This Strawberry Lemonade Vodka is my favorite alcoholic beverage that we’ve posted thus far. It’s fun, fruity and summery…and it’s the perfect signature drink to make for guests.
Summer is not the most opportune time to drink hot chocolate…unless of course it’s a cool summer night and you’re sitting by a bonfire. Luckily we found this Frozen Hot Chocolate that is to die for. And it’s a solid choice day or night, all summer long.
We’ve tried both Corona ‘Sicles and Blue Moon ‘Sicles and they’re both easy and tasty. This is the type of recipe you can prep in 5 minutes then store in the freezer for whenever the craving strikes. In fact, you should always have these popsicles at the ready.
Flavored Water: 3 Ways. It all started with the cucumber water, which was inspired by the water us girls get at fancy salons and spas. It’s my absolute favorite. The other 2 were other tasty creations that we made up. All refreshing, all healthy, all satisfying.
I was really surprised by how much I liked this Citrus Ginger Smoothie. The thought of raw ginger in a smoothie seemed very….ambitious. But it turns out the flavors compliment each other well. It’s the perfect refreshment after a morning jog or early morning yoga on the beach.
I had to include TWO caprese salad recipes because they’re both amazing and totally different. Caprese salad during the summer just makes sense. Ross and Rachel. Carrie and Big.
The Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes is a classic. If you have a garden, you can probably pick the basil and tomato from your garden and in minutes you have an appetizer. If you’re looking for a creative spin on caprese salad, try these Watermelon and Strawberry Caprese Skewers. There is nothing better than sweet berries and juicy watermelon during the summer and these skewers were amazing.
Continuing with the tomatoes, if you have tomato plants you’ll probably grow so many tomatoes that you won’t know what to do with them. A simple Wedge Salad is a perfect solution. Wedge salads are trendy right now and this blue cheese dressing makes me swoon.
Neither Kara or I like potato salad. At least not the normal everyday potato salad that is an unappetizing yellow color. However, this Potato and Green Bean Salad is absolutely delicious. Promise.
This Vegetable Sushi is healthy and versatile. Use your favorite veggies and serve at a party. People will pop them in their mouths like chips.
Lettuce wraps are good for summer because it’s usually prime months for dieting. People will want carb-free options. These Southwest Lettuce Wraps are my absolute favorite. We made this recipe up as we went along, then totally patted ourselves on the back after.
What’s summer without burgers? Personally, I’m a fan of turkey burgers so these Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers were right up my alley. We made them into sliders and served with olive focaccia to round out the Greek flavors. Yum!
Corn Dogs at the county fair. ‘Nuff said.
Grilling during the summer is the smart choice. Keep your ovens and stoves off and stay as cool as possible. A simple marinade can turn ordinary chicken breast into delicious Garlic, Ginger and Sesame Chicken.
Cedar Plank Salmon. Holy moly! I love salmon in all forms, but this one might be my favorite.
Gyros remind me of the Taste of Chicago. I usually go once per summer and I always walk up and down the streets unable to decide how I want to spend my tickets. And then always I go with the gyro. Every single time. We made these Chicken Gyros at home and they nearly knocked the Taste of Chicago gyros out of the park.
As Kara would say, Lemon Gelato is my life. I don’t think she’s ever actually said that, but considering we ate Gelato everyday in Italy and we both crave gelato often, I’m confident this is a valid statement.
Chocolate Granita is fun to make because it is super simple and it’s a fun dessert to serve on date night. You’ll totally impress your significant other. It’s cold and refreshing but not as guilt-inducing as ice cream.
I love these Lemon Raspberry Bars. Aren’t they pretty? The buttery crust mixed with the lemony bars mixed with the sweet red raspberries makes for a dessert I want to have.
This Salted Caramel Ice Cream is probably the best ice cream we’ve ever made. It was unbelievable. I am totally obsessed with salted caramel, but even so I think you’d agree.
This Icebox Cake is ideal for summer because you keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it. It makes a beautiful presentation too. Since my birthday is in the summer I am totally okay with you making this cake and celebrating with me. 
