Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Refrigerator Dill Pickles
No canner needed for these crisp, tangy Refrigerator Dill Pickles. Once the spices are assembled, they come together in a snap…and might just become a new summertime favorite! Have you heard that Cleopatra thought eating pickles made her beautiful? Or that Christopher Columbus rationed pickles during his famous voyage in order to prevent his…
Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Muffins that are healthy enough to eat for breakfast yet decadent enough for dessert – Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins fit the bill. Plus they’re naturally gluten- and grain-free, use minimal sweetener, and freeze well! A recent train ride to New York City seemed like an ideal opportunity to write about the merits of today’s…
Succotash Salad
Succotash Salad is fresh, simple summer eating at its best. The simplicity of the “dressing”—really just a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon—allows the flavors of the seasonal produce to shine. Leftovers make a great lunch! If my sister had the first turn in a round of word association that opened with…
Cornell Chicken (with how-to for perfectly barbecued bone-in chicken)
Reminiscent of the classic roadside barbecue－complete with advance prep convenience and tender, juicy meat－this chicken dinner is a real winner. For those who enjoy, Cornell Chicken can be served with a favorite BBQ sauce on the side. What does Dad cook best? After a little teasing that his grilled cheese sandwiches are amazing (when he turns down…
Strawberry Granitas
Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth granitas can be made with a variety of seasonal fruits for a refreshingly light dessert or snack all summer long. Start with this simple recipe for Strawberry Granitas and customize to taste with a variety of options. No fancy equipment needed! My husband and I hosted a big cookout over Memorial Day weekend.…
Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
Guaranteed to be the hit of the party, my favorite Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake includes fudge filling, chocolate crunchies, and all. There’s also a worthy gluten-free option for those who need it—and nobody will detect a difference! On birthdays and hot summer nights, cake and ice cream really hit the spot. The following…
5-Ingredient Very Berry Smoothie (and make-ahead smoothie packs)
Loaded with filling protein, healthy fats, and a hearty dose of fruit (and optional veggie), this 5-ingredient very berry smoothie checks all the metaphorical boxes—and tastes great, too. For grab-and-go convenience, smoothie packs can be quickly assembled and stored in the freezer. For years, my childhood friend Christine and I would occasionally grab a…
Bowdoin Pickled Red Onions
Quick Pickled Red Onions add a punch of color and flavor to a variety of meats, tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. This easy-to-make condiment also happens to be evidence that delicious recipes can be found in the most unexpected places! College dining services have come a long way since I was in school, that’s…
Super Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce
The flavor of this lusciously Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce is matched only by its versatility…so much so that it might just become your new favorite condiment! Move over guacamole! Ok, I’m joking. Good guac is hard to knock. This versatile, super creamy avocado lime sauce, however, has the power to transform even the simplest…
Easy Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables
This quick and easy refrigerator method requires no canner or hot water bath and is a clever way to use any odds and ends in your produce drawer! Pickles are summertime favorites that, in our house, vanish almost as quickly as I can make them. There’s a flavor for every palate (dill, sweet, seven-day,…
Mayo-Free Cumin Lime Slaw
Use this light vinaigrette for an easy slaw that adds a tangy pop of flavor and crisp crunch to fish tacos, burgers, burrito bowls, BBQ, and more. Or enjoy as a dressing on green salads to accompany your favorite Mexican, South Asian, and American cuisine. When I think of recipes I make most regularly,…
Basic Kale Salad with Options
“Eat more vegetables” is frequently heard advice, and green, leafy varieties are usually ranked at the tippy top of the good-for-you list. Getting the recommended daily servings, however, tends to be far easier said than done, so I have a few tricks to help me get there. Adding a cup of baby spinach to any…
