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

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…

Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp with Basil

Prep these tasty bites in advance for an appetizer or entree that’s equal parts easy and delicious – with just three main ingredients!   If you ask a group of children what their favorite season is, you’ll likely hear a chorus of “Summer!” amidst a few shrieks of “Winter!” No school and frequent dips in the pool…

Fresh Peach Cake

A simple summer dessert to return to again and again, then you can vary the fruit in the rustic cake once peach season has ended. My enthusiasm for fall apples knows no bounds and I hold no grudges against pumpkin spice everything.  But just because schools are back in session doesn’t mean we have to…

Long’s Yellow Tomato Soup

A delightful summer soup with a stunning color and a hint of optional heat. Yellow tomatoes are also a lower acid tomato with lots of natural sweetness.   The mere description of this soup inspired me to plant yellow tomatoes in our backyard garden. The first year, I think I got three.   The second…

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