Luxury dining is just that, a luxury.  It can be enjoyed any time, but there is something about warmer weather turns it into an extra special treat.  For example, those summering in your Hamptons rentals, Orange County, and other decadent places, can enjoy luxury dining outdoors.  Eating outdoors is extremely relaxing, making a fine meal all the more luxurious.

A great starter for any meal is a salad.  Try a spinach and strawberry salad with Champagne dressing and warm bacon.  Simply wash and dry the spinach, slice sweet ripe strawberries on top, and toss with warm crumbled bacon, slivered almonds and the following dressing.

1 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

1 clove minced garlic

1shallot, minced

Juice of one orange

Shake the ingredients in a cruet or large jar and serve over salad.  This dressing keeps chilled for quite a awhile and tastes best if chilled for at least 24 hours before serving.

For the main course, marinate four large boneless, skinless chicken breasts overnight in the same dressing.   For a side dish, slice zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into ribbons and brush with olive oil.  Next, sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper and sea salt, and thread ribbons onto kabobs.  Grill until crisp tender.  Depending on how thin you cut them, they will probably be ready around the same time as the chicken.

Finally, wash the meal down with adult raspberry lemonade.  Using a standard lemonade mix, prepare as directed, and then add a splash of raspberry liqueur.  Add frozen raspberries and lemon slices and serve in a clear container.  It is just what is needed for a refreshing, light but filling luxury dinner on a hot summer night.

For a sweet bite after the main course, throw some grape fruit sections and mango chunks on the grill.  No sugar or other ingredients are needed.  Just grill until nice char lines appear and eat while warm.  The natural fruit caramelizes for a delectable dessert with little hassle.

The ease of these recipes, means the luxury part is enjoyed by everyone; even the cook.  Often the one preparing the meal misses out on the joy of partaking due simply to the stress of preparing.  This should not be the case.  Eating is more than just getting full and pleasing the taste buds, it is a total body experience that is best enjoyed in the company of others.  Luxury does not have to be in a restaurant, nor does it have to cost a lot of money.  It simply needs to be indulgent, as these recipes most definitely are.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com.