This recipe is a great way to use the bounty of your herb garden. Lunch, dinner, or meatless Mondays – this summer pesto pasta is packed with flavor and color. I have been trying all summer to grow an herb garden. I was somewhat successful once a few years ago – I put all my …
Search results for: summer
This blackberry Moscow mule is a sweet variation of the classic Moscow mule recipe. Blackberry jam adds a delicious sweetness to this easy cocktail! I have been a fan of the traditional Moscow mule for a long time. I love the fizz of the spicy ginger beer and the sour taste of the lime juice. …
Shrimp jalapeño poppers stuffed with bacon are perfect for game day and summer parties! An easy appetizer recipe with baking, grilling, and air-fryer instructions included. When planning a game day menu, you can’t go wrong with jalapeño poppers of all kinds. They are spicy, savory, and delicious. These shrimp jalapeño poppers are stuffed with cheese …
An Orange Mojito cocktail is the perfect refreshing easy drink recipe. The ingredients are simple – rum, fresh mint, oranges, and sugar! I love making variations on my favorite cocktails, especially when starting with a classic cocktail recipe. Sometimes, it is a simple swap, like substituting bourbon for vodka in my Kentucky Mule recipe. Other times, I add an …
This blackberry kiwi mojito recipe is a fruity riff on the classic Mojito. Made with fresh fruit, mint springs, and rum, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect summer drink. The mojito is a classic cocktail known for its invigorating taste, characterized by a blend of fresh mint, lime, sugar, and soda or sparkling water. This …
This easy Frito Corn Salad recipe combines vibrant veggies, zesty spices, and the crunch of Fritos for a delicious salad, perfect for potlucks and parties. This Fritos Corn Salad is a crowd-pleaser on game day, at picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or as an easy salad for any meal. The first time I made this, I fell …
This homemade pepper jalapeño liqueur is fantastic! The pepper and jalapeño infusion is subtle and perfect for fun brunch cocktails like the ever popular Bloody Mary. One of my favorite trends in mixology right now is the creation of unique liqueurs by bartenders. I wish, back when I was a bartender, I had been half as …
My easy spicy sausage corn chowder recipe will warm you up! It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd or makes enough for leftovers the next day. Cold winter nights call for delicious hot meals. So does a chilly day in late summer. I have dreams of eating big bowls of steaming soup in front …
This berry rosé sangria is super fruity and super delicious. It’s made with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and rosé and is easy to make! I’m a sangria girl no matter the season but especially in the summer. There is something so refreshing about a cold glass of sangria when it’s hot and sticky outside. Chicago summers …
I don’t know if you’ve seen Candy Kabobs floating around or not, but we can all agree they are adorable. Spend some time making these Candy Kabobs because they are pretty sweet! Candy Kabobs are great for making for a party, event, or for an everyday adventure. Kids love to help their parents put these …
These breakfast charcuterie board ideas are perfect for all special occasions! Add your favorite breakfast foods for a wonderful way to feed the whole family for brunch or breakfast! They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I agree. A brunch board or breakfast platter will be the star of the …
The Kentucky Mule is a delicious twist on a traditional Moscow Mule cocktail. Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer, and fresh-squeezed lime juice make this an easy 3-ingredient bourbon cocktail. I’d like you to meet the Kentucky Mule – the Moscow Mule’s distinguished cousin with a Kentucky twist. I’ve had a love affair with Kentucky for a …
This post has been sponsored by Prairie Organic Spirits. All opinions are my own. 21+ Drink Responsibly. This gin ginger martini is the perfect mix of spice, sweetness, and sour. Simple to make at home – the perfect nightcap or party drink. When I think of ginger as a fall or winter flavor, I always think …
Homemade ginger simple syrup is an easy way to add a little sugar and spice to your cocktails and homemade sodas. Great drizzled on top of ice cream, too! Take your vodka soda or your gin and tonic to the next level with a bit of ginger simple syrup. A home bar should include multiple …
This chicken potato chowder is great for using up leftover grilled chicken breasts. It is easy to make and super tasty thanks to added bacon. I am always looking for ways to use up leftover grilled chicken. We tend to buy the family pack of chicken breasts when they are on sale and then we …
This beef pumpkin stew recipe is hearty and delicious! Made with pumpkin puree and beef stew meat, it is savory and guaranteed to warm you up. As the trees’ leaves start to change color and fall and the temperatures begin to drop, I start to crave heartier dinners. The warmer the meal, the better. I …
My no cook corn black bean salsa recipe takes 10 minutes to make and is perfect for parties, tailgating and holidays. Make this your new favorite quick appetizer! Tailgating season is almost here. I am actually watching baseball this summer and now I have to get myself in a football mood. I’m not complaining though …
Indulge in the refreshing and flavorful Raspberry Gin Spritzer, a tasty cocktail perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed gathering. Only 4 ingredients are needed to make this easy raspberry cocktail! Over the past few years, there has been a resurgence of speakeasies and classic cocktail lists with drinks you once thought only grandpa and grandma drank. …
This delicious blackberry sangria recipe uses red wine, muddled blackberries, and blackberry brandy for the perfect summer drink! Everybody raise yo’ hands – it’s sangria time again! Test tasting at my place has been fun these last few weeks as I’ve rolled out a couple of big batch cocktails. If you’re looking for a super …
This no bake blueberry cheesecake recipes needs to be your go-to summer dessert. So easy to make in individual portions and so delicious! Originally published March 2015, updated July 2019. Folks. My kitchen does not have air conditioning. I have a big window that lets in a mediocre breeze but otherwise I’m dependent on a pretty strong fan …
One Pot Tomato and Pesto Pasta – a delicious 30 minute dinner. Use store-bought or homemade pesto and add shaved parmesan cheese to make this easy pasta dish! This one pot tomato and pesto pasta recipe is a year-round recipe but it’s particularly perfect for the summer and fall seasons. The times of year when …
This easy homemade hibiscus simple syrup recipe is the perfect substitute for basic simple syrup. Perfect for all of your favorite cocktails. Making simple syrup is easy and making different simple syrups is just as simple. You need a pot, water, sugar, and your favorite ingredients. Hibiscus simple syrup is one of my favorites and …
This cucumber watermelon punch is perfect for all parties and occasions. This punch recipe is fruity, floral, and very refreshing!
