Refreshing Summer Recipes for a House-Warming Party

Purchasing a house is always an exciting endeavor. One of the most fun aspects is a housewarming party to show off your new space and welcome your friends and family into your home. Below you will find some fan-favorite recipes that are sure to impress and leave your guests wanting more.

Rosemary Bread

This ridiculously easy-to-make bread tastes like it comes from an artisan bakery! This is the perfect go-to dish for gatherings this season, and is best served with some balsamic vinegar and oil. 

Ingredients: 

4 cups bread flour (plus extra for shaping)

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp active dry yeast

1 tbsp fresh finely chopped rosemary

2 cups room temperature tap water

1 tbsp melted butter

1 tbsp flaky sea salt for topping

2 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary for topping

Directions:

1. In a medium-large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, yeast and rosemary. Make a well in the center and add the water. Mix well until incorporated. Cover the bowl and leave to rise at room temperature for up to 12 hours. 

2. Preheat the oven to 425℉ and spread a generous amount of bread flour on a work surface. Take the dough and turn it in the flour to coat it fully. Knead the dough for a minute, adding flour as needed. 

3. Divide the dough into three equal parts, rounding each into a ball shape and pinching the ends underneath to create a smooth top. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, smooth side up. Let the loaves rise for 15-20 minutes and lightly brush with melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a refreshing side of balsamic vinegar and oil and dip away! 

Balsamic Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a classic go-to recipe that is not only delicious, but easy and quick to assemble. Fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar on a delicious crunchy piece of french bread is a simple way to please your guests! 

Ingredients: 

1 loaf French bread

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

7-8 roma tomatoes, diced

⅓ cup chopped fresh basil

⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

¼ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 400℉. Slice bread into ¼ inch slices and brush lightly with oil before placing on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-10 minutes until golden brown. 

2. In a medium mixing bowl, toss tomatoes, basil, parmesan, and garlic* with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper. 

3. Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted bread and serve! 

*If you’re a fan of garlic, pre-fry it with the olive oil for a delicious flavor!

Strawberry Muffins

These muffins are packed with juicy fruit, and are a beautiful treat to complement the warm summer weather! As an added bonus, they will make your home smell like delicious sugary goodness. 

Ingredients:

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ tbsp lemon zest

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

8 tbsp unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cups chopped strawberries

Icing sugar for topping (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350℉ and line muffin tin with baking liners.

2. In a large bowl combine the lemon zest and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.

3. Add flour, baking powder, salt and butter. Mix until combined and no large chunks of butter remain.

4. Spoon mixture into each muffin liner (approximately 1 tbsp) and then add strawberries into the remaining batter in the bowl. Divide evenly into muffin cups. 

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean.

6. Let cool, and sprinkle icing sugar if desired. Serve and enjoy!