If food is a quick fix to all our problems, then why not summer? With the heat reaching new heights (metaphorically), we at Nestasia thought we could challenge it with some Summer Recipes!

Grab your kitchen wares and take notes today, decor freaks, because Nestasia is COOKING!

Let’s Drink To That!

1. Virgin Paloma

Experimenting is our forte, and hence we bring you this summertime drink!
Paloma is a cocktail with a punch of fruity flavours (you see why we picked this up, right?). But deduct the booze and it tastes just as good!

To make this summer special, you will need: 

- 1/2 cup grapefruit juice

- 1/4 cup lime juice

- 1/4 cup sparkling water or club soda

- 1-2 teaspoons agave syrup or honey (optional, to taste)

- Ice cubes

- Grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish

Start By:

- Fill a glass with ice cubes.

- Pour the grapefruit juice and lime juice over the ice.

- Add sparkling water or club soda.

- If desired, sweeten with agave syrup or honey to taste and stir well.

- Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge.

- Serve and enjoy your Virgin Paloma!

What Can You Pair It With?

- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Mixed green salad with strawberries and feta
- Spicy chicken tacos

2. Hibiscus Juice

Everyone loves having this gut-friendly option in their homes; from kid lunches to in-home jars, you will spot this pink diva everywhere! Pour this Sudanese and Egyptian speciality into your menus, now!

Get started with:

- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (also known as Jamaica or sorrel)

- 4 cups water

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- Juice of 1 lime (optional, for added tartness)

- Ice cubes (optional, for serving)

- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

It’s Prep Time!

- Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold water to remove any dust or debris.

- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

- Once the water is boiling, add the hibiscus flowers and sugar to the saucepan.

- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the water turns a deep red colour.

- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hibiscus mixture cool to room temperature.

- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove the hibiscus flowers, pressing down on the flowers to extract all the liquid.

- Discard the hibiscus flowers and refrigerate the juice until chilled. Once chilled, stir in the lime juice, if using.

 -Serve the hibiscus juice over ice cubes, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.

- Enjoy your homemade hibiscus juice!

What Can You Pair It With?

Salmon
Quinoa salad with cucumber and feta
Tacos al pastor

THE “MAIN” GUESTS OF SUMMERS!

1. Sheet Pan Nachos

Why are nachos on the list? Because this is an easy summer recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes. So take out all your bakeware, we are having a party!

Go Pantry Shopping For:

- 1 bag tortilla chips(any flavour)

- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

- 1 cup diced tomatoes

- 1/2 cup diced red onion

- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

- 1 avocado, diced

- Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any desired toppings

Start By:

1. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil.

3. Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the sheet pan.

4. Scatter the black beans over the chips.

5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chips and beans.

6. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and black olives, distributing them evenly across the nachos.

7. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove the nachos from the oven and let cool slightly.

9. Top with diced avocado and any other desired toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sheet pan nachos!

What Can You Pair It With?

Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream
Mexican street corn (elote)
Cilantro lime rice

2. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Are your cookwares ready?
Because you don't wanna miss these Summer Veggies that are all the rage right now!

To get the dish hit spots, you will need:

- Assorted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, and eggplant

- Olive oil

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Garlic powder (optional)

- Italian seasoning (optional)

- Wooden or metal skewers

How To Cook, you ask?

- If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

- Wash and prepare the vegetables. Cut them into uniform-sized pieces that will thread easily onto the skewers.

- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning.

- Toss to coat evenly.

- Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between different types for variety and colour.

- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

- Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

- Serve the grilled veggie skewers as a side dish or appetizer, and enjoy the delicious flavours of summer!

What Can You Pair It With?

Herb-infused couscous or quinoa salad
Garlic aioli or tzatziki sauce
Grilled shrimp or tofu skewers for added protein

CHANGE THE MEANING OF “GETTING DESSERTED” THIS SUMMER!

1. Rocky Road Brownies

Don’t get fooled by the name, to make these brownies is a beginner’s bliss!
We hope your kitchen racks are free because you are getting hooked onto these summer desserts. 

To get your inner baker started, you will need: 

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds work well)

- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks

Start By:

- Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

- In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

- Fold in the chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

 -Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

- Enjoy your delicious Rocky Road Brownies as a decadent dessert or snack!

What Can You Pair It With?

Vanilla bean ice cream
Salted caramel sauce
Fresh strawberries or raspberries

2. Grilled Peaches

Now that you are done with your vegetables?
It's time for some fruits.
So who is in the mood for some grilling?

You will need: 

- Ripe peaches, halved and pitted

- Olive oil or melted butter

- Honey (optional)

- Cinnamon (optional)

- Vanilla ice cream or Greek yoghurt (optional, for serving)

You will ace the recipe by:

- Preheating your grill to medium-high heat.

- Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavour.

- Place the peach halves, cut side down, on the preheated grill.

- Grill the peaches for 3-4 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened.

- Carefully flip the peaches using tongs and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on the skin side.

- Remove the grilled peaches from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- If desired, drizzle the grilled peaches with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon for added flavour.

- Serve the grilled peaches warm as a standalone dessert or as a topping for vanilla ice cream or Greek yoghurt.

- Enjoy! 

What Can You Pair It With?

Honey whipped cream or mascarpone cheese
Balsamic glaze reduction
Crumbled gingersnap cookies or granola for added crunch

CONCLUSION

You deserve a break from this summer and this was our way of helping you out! Try these recipes altogether or something every week, the trick is to have fun! Feel like munching much? Check out these other recipes by yours truly!