Serve This Spring Menu at Your Next Outdoor Dinner Party

Rip & Tan: What inspired this menu? How does it celebrate spring’s flavors?

Hayley Feldman: Inspiration for this menu came from a desire to create a late spring menu that allowed me to spend more time with friends, and less time in the kitchen! The menu takes advantage of the bounty of the season here in California: tender cherry tomatoes and bright red berries. The strawberries here are perfect right now and there are plenty to go around.

Rip & Tan: How does the season influence the way you shop, cook, and entertain?

Hayley Feldman: In every way! In the springtime, we are stepping away from a season of going inward, both physically and perhaps emotionally, during the holiday season. As the days become longer, we spend more time outdoors, and thus, it’s a perfect time and place to bring friends together. The farmers market is bursting with new life as well.  The selection of produce expands quite a bit, and invites you to play with the young greens you’re able to find this time of year: ramps, snap peas, spring garlic, and onion, to name a few.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite spring ingredients that you’re excited to showcase this season?

Hayley Feldman: All of the above! Plus the berries are just arriving.  You can find mulberries (which would be lovely on the pavlova, with such a unique shape and flavor) and even early cherries at the market right now. (Murray Family Farms)

Rip & Tan: From prep to plating, what are some insider tips for executing this menu with ease?

Hayley Feldman: Plan and prep ahead! So much of this menu can be done ahead of time, which allows you to spend more time with friends, and less time in the kitchen. I would prepare the meal in this order: the pavlova can be made the day before, and left in a sealed container at room temperature. The gazpacho can also be made a day ahead and left to chill in the fridge until the absolute last minute you’re ready to serve. Blanch your greens the morning of, and style it over the soft cheese. This dish is lovely at room temperature, so can be plated 1-2 hours before guests arrive. You can even boil your pasta ahead of time (al dente) if you really wanted to make life easy. This leaves you to prepare the mussels only, which truly does not take long. Have guests seated with a bottle of wine open while you make this (takes about 10 minutes) and serve it right away.

Rip & Tan: What’s your motto in the kitchen?

Hayley Feldman: Live (and eat!) well, and create beauty!