As part of the research for thatย Summer Cooking Manifesto I worked on for the June 2011 issue of Bon Appetit โ yes, the one with Gwyneth on the cover โย I asked a bunch of editors the question you see up there in the title of this post: You Know itโs Summer When _______ is in the Fridge. There were basil-infused simple syrups (mixed into my Gin & Tonic, this has the potential to be my signature summer cocktail), there were chili oils amd chimichurris, and there was a sunny yellow ladolemeno vinaigrette that you pour over grilled fish (Holy. Freaking. Cow.) which tastes as bright and summery as it looks. ย But the most special of all, I think, was this special sauce. Not only because it elevates any burger (we used it on our rolled-out California-styleย turkey burgers the other night) but because it elevates any cookout. Thinkย what a rock starย you will be if you show up to the burger-and-dog barbecue with a jar of this in your hand.
Special Sauce
Adapted from Bon Appetit
In a small jar, mix together:
1/2ย cupย mayonnaise
2ย tablespoonsย ketchup
1ย tablespoonย finely grated onion
1ย tablespoonย sweet relish or 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
salt and pepper to taste
I made this sauce last night โ delicious! The adobo sauce is a must and elevates this from simple โspecial sauceโ
LOVE your blog! You know itโs summer whenโฆ our fridge is bursting with corn, basil, peaches and berries berries berries ๐
Mmmmโฆsummerโฆ
It is finally warming up in the northeast. For us, I know itโs summer when thereโs home brewed ice tea in the fridge and the fixings for dark โn stormys in the house.
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Summer means my quick cucumber pickles with sweet onion and white vinegar. They donโt keep well, but they donโt need to!
Mmmmmmmmโฆ So ready for the smell of cooking burgers and potato salad. I know its summer when I have the stuff for lemonaid and popsicles right at the front of the fridge.
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I know its summer when I have a shaker of whiskey sours in the fridge.
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I know itโs summer when I have large glass containers filled with fresh cut melon and macerated berries. Oh! and I start justifying the Margaritas earlier and earlier in the day.
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Jeezโฆ I should have said this earlier.
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Definitely fresh strawberries scream summer for me.
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Mine is basic: I know itโs summer when the simple syrup jar is always full for iced tea and coffee.
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I would have to say itโs all about the BERRIESโฆif they even it make to the fridge. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberriesโฆyum!
And the homemade juice pops in the freezer. We love summer!
In awe of that answer! Raelly cool!
Have to grab a copy of BA, i have lapsed. Summer around here means tomatoes everyday and corn every other day. I am excited for summer drink recipes โ the ones in your comments look fab.
I cannot believe that Iโve been blogging for over a year, and just discovered your blog. Iโm following now, and having a lot of fun looking through a few archives.
This sauce is sure to be a summer traditionโฆ from this point forward. I canโt wait to surprise my husband with it, and to bring it to our next BBQ. Thank you!
Summer for us means grilling. Kebabs are a favorite for ease and variety. Anything locally grownโtomatoes, melon, and corn on the cob, particularly. Although not locally grown, I flip for stone fruitโapricots, nectarines, and cherries (especially rainiers). And, I load the freezer with ice cream bars and Popsicles, which are hugely nostalgic. These summer-only treats throw me right back to childhood when my no-sugar/whole-foods mother indulged me and my sibs similarly.
I know itโs summer when kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are awaiting simple fruit salad with lime and honey drizzles!
I own Dinner: A Love Story and I use it ALL the time. We had the black bean burritos this week and they were excellent as always. I love this cookbook!!!
This sauce is delicious! It has replaced a copycat Shake Shack sauce for our burger nights!