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Bacon Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
July 8, 2022

Bacon Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Bacon Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese is one of our favorite family dinners. I start this dish by making a creamy white sauce. Then, I stir in the macaroni, extra sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon. Finally, I top the macaroni and cheese with buttery …

pork
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by Sharon
Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
July 7, 2022

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are one of our favorite desserts. I start this recipe by making a chocolate cookie crust. Then, I make a creamy chocolate cheesecake batter. Finally, I top the bars with a sour cream topping and a chocolate drizzle. We like these …

dessert
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by Sharon
Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad
July 3, 2022

Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad

Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this salad by making an easy Lemon Vinaigrette. Then, I use a star cookie cutter to cut watermelon stars from thin slices of watermelon. Finally, I toss these all together with baby arugula, tangy feta cheese, and sweet blueberries. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this beautiful salad in just about fifteen minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this salad ahead of time. I like to make it early in the day and add the dressing right before dinner. Thirdly, I like making this salad for all the patriotic American holidays. This is the perfect salad to serve for the Fourth of July. And, lastly, we all love the creamy feta, juicy watermelon, and sweet blueberries in this salad.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Salad Spinner- Use this to dry your arugula. If the arugula is wet, the dressing won’t cling to it.
  • A Small Jar- I use this to mix together my vinaigrette.

The Ingredients I Used for Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad

  • Feta- Use a good quality feta cheese. My favorite is the French feta cheese that comes in brine at the cheese shop.
  • Arugula- Buy baby arugula. I like the Earthbound Farms brand.
  • Watermelon- Use seedless watermelon. If you want to cut out stars, first cut your watermelon into thin slices.
  • Lemon- Use fresh lemon juice for the vinaigrette.
  • Olive Oil- Be sure to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.

How I Made my Salad

  • First, mixed together all the vinaigrette ingredients.
  • Next, I sliced my watermelon thinly and cut out watermelon stars.
  • Then, I tossed together all the ingredients in a big bowl.

If you like watermelon, you need to try this fresh and delicious Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad.

Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad
Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad
Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad

Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad

Arugula tossed with blueberries, feta, and watermelon. Tossed with a Lemon Vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Vegetables
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups baby arugula
  • 2 cups watermelon cubes
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • ⅛ tsp. kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Lemon Vinaigrette: Simply shake all the ingredients together in a small jar.
  • Then, toss together the arugula, watermelon, blueberries, and feta cheese. Add as much vinaigrette as you like and toss some more.
Keyword salad, vegetables
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
vegetables
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by Sharon
Tahitian Vanilla Ricotta Pancakes
July 1, 2022

Tahitian Vanilla Ricotta Pancakes

Tahitian Vanilla Ricotta Pancakes are one of our favorite summer breakfasts. I start these pancakes by making a sweet Peach Syrup. Then, I make a fluffy Tahitian Vanilla Whipped Cream. Finally, I make the ricotta pancakes and top them with the syrup, whipped cream, and …

breakfast
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by Sharon
Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble
June 30, 2022

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble is one of our favorite summer desserts. I start this simple dessert by mixing together my blueberries and sugar. Then, I mix up the coconut crumble topping and spread it over the blueberries. Finally, I baked it all for thirty …

dessert
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by Sharon
Summer Peach and Pecan Salad
June 29, 2022

Summer Peach and Pecan Salad

Summer Peach and Pecan Salad is one of our favorite salads. I start this salad by making candied pecans. Next, I make a delicious Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette to dress the salad. Finally, I toss all this together along with peaches, grapes, goat cheese, and onions. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this salad in just about fifteen minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this salad in advance. I like to make this early in the day and add the dressing right before serving. And, lastly, we all love the sweet summery flavors in this easy salad.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Salad Spinner- Use this to dry your lettuce. If your lettuce is wet the dressing won’t cling to it.
  • A Small Jar- I use this to shake up my salad dressing.
  • A Nonstick Skillet- Use this to make the candied pecans.

The Ingredients Needed for Summer Peach and Pecan Salad

  • Peaches- This is the perfect salad to make after some summer peach picking. In any case, use the freshest peaches you can find.
  • Pecans- I prefer to use halved pecans, but lately can only find chopped pecans. I always use Diamond brand pecans. This is because, I have found shells in other brands.
  • Grapes- Use green grapes.
  • Goat Cheese- This recipe uses one small log of goat cheese.
  • Peach Balsamic- I use the Arlotta brand peach balsamic. You could just use plain balsamic.

How I Made my Peach Salad

  • First, I made the candied pecans. Watch them carefully so that they don’t burn.
  • Next, I made the dressing. Be sure to taste the dressing. You may want to add a little honey or some salt.
  • Finally, I tossed everything together and served it.

If you like peaches, you need to try this sweet and delicious Summer Peach and Pecan Salad.

