4th of July

This tropical slaw is a perfect way to kiss goodbye to summer.  It’s bursting with crunch, sweetness, and a hint of heat.  It goes wonderfully with grilled meats, shrimp tacos, or when you’re looking for a side dish that’s a little out of the ordinary. Read More..

Who says your 4th of July hot dogs have to be grilled?  Take a flavor trip to the big apple with these NYC-style Dirty Water Dogs With Onion Sauce.  Your family will love the sweet and savory sauce on the salty, tender hot dog. To Read More..

Fresh, tangy, cool, and creamy, these key lime pie popsicles have it all.  If you love key lime pie, then you’re going to adore these refreshing popsicles.  They’re perfect for hot summer days! Nothing says ‘summer vacation’ more than the flavor of key lime pie.  Read More..

Old fashioned macaroni salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish for summer potlucks, barbecues, showers, or parties.  Tailor the salad ingredients to what you have on hand or what is in season. This salad is one of my ‘go-to’ holiday picnic recipes. It’s easy, cool, Read More..

Kick-off your 4th of July with a plate of red, white, and blue Patriotic Pancakes!  Topped with French Chantilly cream and fresh berries, these pancakes are a fun and delicious way to start the holiday off right. I like to start the party early and Read More..

Grilled romaine salad is this summer’s ‘go-to’ side dish when you want something a little bit different.  Heads of romaine lettuce are grilled to give them a subtle, smoky flavor and then topped with a creamy, homemade dressing, bacon, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.  What’s not Read More..

Sweet, baked fruit with an almond paste topping that is reminiscent of your favorite French macaron cookie.  Ring in the start of summer with this homey, comforting dessert.  Top the cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Read More..

Cool and creamy, these strawberry cheesecake paletas are made with whole foods and are very easy to make.  Kids love them and it’s satisfying knowing that you’re offering them real food instead of chemicals. This recipe is dedicated to my sweet little great-nephew.  We’ve established Read More..

What are Burnt Ends (aka: Meat Candy) you ask?  These are tender, succulent bite-size chunks of brisket that are dry-rubbed, sauced, and cooked until the cubes are sticky, with crispy edges. They are delicious as an appetizer, on a sandwich, or as the stellar main Read More..

Making Kansas City barbecue for the big game on Sunday?  Ribs, brisket, chicken, or sausage? You’re gonna need sides.  So, give this vinegar-based coleslaw a try to go along with your meats.  The vinegary crunch cuts through all the sweetness and fattiness of the barbecued Read More..

Want something a little different to finish your Thanksgiving meal?  This peanut butter pie with chocolate ganache is light and fluffy with a rich, fudgy top.  It’s perfectly sweet, without being heavy. I adore anything that has peanut butter and chocolate in it and this Read More..

As we near closer to the end of Election Day 2020 and all the craziness, we may need a little something to take the edge off of the nerves, relax and mellow out the anxiousness.  My Election Day Shooters fit the bill very nicely!  They’re Read More..

Why not take advantage of the last of the warm evening grilling opportunities.  These grilled bbq pork chops are juice, tender, and so flavorful with the dry rub and the barbecue finishing sauce. I like to serve the chops with Old Fashioned Fried Apples, Southern Read More..

Southern potato salad is a creamy, tangy, flavorful side dish that goes perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, fried chicken…almost everything.  This is comfort food that evokes happy memories of family picnics, barbecues, parties, and potlucks. Growing up in Pittsburgh one of my favorite summertime activities Read More..

This easy grilled tequila lime chicken is full of spicy Southwest flavor and yet is easy enough for a weeknight meal. I love keeping a container of grilled, boneless, skinless chicken breasts in my fridge.  They make it so easy to slice and put on Read More..