Black Bean and Corn Salad is a fresh, colorful side dish made with sweet corn, black beans, chickpeas, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing of red wine vinegar, garlic, olive oil and lime.
This easy, make-ahead salad is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. It is light, full of flavor, and always a crowd favorite. Continue reading BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Ground beef is browned, then simmered with spices in a ketchup base, and served on a toasted bun. This sandwich is so popular because it is simple and satisfying. Continue reading SLOPPY JOES
These mini strawberry pies are a beautiful and delicious dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want a simple treat made with fresh strawberries.
These individual pies are filled with sweet, juicy strawberries and topped with whipped cream. 
The mini pies can be served when you need an individual dessert with any dinner. They are also perfect to serve at a 4th of July gathering. Some people prefer a smaller pie like these, instead of a large slice. Continue reading MINI STRAWBERRY PIES
Cinnamon Roll Peach Cobbler Skillet
Cinnamon Roll Peach Cobbler Skillet is an easy, comforting dessert made with juicy peaches, warm cinnamon, and sweet vanilla, all baked over a soft cinnamon roll crust in a cast iron skillet. This cozy dessert comes together quickly and tastes like a homemade cobbler with a fun, family-friendly twist. Continue reading CINNAMON ROLL PEACH COBBLER SKILLET
SUMMER SANDWICHES
Easy, No-Fuss Sandwich Recipes for Hot Days
When the summer heat is at its peak, the last thing most of us want to do is turn on the oven. That’s when simple, satisfying sandwich recipes come to the rescue.
This collection of Summer Sandwiches is filled with easy, old-fashioned favorites that are perfect for quick lunches, light suppers, picnics, or even sharing with family and friends. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and kept chilled in the refrigerator, making mealtime simple and stress-free. Continue reading SUMMER SANDWICHES
This Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad has been a favorite in my kitchen for over 30 years. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for making simple, delicious sandwiches.
What makes this recipe a little special is the touch of honey and sugar, which gives it just the right balance of sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
It’s especially refreshing during the warmer months, and I love to keep a bowl in the refrigerator for quick lunches and easy meals. Continue reading OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES
This Picnic Focaccia Sandwich is layered with a creamy onion and chive spread, stacked high with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, then finished with a drizzle of zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead sandwich for warm summer days.
I love using focaccia bread for this recipe—it’s soft, flavorful, and sturdy enough to hold all of those delicious layers. I don’t always find it easily, but one morning I spotted a loaf at Panera Bread and knew exactly what I was going to make.
We enjoyed this on a beautiful picnic day, but I’ve also served it at parties and even a baby shower. It always gets compliments! Continue reading PICNIC FOCACCIA SANDWICH
This Cheesy Garden Patch Spaghetti Bake is a hearty, comforting pasta dish loaded with fresh garden vegetables and layers of melted cheese. It is the perfect way to use up summer produce while creating a warm, satisfying family meal. Continue reading CHEESY GARDEN PATCH SPAGHETTI BAKE
This Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Cake is a light, elegant dessert, baked in a tiara pan, that’s perfect for any summer gathering. With a soft yellow cake, a sweet mascarpone cream filling, and a beautiful topping of fresh strawberries, this dessert is as pretty as it is delicious.
I’ve had my tiara pans since the 1980’s and have made many variations over the years. These pans—also called Mary Ann or flan pans—create a cake with a shallow center that’s perfect for filling with cream, pudding, or fresh fruit. This strawberry version is one of my favorites for summertime holidays. Continue reading STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE CREAM CAKE
Peaches and Cream Crescent Braid…fresh peaches, cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon baked in a crescent crust with a sweet glaze drizzled over it.