Make this slow cooker barbacoa beef the next time you are in the mood for tacos, burritos or quesadillas! Originally published January 2015, updated June 2019. The one kitchen tool or appliance that I keep handy year-round is my slow cooker. In the winter, when I am all bundled up and don’t want to leave …
This grilled chicken avocado salad is topped with homemade jalapeno cilantro dressing. It is the perfect easy summer salad and great for quick lunches! I’ve been taking a chance on foods I don’t normally eat. Avocados used to make me squeamish, to say the least. At events, I could be seen scraping the avocado off of …
This raspberry sweet tea cocktail combines raspberry honey simple syrup, honey liqueur, and bourbon with iced tea to make the perfect mixed summer drink! My sister and I used to watch a lot of TV together. We would do a little margherita pizza eating and Netflix binge watching once a week. Boy, do we love our Kimmy Schmidt. …
This deli macaroni salad recipe is the perfect side dish for backyard BBQs and holiday celebrations like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July! Do you ever eat something at a restaurant – maybe a unique salad or a spectacular sandwich – and all you can think about afterward is eating it again because it …
This chicken corn chowder recipe is creamy and hearty comfort food. The recipe is easy to follow and full of veggies – corn, potatoes, carrots, and celery! Also, you can save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. We still have to deal with cool nights as the weather gets warmer and the days get …
This grapefruit hibiscus margarita is the perfect cocktail recipe to make you think of summer! Fresh grapefruit and lime juice, homemade hibiscus simple syrup, and a little muddled mint make this a fun and tropical cocktail! Grapefruit hibiscus margaritas need to happen, and they need to happen often. I can never resist an excuse to …
Deviled egg dip is perfect for using up extra hard boiled eggs. It’s a chunky dip and a great addition to your Easter and holiday party menu. This dip is the perfect way to use up those leftover Easter eggs. Forget about egg salad – deviled egg dip is where it’s at. Also, this easy recipe …
This chicken ranch pasta salad is a great main course or delicious side dish! It is perfect for summer – only 5 ingredients! It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and perfect for your next BBQ. If you’re looking for an easy recipe, this ranch chicken pasta salad is it. With only five ingredients …
Chicken fajitas are the perfect recipe for summer family dinners! Homemade fajita seasoning and marinade plus chicken, bell peppers, onions, and spices. I recently pulled my indoor grill out of a box and used it to make this chicken fajita recipe. Very, very nice and convenient! It kind of made me feel like I was not in the midst …
Try my easy basil roasted garlic tomato sauce today. This pasta sauce is thick and full of garlic and fresh basil. Serve it with your favorite pasta! Last summer, I was taking photos at a local restaurant, and one of the items was a roasted garlic dish. It smelled heavenly. Usually, when I am offered the …
From Chicago, a 5-hour drive will bring you to Traverse City, Michigan. It is known for many things, particularly it’s waterfront and it’s wine. No matter the season, there are many so things to do in Traverse City. This trip was sponsored by the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Traverse City Tourism. All opinions …
Step out of your wine comfort zone this summer and discover a new Italian white wine! High quality Italian wines pair well with seafood dishes. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Italian Trade Commission. All opinions are 100% mine. Summer is the perfect season for fresh seafood and delicious wine. …
This bourbon chocolate milkshake is the perfect adult shake! Use vanilla ice cream, your favorite bourbon, and baking cocoa for this combination dessert/nightcap! This recipe is an “oldie but goodie” back from the days when I was a brand ambassador for Rodelle! If you’re new to Rodelle, they develop superior baking extracts and gourmet spice blends (and are …
This apple mint iced tea cocktail is delicious, refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer! Make one today to celebrate warmer weather. There’s nothing better on a hot humid day than a nice, cold glass of iced tea! I know you know what I’m talking about. May and June usually bring the heat in addition to …
Make pickled jalapenos with this easy recipe. Quick pickled jalapeños can be made the day before and enjoyed on a variety of foods including nachos and chili. Also included are instructions for canning jalapeños. Last summer I decided that pickling was my new hobby. I pickled cucumbers… to make pickles. I pickled blueberries and shared them at …
This blueberry lemon smash is the perfect rum cocktail for the end of summer! It’s easy to make and refreshing – drink one on the next hot day! Summer is almost here. And you can make the most of these warm and sunny days with a tasty summer rum cocktail. When I get a summer …
These strawberry muffins with glaze are easy to make – they’re super moist, delicious and the strawberries will melt in your mouth! Originally published April 2013, Updated May 2015. One day, I really wanted to make blueberry muffins. I had one of those ridiculous cravings people get sometimes so I started get everything ready to make them. I grabbed …
The java lava crumbler – a delicious cookie and coffee milkshake. And who doesn’t love whipped cream and chocolate syrup! One of my very first jobs was working at a coffee shop on the northwest side of Chicago called the Sun Cafe. It is a long gone business, unfortunately, but I have many happy memories …
Use your extra or leftover candy canes to make these double peppermint chocolate chip cookies. They are perfect for the holidays and cookie swaps! We are smack dab in the middle of holiday season and all I can think about are cookies. Lots and lots of cookies. I have been so busy with family stuff …