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.
Southwest Chicken Salad with Jalapeno Dressing is my husband’s favorite salad.
Southwest Chicken Salad is filled with southwest inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, grilled chicken, peppers, tomatoes and topped with a homemade jalapeno dressing.
Easy Cookout Side Dishes (Old-Fashioned Favorites for Summer)
When it comes to summer gatherings, nothing brings people together like a table full of delicious cookout side dishes. From creamy classics to fresh and healthy salads, these easy recipes are perfect for picnics, potlucks, family reunions, and backyard barbecues.
Whether you’re planning a large gathering or a simple family cookout, you’ll find plenty of old-fashioned favorites and crowd-pleasing sides to complete your meal. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining. Continue reading COOKOUT SIDE DISHES
These Peach Mascarpone Fruit Rolls are a delicious summertime dessert made with juicy fresh peaches, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a soft cobbler-style crust, all baked in a sweet syrup and finished with a light glaze.
If you love peach cobbler, this rolled version is a fun and beautiful twist that’s perfect for sharing.
If you love a classic cheesy hash brown casserole but want something with a little extra kick, this Firecracker Potato Casserole is just the recipe to try. Made with frozen Potatoes O’Brien, spicy sausage, jalapenos, and melty cheese, this bold and flavorful dish is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings like the 4th of July or Labor Day.
Our family enjoys a traditional cheesy, hashbrown casserole and we have it at every get together, but this spicy version was a big hit and disappeared quickly. Continue reading FIRECRACKER POTATO CASSEROLE
This Super Chef Salad served on a board is a fresh, colorful meal you will want to serve often this summer. It is the ultimate salad loaded with crisp vegetables, hearty meats, eggs, cheeses, and a variety of other toppings.
Serving a chef salad on a board makes it feel extra special, whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests. It’s also one of the easiest meals to customize using ingredients you already have on hand. This is a total meal that makes a great lunch or light dinner. It would also be nice to take to a cook-out or covered dish dinner.
Strawberry Mascarpone Pretzel Salad in a Jar is a fun and delicious twist to the retro Strawberry Pretzel Salad that has been popular since the 1960’s.
With its sweet and salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and strawberry topping, this layered dessert is always a favorite at potlucks, cook-outs, and family gatherings.
Making it in individual jars adds a special touch and makes it easy to serve, transport, and enjoy. It’s a perfect summertime dessert that’s both beautiful and refreshing.
Continue reading STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE PRETZEL SALAD IN A JAR
This Chicken and Steak Wrap Board is one of our favorite easy meals—especially during the warmer months when we want something fresh, filling, and simple to prepare.
With grilled chicken, tender steak, fresh vegetables, and a variety of sides, this board makes a beautiful and delicious meal that everyone can customize to their liking.
It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a small gathering. Continue reading CHICKEN and STEAK WRAP BOARD