Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Rainbow Bowls with Peanut Sauce
A literal rainbow of fresh produce adds colorful crunch and visual appeal to these flexible rice-based bowls. The flavor-popping peanut sauce is easy to make and endlessly versatile–the proverbial pot of gold! Who doesn’t love a rainbow? They’re pretty to look at and their fleeting nature adds thrill to a sighting. In many cultures, rainbows are…
Hanger Steak with Romesco Sauce
A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is bursting with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile. When I shared this simple, endlessly versatile recipe for Everyday Green Salad, I mentioned how much I enjoyed testing a variety of Alexis deBoschnek’s…
Big (and Bigger) Batch Frozen Margaritas
Slushy-like with spot-on margarita flavor, a big batch of this party favorite takes minutes to mix up and can be stored in the freezer until needed. Ideal for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, potlucks, and backyard barbecues all summer long, the frozen margaritas can even be served one or two at a time. Years ago, a…
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (with oven option)
A few simple tips and 15 minutes is all you need to transform sweet potatoes into irresistible fries. A choice of dipping sauces takes them over the top! Sweet potatoes can be a polarizing food. For every person who adores them, there seems to be someone else who abhors them. With a passion. Yet,…
Easy Cheesy Pepper Poppers
A flavor-packed appetizer that can also be served as a tasty side dish, these 3-ingredient bites are quick to assemble and bake to golden, cheesy perfection. An optional fourth ingredient offers a spicy-sweet variation! Jalapeño poppers have long been a party favorite. But what if you could make a quicker, easier, every-bit-as-tasty popper with mild…
Simple Salmon in Foil (grill and oven options)
A short list of everyday ingredients makes this quick-cooking salmon recipe shine. The simple foil packet locks in flavor and moisture–and makes cleanup a snap! This was a difficult recipe to name because all the components contribute something special: Garlic, dill, and lemon. Salt and pepper. A “knob” of butter, as they say in the…
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
A few key ingredients add vibrant color and flavor to this classically creamy, protein-rich dip. And while perfect as a filling snack or easy appetizer, hummus can be enjoyed in other unexpected ways as well! Traditional hummus pulls its weight as a filling snack and easy appetizer, but the creamy, protein-rich dip doesn’t stop there.…
Ratatouille
With its roots in Provence, France (not the 2007 Pixar film!) ratatouille is a rustic, end-of-summer, vegetable stew that will make the most of a bounty of fresh produce and can be enjoyed in so many ways. If you don’t like to chop, I give you permission to skip the following recipe. But before…
Jack’s Favorite Tomato & Cucumber Salad
You barely need a recipe for this garden-fresh summer salad that will round out a broad range of meals, from corn on the cob and burgers to grilled chicken and fish. Normally, my husband would consider dinner incomplete without some form of protein on his plate. However, when corn on the cob is in…
Leaner Pulled Pork Barbecue
This easy-to-make recipe can be adjusted to any number of diners and offers a leaner spin on what has long been a crowd favorite. With options for homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce. When I had my first baby, I remember struggling to get the stroller through a double set of doors, only to be assisted…
Classic Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Sweet and tangy with a hint of heat, this easy sauce is the perfect complement to chicken, chops, ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches. Or stir some into mayo for a delicious sandwich spread! When I make this barbecue sauce, I still think of the day over 20 years–and a different career–ago when I…
Homemade Lemonade Concentrate
A refreshing balance of sweet and tart, this storable concentrate allows you to simply add water and mix up a glass or two whenever the mood strikes. Because personal preference varies, adjustments are provided for sweeter and tarter variations. The lemonade stand is one of the most iconic summertime images, and for good reason.…
