Nowadays, we are hosting more and more parties outside, so I wanted to share some party appetizer ideas when hosting outside especially in the hot summer.

Everyone loves to nibble, and platters with veggies and dried/fresh fruits are a great idea. For my crudites platter, I kept things simple with an assortment of veggies. Alongside that I housed my dips in chilled peppers and had lids on top or close by. When it comes to dips, avoid cheesy dips because they will spoil in the heat. Instead choose hummus dips – there are so many good store-bought ones. Trader Joe’s has a nice selection.

My family loves cheese, but unfortunately most cheese will be compromised in the heat. Goat cheese is one cheese though that will be wonderful both chilled or warmed, so serving this outside in the summer or on a hot day is a great idea. Make it the star of the show by coating it in herbs and serving alongside honey for drizzling. See my recipe for Herbed Goat Cheese Log. Click on this link. https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/herbed-goat-cheese-log/ My family loved this combination so much at our last outside party – celebrating Sydney’s high school graduation.

I hope you will incorporate some or all of these ideas into your next outdoor party.

My next cookbook Food From My Heart and Home will be launching in early Fall. It is chock-full of eye-catching photography and delicious, creative and healthy recipes. I cannot wait for you to see it! Recipes like Lavender Infused Cheesecake awaits you and Smoked Gouda Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese, homemade pastas, soups and much, much more. The book will be available in hardcover, paperback and ebook form.

Be sure to tell your friends about my blog and have them subscribe. I constantly update my recipes, so go through them periodically.

Here a list of some new ones you can find:

Some new Dinner recipes: Easy Black Bean Chili, Mushroom Ragu with Creamy Parmesan Polenta, Spicy Black Bean Chili with Sweet Potatoes, Peppers and Mushrooms, Healthy Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna, Mexican Inspired Vegan Tacos, and more.

A new Snack or lighter dinner: Homemade Taquitos with Spicy Creamy Lime Sauce.

New Appetizers: Greek Mezze Platter, and Herbed Goat Cheese Log.

A new Side/Salad: Healthy Chickpea Salad (Summer Salad).

New Desserts: Vanilla Fudge with Party Sprinkles, and my newly update Orange Rosemary Cake.