The taste of summer is among us, as we approach wedding bells and friendly gatherings full of seasonal treats that compliment the sunshine and season of celebration. As you attend your annual family BBQ to kick-off the season, or celebrate the marriage of special friends, you will also get the opportunity to taste some of the best food you’ve ever had. If you’re as lucky as I’ve been, that is. Each party brings it’s own flavor, and I will never forget the lasting impression a few of these parties’ dishes made on my taste pallet. Here are a few of my favorite ‘Best of Summer” dishes from the top top parties of the season.
Baby Shower: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
Last summer, I attended a special friend’s baby shower to welcome her baby boy. It was “Library Book” themed, and boy did this host go all out. In lieu of a card, guests gave the mother-to-be one of their favorite childhood books. Each dish went along with the theme, and was modeled after a classic children’s book. The best thing I ever ate at a baby shower was the chocolate chip cookie dough dip, modeled after the classic, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Who doesn’t love cookie dough? This recipe calls for everything but the eggs, and some cream cheese to make it “dip-able.” Served with chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or animal crackers. So simple, so delicious, and a party favorite.
Wedding Reception: Cupcake Bar
The grand finale of any wedding, in my dessert-loving opinion, is the cake. What better way to celebrate love than to showcase an elaborate cupcake bar? Most recently, this was the most creative spread, and best thing I’ve ever tasted at a wedding. Instead of the bride and groom grueling over one or two cake flavor to serve their guests, the freedom of choice is in the hands of each guest. The cupcake bar was full of two to three different types of cakes, and several frostings and toppings galore. Think of your favorite yogurt spot with all the sweet toppings to choose from. What’s not to love about flavoring your own cupcake dessert? That is why this takes the cake as the best thing I ever ate at a wedding.