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Community Corner

Before the BBQ: Aperitifs and Appetizers

Summer weather means cook-outs and dining al fresco. Mix up some starters before the main event!

Excited about the warmer weather? I know I am, and more so, my household is eager to grill outdoors, especially with the holiday weekend ahead. We usually focus on chicken, beef, pork and fish. This is my husband's forte, and he does a bang-up job. 

When you're busy preparing food for your family, it's nice to have something to munch on to whet your appetite before the main course. Many times we bring out our beloved chip-and-dip platter to hold tortilla chips and salsa, pita chips and hummus (chick peas and tahini), or potato chips and french onion dip. How about trying some flavored popcorn made at home? Whether you pop them in the microwave or on the stove top, try sprinkling some grated parmesan and garlic powder for a little zest.

What about starting off with some thin sliced salami and cheese? Or some taramosalata and bread? Greenwood International Market on Golf Road is a neighborhood grocer that's been doing well for more than 20 years. They carry a nice array more in line with their current name: European fare, produce, baked goods, dairy, and pantry staples with three or more languages on the labels. You'll find buckets of freshly pickled herring, cucumbers and kraut. They also have ready-to-eat side dishes like oil-and-vinegar coleslaw and various salads.

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I found the deli nicely stocked with smoked, cured meats and plenty of cheese. Helping me was one of the friendliest people I've met behind the counter, Alexander. On his suggestion I tried a beef salami, Everskaya, and a pork variety, Brawnschweiger. If you like beef jerky, you'll enjoy the Everskaya with its strong seasoning. The Brawnschweiger's flavor is pure smokiness, smooth from the freckles of fat. Also spelled braunschweiger, this is typically a pork liver sausage, but the salami reminds me of proscuitto, dry-cured ham. We paired our salamis with Italian Truffle Cheese (cow's milk and truffles), Smoked Gouda, and Parmesan.

Don't forget to mix up some cocktails, or aperitifs. If you venture past the printed language barriers, you can find delicious fruit juices and blends. Keep an eye out for lower sugar content, juice not from concentrate, and no preservatives. Take a look at this recipe and add your twist by adding a splash or two of your favorite rum or vodka.

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Citrus Cooler (makes one)

  • 2 mint leaves
  • 3 tbsp. ginger simple syrup (recipe below)
  • Ice cubes
  • 5 tbsp. fruit juice
  • Lemon-lime seltzer water
  • Lime wedge

Muddle the two mint leaves with simple syrup. When well bruised, add 4-5 ice cubes and juice to the shaker. Shake well, then pour into a 12 oz. glass half-filled with crushed ice. Top with lemon-lime seltzer water. Add lime to taste and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedge.

Simple syrup (makes two cups)

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup ginger, thinly sliced

Mix sugar and water in a non-reactive saucepan. Over medium heat, whisk until sugar is dissolved. Don't boil. Remove from heat and add ginger slices to steep in the syrup. Cool completely, strain, then store in a squeeze bottle or liquid container. Keep refrigerated.

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