Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
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.…
Summer Shandy (Cocktail or Mocktail)
Equal parts light beer and lemonade create the easiest drink and can be modified in several delicious ways. Mildly sweet with a hint of tang and so very refreshing! Crisp and refreshing with a hint of sweetness, there’s something special about a Shandy on a warm evening. The 2-ingredient drink is effortless to mix and…
Taco Refrigerator Pickles
Cool, crisp refrigerator pickles get a new flavor twist in this easy recipe that’s perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, and serving alongside a variety of barbecue fare. No canning required! On his holiday shopping expedition last year, Christian stopped in a local store that makes a small but impressive variety of pickles. Along…
Roasted Potato Salad with Special Sauce
No need to peel the potatoes in this customizable salad, which uses a uniquely flavorful dressing that can be made in advance. I’ve been making this salad for years without actually measuring the ingredients. A little different than the average potato salad, it’s always a hit. Most recently, I prepared the summer staple for…
Southwestern Rice Salad
This crowd-pleasing dish can be assembled in advance, travels well, and caters to a variety of eating styles. Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and stress-free family meals! You know all those times you’re searching for something a little different than the usual pasta or vegetable-based salad while maintaining broad appeal? For me, this tried-and-true…
Baked Swiss Chard with Peppers and Feta
Crave-worthy greens are within easy reach thanks to a unique method of preparation, which delivers crispy edges and golden brown bits of feta, all while adding a few other colorful veggies to the mix! Since much of the work I do for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen takes place in the quiet of my kitchen…
Classic Strawberry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
A light drizzle of this sweet and tangy vinaigrette makes a classic strawberry salad shine. Eating your greens never tasted so good! When local strawberries are at their peak, I make salads with them almost every night. Once a simple dressing has been prepared and left to wait in the fridge, salads in general…
Mexican Mule (and several mule variations)
A cross between the classic Moscow mule and the much-loved Margarita, this refreshing cocktail requires just four ingredients and may just become the drink of the season! As I was reading up on some food history recently, I stumbled upon a curious newspaper article from 2016. While at a cocktail convention (who knew?),…
Southern (with a Twist) Cornbread… naturally gluten-free with a dairy-free option
The magic begins when you pour the simple batter into a hot skillet. This unique recipe is naturally gluten-free with a dairy-free option and has been a hit with readers (and my family) for years. And have you noticed how leftover cornbread always seems dry? There’s a great tip for “refreshing” it, and I also mention how I…
Frisco’s Peruvian Green Sauce
Looking for a condiment that complements and elevates seemingly everything? This flavor-packed sauce is easy to make－and makes enough to share. We almost always have a jar in the refrigerator, and whenever I whip up a fresh batch, I give a jar away. How many times have you enjoyed a restaurant…
