Curried Potato Salad

Add extra savor to a summertime fave

Summer means cook-outs. And cook-outs call for potato salad. QED, no?

But you don’t have to make the same old spud salad next time. Dish up this curry creation instead.

Curry and potatoes are a perfect pair (just look at any Indian restaurant menu for proof). Curry sharpens the potato-y goodness while adding sensational flavor all its own.

So don’t settle for old-school side dishes. Be curr-ageous.

The Bicyclette (aka Bicicletta) Cocktail

This Italian classic is perfect for wine lovers

It’s high summer here, so we’re looking for soothing sippers. Good thing The Bicyclette just rolled in.

This cocktail is tangy and full flavored, but not too high in alcohol. That’s because half the drink is white wine. So it’s a refreshing way to beat the heat.

And because the name means “bicycle,” it’s also the perfect drink for celebrating the Tour de France (our favorite sporting event) – which happens to start this weekend.

Ride – and drink – on.

Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad

Fresh mint and red onion brighten this summertime starter

Summer is here in our part of the world, and that means watermelon. It’s wonderful morning, noon, or night.

It works in salads, too. Like this one – where watermelon combines with salty feta cheese and peppery arugula greens (not to mention fresh mint and red onion).

A watermelon starter that’s super tasty and easy to make? That says “summer” to us.

The Clover Club Cocktail

Classic gin-based elegance with raspberry-lemon panache

Ah, wedding season. Time to dress fancy and act grown up. But Uncle Roy will be there, and he drives you to drink. What to do?

Just mix yourself a Clover Club Cocktail. It’s a frothy gin delight with lemon and raspberry notes. Plus, it’s pink – the perfect nuptial hue, n’est-ce pas?

You’ll be drinking pretty with a smile on your face. Even Aunt Edith can’t complain about that.

Atlantic Beach Pie

Tart lemons and saltines combine in this outstanding summer dessert

Citrus desserts? Mais oui! Especially Atlantic Beach Pie, which features creamy lemon filling in a saltine crust.

It’s a lot like Key Lime Pie. But the salty factor takes this dish on a seaside holiday.

Serve Atlantic Beach Pie at your next dinner party – and dream of strolling on the sand. Swimsuits optional.

The Improved Holland Gin Cocktail

Orange curaçao enlivens this 19th century classic

We love summer! Here at Kitchen Riffs, it signals the start of our annual Summer Sippin’ and Snarfin’ Series (more about that in the Notes).

We’re kicking off this season with the Improved Holland Gin Cocktail (sometimes called the Improved Gin Cocktail). What’s improved about it? The inclusion of orange curaçao, which adds just a hint of sweetness.

So kick back and get ready to sip your way through summer. Proost!

Strawberry, Spinach, and Feta Salad

Ginger-lime vinaigrette adds tingle to this summer starter

Our markets have local strawberries in abundance. Spinach too. So why not let them mix it up in a scrumptious salad?

We add feta cheese and almond slices for depth and texture. Plus ginger-lime vinaigrette for spicy sharpness. The results are delish.

Best of all, this salad is easy enough to make for a weeknight. And fancy enough for a weekend dinner party.