Sautéed zucchini makes an excellent side dish for a steak topped with blue cheese butter, but this dish goes a step further by combining all of those delicious flavors. Steak and Zoodles with Blue Cheese Sauce is a perfect summer meal when you are in the mood to fire up the grill and use your farm-fresh zucchini.
Watermelon, Tomato and Burrata Cheese
When I think of summer, watermelon and tomatoes immediately come to mind. They are two of my favorite seasonal foods and they compliment each other nicely in this appetizer with creamy and decadent burrata cheese. The outer layer of this cheese is fresh mozzarella, and when you slice it in half you will discover a luscious, creamy center made of mozzarella soaked in cream. It is the perfect cheese to pair with this summertime appetizer.
Pink Lemonade Blueberry Pizza
Named after their color, pink lemonade blueberries are as beautiful as they are delicious. They taste like traditional blueberries with a hint of lemon flavor. I amped up the sour tones by adding lemon juice and zest for a sweet and tangy dessert pizza with a nutty almond crust. This is a great recipe for a summer party, served with refreshing glasses of pink lemonade. If you cannot find pink lemonade blueberries, just use regular blueberries or your favorite seasonal berries.
Thai Chicken Cabbage Cups
Here is a delicious and nutritious meal you can eat with your hands. Small cabbage leaves make perfect cups for holding chicken and vegetables, and these are drizzled with my spicy Thai peanut sauce for just a touch of heat. The ingredients can be prepared in advanced and assembled when ready to eat, making this an excellent meal for busy nights or lunches on the go. If you can only find large cabbage, fold the leaves like a burrito to create cabbage wraps.
Bourbon Apple Pie Ice Cream Drink
What better way to stay cool this summer than with an ice cream dessert drink, and this one is served in true Kentucky style with a splash of bourbon. In the dairy state, Wisconsin locals love their ice cream, and alcoholic ice cream drinks like the Grasshopper, Golden Cadillac and Pink Squirrel are popular after-dinner beverages. This is my version of a dessert drink that incorporates good old American apple pie and vanilla ice cream with Kentucky’s favorite beverage — bourbon. Cheers to celebrating National Ice Cream Day.
Sweet Potato and Kohlrabi “Fries” with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Oh, how American’s love French fries, and I am included. The crispy, greasy, fried potato is the perfect burger companion. For a healthy alternative, I make a homemade, oven-baked version that is just as satisfying as my favorite guilty pleasure food. These “fries” are made with sweet potato and kohlrabi and served with a creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
Grilled Summer Scallop Salad
Firing up the grill is one of my favorite summer activities. I love it even more when I can cook my entire meal over the grill grates in a matter of minutes. I know, lettuce is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cooking out. However, this sweet and smokey salad with grilled radishes and scallops may become your favorite go-to summer dish. In less than 15 minutes, you will have a delicious meal for two that is perfect for enjoying on your patio with your favorite white wine. Cheers to fast and healthy seasonal meals.
Quick Kale Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits are one of my favorite southern duos. This dish is often prepared with heavy cream and can take some time to make with slow cooking grits. I created this lighter, quick-cooking version, which is ideal for summer evenings when you want a delicious homemade meal in less than 15 minutes. Fast meals like this one free up time to dine on the patio and enjoy warm summer evenings.
Five-Minute Breakfast Bok Choy
Vegetables are my favorite thing to eat for breakfast after my morning workout. I work up an appetite at the gym and I love making fast meals like this one to fuel up for the day. Bok choy has a light and refreshing taste with leaves similar to spinach and stems like a cross between cabbage and iceberg lettuce. This superfood is super delicious and tastes excellent with brown rice, Asian flavors and fried eggs. Move over cereal, breakfast just got a lot more interesting. Go ahead and give veggies a try for your morning meal.
Salmon with Swiss Chard Cauliflower Rice
Rainbow Swiss chard is such a beautiful vegetable that adds a delightful splash of color to your plate. I love this slightly sweet and mildly bitter leafy green, which tastes similar to beet greens and spinach. I have combined this with my favorite grilled fish for a meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make. Pair this with your favorite white wine for a romantic dinner or patio party.
Chicken and Cheese Ravioli
Homemade pasta is one of my favorite things to eat, and it is surprisingly simple to make. Many restaurants have gotten away from the art of making dough by hand and our culture has become accustom to the taste of store-bought pasta. I savor the practice of making pasta by hand, and it has become a favorite stay-home, date-night activity for me and my husband.
Strawberry and Brie Toast
This appetizer features one of my favorite fruits in a savory fashion, using olive oil and red wine vinegar to compliment the sweet berries. This recipe is easy and elegant for entertaining. It is a perfect dish for a Champaign brunch, or go ahead and make it a meal on a busy weeknight by pairing it with a simple salad.
