Ideas for Summer Appetizers

Summer is almost around the corner and summer time provides us ample opportunities to gorge on ice creams and bring out trendy summer wear! Well, summer time is also a period when one can have ample quality time to spend with family and friends. Outings at the beach or planning a fabulous backyard party, one can come up with plenty of things to do in the summer vacations. However, due to the soaring heat, appetites are often on a low. The sweltering heat makes it a little difficult to digest food easily. There are times when one may feel simple appetizers would be more than enough for a meal. Well, those waiting to beat the heat can take a look at these recipes for summer appetizers.

Delicious Bruschetta

Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes - about 1-1/2 lbs (6 or 7)
Balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon)
Fresh basil leaves - chopped (6-8)
Olive oil (1/4 cup)
Garlic - minced (2 cloves)
Extra virgin olive oil (1 Tablespoon)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Baguette French bread/Italian bread (1)

Preparation
Boil tomatoes for a minute in boiling water and drain. (The water should not be kept on the burner.) Remove skin of the tomatoes with a sharp knife. Cut them into halves once peeled. Remove the seeds and the juices of the tomato. Next, turn on the oven to 450 degrees F and ensure that there is a top rack in this oven. Meanwhile chop the tomatoes well and place in a medium-sized bowl. Add garlic and a tablespoon of olive oil to it. Top with the chopped basil and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

In the meantime, you need to slice the baguette diagonally. Make slices that are around ½ inch in thickness. Spread olive on one side of the slice and place this side down on a cookie sheet. Toast these in the top rack of the oven till the bread turns a shade of golden brown.

Once done, place the bread on a dish but ensure the side with the olive oil is facing up. The tomato preparation can be placed separately or on the slice of bread while serving!

Perfect Peach

Ingredients
Thin slices of pancetta (16)
Salt
Basil leaves (16)
Toothpicks
Balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground pepper
Medium freestone peaches - halved and pitted, should be cut into 8 wedges (2)

Preparation
Firstly, lay the pancetta slices out on a plate. Place a peach wedge on the edge of every slice. Use some salt and pepper for seasoning. Add a basil leaf as a topping. Now, gently roll the pancetta and ensure it wraps the peaches inside. Use a toothpick to secure the roll.

Meanwhile, heat the grill on a medium setting and place the peaches on it. Keep turning so that each side is cooked evenly. Wait until the pancetta is crisply cooked. This may take around 20 minutes. Transfer this to a plate. Sprinkle the balsamic vinegar over this preparation and serve.

With these easy ideas for summer appetizers, you are bound to satiate your taste buds even on a hot summer's day! Happy cooking!