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

Fiery Grilled Shrimp

Asian and Cajun flavors come together and create new levels of flavor in this prep-ahead recipe that’s delicious as an appetizer or entree.    You know how when you eat something at a friend’s house that is so delicious you hope to leave with the recipe?  This is one of those recipes. When I first…

Better-for-You Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Update:  As I made a fresh batch of this tasty dressing for the big game tonight, I thought it worth linking in a few more ways I like to use this beyond the typical dressing or dip (links provided below).  Also, my friend, Carrie, kindly figured out the nutritional information which I have included below.…

Easy Yogurt Fruit Dip

 A fruit tray is a delicious addition to any party menu as well as a healthy option that looks pretty and is typically a hit with kids and adults alike.  Recently, I hosted an event and wanted a dip to serve alongside the fruit.  I experimented with the following recipe and served it in a…

Butterscotch Oatmeal Blondies

    These Butterscotch Oatmeal Blondies are one of my husband’s favorite treats.  So much so, I have actually wrapped a batch and given it to him as a Christmas or anniversary present over the years.   He likes to freeze and eat them very cold. The rest of us enjoy them at room temperature-and…

Sunshine Smoothie

Every Tuesday, Project Healthy Ever After  hosts a smoothie party and invites people to share their favorite blended combinations.  Today, I used one of my kids’ favorite smoothies, a Mango-Peach Smoothie, and added a bit of pureed watermelon to the top, just for fun. The colors were beautiful and reminded us all of a sunny day–on…

Balsamic Pesto Tomato Sauce

A few special ingredients join forces with ripe tomatoes for a memorable sauce that’s deceptively easy to make. The taste of marinara sauce made with in-season tomatoes is divine. Finding the time to peel and seed the required tomatoes, however, can be enough to make you buy a jar!  I decided to try a new…

Summer Salad with Honey Lime Chicken and Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A hearty salad with lots of flavor and texture is my idea of a fabulous dinner.  What’s more, this type of dinner can be healthy and light yet altogether satisfying. Preparing your own dressing in advance plays a big role in making this meal delicious.  The addition of Greek yogurt is a natural way to…

Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie

The winning combination of peanut butter and chocolate make this ice cream pie an instant crowdpleaser. Salted cashews, a drizzle of honey and make-ahead convenience add to the allure!   When I come across a recipe that is tattered and food-splattered, I know it must be good! This ice cream pie recipe is one of…

Grilled Steak Salad

Leftover steak makes quick work of these satisfying dinner salads, which are easy to customize with a variety of refrigerator and pantry staples. One of my go-to “fast food” meals is this grilled steak salad. Typically, I use leftover flank or flatiron steak, purchased from a grass-fed beef stand at our local farmers market. Recently,…

Gorgonzola Tomato Salad

Prepare this flavorful dressing ahead and you will have a delicious salad ready in a flash. Perfect as a dip or as a salsa over grilled steak or chicken, I also like using this dressing on Grilled Romaine and Prosciutto Salads.  The use of Greek yogurt allows for a thick, delicious option to your favorite…

Almond Crust (Gluten-Free Pie Crust)

Graham cracker crusts can be a crunchy, delicious part of an ice cream or pudding pie.  But if you are gluten-intolerant, a graham crust can make those desserts off limits. For my father’s recent birthday, I created a version he could enjoy using almond meal.  I think my kids loved the nutty, crunchy crust even…

Apricot Ginger Shrimp Kabobs

Tender shrimp with Asian-inspired flavor is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and makes a popular appetizer or entree.    At a cookout years ago, my friend Judy dished up grilled shrimp that was absolutely delicious: light tasting and tender with just a hint of sweetness.   I jotted down the recipe, which was mayonnaise-based…

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