honey, until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Blend together the berries and remaining honey, until smooth and combined. Add more honey, to taste, as necessary.

3. For a creamy pop: Stir together the coconut milk and berry puree, and divide evenly between the popsicle molds. Freeze for 30 minutes, then insert the popsicle sticks, and continue freezing for 4 hours, or until firm.

4. For a layered pop: Divide the coconut milk equally between the popsicle molds. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, or so, then top with the berry puree. Freeze again for 30 minutes, then insert the popsicle sticks and continue freezing for 4 hours, or until firm.

5. For a fruit suspended pop (pictured above): Do not blend fruit. Instead pour coconut milk evenly into molds. Place in the freezer for 30 mins. Place individual pieces of fruit into each mold, then insert popsicle sticks, and continue freezing for 4 hours, or until firm.

6. Turkey & Smoked Gouda Sliders with Sun-Dried Tomato and Herb Mayo

You can't go wrong with a good sandwich! These classy sliders can actually be made with any lunch meat you generally have on hand! A bonifide crowd favorite and to top it off the mayo can be made ahead and refrigerated with ease. From prep to plate in under 10 mins. Or if you want to get real fancy they can even be topped with garlic butter and toasted in the oven for that quentessential cheese stretch effect!

Sandwich Layers:

For use on Hawaiian Rolls

Yield: 12-24

From Bottom

1/4 slice of smoked gouda cheese

2-4 slices of smoked turkey

3-4 Leaves of Baby Spinach

Chopped red onion

1/4 slice smoked gouda cheese

For Mayo:

1/2c Mayo

1/4c + 2T Sun dried tomatoes, chopped with juice

1/4t dried oregano, italian seasoning, and crushed black pepper

Alternatives: Ham & Swiss, Turkey & Cheddar, Roast Beef & Cheddar

7. Did someone say Mini Bar?

Every now and again you might want to provide your guests an alcoholic beverage. But how can you do this properly without carrying the burden of maintaining a full liquor cabinet? 3 Words: Mini Liquor Bottles! Consider stocking up on airplane sized bottles of your favorite liquors and wines. This gives you a good range of cocktails for your guests to choose from and supports easy clean up and storage. Take a look at this Summer cocktail guide for inspiration. Keep the add ins and mixers you need on hand so your guests have a few popular drink options related to each liquor you have.

IN CLOSING.....

In the world of catering we know that the key to any good event is providing good food and drinks in a timely manner. Whether you were prepared for your guests arrival or not having food and beverage items on hand to compliment their visit will enhance your time together. Take advantage of your downtime and prepare some items for your loved one's next unexpected visit. This is indeed the Summer of the Pull Up! The vibes you send your guests out the door with can be different this year, more meaningful, more real! As the impromptu host, your preparation is a key factor in the overall flow of the visit. When, not if, they pull up will you appear flustered and caught off guard or will you flow through the house with ease as you graciously provide their every need? The choice is up to you! Which of these tasty treats will you make-ahead for your Pull Up Party? Let us know in the comments below!

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Here's to Best Wishes and Happy Dishes!