How to Throw a Summer Outdoor Dinner Party, Part 1: The Recipes!

The days are long, the air is fresh & sweet, and that back yard that you've put so much work into over the past spring weeks is just begging you to throw a party. One of my favorite ways to entertain is to bring the indoors-out by hosting an outdoor dinner party. A beautiful outdoor dinner soiree is easy to host, and here I've got three simple, summery recipes that are sure to impress. The best part? Each recipe only uses 5-6 ingredients!Watch the video 'How-To' here! Watch VideoRecipesApple Fennel SaladFor Salad:

• 1 bulb fennel, shaved or sliced thinly
• 1 Granny Smith green apple, cored and sliced thinly
• 6 cups spring mix greens
• fresh goat cheese or goat cheese crumbles

In a large bowl, top the spring greens with fennel shavings, apple slices, and goat cheese crumbles. Toss with lemon-cider dressing.For Dressing:

• 4 Tbs. olive oil
• 3 Tbs.  apple cider vinegar
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp. sugar (if desired)

Place all ingredients in a jar with top screwed on tightly, and shake until combined.Balsamic Grilled Pork ChopsMarinade:

• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• dash black pepper (if desired)
• 4 - 6  pork chops, approx 1/2 in thick (1.5-2lbs.)

Method:1. Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly2. place chops in a gallon sized storage bag. Pour marinade over the pork, and seal tightly. Refrigerate for minimum of 2 hours.3. Grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until just cooked through. Remove from grill and let sit for a few minutes before cutting.Berry Oat CrumbleIngredients:

• 1 c. rolled oats
• 1/3 c. flour
• 1/3 c. butter, room temperature
• 1/2 c plus 1 Tbs. sugar (set the 1 Tbs. aside)
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups berries, rinsed (your choice, if using strawberries, quarter them)

Method:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and butter the bottom and sides of an 8 inch square baking dish.2. In a bowl, mix the berries and 1 Tbs. sugar and toss well. Set aside for 20-30 minutes.3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, and sugar. Cut in butter and vanilla and mix thoroughly manually or with a mixer until crumbly.4. Pour the berries into the greased baking dish, and cover with crumble topping.5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until berries are bubbly and topping is golden brown.