Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day

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…

Beverages, Cocktails

Honey Deuce

A cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this refreshing drink!   People go to the US Open for the tennis. But the official drink of this long-standing tennis tournament lures throngs of fans as well. When I first…

Breads and Baked Goods, Breakfast, Side Dishes

Blueberry Lemon Cornbread

This delightful twist on the usual cornbread comes together quickly with pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen blueberries. An easy tip ensures leftovers are never dry—making them perfect for breakfast! Cornbread has long been popular in our house. Partial proof of this statement is evidenced in the multiple cornbread and muffin recipes already on this…

Salads, Side Dishes

Confetti Salad

A big bowl of this colorful salad comes together easily and is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and at-the-ready meals throughout the week!   A fresh, colorful addition to a backyard barbecue or potluck, this vibrant salad is equally well suited to packed lunches and speedy dinners. The recipe has many attributes: filling fiber, plant-based…

Appetizers, Condiments, Side Dishes, Snacks

Small Batch Refrigerator Pickles

Quick Pickled Vegetables are easy to make with almost any vegetable and are a practical way to use the odds and ends in your crisper drawer. The tangy, crisp bites are great for snacking and will elevate salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, burgers, burrito-type bowls, stir fries, and more.    Pickling can be a very simple…

20 Festive 4th of July Recipes!

Bringing a dish to a 4th of July party this summer? The following recipes can be made ahead, travel well, and are sure to please a crowd!   Of course, if you are hosting your own get-together, these recipes have you covered as well. From appetizers and salads to main dishes, desserts and drinks, the…

Salads, Side Dishes

DIY Coleslaw Mix

A bag of coleslaw mix offers a convenient shortcut, but for fresher results and cost savings, you can do it yourself in minutes! Below I share my favorite ratios, the quickest way to make consistent shreds, and a few tips for truly stunning salads.    Cabbage is economical, widely available throughout the year, and keeps…

Salads, Side Dishes

Best Grilled Caesar Salads

Cool, crisp romaine is quickly seared and then brushed with a classic, creamy Caesar dressing for salad that is sure to become a family and entertaining favorite. For a complete meal, grill salmon, shrimp, chicken, or steak to serve alongside. This is a recipe I lean on when I want a meal that feels effortless…

Desserts, Frozen

Salted Caramel Coffee Heath Bar Ice Cream Pie

Salted caramel and coffee ice cream are piled into a graham cracker crust and studded with crunchy Heath bars for an irresistible flavor combination that is destined to be the dessert of the season!   Salted Caramel Coffee Heath Bar Ice Cream Pie. The recipe name is long, but whenever I tried to shorten it,…

Frozen, Main Dishes

From the Recipe Box: Edition 2!

In this recurring series, I dig into my decades-old recipe box (I guess I should say boxes!) and share three tried-and-true recipes, which after over a dozen years, STILL haven’t made it to the blog. A little different than my usual posts, this is more like an old-fashioned recipe swap. (Feel free to rifle through…

Beverages, Cocktails

Sangria Spritz

Enjoy the fruity, sweet-tart flavor of classic sangria in this light, refreshing, 3-ingredient spritz – and then customize according to season with your favorite fruit garnishes.   The concept of a spritz dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans; it is believed that wine was often diluted with water to keep people from becoming…

Appetizers, Condiments, Salsas, Snacks

Restaurant Style Salsa

The very best salsa can be made in 10 minutes and will rival your favorite restaurant and store-bought salsa.   Ten minutes is all you need to make the most incredible salsa, which will outshine your favorite store-bought jar. The best part is that you can control the thickness and level of spice, effectively achieving…

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