Cook like a chef this summer with simple recipes for al fresco dining

Looking for inspiration for al fresco dining? These simple recipe ideas are ideal for any occasion, whether you are entertaining friends at a dinner party, hosting a barbecue to make the most of the sunshine or planning a romantic picnic. Find out the best place to find simple recipes online this summer. As summer gets underway we stop craving heavy comfort foods and begin to crave delicious salads, barbecues and picnic foods. This season is all about al fresco dining and enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family, sharing a bottle of chilled wine and a delicious meal. But what simple recipes suit these sunny days and warm evenings?rnAt home in summer we tend to crave holiday foods such as marinated lamb with herby cous cous, chicken souvlaki with tzatziki, Moroccan lamb tagine or a classic seafood paella. Nothing brings back memories of Spanish holidays better than sharing a big pot of seafood paella with friends on the patio as the sun goes down, and this is a one-pot wonder; it is easy to make and requires little washing up afterwards.rnRecipes for desserts such as tropical fruit salad with rum scented sabayon or bananas rolled in coconut with passion fruit syrup will transport you to a tropical beach, and classic favourites such as caramelised pear tarte tartin will always impress serve yours with a fresh pistachio crème anglaise. If you want simple recipes which are somewhat less formal, opt for chicken satay skewers, which are extremely easy to make and cook well on a barbecue. Accompany your barbecue food with a spicy marinade for an extra kick, this works brilliantly with red meat and chicken. If days out are more your summer style, choose simple recipes which are suitable for picnics. Provencal classic nicoise salad with fresh seared tuna and quiche Lorraine are much more exciting than a ham sandwich! Zesty lemon drizzle cake is one of the most summery recipes for desserts and will be the highlight of any picnic hamper. Although they sound sophisticated, these are all very simple recipes, ideal for outdoor entertaining in style. Online recipe resources are free, easy to follow and are sometimes accompanied by recipe videos which enable you to cook alongside a professional chef in your own home. Chefs who have taught in some of the best kitchens in the world are looking to share their simple recipes and passion for cooking with you at the best cooking school in London. If you cant make it to one of their fun themed classes, make the most of their knowledge by using the simple recipes they want to share, available on the London cooking schools website.