By Robert Giles

Summer party season is in full swing! Trying to get everything together when planning your party can be hard, so here are some easy side dishes that you can simply throw together. The best part… they'll go with most anything and taste great.

This is one of my favorite side dishes. It evokes the flavors of Mexican street corn but keeps it in an easy-to-expand recipe that works for large as well as small groups. The cheese is interchangeable depending on what you have on hand and the jalapeño can have the seeds removed or not depending on your guests’ heat tolerance.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cobs of corn
• juice from 1 lime
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
• 1 shallot diced
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded parmesan or cotija

DIRECTIONS

Remove the corn from the cob and combine with all of the ingredients except the milk and cheese.

Heat a ten inch cast iron skillet over med high heat with a few tablespoons of oil.

Cook the corn in the skillet, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes. Try to let some of the kernels pick up a little bit of char.

Remove from the heat and add the milk and cheese, stir to combine, and serve.

Burgers and brats go great with the skillet street corn and pair with a lighter fruity pinot noir such as Octopoda.

There is a theme when I cook – “If I can do it in a skillet I will.”

This is a super easy route to go with green beans because there's not a lot to it. After a little bit of prep work this side dish just requires occasional stirring and tossing to keep things moving.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 shallot diced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic diced

DIRECTIONS

Heat a large skillet over med high heat with a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of oil.

Add in the green beans and season with the turmeric and salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté for 12-16 minutes or until the green beans are starting to turn tender. Add in the shallot and garlic and sauté for another 4-5 minutes.

Serve with crumbled bacon on top if so desired.

Smoked chicken or barbecue pork chops will be perfect with the skillet green beans and a bottle of Domaine Bousquet Reserve chardonnay.

The last side dish is a great one for afternoon parties in the backyard. It is a light and refreshing side that can cool down spicy barbecue or pair with herby grilled chicken. The best part is there is no cooking involved.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 8 oz feta cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 cup chopped basil or mint
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Combine watermelon, tomatoes, and feta cheese in a bowl.

In a glass jar combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon, honey, basil or mint with salt and pepper. Shake to combine.

Drizzle vinaigrette over salad, stir, and serve.

Grilled salmon is complimented by the watermelon salad and a pinot grigio such as Paisley.

Whether you are making it for your own gathering or taking it to the next party you get invited to, try one of these and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. As always, enjoy the time with friends and family and find a way to Celebrate More.