Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Sandy’s Tomato Pie
Essentially a crustless pie, the unique ingredients in this seasonal favorite create a crusty base that’s loaded with flavor and fabulous texture. (For those who need it, there’s an excellent gluten-free option in the recipe notes.) Soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, Jell-O, and ice cream are normally on the menu the day someone…
Peach Melba Overnight Oats
Sweet peaches, tangy raspberries, creamy yogurt, and hearty oats come together quickly in this wholesome, prep-ahead breakfast that’s worth waking up for! Sweet, juicy peaches, tangy raspberries, creamy yogurt, and hearty oats. This is the recipe that sold my kids on oats several years ago–and eating them cold no less! Fruity flavors lead the…
Roasted Eggplant Salad with Smoked Almonds & Goat Cheese
This unique salad offers a little something smoky/salty/tangy plus a hint of crunch to balance the creaminess of the roasted eggplant. For a heartier meal option, stir cooked pasta into the eggplant mixture…or add the cold leftovers to a bowl of baby spinach for a filling green salad. My friend Dan’s two favorite foods are eggplant…
Barbecue Sandwiches
The “Sloppy Sauce” that envelopes the ground beef in these classic sandwiches is quick, easy, and contains less sugar than many traditional recipes. The taste, however, is spot on! Breakfast for dinner is always a hit in our house. Come six o’clock, eggs are conveniently quick and satisfying, and an occasional stack of pancakes…
Classic Deviled Eggs
A widely popular appetizer, side dish, or that little “something extra” at picnics, potlucks, holiday meals, and family dinners, this simple deviled egg recipe is a family favorite! Deviled eggs have long been popular picnic and party fare. We all know the drill. Cut the cooked eggs in half lengthwise, scoop out the yolks,…
Deep Dark Chocolate Fudgesicles with Greek Yogurt
An easy-to-make treat that’s cool, creamy, and super chocolatey! When my friend Nicole mentioned that 40 percent of what we do on a daily basis is habit, it really resonated. For several months, a small voice in my head had been telling me that I was eating too much sugar and that eliminating my…
Tzatziki (and a few graduation pictures!)
In addition to the requisite photos of this cool, creamy, perfectly summery sauce, I have graduation pictures for you! As I mentioned last week, the past couple of weeks have been equal parts busy and exciting around here. The main event was last Thursday when John and 699 of his classmates paraded across the stage…
Low Country Shrimp Boil
This festive, all-in-one meal is sure to become a summertime favorite! For a small gathering or fun weeknight family meal, simply cut the recipe in half. When I offered to cook for a dozen or so family members this past Mother’s Day, I pondered the perfect recipe long and hard. Ideally, the meal would be…
Avocado, Watermelon & Mint Salad with Feta Cheese
Bursting with flavor and color, this light summer salad complements grilled chicken, fish, and steak beautifully. The simple prep makes it perfect for effortless weeknight meals and casual entertaining alike. My paternal grandmother and my mother shared an extraordinary knowledge of flowers, an ability to use them in artistic ways, and a general love of…
Blueberry Coconut Almond Baked Oatmeal
For added ease, prepare this filling casserole the night before and gently reheat in the morning. Serve as is or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of milk. If you don’t care for coconut, simply omit it from the recipe. Flipping through my timeworn recipe box is like a…
Cilantro Lime Crema
Level up basic chicken, fish, potatoes, and virtually anything Tex-Mex with a dollop of this simple sauce. Five ingredients and countless ways to enjoy. That’s this recipe in a nutshell. It’s like a little magic wand that can be waved to perk up plain chicken, fish, a simple baked potato, and so much more. And…
Baked Potato Wedges
A versatile side dish that complements nearly any protein, Baked Potato Wedges are an economical addition to the weekly dinner rotation. A special trick makes them extra crisp. They’re not exactly French fries, but these simple baked wedges are always a hit in our house. I often fall back on this tasty side dish…
