Summer Entertaining Just Got Easier

The Endless Summer Cookbook, by Katie Lee
Dreaming of a summer in the Hamptons? These recipes, which Katie Lee of Food Network’s The Kitchen often whips up for visitors in her Hamptons home, will get you pretty close. Katie puts love into not just the recipes, but the atmosphere they create among good friends—whether you’re throwing a pizza on the backyard grill, or slicing up nectarines for a lazy breakfast of French toast sandwiches. They’re light, tasty dishes with fresh ingredients that the country’s favorite chefs, from Bobby Flay to Michael Symon, have gobbled up and raved about.

No-Churn Ice Cream: Over 100 Simply Delicious No-Machine Frozen Treats, by Leslie Bilderback
If you want to make your own ice cream, you need a special appliance and hours of free time, right? Nope. Armed with these recipes, a freezer, and a couple of kitchen tools you’ve already got, you can make over 100 tasty frozen treats, for just your family or for the best ice cream party on the block. Whip up your favorite flavors, then try something new and adventurous. (Sweet Potato Marshmallow Swirl, anyone?)

Tiki Drinks: Tropical Cocktails for the Modern Bar, by Nicole Weston and Robert Sharp
Nothing evokes more of a summertime vibe than the tropical colors and flavors of a tiki bar. Bring it to your own home with this book (and maybe a couple of leis). It’s packed with recipes for tiki drinks, both classic and updated, and it’s got a primer on the glassware, garnishes, and rums you’ll need for the utmost authenticity—whether you’re blending, shaking, muddling, or swizzling your way to the tropics.

The Summer Table: Recipes and Menus for Outdoor Entertaining, by Lisa Lemke
Growing up in Sweden, chef and TV personality Lisa Lemke learned a lot about what she calls “food for entertaining,” and now she’s sharing her secrets to brighten your summer. She guides you through every occasion, from simple meals to big banquets, so you can enjoy cooking and then actually have time to relax with your guests. You’ll find recipes for the grill; instructions for mixing up marinades, rubs, glazes and salsas; and easy options for side dishes and desserts. There are Swedish touches (like elderflower and lemon glaze), though the food has universal appeal, especially for grilling season.

Taste of Home Backyard Barbecues: 405 Dishes for Sizzling Celebrations, by the Editors of Taste at Home
Summer outings come in all shapes and sizes: the block party. The pool party. The church picnic. The tailgate. This 256-page whopper anticipates your summer plans and gives you food options for all of them. You’ll learn how to make the best burgers, kabobs, sides, drinks, desserts, and more, whether you’re feeding a small group of relatives or the whole neighborhood. And the photos and descriptions are as bright as all your summertime meals will be.