As part of the research for that Summer Cooking Manifesto I worked on for the June 2011 issue of Bon Appetit — yes, the one with Gwyneth on the cover — I asked a bunch of editors the question you see up there in the title of this post: You Know it’s Summer When _______ is in the Fridge. There were basil-infused simple syrups (mixed into my Gin & Tonic, this has the potential to be my signature summer cocktail), there were chili oils amd chimichurris, and there was a sunny yellow ladolemeno vinaigrette that you pour over grilled fish (Holy. Freaking. Cow.) which tastes as bright and summery as it looks. But the most special of all, I think, was this special sauce. Not only because it elevates any burger (we used it on our rolled-out California-style turkey burgers the other night) but because it elevates any cookout. Think what a rock star you will be if you show up to the burger-and-dog barbecue with a jar of this in your hand.
Special Sauce
Adapted from Bon Appetit
In a small jar, mix together:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon finely grated onion
1 tablespoon sweet relish or 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
salt and pepper to taste
I made this sauce last night – delicious! The adobo sauce is a must and elevates this from simple “special sauce”
LOVE your blog! You know it’s summer when… our fridge is bursting with corn, basil, peaches and berries berries berries 🙂
Mmmm…summer…
It is finally warming up in the northeast. For us, I know it’s summer when there’s home brewed ice tea in the fridge and the fixings for dark ‘n stormys in the house.
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Summer means my quick cucumber pickles with sweet onion and white vinegar. They don’t keep well, but they don’t need to!
Mmmmmmmm… So ready for the smell of cooking burgers and potato salad. I know its summer when I have the stuff for lemonaid and popsicles right at the front of the fridge.
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I know its summer when I have a shaker of whiskey sours in the fridge.
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I know it’s summer when I have large glass containers filled with fresh cut melon and macerated berries. Oh! and I start justifying the Margaritas earlier and earlier in the day.
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Jeez… I should have said this earlier.
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Definitely fresh strawberries scream summer for me.
P.S. Your newsletter sent me. Do I win the apron?
Mine is basic: I know it’s summer when the simple syrup jar is always full for iced tea and coffee.
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I would have to say it’s all about the BERRIES…if they even it make to the fridge. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries…yum!
And the homemade juice pops in the freezer. We love summer!
In awe of that answer! Raelly cool!
Have to grab a copy of BA, i have lapsed. Summer around here means tomatoes everyday and corn every other day. I am excited for summer drink recipes – the ones in your comments look fab.
I cannot believe that I’ve been blogging for over a year, and just discovered your blog. I’m following now, and having a lot of fun looking through a few archives.
This sauce is sure to be a summer tradition… from this point forward. I can’t wait to surprise my husband with it, and to bring it to our next BBQ. Thank you!
Summer for us means grilling. Kebabs are a favorite for ease and variety. Anything locally grown–tomatoes, melon, and corn on the cob, particularly. Although not locally grown, I flip for stone fruit–apricots, nectarines, and cherries (especially rainiers). And, I load the freezer with ice cream bars and Popsicles, which are hugely nostalgic. These summer-only treats throw me right back to childhood when my no-sugar/whole-foods mother indulged me and my sibs similarly.
I know it’s summer when kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are awaiting simple fruit salad with lime and honey drizzles!
I own Dinner: A Love Story and I use it ALL the time. We had the black bean burritos this week and they were excellent as always. I love this cookbook!!!
This sauce is delicious! It has replaced a copycat Shake Shack sauce for our burger nights!