Southern-Style Dinner Party Recipes

Spring is here! Why not pick a free weekend on your calendar and invite friends to your home patio (or a nearby picnic spot) for an outdoor dinner party? Warmer temps have arrived, and it is a good time of the year to eat as many meals outside as possible. The season’s most colorful bounty provides endless options for a tabletop dining inspired by nature.

Southern entertaining is all about easy sophistication. Breezy linens, colorful flowers, and big platters of seasonal food set the stage for a memorable meal. In keeping with the graciousness that defines a Southern host, I try to think about what details will make my guests feel comfortable, taken care of and well-fed.

For a casual weekend dinner party, I always serve food family-style. There’s nothing like having guests pass around abundant platters of food to get them mingling and enjoy friendship with dinner.

Honey Roasted Carrots with Herbed Boursin Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 pounds carrots, peeled and halved long-ways
(smaller carrots with green tops still on preferred!)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
2 tablespoons honey, plus extra to drizzle
Salt and pepper
1 package Boursin Cheese
4 cups Greek yogurt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 bunch tarragon, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, toss carrots with extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt and pepper. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet, and roast for about 20 minutes, until carrots are tender and start to caramelize.

While carrots are roasting, whisk together Boursin Cheese and Greek yogurt. When fully combined, use spoon to spread in a thin layer on bottom of serving dish to the corners. Drizzle with honey.

Right before serving, pile roasted carrots on top of cheese spread, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with lemon zest, tarragon, salt and pepper.„