Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day

Classic Deviled Eggs

A widely popular appetizer, side dish, or that little “something extra” at picnics, potlucks, holiday meals, and family dinners, this simple deviled egg recipe is a family favorite!   Deviled eggs have long been popular picnic and party fare. We all know the drill. Cut the cooked eggs in half lengthwise, scoop out the yolks,…

Deep Dark Chocolate Fudgesicles with Greek Yogurt

An easy-to-make treat that’s cool, creamy, and super chocolatey!   When my friend Nicole mentioned that 40 percent of what we do on a daily basis is habit, it really resonated. For several months, a small voice in my head had been telling me that I was eating too much sugar and that eliminating my…

Tzatziki (and a few graduation pictures!)

In addition to the requisite photos of this cool, creamy, perfectly summery sauce, I have graduation pictures for you!  As I mentioned last week, the past couple of weeks have been equal parts busy and exciting around here. The main event was last Thursday when John and 699 of his classmates paraded across the stage…

Low Country Shrimp Boil

This festive, all-in-one meal is sure to become a summertime favorite! For a small gathering or fun weeknight family meal, simply cut the recipe in half. When I offered to cook for a dozen or so family members this past Motherโ€™s Day, I pondered the perfect recipe long and hard. Ideally, the meal would be…

Avocado, Watermelon & Mint Salad with Feta Cheese

Bursting with flavor and color, this light summer salad complements grilled chicken, fish, and steak beautifully. The simple prep makes it perfect for effortless weeknight meals and casual entertaining alike. My paternal grandmother and my mother shared an extraordinary knowledge of flowers, an ability to use them in artistic ways, and a general love of…

Blueberry Coconut Almond Baked Oatmeal

For added ease, prepare this filling casserole the night before and gently reheat in the morning. Serve as is or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of milk. If you donโ€™t care for coconut, simply omit it from the recipe.       Flipping through my timeworn recipe box is like a…

Cilantro Lime Crema

Five ingredients and countless ways to enjoy.  That’s this recipe in a nutshell.  It’s like a little magic wand that can be waved to perk up plain chicken, fish, a simple baked potato, and so much more.  And who couldn’t use a little dinnertime magic from time to time?  I first made this sublime sauce…

Baked Potato Wedges

A versatile side dish that complements nearly any protein, Baked Potato Wedges are an economical addition to the weekly dinner rotation. A special trick makes them extra crisp.   They’re not exactly French fries, but these simple baked wedges are always a hit in our house. I often fall back on this tasty side dish…

BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado

In recent weeks, I’ve heard from many readers who offered kind praise for my Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe. Many noted the big flavor punch delivered by the small amount of lime juice that’s added to the mayo.  The bright, fresh taste it delivers happens to be my favorite part of the salad, too. In the following…

Peanut Butter Popsicles

Four easy ingredients create a refreshing, protein-rich treat that the whole family will love. Perfect for healthy snacks and dessert๏ผand they will pass for breakfast!         Hot days call for cold treats. Weโ€™ve made our fair share of ice cream runs this summer (major thanks to Pennyโ€™s and Lancaster Sweet Shoppe ๐Ÿ™‚…

Classic Gazpacho (A toppings bar makes it a meal๏ผor a party!)

A selection of toppings turns this classic summer soup into a filling meal. Simple advance prep makes it ideal for casual entertaining and easy weeknight meals alike, and the flavor improves over time!   While living in Spain for six months many years ago, I was told that when the weather gets hot, even a…

Grilled Shishito Peppers

Serve these sweet and (almost always!) mild Japanese peppers as a quick, easy, and surprisingly popular appetizer or side dish.   Have you ever heard of chili peppers that are mildโ€ฆmost of the time? Such is the case with the shishito pepper, a small, slender sweet pepper that originated in Asia. A year or two…

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