Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Tomato Jam
Easy-to-make tomato jam is savory and tangy with a hint of spicy sweetness. An ideal way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes, the rustic jam offers a delightful alternative to ketchup on a burger or sauce on chicken, fish, and pork. If you’re envisioning a peanut butter and tomato jam sandwich and thinking…
Big Batch Zucchini Bread or Muffins
Perfectly spiced with just the right level of sweetness, this zucchini bread recipe can be made as loaves or muffins – or both! Last summer, I gave a batch to my brother and his family, and these were the texts I received after they had eaten them: “These zucchini muffins were the best I’ve ever…
Steamed Corn on the Cob
For the best combination of ease and flavor when cooking corn on the cob, steam it! And if you’re tired of waiting for a stick of butter to travel around the table, I have a trick for that. The seasonal return of corn on the cob is a big deal where I live. Farmers…
Corn Fritters with Smoked Paprika Aioli
Golden corn fritters are a deliciously easy way to repurpose leftover corn and there’s no need to deep fry. The simple sauce is optional but takes the fritters to the next level. Entertaining? Make appetizer-size fritters! At the height of corn season every summer, I always receive several requests for a corn fritter recipe. I’m…
Chipwich Bars
Everyone loves a chipwich, so why not make it easier–and more fun–by making a sheet panful? I even have a simple trick for a cookie that isn’t rock hard when frozen, and the science behind it is fascinating! Many of us have distinct preferences where the classic chocolate chip cookie is concerned. Some fall…
Shrimp Salsa or Salad
Serve this colorful salad as a light yet filling entree or scoop it up with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer. Either way, the pop of flavor and ease of preparation is bound to make it a keeper. I first made this recipe when seeking an appetizer that felt fresh and exciting. Served as…
Beer Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp
Beer Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp bring the fun factor to dinner, and if you keep a bag of shrimp in your freezer, you can have this festive meal anytime — in about five minutes! Peel and eat shrimp and cold beer are a popular pairing, but cooking the shrimp in the beer produces an…
Blueberry Crisp
Plump, juicy blueberries provide a sweet foundation for an irresistible crisp topping you’ll want to use with other fruits too. Quick to make with dairy- and gluten-free options. Fruit crisps have earned their spot on the list of most popular desserts for a reason. They are made with accessible, economical ingredients and are incredibly…
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
An economical can of beans teams up with fresh veggies and a flavorful vinaigrette in this versatile, plant-based salad that can be adapted in countless ways. No cooking required! This protein-packed, plant-based salad starts with an economical pantry staple and makes a filling lunch or light dinner. I love it for its flavor and filling nature, and I…
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…
