Enjoy a laid-back celebration in the lingering dusk with super-chilled drinks and plenty of nibbles with our midsummer night's feast. This isn't a time to think about your five-a-day. Instead, make it a solstice to remember with decadently moreish savouries and summery sweet treats.
String up lanterns in a sheltered corner and lay on drinks and nibbles for an informal party for friends; young children will be thrilled at being out in the garden after dusk. Even if you don't quite make it through to the dawning of Midsummer's Day (24 June), you'll need breakfast to set you up for the longest day of the year.
Turn to page 26 of June's The Simple Things for a midsummer menu to remember, which includes the following recipes:
Gougeres
Spicy nougatine
Orange & yoghurt cake
Chocolate mousse
Babas au gin & tonic
Sweet chilli bruffins
Croissant pain-perdu
Making the menu? You'll need a few wine suggestions to go with the food.
Gougères with a side of Red Wine - Naudin Tiercin Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011
Made from the Pinot Noir grape, this wine has just a subtle hint of spice, which picks up on the gentle kick of the chilli and paprika, yet the juicy berry fruit flavours in the wine give it a light and fresh quality that won’t overpower the wonderful cheesy bites!
Roast Garlic Bread - Coulaudin Bussy Chablis Premier Cru 2010
This Premier Cru Chablis sublimely combines a fresh, lemony character, with a strong backbone of acidity which perfectly cuts through the intensity of the garlic and makes for a very moreish combination.
Orange and Yoghurt Cakes - Bach Extrisimo Semi Seco Cava NV
The slight sweetness to this Cava makes it the perfect partner for these little delights. The gentle effervescence reflects the light, crumbly texture of the crumb and the delicate almond and citrussy flavours of the wine highlight the wonderful zesty orange of the cakes.