Summer food is the stuff that brings smiles to tanned faces and fills hungry bellies with wholesome goodness. Pasta salad is a salad that’s worth celebrating just as much as summer itself. This Celebration Pasta Salad is that salad. A light, refreshing mix of veggies, pasta, and cheese all tied together with a sweet vinaigrette….Continue Reading “Celebration Pasta Salad”
An extraordinary burger calls for a condiment that’s just as impressive. I’m a ketchup person. An individual that literally puts the stuff on everything. Infuse a little herb flavor with the addition of a fresh rosemary for a dip or topping worthy of a summer favorite. RECIPE: 1 cup ketchup The conventional therapies of radiation…Continue Reading “Rosemary Ketchup”
No backyard bash would be complete without a good slaw. Send the cabbage packing and cue in the Brussels sprouts for a truly astonishing side. Shaved Brussel sprouts combine with the usual suspects in a mayo based dressing that’s a little on the sweet side. RECIPE: 1 lb Brussels sprouts 1 medium carrot, chopped 1…Continue Reading “Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw”
Packing a picnic basket properly is essential to maximize space and to protect from any spills or breaks. Depending on each individual basket here are a few pointers to keep you on track. Packing a Picnic Bakset: 15 Helpful Hints • If possible, use multiple baskets. Separate items such as dinnerware, linens, and glassware from food…Continue Reading “How to Pack a Picnic Basket”
The official heralding holiday synonymous with the first golden days of summer. Memorial Day is America’s holiday. Whether gathered by a body of water or celebrating with friends at home; assembling a stellar patriotic picnic that’s heavy on the traditional red, white, and blue is super easy. The real inspiration behind this party is the…Continue Reading “Memorial Day Picnic”
Summer refreshment needs to be portable and easy to clean-up in between dips in the pool or walks on the beach. Classic juice bottles are the answer to all of those little things, and with a hot glue gun can be made all your own. Embellishments like vintage buttons, sticker monograms, or themed images look…Continue Reading “Summer Juice Bottles”
Nothing screams summer quite like a homegrown tomato. Sun ripened on the vine and extra juicy, a homegrown tomato is beyond compare. One of my favorite ways to enjoy such a delicacy is simply layering with fresh basil and mozzarella. Then smothering the delicious stack in a rich balsamic dressing. Perfect to serve alongside grilled…Continue Reading “Heirloom Caprese Salad”
Oh, Margaritas. You have my heart and soul. Just the name alone conjures images of warm evenings with friends, after work relax sessions, or just a typical Tuesday. A well mixed Marg is an epic and undeniably beautiful thing. Here’s my go-to recipe for that most cherished of drinks! RECIPE: 4 cups ice 1 cup…Continue Reading “Classic Margarita”
A Cinco De Mayo tablescape is perhaps one of the most fun to create. The month of May is just loaded with so many great occasions to celebrate. In my opinion, May is the initial start to summer; and that means sharing some refreshing cocktails outdoors with friends, and of course, some great food. Cinco…Continue Reading “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta”
Now that the threat of cold weather has slipped on by, at least in Alabama, it’s now time to get out and plant some containers. Container gardening is a fabulous way to maximize space and also add color, texture, and nature to decks, porches, and courtyards. Speaking of courtyards, I am smack-dab in the middle,…Continue Reading “Container Gardening”