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Pork and Beef

You Know itโ€™s Summer Whenโ€ฆ

By May 25, 2011August 8th, 201343 Comments

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 โ€”ย I asked a bunch of editors the question you see up there in the title of this post: You Know itโ€™s 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

43 Comments

  • Avatar Zoe says:

    I made this sauce last night โ€“ delicious! The adobo sauce is a must and elevates this from simple โ€œspecial sauceโ€

  • Avatar CookiePie says:

    LOVE your blog! You know itโ€™s summer whenโ€ฆ our fridge is bursting with corn, basil, peaches and berries berries berries ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Avatar Meg says:

    Mmmmโ€ฆsummerโ€ฆ

    It is finally warming up in the northeast. For us, I know itโ€™s summer when thereโ€™s home brewed ice tea in the fridge and the fixings for dark โ€˜n stormys in the house.

    PS: Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?

  • Avatar Abigail says:

    Summer means my quick cucumber pickles with sweet onion and white vinegar. They donโ€™t keep well, but they donโ€™t need to!

  • Avatar Jessica says:

    Mmmmmmmmโ€ฆ 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.

    PS: Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?โ€

  • Avatar Debi says:

    I know its summer when I have a shaker of whiskey sours in the fridge.
    PS: Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?โ€

  • Avatar My2girls says:

    I know itโ€™s 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.

    PS: Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?

  • Avatar Amanda says:

    Jeezโ€ฆ I should have said this earlier.

    P.S. Your newsletter sent meโ€ฆ Do I win the apron?

  • Avatar Jessica says:

    Definitely fresh strawberries scream summer for me.
    P.S. Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?

  • carolyn says:

    Mine is basic: I know itโ€™s summer when the simple syrup jar is always full for iced tea and coffee.

    PS: Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?

  • Avatar Trina says:

    I would have to say itโ€™s all about the BERRIESโ€ฆif they even it make to the fridge. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberriesโ€ฆyum!

    And the homemade juice pops in the freezer. We love summer!

  • Avatar Graceland says:

    In awe of that answer! Raelly cool!

  • Avatar melanie says:

    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.

  • Torrie @ a place to share... says:

    I cannot believe that Iโ€™ve been blogging for over a year, and just discovered your blog. Iโ€™m following now, and having a lot of fun looking through a few archives.

    This sauce is sure to be a summer traditionโ€ฆ from this point forward. I canโ€™t wait to surprise my husband with it, and to bring it to our next BBQ. Thank you!

  • Avatar jennifer says:

    Summer for us means grilling. Kebabs are a favorite for ease and variety. Anything locally grownโ€“tomatoes, melon, and corn on the cob, particularly. Although not locally grown, I flip for stone fruitโ€“apricots, 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.

  • Rebecca says:

    I know itโ€™s summer when kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are awaiting simple fruit salad with lime and honey drizzles!

  • Avatar shannon ellis says:

    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!!!

  • Rachel says:

    This sauce is delicious! It has replaced a copycat Shake Shack sauce for our burger nights!

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