Soaking Up The Last Days Of Summer
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER ARE UPON US…
Time to soak up what is left of this beautiful season by spending some precious in the amazing outdoors. Because really, Is there anything better than spending the day out in the garden, surrounded by family and friends and enjoying a delicious lunch? No, absolutely not! I love nothing more than planning a get-together. Organising the decor, finding the perfect location - because you know I like to mix it up, and indulging in a menu that will excite my guests and be absolutely delicious.
My Vegetable garden is a favourite space of mine to entertain in, especially in Summer. We can breathe in the fresh air, surround ourselves with nature and even steal a herb or two to garnish our meal! I love the drama of heading outside and into an unusual space to entertain, and by having a table already set up within this space, it is always ready to go.
So how did I style this luncheon? Well, first things first - who is the hero of the day? Fromagier d’Affinois Excellence that’s who! Decadent, creamy and absolutely delicious, the Fromagier d’Affinois Excellence made a perfect centrepiece for the table and inspired the styling and the setting. A generous, melt in the mouth cheese that is rich and creamy, soft texture releases a fresh and refined taste with a delicate flavour. I knew this cheese would be a standout not only for its delicious creamy flavour but also because I could try out a recipe I had been dreaming about. I know that my family will love it.
By setting up a simple trestle table anywhere in your garden space, you too can create this look; it really is so simple. What makes it a little grand, a little dramatic, but 100% inviting is the placement! I love using unusual corners of my home to create a setting; it adds some excitement to entertaining and forces you to get creative. Don’t have a table in your garden? Move the dining table outside, along with all the chairs, a tablecloth, some of your favourite vases for styling, and you are on your way.
For this table, I covered it very simply in a French linen tablecloth, used wooden boards as placemats, understated glassware and cutlery and served on classic white plates. A raised rectangular chopping board acted as a centrepiece to show off the delicious Fromagier d’Affinois Excellence. Stylish touches like herbs in cane pots, olive oil in white ceramic and striped napkins to break up the neutrality of the table, as well as add height, texture and interest to a table. Think about what is in your home already, what can you bring from another room to decorate? What matches the food as well as the theme? It doesn’t have to come from the kitchen - it’s time to get creative and explore the back cupboards!
Baked Cheese With Thyme & Lemon
Ingredients
250g Fromagier d’Affinois Excellence cheese
4 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 Lemon
Crackers, to serve
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced.
Cut a 22cm circle from the baking paper. Place brie in the centre of the paper. Make 6 small slits on top of the cheese. Cut 1 thyme sprig into six pieces. Push thyme and garlic slices into slits. Peel rind from the lemon and sprinkle over cheese.
Fold the baking paper over brie to enclose. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes or until brie is soft.
Remove leaves from remaining thyme sprigs. Finely chop leaves. Sprinkle brie with thyme. Serve with crackers.
And what washes down well with oozy, warm and delicious cheese?
A refreshing Gin & Tonic of course. When entertaining friends and family I love to create a special drink that we can all relax with together. A G&T in the garden is so lovely and refreshing, it is also another excuse for me to get creative in the vegetable garden and style up our pot and cutting station! Creating a special area is a styling trick I love, simply use a space that is out of the ordinary such as this vegetable garden cutting station, and reimagine it. Today is shall be our gorgeous Gin & Cheese station, serving our guests one of my favourite Gin cocktails to sip whilst enjoying the last few days of Summer.
Ingredients
50ml gin
10ml lemon juice
10ml Sweet Vermouth
1 egg white
Add a garden petal to garnish
Method
“Dry shake” all ingredients in a shaker for about 30 seconds until the egg has emulsified. Add half a cup of ice, then shake again until cold. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish.
