Perhaps now more than ever we are looking for ways to reinvent how we eat at home. With summer right around the corner, this is the perfect time to think about backyard gatherings with friends and family. Dishing recently asked Amelia Hatchard, owner of Streetfood @ The Stagecoach, to share some of her favorite outdoor cooking tips, and fun, easy food ideas that the whole crowd will love.
Do you have any tips or tricks for dining outdoors this summer? And what is your favorite dish to enjoy on a beautiful summer night?
When I think about outdoor dining, I think about Mexico. We visit my husband’s family there, and most meals are made and enjoyed outside. There are taco stands everywhere. So for this reason, when I think of outside eats, tacos are the first thing that come to mind – often a combination of steak, pork and chorizo, fresh tortillas, and salsa that burns so good. Throw some onions, jalapenos, and cactus next to the meat, and enjoy as desired. Plates, napkins and forks are not needed, that is what the tortilla is for. If you are lucky, a guy on a bike will peddle up and you can get mexican corn for the family from his setup attached to the bike.
Can you share the best ways to cook protein and vegetarian dishes during the summer?
If there is no bike-up cart, Mexican corn is super easy to make and takes that delectable summer favorite up a notch. What you cook and how, depends on what you have for a cooking vessel. If a grill is your go-to, there is no better summer meal than a perfectly cooked steak and grilled vegetables. For our taco nights, a griddle or a propane burner and a stainless steel pan are perfect. Other great dishes for summer, are nice cooling salads – think watermelon, tomato and feta or local greens with strawberries, pumpkin seeds and a light vinaigrette. Start with the best produce you can find, and create the perfect bite from there – no heat needed.
What is the best way to cook for flavor? High heat or low and slow?
When cooking for ourselves and family, we always go with some type of high heat, usually because it is last minute and we need something fast. Steaks, tacos, grilled shrimp, that is our typical plan. Recently, we had a nice treat of Marcos making paella for us and it was incredible. One paella pan and a propane burner set up outside, and you are ready after about an hour to feed a big crowd.
What is a go-to appetizer that you like to serve for at home gatherings?
We always make sure to have something to snack on. A charcuterie platter of some sort is always a great choice, or when Marcos has a little extra time, some fresh homemade guacamole with chips. We always make way too much food.
So fire up the grill, and add some flavor and fun to deck dining at-home this summer. And while you’re at it, try Amelia’s Mexican Street Corn recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 cobs of corn
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 bunch of cilantro, minced
- Tajin chile powder, to taste
- 2 limes
- 1 cup cotija cheese
Instructions
- Grill Corn until tender. (If you grill in the husk, you can pull the husks down and create an easy handle for your corn.)
- Take the soft butter and apply evenly to entire cob. Do the same with the mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle with the juice of half a lime, the cilantro, the Tajin, and the cheese and enjoy!
And if all of this sounds like too much work, keeping you from enjoying a beautiful Jackson summer, call (307) 200-6633 and let Streetfood cater your next event or gathering with their new Streetfood Food Truck!
