Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Chili Lime Chicken
Add memorable flavor to basic chicken with a blend of spices you likely have on hand. Perfect as is and in burrito bowls, with or without the optional sauce. When I first wrote about this chicken for a newspaper recipe column in 2015, I alluded to a debate I was having with myself as to…
Mom’s Classic Strawberry Shortcake
While this classic recipe is traditionally served as dessert, my family has long enjoyed it for the occasional dinner when local strawberries are in season. Served with milk or yogurt, it’s great for breakfast too! Making strawberry shortcake with freshly picked, local berries has long been tradition in my family. My sister and I loved…
Pink Pony Cocktail
The Pink Pony is a spin on a Greyhound with Paloma vibes and options to use vodka, gin, or tequila. It’s the ultimate customizable drink and a party favorite! My favorite cocktail is a little number we call the Pink Pony. Inspired by the classic Greyhound cocktail with a Paloma vibe, it’s a citrus-forward drink…
Derby Pie
This irresistible dessert is everything you love about a chocolate chip cookie but in pie form, plus a hint of Southern charm. Easy to make and always a hit! Derby Pie is essentially a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie with pecans (or walnuts if you prefer) nestled in a flaky pie crust. More pie details…
Toll House Pie
Everything you love about a chocolate chip cookie but in pie form, this irresistible dessert is a breeze to make and always a hit! This pie dates back to when my boys, now in their twenties, were toddlers and we’d often get together with friends and their kids for casual weekend dinners. The kids would…
Mustard Sauce for Crab Claws
With just four ingredients, this speedy dipping sauce is the perfect match for crab claws yet versatile enough to jazz up shrimp, fish, chicken, sandwiches, and more. This sauce was inspired by summer vacations on the Jersey shore and the appetizer I’ve considered a special treat since I was a little girl. The bite-size yet…
How to Prepare King Crab Legs
Learn the best way to cook tender, juicy king crab legs for fun and festive meals any time of year. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, birthday celebrations, and “just because” special dinners. If you want to make a statement, king crab legs will do it. The massive crustaceans, which are caught in the…
Jack’s Favorite Bloody Mary
A pitcher-full of outstanding Bloody Marys is easy to make and infinitely tastier than store-bought mixes. Bloody Maria, Dirty Mary, and Virgin Mary variations are included and are customizable by the glass. For added fun, offer a make-your-own garnish station! An olive loaded Bloody Mary with a crisp stalk of celery and a generous amount…
Root Beer Float Cookies
Extra points for creativity, root beer fans far and wide will appreciate the addition of this gem to a holiday cookie platter. And don’t forget Christmas in July! As many great recipes start, Tricia Trainer discovered her winning root beer float cookies accidentally. She spied them on a holiday cookie plate, thinking they were molasses…
Lavender Syrup
Lavender Syrup is simple to make and adds a sweet, floral note to hot and iced coffee and tea, lattes, lemonade, cocktails, desserts, and more. A clever trick makes the syrup a pretty shade of purple! The first time I had a lavender latte, I didn’t finish it. Despite rave reviews from friends who claimed…
Mix and Match Trail Mix
A wholesome trail mix is easy to make and offers much room for variation, from basic nuts and dried fruit to an assortment of delicious extras. Recipe includes our favorite combinations! I love nuts of all kinds. Their crunch is appealing, and the balance of fats and protein makes them an especially satiating snack. As a…
Labor Day Favorites
Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, is upon us. (How is that possible?) It’s the last barbecue weekend before school gets back into full swing (for some, it’s been in full swing for a while!) and a sweet end to what has hopefully been a delicious summer. Whether entertaining this weekend or simply in…
