Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Jack’s Favorite Bloody Mary
A pitcher-full of outstanding Bloody Marys is easy to make and infinitely tastier than store-bought mixes. Bloody Maria, Dirty Mary, and Virgin Mary variations are included and are customizable by the glass. For added fun, offer a make-your-own garnish station! An olive loaded Bloody Mary with a crisp stalk of celery and a generous amount…
Root Beer Float Cookies
Extra points for creativity, root beer fans far and wide will appreciate the addition of this gem to a holiday cookie platter. And don’t forget Christmas in July! As many great recipes start, Tricia Trainer discovered her winning root beer float cookies accidentally. She spied them on a holiday cookie plate, thinking they were molasses…
Lavender Syrup
Lavender Syrup is simple to make and adds a sweet, floral note to hot and iced coffee and tea, lattes, lemonade, cocktails, desserts, and more. A clever trick makes the syrup a pretty shade of purple! The first time I had a lavender latte, I didn’t finish it. Despite rave reviews from friends who claimed…
Mix and Match Trail Mix
A wholesome trail mix is easy to make and offers much room for variation, from basic nuts and dried fruit to an assortment of delicious extras. Recipe includes our favorite combinations! I love nuts of all kinds. Their crunch is appealing, and the balance of fats and protein makes them an especially satiating snack. As a…
Labor Day Favorites
Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, is upon us. (How is that possible?) It’s the last barbecue weekend before school gets back into full swing (for some, it’s been in full swing for a while!) and a sweet end to what has hopefully been a delicious summer. Whether entertaining this weekend or simply in…
Honey Deuce
A cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this refreshing drink! People go to the US Open for the tennis. But the official drink of this long-standing tennis tournament lures throngs of fans as well. When I first heard…
Blueberry Lemon Cornbread
This delightful twist on the usual cornbread comes together quickly with pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen blueberries. An easy tip ensures leftovers are never dry—making them perfect for breakfast! Cornbread has long been popular in our house. Partial proof of this statement is evidenced in the multiple cornbread and muffin recipes already on this…
Confetti Salad
A big bowl of this colorful salad comes together easily and is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and at-the-ready meals throughout the week! A fresh, colorful addition to a backyard barbecue or potluck, this vibrant salad is equally well suited to packed lunches and speedy dinners. The recipe has many attributes: filling fiber, plant-based protein,…
Small Batch Refrigerator Pickles
Quick Pickled Vegetables are easy to make with almost any vegetable and are a practical way to use the odds and ends in your crisper drawer. The tangy, crisp bites are great for snacking and will elevate salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, burgers, burrito-type bowls, stir fries, and more. Pickling can be a very simple process.…
20 Festive 4th of July Recipes!
Bringing a dish to a 4th of July party this summer? The following recipes can be made ahead, travel well, and are sure to please a crowd! Of course, if you are hosting your own get-together, these recipes have you covered as well. From appetizers and salads to main dishes, desserts and drinks, the recipes…
DIY Coleslaw Mix
A bag of coleslaw mix offers a convenient shortcut, but for fresher results and cost savings, you can do it yourself in minutes! Below I share my favorite ratios, the quickest way to make consistent shreds, and a few tips for truly stunning salads. Cabbage is economical, widely available throughout the year, and keeps in…
Best Grilled Caesar Salads
Cool, crisp romaine is quickly seared and then brushed with a classic, creamy Caesar dressing for salad that is sure to become a family and entertaining favorite. For a complete meal, grill salmon, shrimp, chicken, or steak to serve alongside. This is a recipe I lean on when I want a meal that feels effortless…
