"To transform your recipes, a twist and some citrus zest can be used in the most unexpected ways—bringing life to a menu your guests will love."
When I was a boy growing up in Norway, my grandmother taught me to add zest and zing to every party and gathering by using it in recipes, drinks and decor. Zesty flavors and colors brighten spirits, wake up your taste buds and pave the way for the party ahead of you!.
First, you’ll want to decorate and yes, you can definitely use zest to brighten up your table. Place citrus zest, rosemary, spices and even bottles of Sriracha on the tables to add some extra zing.
For a zesty menu you might like serving nuts tossed with Asian flavors—perhaps Chinese 5-spice, ginger, garlic or some sesame seeds—and lemon zest, which will give them a zing. Or, make a zesty dry rub for chicken thighs by adding lemon zest with your favorite spices (oregano pairs very well with lemon) under and on the skin of the chicken before roasting or grilling. One of my most popular dishes in the summertime is watermelon salad. In fact, my guests always ask for it when they come over for a party. Cube watermelon and toss with a simple dressing of lemon juice, honey, salt and lots of citrus zest.
Of course you’ll want to serve cold drinks to go along with the zesty food. Stella Artois’ light fruity flavors and hop aroma matches the zing of all these dishes. Your guests will be impressed.
Here’s to a zesty party!
PAUL "SWEET PAUL" LOWE launched his eponymous magazine as a place to highlight his work as a successful food stylist. Starting as a personal blog, Sweet Paul has grown into a quarterly print magazine and popular website with daily recipes and editorial features, all filtered through the lens of his seasoned stylist’s eye.
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