Growing up my mom would slice a fresh cucumber from the garden and put them in a tubberware bowl with white vinegar and salt and pepper. We loved eating those vinegar-y cucumber slices. She would make them for all of our summer BBQs and family get togethers over the summers. I have really fond memories of running barefoot and eating lots of yummy summer foods like this marinated cucumber salad.This post is sponsored by Redmond Real Salt. These salts are truly my favorite and all opinions . . .
Summer Asparagus Salad
A few years back some friends brought this tasty asparagus salad to a BBQ. This salad was gone in 2 seconds flat. Everyone asked for the recipe, including me, and it has been a staple ever since. Perfect For A BBQ This dish is PERFECT for summer evening dinners. You will love this along with any sort of grilled meat. We had this with steaks and corn on the cob the other night with my family. My brother said that the only thing he would change about it was to have more of it in his . . .
Red, White, and Blueberry Spritzer
A few weeks ago Des and I attended an event in Los Angeles. We had a chat about how there are drink people and non-drink people. Drink people always have a drink nearby, always offer a drink to guests, and love drinks. Non-drink people, well, don't. I'm definitely a drink person. A special recipe for a holiday or party is always on my list, and this Red, White, and Blueberry Spritzer with Martinelli's Sparkling Cider is no exception.4th of July I love Independence Day. I love our . . .
Scotch Chocolate Cake
This cake is, oh boy, this cake is, SO GOOD. This scotch chocolate cake is one I can crave all year long. But I seem to especially crave it during the summer months. It's the perfect potluck dessert.I don't think I have ever made this cake and come home with left overs. Which, while is a huge compliment to the cake itself, it's kind of depressing for one who might like a little leftover cake :) On several occasions guests will just "take a small piece," cause ya know, they are "not a . . .
Gourmet Hot Dogs – Four Ways
I have a really fun recipe for you today! I have some really creative gourmet twists on the classic hot dog - perfect for a hot dog bar this 4th of July. If you've missed some of our potluck ideas this week, we have them all linked here.The Inspiration for Gourmet Hot Dogs A few years ago my husband and I took a trip to Kauai. Near our hotel was a little hot dog shack called Puka Dog. We ate there on a whim and we were hooked! We had to go back again before we left. They are unique . . .
Doctored Up Baked Beans
Friends!! This baked beans recipe is my GREAT GRANDMA'S! A month ago my mom sent me a couple of pages of recipes from my great grandmas book, and I'm so excited to share some of these with you. First up are these baked beans. I remember my grandma always made them on our summer barbecue evenings with the family- and as a child I didn't love beans but I always loved these. I ended up changing just a few things. Their cans and proportions were a bit different back then, so I had to make the . . .
Homemade Dill Dip
A veggie tray is a classic pot luck item, and today I wanted to share how I've been serving my veggie trays for the last several years. I'm also sharing a fresh homemade dill dip to replace that yucky bottled ranch dressing that often accompanies a vegetable tray.Individually Portioned Dill Dip If you saw my recent 7 layer dip post, you'll notice a theme with the individual portioned servings. I have found this method of serving dips to crowds to be an enormous hit! It is so convenient . . .
Potato Salad
One thing I learned from my mom, who always a makes a famous potato salad, is the simpler the better. Potato salad can become a hodge podge of spices and add-ins- but it gets to be too much. They overpower the classic potato salad. Roll your eyes if you must- but I promise every time me or my mom make this we get asked for the recipe. Sometimes less is more, and even the pickiest of eaters will love this potato salad.This is the same recipe my grandma made, and her grandma made. I can . . .
Rainbow Quinoa Salad
During summer, when the heat is unbearable, the last thing we want is a heavy meal. We turn to grilled meats and veggies, light salads and ice cold lemonade. Instead of a green salad try making this beautiful rainbow quinoa salad for your next meal or party!In all honestly I do not like raw bell peppers...but there is something about this salad. The combo of the churchy veggies and seasoned quinoa that makes it all perfectly balanced. The beans, celery and savory quinoa are perfect! I made . . .
Peanut Slaw (WoodRanch Grill CopyCat Recipe)
Our last book club we met at a popular restaurant here in southern California called WoodRanch Grill. I've been a handful of times and have loved everything I've ordered from the menu. One of my friends suggested I get the peanut slaw that night. Peanut slaw? It sounded just like what I was craving...even though it was a late evening and usually a time when one would order dessert, I wanted something savory. This Peanut Slaw was IT.It really hit the spot. I loved that it wasn't heavy and . . .
Raspberry Sour Cream Cake
This raspberry sour cream cake is hands down one of my favorite desserts. My mom made this growing up and I've continued to make it as an adult. I've served this time and time again and have yet to meet someone who didn't ADORE this cake. It is the perfect balance of tart and sweet.The cake is dense, served cold, and moist! It's one of those desserts that you just want to keep eating and eating and eating.You make the cake in a jelly roll pan - the large 11x16 baking sheets with . . .
Oriental Cabbage Salad
Oriental Cabbage Salad. This easy and delicious salad is packed with flavor from almonds, noodles and the simplest four ingredient dressing. This salad is the perfect side dish to many dishes especially barbecues! Oriental Cabbage salad is a favorite around our house. I personally love the crunch of the cabbage and the sweet tangy dressing. This is one of my classic go-to salads for barbecues or parties- it is such a crowd pleaser. I always get asked for the recipe, so here it is! I feel . . .
