Chef And Cookbook Author Gaby Dalkin Creates Pinterest-Worthy Al Fresco Fare For Summer Parties

"What's Gaby Cooking" blogger shares delicious seasonal recipes using trendy ingredients like freekeh

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May 07, 2014, 07:54 ET

MODESTO, Calif., May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the season of dining al fresco, food blogger Gaby Dalkin from What's Gaby Cooking has partnered with California Almonds to create a collection of light, bright and delicious dishes perfect for any summer gathering. From the preparation for the party to the final moments of the evening, Gaby shares tips as well as fresh and flavorful dishes to complement colorful conversations.

For Your Pinterest-Perfect Summer Party: Chef Gaby Dalkin’s Zucchini Noodles and Grilled Shrimp, Made With Almonds (PRNewsFoto/California Almonds)

The recipe collection, which can be found at Almonds.com/GabyDalkin, features delicious twists on summer classics, including a side dish made with the trendy "supergrain" freekeh, almond pesto and fresh asparagus. Dalkin's tips include everything from how to create great party ambiance to a last-minute party favor idea, all the ingredients for the Pinterest-perfect party.

"Summer is when we can all take our meals outdoors, relax in the sun and bring to life all our Pinterest-worthy backyard party ideas," Dalkin says. "The recipes and entertaining tips I've created use the best the season has to offer, like asparagus, strawberries and almonds, and puts a creative twist on them to help you create an enviable soirée your friends will be 'pinning' to their own boards."

While putting the finishing touches on a picnic, festive lunch or elegant evening, whip up Gaby's Almond Butter Spinach Smoothie for a quick and easy way to prevent hunger before the party starts. As guests arrive, serve Toasted and Roasted Almond Romesco Dip with fresh cut vegetables, a thoughtful alternative to veggies and hummus. Next, wow guests with the Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad with Mustard Herb Vinaigrette and the bright and beautiful Almond and Parsley Pesto with Asparagus and Freekeh side dish. Continue to delight diners with Zucchini Noodles and Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Basil Dressing and a decadent yet light and gluten-free dessert, Almond Cake with Strawberries.

Gaby also shares advice on reinventing summer gatherings, such as:

How to throw a stress-free, fun and organized summer party
How to make favorite summer sweets more creative
How to infuse a standard salad with some excitement

For more information on Gaby and to check out her recipes and tips, visit Almonds.com/GabyDalkin.

About Gaby Dalkin
Gaby Dalkin is a chef, cookbook author, food writer, recipe developer and blogger of the popular food blog What's Gaby Cooking. Her work regularly appears in Better Homes and Gardens, People Magazine and Ladies' Home Journal, among other outlets. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Thomas, and cat, Stella. Follow Gaby on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

About California Almonds
Almonds from California are a natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.