Recipes for Midsummer

Midsummer is about a month away and I'm already dreaming of the menu I'd prepare if I were with my witchy family back in the U.S. I may get a small portable grill and have some friends over here.

The summer solstice is the longest days of the year. This is a time for weddings. Dew collected on the morning of the summer solstice is said to bestow beauty upon those who wash their face with it. Herbs collected on this day hold special power. This is a celebration of love, beauty, and the ripe, voluptuous sensuality of the goddess.

The menu for Midsummer should of course be full of the fruits of the season. Hit up a farmers market to get the freshest, most delicious produce you can. Decorate your table with fresh flowers and candles of pink, yellow and green.

On the menu:

Tequila-lime chicken
Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter
Fruit salad with yogurt-honey dressing
Watermelon mojitos


Tequila-lime chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup gold tequila
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Combine the marinade ingredients and pour over the chicken. Cover and allow to marinate for 1-2 hours. The lime juice will sort of cook the chicken as it does ceviche, so don't leave it too long.

Heat the grill and oil the racks to keep the chicken from sticking.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until flesh is firm and juices run clear. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.


For the corn: Soak the corn in their husks for about an hour before grilling. Place the corn on the racks and cover. If using a charcoal grill, turn the corn every 10 minutes or so. If using a gas grill, turn every 5 minutes. Remove the corn with tongs and use a dish towel to grasp the husk and pull away from the cob.

For the herb butter: Mix 1 stick softened butter with 1 minced clove of garlic, 1 teaspoon chopped dill, 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary, salt and pepper. Spread this liberally on the corn.


Yogurt-honey dressing

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoons honey
fresh chopped mint, optional

Combine ingredients and use to dress a salad of grapes, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, honeydew, raspberries, etc. Serve with love.