Simple Summer Fun: Host a Food Festival in Your Own Backyard!

Check out my ideas for simple summer entertaining from Talk of the Town in Nashville... I suggested a summer food festival right in your own backyard complete with food stations, games, a parade... simple summer fun. Our party theme was a Peach Festival with Chilton County peaches from my great state of Alabama but you can also center the party around your summer favorite: tomatoes, watermelon, blueberries, BBQ, ice cream... you name it!

GET THE RECIPES:

FRESH PEACH TARTS

FRESH PEACH SANGRIA

FOR SUMMER FOOD FESTIVALS, RECIPES AND GREAT ALABAMA FOOD CHECK OUT THE YEAR OF ALABAMA FOOD... LOTS OF GREAT FOOD FROM MY HOME STATE!

FOLLOW ME ON MY QUEST TO BECOME FOOD NETWORK STAR!

Weekend Cocktail: Fresh Peach Sangria

It is a big weekend for me with the premier of Food Network Star so I wanted to make a signature drink to celebrate that not only was delicious, but represented my culinary point of view. You are going to hear a lot about that as the show goes on week to week. This recipe is not only delicious, it is inexpensive to serve for a large party. And it tastes as good as it looks! The best thing of all is that I made it with the best peaches in the world; fresh Chilton County Peaches from my home state of Alabama... ask for them at your store or farmer's market!

FRESH PEACH SANGRIA

Serves 6-8

5-6 peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup vodka (if you use peach vodka, omit the peach nectar)

1/2 cup peach brandy

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup peach nectar (find it in the International aisle)

1 bottle chilled white wine or Prosecco

Club Soda, chilled (omit if you are using Prosecco)

Reserve 2 peaches for later. Muddle the remaining sliced peaches with the sugar in a large pitcher to release the juice. Add the vodka and brandy. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. Crush to a puree with a wooden spoon or use an immersion blender to make into a puree. If you like, strain the puree before adding the remaining ingredients. I happen to like the pulp. Add the peach nectar, remaining peach slices, and white wine. Chill well. You can serve this immediately but it's even better if it has a chance to sit for a while so the flavors can develop. I like to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with club soda to taste at serving if you are using white wine. Omit the club soda if you are using Prosecco.   

Have a great weekend!!

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