Today the new Weber Grill from Bassemiers in Evansville arrived, and we got our first box of produce from Cullenook Farm.

The old Dukane Grill stopped working well this spring with over 11 years of faithful service.

To say the least tonight’s dinner will be from the grill.

Summertime cooking is different without a grill.

If you have never heard of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) it is locally grown food.  Over the last 20 years, it has become a popular way for consumers to buy local (#GoLocal), seasonal food directly from a farmer.

Today we received two varieties of lettuce, some small yellow squash and some Zucchini.  I purchased a share that gives us 10 pounds of locally produced vegetables each Friday.  I plan on blogging about what we received and how we cooked with it. Cullenook Farm is a little behind this year with all the rain and bad weather we had this spring.

What is your favorite summertime meal on the grill?

A couple of weeks ago Greg and I hosted a alfresco veranda* dinner party.

The Dinner Party for six was a silent auction item that was given in part of  the Spring Kitchen Tour benefit for Ohio Valley Art League.

Our dear friends Jerry & Adell Martin were the proud winners/purchasers of this silent auction dinner party.  They invited both of their brothers and in-laws-  Dennis & Debbie Martin and Bob & Kay English.

The dinner was simple Tequila Orange Grilled Shrimp (a Martha Stewart recipe)  served over a bed of Basmati Cilantro Lime Rice. This was complimented by a grilled prime cut of beef filet from D&M Foods here in Henderson KY.  Vegetables were a selection of home grown vegetables from the farmers marked and fire roasted.

The dessert was a delectable presentation of Bananas Foster.  The dessert was not a traditional flaming  foster but served with a homemade vanilla bean ice cream made in a Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine.

The flower arrangements were a wide assortment of summer blooming flowers and yes, all real.  Greg has a incredible talent with making non-traditional flower arrangements.

Entertaining in your home can be a incredible experience. It doesn’t have to be fancy– the thought is what counts!  You will surprise yourself what you can do! Summertime is one of the best times of the year to entertain.  Gather some veggies and some steaks and invite a few over one evening.

Our church Community Baptist Church is starting small groups of members that go and eat in homes our at a fun place as a means to get to know each other better.  We are looking forward and already have a simple menu planned.

Yes, I am a full time Insurance Agent (not a gourmet chef)  that enjoys good food and people to enjoy it with.

Below are a few of the pictures from the fun evening.

What are some of your favorite ways to entertain?

*Some of you would prefer I say Porch, but the architectural plans for house say veranda.