July · The First Year Date Passport
Summer at a mountain resort, a dance you have to learn, and a lift you probably shouldn't try in the living room. Keep tonight's food easy so you have time to practice.
Tonight's Menu
Meal: Backyard cheeseburgers with grilled corn
Snack: Watermelon with lime and flaky salt
Drink: Watermelon margarita, or watermelon agua fresca
Dessert: S'mores
Your Game Plan
That afternoon: Blend the watermelon for your drinks and chill it.
45 minutes before: Fire up the grill and cook the corn, then the burgers.
Right before you press play: Slice the snack watermelon and mix your drinks.
After the final dance: Make s'mores over the grill or under the broiler.
Backyard Cheeseburgers
Serves 2 · 20 minutes
3/4 lb ground beef (80/20)
Salt and pepper
2 slices American or cheddar cheese
2 buns, toasted
Your favorite toppings
Shape the beef into 2 patties slightly wider than your buns. Press a small dent in the center of each. Season well.
Grill over high heat 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium. Add cheese for the last minute.
Pile on toppings and serve.
Grilled Corn
Brush 2 husked ears of corn with oil and grill over medium-high, turning, 8 to 10 minutes. Slather with butter and sprinkle with salt.
Watermelon with Lime and Flaky Salt
Cut watermelon into wedges or sticks. Squeeze lime over the top and finish with flaky salt or a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.
Watermelon Margarita
Makes 1, so double it
Blend 4 cups cubed watermelon until smooth and strain. Shake 3 oz watermelon juice, 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave with ice. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass over ice.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Blend 4 cups cubed watermelon, 1 cup cold water, juice of 1 lime, and 1 to 2 tbsp sugar. Strain and serve over ice.
S'mores
On the grill: Toast marshmallows on skewers over the flame, then sandwich with chocolate between graham crackers.
Under the broiler: Lay graham cracker halves on a sheet pan, top half with chocolate and half with a marshmallow. Broil 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallows are golden. Smoosh together.
Part of The First Year Date Passport from Flower City Ceremonies.
