Summer Recipes

Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

Guaranteed to be the hit of the party, my favorite Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake includes fudge filling, chocolate crunchies, and all.  Thereโ€™s also a worthy gluten-free option for those who need itโ€”and nobody will detect a difference! On birthdays and hot summer nights, cake and ice cream really hit the spot.ย  The following…

Easy Zucchini & Ground Beef Dinner

Six basic ingredients form the foundation of this one-skillet meal, which comes together quickly for a family-friendly dinner on even the busiest of weeknights.  Follow the basic recipe or customize Easy Zucchini & Ground Beef Dinner to tasteโ€”and hope for leftovers because they improve with age!   When my husband and I planned a quick family…

5-Ingredient Very Berry Smoothie (and make-ahead smoothie packs)

Loaded with filling protein, healthy fats, and a hearty dose of fruit (and optional veggie), this 5-ingredient very berry smoothie checks all the metaphorical boxesโ€”and tastes great, too. For grab-and-go convenience, smoothie packs can be quickly assembled and stored in the freezer.   For years, my childhood friend Christine and I would occasionally grab a…

Mayo-Free Cumin Lime Slaw

Use this light vinaigrette for an easy slaw that adds a tangy pop of flavor and crisp crunch to fish tacos, burgers, burrito bowls, BBQ, and more. Or enjoy as a dressing on green salads to accompany your favorite Mexican, South Asian, and American cuisine.   When I think of recipes I make most regularly,…

Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp with Basil

Prep these tasty bites in advance for an appetizer or entree that’s equal parts easy and delicious โ€“ with just three main ingredients!   If you ask a group of children what their favorite season is, youโ€™ll likely hear a chorus of โ€œSummer!โ€ amidst a few shrieks of โ€œWinter!โ€ No school and frequent dips in the pool…

Fresh Peach Cake

My enthusiasm for fall apples knows no bounds and I hold no grudges against pumpkin spice everything.  But just because schools are back in session doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to all the amazing fruits and veggies that are still at their peak.  (Speaking of school, when this recipes posts, I will be…

Long’s Yellow Tomato Soup

A delightful summer soup with a stunning color and a hint of optional heat. Yellow tomatoes are also a lower acid tomato with lots of natural sweetness.   The mere description of this soup inspired me to plant yellow tomatoes in our backyard garden. The first year, I think I got three.   The second…

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…

Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Salad

Think Italian sub in veggie form. That may sound like a strange comparison (and you might say hoagie, depending on where you’re from), but it’s a pretty good way to sum up this satisfying seasonal salad. ย Spoiler: there’s an easy way to convert this into a flavor-packed pasta salad, because who doesn’t love a delicious…

Sunflower Basil Pesto

This easy recipe is economical, loaded with flavor, and ideal for families with a nut allergy. Plus the pesto freezes well, so you can enjoy the versatile condiment all year long!   If I were to choose just one condiment to get me through the summer, it would be pesto. The fresh seasonal sauce can…

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