Refreshing, simple, bold, balanced. Those are the four words that best describe this summer side dish. While this could certainly be made with raw red onions, it tastes 18 times better when you caramelize the red onions. They take on that sweet flavor from the sugar and oil during the caramelization process. And that sweetness brings out the sweet in the peas and is the … [Read more...]
Strawberry Sorbet
As a mom, I love sorbet. It is lower in sugar than ice-cream and my kids are getting a healthy dose of fruit on their ice-cream cone. However, the frugalista in me winces every time I look at the price of a pint container of sorbet. This recipe is an easy and frugal alternative to store-bought sorbet. When I buy strawberries on sale, I can make twice as much sorbet, for half … [Read more...]
S’moreos
S’mores are summer. Summer is s’mores. Add in Oreos and it’s even more. Even more of a special treat. And you can treat even more. Translation: S’moreos last longer than traditional s’mores in our larger family. The recipe I found via Pinterest from Cakespy: Campfire Meets Cookie. Click over for the basic directions. Then gather your three ingredients for s'mores. Just … [Read more...]
Lemonade Pie
We have several backyard barbecues planned during June to celebrate Father's Day, my dad's birthday and some visiting relatives from out of town so I'm looking forward to making several of these super simple Lemonade Pies! Everyone enjoys these ice cream pies and you can even switch it up by using orange juice concentrate, frozen strawberries or pink lemonade … [Read more...]
Pistachio Pudding Parfaits
This one is for my husband. He went to the grocery store recently on a hunt for pistachio ice cream...he doesn't do this often...but he was really craving it, so he went. But he returned home with some kind of "neopolitan," although it wasn't neopolitan, per say. It was a combination of something, something and pistachio. And he proceeded to then only eat the green pistachio … [Read more...]
Grab-n-Go Picnic Ideas
Need some quick and easy..."grab n go"...ideas for your next summer picnic? I love, love taking the boys out for picnics during the summer. I love the casual nature of the meal, I like that the kids can "graze and play," and I like that everyone is fun down afterwards...ready for an afternoon of resting, reading and playing quietly inside during the peak heat of the … [Read more...]
Wedge Cobb Salad
New spin on Cobb Salads...serve it wedge style! I love fresh salads during the summer, especially when some, or all of the ingredients are coming out of my garden. (Or down the street from the local farmer's market!) There's just something primitive about eating foods that you grew, or you know who grew them, and where they were grown. There's a comfort to this primitive … [Read more...]
Spinach Mushroom Quiche Recipe
Breakfast for dinner...yes, please! Light and tasty summer dinner...yes, please! Powerful flavors in a simple dish...yes, please! This is actually one of my favorite quiches, that I usually make with ground sausage...but I swapped out the sausage for mushrooms...and the result was amazing! (Find a slew of mushroom recipes and "swapability ideas" on the Mushroom Love … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Vegetables Feed the Larger Family
As we head into the summer months, my beloved slow cooker switches into high gear. See, I try and avoid using the oven if at all possible, so the slow cooker gets a lot of use. We all know you can save money and feed many by serving garden vegetables. One way I save is by having veggie night once a week. And sometimes the slow cooker helps me out. All I do is rinse and slice … [Read more...]
Crunchy Parmesan Spaghetti
Spaghetti noodles. With a little crunch. Served warm or cooled. I'm loving these noodles as a side dish this summer. They are the perfect compliment to grilled chicken, steaks and/or shrimp "on the barbie", and grilled pork chops. It's uber simple...instead of tossing with marinara or meat sauce, you toss the cooked noodles with a mixture of bread crumbs and grated … [Read more...]