Endless Summer

72 and sunny is the magical equation that keeps LA dwellers happy.  But relentless days of heat in the high 80s and 90s  is making fall a bit of an illusion.  In the spirit of being true to the weather, I had one more summer BBQ in me.  For this farewell to summer party, I rounded up the season's best in the form of classic family recipes.  My mom's BLT filled cherry tomatoes are a perfect bite with lots of fresh basil, chives and smoky bacon.  And my grandma's Sweet & Sour Baked Beans were a hit all summer long.   My favorite personal addition is the Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispy Treat from Flour:  true deliciousness.  So thank you summer for the memories.  You filled my time with more cooking than I ever could have imagined.  You inspired lots of refreshing cocktails, juicy burgers and ice cream treats.  However, I need a year to recover to from my high exposure to corn, tomatoes & peaches (no offense, but I'm done).  This weekend I'm easing into autumn with Asian pears, potato pancakes & pork.  Can't wait.

The Menu

sips

iced tea & lemonade

beer & rose

snacks

blt stuffed cherry tomatoes

farmers market pickles, crudites & dips

bbq potato chips & caramelized onion dip

to share

baby back ribs with espresso bbq sauce

beef hot dogs & hamburgers

sweet & sour baked beans

buttered corn on the cob

quinoa with grilled zucchini, summer squash, peppers & basil

melon, figs & mint

sweet

brown butter rice krispy treats & brownies

lemon oatmeal & chocolate chip cookies

blueberry & nectarine crisp