Lazy Susan’s favourite garden table recipes

A good garden table recipe for us is anything that gets us outside when the sun shines, sitting around our patio tables, and enjoying some excellent company. 

It could be for a family BBQ or a coffee morning with friends. As long as it gets us out in the fresh air and enjoying our outside spaces, then it is a winner in our book.

In this article, we’ve selected some of our favourite recipes that are perfect for sharing with loved ones at our outdoor tables this summer.

Choosing a great garden table recipe is not as complicated as it may sound. We’re not professional chefs. We love our food, love to get the most out of our garden furniture, and we love it when we can get outside in the garden.

Just take your time when thinking of what to serve friends or family. What are you confident in making and what will work at a garden table?

Select simple ingredients that reflect the freshness and vibrancy of our gardens. Look for versatile recipes that are great for sharing that your guests will love. 

1. Lazy Susan’s Simple BBQ Kimchi

First up we have a super simple recipe for making traditional Korean kimchi at home. Trust us, if you’ve never tried it, it is wonderful on its own, but even better when used as a topping on a beef or (our preference) a Gochujang chicken burger at a BBQ. Game changer!

For the ingredients you will need the following:

• 1 x Medium Napa Cabbage
• 1/4 Cup of Sea Salt
• 4 x Cups of Water
• 1 x Tablespoon of Grated Ginger
• 4 x Cloves of Minced Garlic
• 2 x Tablespoons of Korean Red Pepper Flakes (aka Gochugaru)
• 2 x Tablespoons of Soy Sauce
• 2 x Teaspoons of Sugar
• 4 x Chopped Onions
• 1 x Chopped Carrot 
  
  

To prepare the cabbage:

1. Cut the cabbage lengthwise into quarters and then chop it into bite-sized chunks.
2. Dissolve the sea salt in the water in a large bowl.
3. Submerge the pieces of cabbage in the saltwater solution and make sure they are fully covered. 
4. Let it soak for 2 hours and give it an occasional turn.
5. After soaking, rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
6. Drain the cabbage well and gently squeeze out the excess water. 

How to make the kimchi paste:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, Korean red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sugar. 
2. Mix well to form a paste.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference - If you like it spice you can add more red pepper flakes. 

How to ferment your kimchi:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cabbage, green onions, and the chopped carrot - we like to julienne it.
2. Add your kimchi paste to the cabbage mixture - Use gloves or a spoon to mix and coat the cabbage thoroughly with the paste as it can stain.
3. Pack the kimchi mixture tightly into a clean glass jar or airtight container - Be sure to press it down to remove any air bubbles.
4. Leave space at the top of the jar or container as it will expand during the fermentation process.
5. Seal the jar or container and let it ferment at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, depending on your preference for fermentation level and taste.
6. After fermentation, transfer the kimchi to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process - The flavour will continue to develop over time.

The great thing about kimchi is that it is super versatile. It can be served as a side dish or incorporated into various Korean dishes such as kimchi fried rice and it is perfect at a Korean-style BBQ. 

This simple recipe will make a flavourful and crunchy fermented vegetable dish that is both rich in probiotics and perfect for adding a spicy kick to the next summer meal at your garden table.

2. Lazy Susan’s Garden Table Salad Platter

We were going to include a BBQ recipe in this article but we’ve shared a number of our favourite recipes before so we decided to share our take on a garden table salad platter with a fab herb-infused quinoa salad.

For the grilled vegetables you will need the following: 

• A selection of assorted seasonal vegetables - Peppers, courgettes, aubergine, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, etc are perfect for this recipe.
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Balsamic Vinegar 
  
  

For the quinoa salad you will need the following:

• 1 x Cup of Quinoa
• 2 x Cups of Water
• Chopped Basil, Parsley, Mint, and Chives
• Halved Cherry Tomatoes
• Diced Cucumber
• Finely Chopped Red Onion
• Lemon Juice
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper 
  
  

To prepare the quinoa salad:

1. Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. 
2. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. 
3. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked, fluffy, and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and leave it to cool a little.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the chopped herbs, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
6. Drizzle it with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. 
7. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. 
8. Toss it to combine and set aside.

To prepare the grilled vegetables:

1. Preheat your BBQ grill - A medium to high heat is best.
2. Cut the vegetables you’ve chosen into slices or chunks
3. Drizzle the vegetables with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are tender and have those all-important grill marks.
5. Once the vegetables are grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill and arrange them on a large serving platter, leaving space in the centre.

How to assemble your garden table platter:

1. Add the herb-infused quinoa salad to the centre of the platter with the grilled vegetables around it.
2. Garnish with the balsamic vinegar and some additional fresh herbs.
3. Serve it at your garden table immediately and allow your guests to help themselves.

We love this garden table salad platter. It is great for sharing, healthy, super simple to make, and celebrates the garden's flavours and colours. Pop it in the centre of your garden table at your next gathering and watch your guests dig in!

3. Lazy Susan’s Favourite Garden Table Coffee Morning Cake

If you like to host a coffee morning or afternoon tea on your garden table, then a winning coffee cake recipe is essential. You want something moist, packed with flavour, but not too heavy. 

Our classic coffee and walnut cake is a recipe that is sure to not only impress flavour-wise but it will also make the perfect centrepiece on your garden table at your next get-together.

