Summer Recipes
Refrigerator Dill Pickles
No canner needed for these crisp, tangy Refrigerator Dill Pickles. Once the spices are assembled, they come together in a snap…and might just become a new summertime favorite! Have you heard that Cleopatra thought eating pickles made her beautiful? Or that Christopher Columbus rationed pickles during his famous voyage in order to prevent his…
Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Muffins that are healthy enough to eat for breakfast yet decadent enough for dessert – Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins fit the bill. Plus they’re naturally gluten- and grain-free, use minimal sweetener, and freeze well! A recent train ride to New York City seemed like an ideal opportunity to write about the merits of today’s…
Succotash Salad
Succotash Salad is fresh, simple summer eating at its best. The simplicity of the “dressing”—really just a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon—allows the flavors of the seasonal produce to shine. Leftovers make a great lunch! If my sister had the first turn in a round of word association that opened with…
Cornell Chicken (with how-to for perfectly barbecued bone-in chicken)
Reminiscent of the classic roadside barbecue－complete with advance prep convenience and tender, juicy meat－this chicken dinner is a real winner. For those who enjoy, Cornell Chicken can be served with a favorite BBQ sauce on the side. What does Dad cook best? After a little teasing that his grilled cheese sandwiches are amazing (when he turns down…
Strawberry Granitas
Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth granitas can be made with a variety of seasonal fruits for a refreshingly light dessert or snack all summer long. Start with this simple recipe for Strawberry Granitas and customize to taste with a variety of options. No fancy equipment needed! My husband and I hosted a big cookout over Memorial Day weekend.…
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. There’s also a worthy gluten-free option for those who need it—and nobody will detect a difference! On birthdays and hot summer nights, cake and ice cream really hit the spot. 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 taste—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 boxes—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 – with just three main ingredients! If you ask a group of children what their favorite season is, you’ll likely hear a chorus of “Summer!” amidst a few shrieks of “Winter!” No school and frequent dips in the pool…
Fresh Peach Cake
A simple summer dessert to return to again and again, then you can vary the fruit in the rustic cake once peach season has ended. 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…
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…
