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

Zucchini Banana or Applesauce Bread (grain-free & naturally sweetened)

This grain-free, naturally sweetened zucchini bread puts a healthy spin on the ultimate summer quick bread. As an added bonus, it’s easy to customize and tastes great!  This bread is all about choices. In the big picture, this recipe illustrates how we can have our proverbial cake and eat it, too. Cake-or quick bread in this…

Meadow Tea

This Lancaster County staple is summer in an ice-cold glass. Crisp, clean, minty and utterly refreshing, it’s also the perfect way to use an abundance of mint.   If Lancaster County had an official summer drink, it would surely be Meadow Tea. For years I threatened to rip out the mint that has a way…

Greek Village Salad

Greek Village Salad is a rustic combination of garden vegetables, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives–but no lettuce. The basic ingredients are tossed with a flavorful vinaigrette that will transport you to Greece…or at least make you feel like you’re in an authentic Greek restaurant! There’s something quite special about a salad that nails authentic Greek…

Candied Jalapeños (a.k.a Cowboy Candy)

Spicy-sweet pickled jalapeños add flavor to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, rice, and more. Bake them into cornbread or use whenever you don’t have fresh jalapeños on hand. I’ve included lots of delicious ways to make use of these zippy bites, and over time you’ll discover countless more ways to enjoy them!   This is one of those whisper-down-the-lane…

Easy Grilled Sausage, Pepper & Corn Dinner (or swap potatoes for corn!)

This fun, family-style meal captures the essence of summer and can be customized to taste. It’s quick, easy and perfect for busy weeknights and casual entertaining.   Over time, I think we’ve pretty much agreed on this: one can never have too many delicious recipes that are quick, easy and well-rounded! This all-in-one meal is…

Tuna, Tomato & White Bean Salad

A handful of pantry staples meets sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs in this protein-rich, flavor-packed salad. Enjoy it as an easy lunch or pair with an ear of corn, piece of cornbread or a crusty roll for a light but filling dinner. (Leftovers taste great, too!)     Too hot to cook or simply don’t want…

Homemade Frappuccino (healthy, creamy & dairy-free)

Frappuccino fans rejoice! This healthy, dairy-free coffee smoothie is creamy and decadent like a Frosty but naturally sweetened with dates-and because not everyone loves them, no bananas! Dessert-worthy but loaded with enough nutrients and staying power to be a meal.       If you have yet to dream about coffees smoothies, you surely will after…

Mix & Match Grilled Seafood Packets (aka Ocean Packets)

Looking for a special meal that keeps the work (and cleanup) to a minimum? My family raves when these flavorful packets are on the menu. They’re healthy but loaded with flavor and just plain fun to eat. As an added bonus, individual packets can be customized according to preference and food allergies. (Simply label the packets with…

Blue Cheese (or Feta) Turkey Burgers

Three simple ingredients make THE BEST turkey burgers. They’re tender, flavorful, and not the least bit dry, whether cooked on the grill or stovetop. The easy recipe quickly became a regular at our house, and I’m guessing it will become a favorite in your home too! After reviewing an impressive new cookbook authored by teen…

Easy Mud Pie

This easy, make-ahead recipe is sure to become a favorite for casual entertaining and special occasions. The quick, no-bake homemade crust adds something special (and allows for a gluten-free option) but a store-bought cookie crust works well, too. After a recent swim, I overheard a mother attempting to prepare her young daughter for a nap…

Oven Baked BBQ Ribs

Melt-in-your mouth ribs with crispy edges are a breeze to prepare with this easy recipe. No need to tend the grill for hours and perfect any time of year!   Have you ever received a recipe from a trusted source, proceeded to tuck it safely into your recipe box where, despite the best of intentions, it…

Favorite Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

A luxuriously creamy (yet healthy!) sweet-tart dressing makes this seasonal salad a standout. A hearty portion is delightfully satisfying in its own right, and when paired with a protein of choice, offers an easy weeknight meal that’s 100% worthy of company.🍓     After devouring a truly spectacular salad at a local restaurant last spring,…

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