For the cake you will need the following ingredients: 

• 1 & 3/4 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
• 1 & 1/2 Teaspoons of Baking Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon salt
• 1/2 Cup of Softened Unsalted Butter
• 3/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar
• 2 x Large Eggs
• 2 x Tablespoons of Fresh Coffee - Good quality, made in a coffee machine, filter, or cafetière and cooled to make one cup.
• 1/4 Cup of Milk
• 1 x Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 
  
  

For the buttercream frosting you will need the following:

• 1/2 Cup of Softened Unsalted Butter
• 2 x Cups of Icing Sugar
• 1 x Tablespoon Fresh Coffee - Good quality, made in a coffee machine, filter, or cafetière and cooled to make half a cup. 
  
  

To make the cake batter: 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 175°C. 
2. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt and set it to one side.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until it is combined well.
6. Stir in the 1 x cup of coffee, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth thick batter.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until it is just combined.
8. Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter mix.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the 2 x prepped cake pans.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for between 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick is inserted into the centre of the cakes and it comes out clean.
11. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.

To make the coffee buttercream frosting: 

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is nice and creamy.
2. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating it until it is smooth and fluffy.
3. Stir in the half cup of coffee and vanilla extract until well combined.

How to assemble the cake:

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a suitably sized serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of coffee buttercream frosting over the top of the cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Garnish the top of the cake with additional chopped walnuts.

All that is left now is to pop it in the centre of your garden table and when ready offer your guests a slice. Serve it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of tea for a delightful mid-morning treat. 

This coffee and walnut cake is sure to be a hit at any coffee morning or garden gathering. The combination of rich coffee flavour and crunchy walnuts in a moist cake, topped with that divine creamy coffee buttercream frosting is irresistible.

4. Lazy Susan’s Fab Garden Table Breakfast Pastries

Making pain au chocolat at home is something that many novices will be daunted by, and while it may require a bit of time and effort - especially if you make your puff pastry - the results are worth it. 

This is a simplified version of the traditional recipe that we use to make the perfect breakfast pastries for our garden tables that we guarantee your friends and family will love!

For the ingredients you will need the following:

• 1 x Sheet of Puff Pastry - Homemade is best but store-bought works will work too.
• 12 x Chocolate Batons - Hotel Chocolat 40% Milk or 70% Dark are perfect for this! 
• 1 x Beaten Egg
• Icing Sugar
  
  

To make the puff pastry:

If using store-bought puff pastry, then simply follow the package instructions for thawing. 

If making homemade puff pastry, prepare the dough according to your go-to recipe and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. 

We now follow the Preppy Kitchen recipe (shown in the video below) as it is flaky and buttery and super easy to make and follow: 

How to cut and fill the dough:

1. Cut the rolled-out puff pastry into rectangles, roughly 3 to 4 inches wide and 5 to 6 inches long.
2. Place a chocolate baton at one end of each rectangle.
3. Roll up the pastry, enclosing the chocolate inside. Place the seam side down on a warm baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Cover the rolled pain au chocolat with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffed up.
5. While the pastries are rising, preheat your oven to 200°C.
6. Once the pastries have risen, gently brush the tops with the beaten egg using a pastry brush to give them a beautiful golden colour when baked.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
8. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
9. Dust the tops with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

We like to cook them fresh and serve them at the garden table warm or at room temperature. The flaky layers of pastry are divine and that chocolate filling will simply melt in the mouth.

This simplified pain au chocolat recipe allows you to enjoy the classic French pastry without the extensive prep typically required for homemade croissants. It is the perfect special breakfast or brunch-time garden table treat.

5. Lazy Susan’s Delicious Garden Table Pizza

If you’re hosting a garden party, then we think a fresh homemade pizza cooked in a Pizza Oven is the perfect choice for your garden table. 

You can customise the toppings to suit or let your guests add their own toppings. Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser and this recipe puts a lovely fresh twist on a classic garden party pizza.

If you want to make your pizza dough, then we shared our go-to recipe in last summer's favourite new recipes for the Cozze Pizza Oven article. Give it a go, it is super easy, and so much better than shop-bought! 

For the pesto you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 x Cups of Fresh Basil Leaves (as much as you can squish in)
• 1/2 cup of Freshly Grated Parmesan
• 1/2 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 Cup of Pine Nuts
• 2 x Cloves of Minced Garlic
• Salt & Pepper
  
  

For the pizza topping you will need the following:

• 1 x Cup of Halved Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 x Thinly Sliced Aubergine
• 1 x Thinly Sliced Butternut Squash
• 1 x Thinly Sliced Red Pepper
• 1/2 a Thinly Sliced Red Onion
• 1 x Cup of Fresh Spinach
• 1 x Cup Shredded Fresh Mozzarella
• Chilli Flakes
• Fresh Basil to Garnish
• Semolina Flour for Dusting
  
  

To make the pizza:

1. Start by preheating your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 260°C if using a standard oven). 
2. If using a Cozze then you can get it up to 400°C in around 20 minutes and that will give you that perfect Neapolitan-style crunch. Our How to make the perfect pizza with your Cozze Pizza Oven looks at the best process in detail.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Dust a clean work surface with semolina flour. 
6. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for rolling it out.
7. Spread a layer of pesto evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Arrange the sliced vegetables and spinach leaves over the pesto-covered dough.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the vegetables. 
10. If you like it spicy, sprinkle with chilli flakes for added heat or leave off if you prefer.
11. Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to your preheated pizza stone or a lightly greased baking tray.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. Then garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese, before slicing and bringing to your garden table. 

Slice the pizza into generous wedges, serve it hot, and pop it in the middle of your garden table. A Lazy Susan Turntable is a great way to share and allow your guests to help themselves with this delicious garden party treat!

If you have any photos of your Lazy Susan Garden Furniture, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.