Summer Peach and Pecan Salad
Summer Peach and Pecan Salad
Summer Peach and Pecan Salad

Summer Peach and Pecan Salad

A tossed salad full of fresh peaches, green grapes, candied pecans, goat cheese, red onions and a Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups spring greens
  • 2 cups sliced peaches
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup green grapes, halved
  • ½ cup sliced red onions

For the Candied Pecans:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar

For the Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup Peach Balsamic Vinegar, or regular balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp. honey

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Candied Pecans: Heat a medium skillet on low heat and melt the butter and brown sugar together. Add the pecans and stir them until all the pecans are toasty and coated with the sugar. Let them cool on a wax paper lined plate.
  • Next, make the Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small jar, shake together all the ingredients.
  • Then, in a large bowl, toss together all the salad ingredients. Toss in as much dressing as you like.
Keyword vegetables
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
salad
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by Sharon
Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza
June 28, 2022

Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza

Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza is one of our favorite summer dinners. I start this dish by making homemade pizza dough. Then, I top the pizza with homemade pesto and fresh mozzarella cheese and bake it until it’s brown and bubbly. Finally, I add the beautiful …

Uncategorized
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by Sharon
Coconut Chicken and Strawberry Salad
June 27, 2022

Coconut Chicken and Strawberry Salad

Coconut Chicken and Strawberry Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this salad by marinating tender boneless chicken breast. For my marinade, I use a mixture of Thai yellow curry spices and coconut milk. Then, I make a homemade Sweet and Sour …

Uncategorized
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by Sharon
Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
June 26, 2022

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I start this dish by boiling shrimp. Then, I make my Sweet Chili Sauce. Finally, I fill the rice paper wrappers with the shrimp, carrots, radishes, avocado, and mint. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like how refreshing these rolls are on a hot day. Secondly, I like that these rolls can be made ahead of time. I like to make them early in the day and let them chill until dinner. And, lastly, we all love the fresh and delicious flavors in these rolls and the Sweet Chili Sauce.

The Equipment I Used

  • Vegetable Peelers- I use special peelers that cut thin strips of the carrots and paper-thin shavings of the radishes. You can purchase them at Williams-Sonoma.

The Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

  • Noodles- Use vermicelli rice noodles. I use the Kame brand.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce- You will need to use some bottled sweet chili sauce for this recipe. I like the Melinda’s brand.
  • Rice Paper Wrappers- You can find these in the Asian section of your market.
  • Fresno Chilis- If you can’t find this use jalapeno peppers.
  • Sambal Olek- This is a chili garlic sauce. You can find it in the Asian section of your market.
  • Cornstarch- You’ll need this to thicken up the Sweet Chili Sauce.
  • Shrimp- Use large shrimp.
  • Mint- Fresh mint leaves add lots of fresh flavor to these rolls.

How I Made my Shrimp Summer Rolls

  • First, I boiled the shrimp. Take care to not overcook the shrimp.
  • Next, I cooked the rice noodles. Again, these cook in just a few minutes.
  • Then, I made the sauce.
  • Finally, I rolled all the veggies and shrimp up in the wrappers.

If you like shrimp you need to try these light and refreshing Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce.

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Vietnamese inspired summer rolls, stuffed with rice noodles, shrimp and vegetables. Served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai, Vietnamese
Servings 16 rolls
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • ½ lemon
  • 3 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
  • 16 rice paper wrappers
  • 1½ avocados, halved and thinly sliced
  • 6 carrots, peeled and julienned
  • 6 radishes, sliced
  • 30 mint leaves

For the Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce:

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil, divided
  • 3 tbsp. minced Fresno chili, seeded
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • ½ cup bottled sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp. sambal olek (chili garlic sauce)
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 4 tsp. water

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the shrimp: Bring a large pot, half full of water, to a boil. Add the salt, red pepper flakes, lemon, and shrimp. Boil the shrimp for five minutes or until they're firm and pink. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain them in a colander. Slice in half lengthwise.
  • Next, cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Then, drain them and rinse with cold water.
  • Next, make the Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: In a three- quart saucepan, on low heat, heat half of the oil. Add the Fresnos and cook five minutes or until they're soft. Add the garlic, sweet chili sauce, sambal Olek, water, and the rest of the oil. Boil for three minutes. Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture and cook one minute.
  • Next, stuff the rolls: In a pan filled with a half inch of warm water, dip one of the rice paper wrappers in until it's soft and pliable. Carefully lay it out on a cutting board. Place some of each ingredient about an inch from the bottom of the rice wrapper. Fold the bottom of the rice wrapper up to cover the ingredients. Then, fold the sides in and roll up the rice wrapper into a log.
  • Serve with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal
Keyword appetizers, seafood
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Uncategorized
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by Sharon
Strawberry Coconut Layer Cake
June 25, 2022

Strawberry Coconut Layer Cake

Strawberry Coconut Layer Cake is one of our favorite summer desserts. I start this cake by mixing up a sweet coconut batter. While it bakes, I make a fresh strawberry filling. And I make a creamy coconut and strawberry buttercream frosting. We like this cake …

dessert
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by Sharon