And so it begins, the first barbecue of the season.

For my own part, I brought some Food 52-inspired watermelonade and a simple orzo pasta salad with crumbled feta, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and a marjoram lemon dressing. I must say that the drink was a hit with grownups and kids alike. Do try and make it for your next summer party; it's really simple—make lemonade to taste filling about 3/4s of a pitcher, and then add the liquid of one half of a 5 lb. watermelon. The liquid is easily extracted; just slice the melon into cubes, throw it in a food processor or blender, and then strain it through a sieve.

For the orzo salad recipe, click here.

[1. A]

Sipping big glasses of mulled wine and enjoying a little down time at last.

1 bottle of wine
4 star anise
1 orange sliced
12 whole cloves pressed into the rind of one of the slices of orange
2 cinnamon sticks
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons of honey
5 tablespoons of brown sugar

Bring all of the ingredients to a boil and then quickly turn down the heat to a low simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain out the aromatics. Serve hot with a slice of the mulled orange in a glass. If you desire your drink a bit sweeter, stir in a teaspoon of sugar.

[BBC good food]