While I have dinner parties more often, my favorite time to entertain is actually Sunday lunch.  Everyone’s finished their chores from Saturday and they’re ready to relax and have some fun.  Plus, the meal is so much easier to make than Saturday night!  One of my favorite summer lunches is Anna’s Tomato Tart – the whole thing is prepared before anyone arrives and I can have a great afternoon with my friends.  And boy, will they be impressed by this stunning tart!!

Right outside my barn door is the biggest pot of fresh mint you’ve ever seen.  Unlike other herbs, I plant mint in big pots - otherwise, it would invade the entire garden!  Of course it’s great in my Watermelon Mojitos or julienned on fresh fruit salad but I also use it in all kinds of savory dishes, like Smoky Eggplant with Yogurt & Mint, Greek Lamb with Yogurt & Mint, Tabouleh, and Couscous with Peas & Mint.

I like traditions as much as anyone but when my friends expect the usual hot dogs and hamburgers for July 4th, sometimes I like to shake things up.  This year, I’m making my Watermelon Mojitos, Grilled Herbed Shrimp with Mango Salsa, Panzanella, and - just to have a little tradition! - my classic Flag Cake for dessert.  It's an easy, summery menu I can make mostly in advance, so all I have to do is throw the shrimp on the grill just before dinner!!  Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!