You Know it's Summer When...

As part of the research for that Summer Cooking Manifesto I worked on for the June 2011 issue of Bon Appetit -- yes, the one with Gwyneth on the cover -- I asked a bunch of editors the question you see up there in the title of this post: You Know it's Summer When _______ is in the Fridge. There were basil-infused simple syrups (mixed into my Gin & Tonic, this has the potential to be my signature summer cocktail), there were chili oils amd chimichurris, and there was a sunny yellow ladolemeno vinaigrette that you pour over grilled fish (Holy. Freaking. Cow.) which tastes as bright and summery as it looks. But the most special of all, I think, was this special sauce. Not only because it elevates any burger (we used it on our rolled-out California-style turkey burgers the other night) but because it elevates any cookout. Think what a rock star you will be if you show up to the burger-and-dog barbecue with a jar of this in your hand.

Special Sauce

Adapted from Bon Appetit

In a small jar, mix together:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon finely grated onion

1 tablespoon sweet relish or 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish

salt and pepper to taste