Living in New York City means my social calendar has always been packed with dinner reservations, rooftop cocktails, and impromptu food adventures. Every evening seemed to revolve around trying the latest restaurant or meeting friends at our favorite wine bar. While these experiences have been incredible, my recent move to a sun-drenched apartment with a gorgeous kitchen has sparked something in me—a desire to slow down and create my own culinary sanctuary.

This summer, I’m making a conscious shift. Instead of racing from one dinner reservation to another, I’m dedicating time to nurturing my passion for cooking. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not becoming a hermit! Rather, I’m reimagining how I connect with friends and family through food. I’m excited to host intimate dinner parties, weekend brunches, and maybe even some cooking sessions where we can all learn together.

This intention extends beyond simply saving money or eating healthier (though those are certainly valuable benefits). It’s about creating moments of mindfulness in my kitchen, understanding what goes into my meals, and sharing that love with the people around me. As I prepare for summer visits from family and friends, I’ve bookmarked some elevated yet approachable recipes that I’m eager to master.

Four Elevated Recipes On My Summer Cooking List:

@grilledcheesesocial

Burrata Plate with Prosciutto Wrapped Melon To celebrate everyone relaxing at Lake Como besides me, I’m sharing this easy burrata plate that makes any spread more delicious and any get together more fun!! So simple yet so perfectly fresh and summery. ⭐️Save this post for the recipe below 😘 ✨1 smallish cantaloupe ✨4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto ✨1 handful of spinach or arugula ✨2 balls of burrata ✨1 tbsp fancy olive oil (@getgraza drizzle!) ✨1 tbsp balsamic glaze (@alessifoods) ✨fresh cracked pepper and flaky @maldonsalt 💕Wrap prosciutto around melon slices and place in a sunburst pattern 💕Add a handful of spinach in the middle and place the torn Burrata on top. 💕Finish with flaky salt, fresh pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze #foodie #fyp #foodtiktok #foodforlife #viralrecipe #foodlover #foodtok #foodlover #fypシ #appertizers #melons #snacks #burrata

♬ Suga Suga – Instrumental – Baby Bash

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon with Burrata and Honey

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe cantaloupe
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 2 balls fresh burrata
• Fresh basil leaves
• High-quality honey
• Cracked black pepper
• Flaky sea salt
• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cut melon into wedges.
2. Wrap each wedge with prosciutto.
3. Tear burrata into pieces.
4. Arrange on a platter.
5. Drizzle with honey and olive oil.
6. Garnish with basil.
7. Finish with salt and pepper.

@moribyan

Marry Me Salmon! Seared Alaska sockeye salmon with a garlic lemon cream sauce – the rich flavor of the wild salmon pairs so well with the creaminess of the sauce! @alaskaseafood #AskForAlaska #ad

♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K

Herb-Crusted Salmon with Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cups mixed fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix herbs with panko.
2. Brush salmon with mustard.
3. Coat with herb mixture.
4. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, reduce shallots.
6. Add cream and reduce.
7. Finish sauce with butter.
8. Serve salmon with sauce.

@jasminseats

Truffle Mac and cheese (the truffle is obvs optional). I tried to simplify this as best as I could without the need of 37 cheeses and it worked a TREAT! Ingredients for 4: 400g macaroni 3 tbsp unsalted butter 3 tbsp flour 3-4 cups of milk 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp paprika SALT 150g Gruyère 200g cheddar Parmesan to top With truffle: 2 tsp truffle paste Method: 1. Melt the butter in a pot and add the flour to make a roux (equal parts butter and flour). 2. Once the roux is slightly golden, slowly add the milk bit by bit as the sauce starts to thicken. The sauce should be at nappe consistency (coats the back of a spoon). 3. Add the seasonings listed above and truffle paste. Season, taste, season, taste until you’re happy with the flavour. 4. Add 3/4 of the cheese and allow to melt. 5. Add the cooked macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese and as much Parmesan as your heart desires and broil/grill for 10-15 minutes until golden. #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #pastarecipe #dinnerideas #easyrecipe

♬ Scrollin – RABEN

Truffle Mac and Cheese with Crispy Pancetta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound short pasta
• 8 oz sharp cheddar
• 8 oz gruyere
• 4 oz mascarpone
• 4 oz diced pancetta
• 2 tablespoons truffle oil
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Truffle salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta al dente.
2. Crisp pancetta, set aside.
3. Make a roux with butter and flour.
4. Add milk, simmer until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted.
6. Add truffle oil.
7. Combine with pasta.
8. Top with pancetta and serve.

@foodsofjane

There won’t be mushroom for dessert, I promise. 😮‍💨😙 The silkiest, easiest truffle and mushroom pasta!! #tiktokfood #fyp #viral #easyrecipe

♬ Hear Me Now – Alok & Zeeba & Bruno Martini

Summer Truffle and Wild Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients:

• Fresh tagliatelle
• Mixed wild mushrooms
• Summer truffle
• 2 shallots, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Heavy cream
• Fresh thyme
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter and olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms until golden.
2. Add shallots and garlic.
3. Deglaze with wine.
4. Add cream and reduce.
5. Cook pasta al dente.
6. Toss pasta with sauce.
7. Finish with truffle shavings.
8. Garnish with thyme and Parmesan.

This summer is about more than just cooking—it’s about creating a new relationship with food and hospitality. I’m looking forward to the quiet moments of chopping vegetables, the satisfaction of mastering new techniques, and most importantly, the joy of sharing these creations with the people I love.

Yes, I’ll still enjoy the occasional night out at my favorite restaurants, but I’m excited to balance that with the mindful practice of cooking at home.

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