Strawberry Gin Fizz

This recipe was sponsored by Sweet N Low and Social Stars. Thank you for supporting the products I love and use in my kitchen.

OK, I'm officially too hot. After the horrible, never-ending winter we had I definitely was prepared to tolerate heat and I'm still not really complaining. But daily heat index readings over 100 degrees are making me come kind of close to complaining. Just slap me next February, OK? Drinks! We need drinks. Tall, icy cool drinks.

Bourbon Pear Lemonade

Does any beverage scream summer more than lemonade? I love the sweet, tart coolness of it. But, let's face it, I love it more with a little kick. Bourbon's punch is nicely mellowed by some sweet pears and the sparkling lemonade. Slow, cool summer sipping.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Oreo Crust

Isn't this a good looking birthday cake? Yes, I know it's a cheesecake but today is my birthday and I always want cheesecake on my birthday so this is a birthday cake. Isn't it pretty? And no we won't be sticking any candles on it because it looks way prettier with chocolate shavings. Also, that many candles would be dangerous.

Summer Friday Flashback: Yogurt Fig Cake

Every Friday this summer I'm going to treat you to a blast from the past. I've chosen some of the best recipes from the past few years to highlight because I love making them over and over again. Enjoy!

This beautiful cake was the first time I baked with Greek yogurt and became a convert. Moist, buttery cake, fragrant with cinnamon and ginger and topped with fresh seasonal figs. It was heaven in loaf form!

Click here to read the original story and get the recipe.

One Pot Basmati Rice and Sausage Casserole (and a giveaway)

Have I ever described the kitchen in my Manhattan rental to you? It's small, dark and cramped with cabinets that were all the rage back in 1986 but not at anytime since then. There's only enough room for a small fridge and the little movement room I had has been taken up by the cart I bought to hold a microwave and some basic pantry items that didn't fit elsewhere. The counter top appliances are mostly hand-me-downs and I'm pretty sure the toaster is older than I am. It's not exactly my dream kitchen but somehow it all works.

Protein Packed Breakfast Bowl

Confession time. I'm not very good to myself at breakfast. I'm rushed and distracted and I tend to eat a piece of toast standing up in the kitchen and then run. Oh, I'm better the rest of the day and I will eat fruit and vegetables and yogurt before it's all done. But, seriously, what a piss-poor way to start the day. No more, though. I'm vowing to reform.

Icy Sparkling Mango Cooler

This recipe was sponsored by Sweet 'N Low and Social Stars. Thank you for supporting the products I love and use in my kitchen.

Summer get-togethers need a cocktail, right? Right?? And since I like spending time with my guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen or behind the bar, I like to prep in advance. And that certainly includes the drinks. Brunch parties need something light and fruity and easy on the added sugar but I have lots of ideas for that.

Mustard and Herb Crusted Lamb with Yogurt Sauce

Leg of lamb is a fancy meal that takes forever and is made for holidays, right? Pfft, says who? Add this to the many myths about cooking because lamb is juicy, delicious, can be prepared fairly quickly and is perfect for a weeknight meal. No need to break out the fancy wine either because it's so good with a refreshing summer ale.

Sponge Cake with Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Frosting

Those of you who come here often already know there's a complete lack of fancy decorated layer cakes. That's not due to a lack of interest but rather to a complete lack of talent in the fancy decorated layer cake department. Oh, I'm the queen of crumb cakes and fruit pies but once you start talking about frosting and layers you should probably go elsewhere. I'm working on it.

Summer Friday Flashback: Individual Chocolate Pudding Cheesecake Parfaits

Every Friday this summer I'm going to treat you to a blast from the past. I've chosen some of the best recipes from the past few years to highlight because I love making them over and over again. Enjoy!

These little pots of awesome were born of my absolute need to have this dessert and my complete certainty that if I made it in a large pan, I would eat the whole thing all by myself in record time. Layers of butter cookies, no-bake cheesecake, chocolate chips and chocolate pudding coming together to make heaven in a jar.

Click here to read the original story and get the recipe.

Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins

When you see a basket full of little muffins do you think "awe, how cute?" I don't. I think it's boring and sad. A portion controlled basket of boring sadness. Enough that it makes me avoid muffins. Yes, I know the ones from the good bakery, the ones as big as your head, are considered too big a portion and should probably be shared or something. But that's too bad because that's the only size muffin I want and those are the ones I made. We can eat lettuce tomorrow.

Honeydew Melon Agua Fresca

What are the components of a great summer party? Great food with plenty of snacks, cool drinks and rocking music. On the drink front, I'm a big believer in one "house" drink, pre-made in big pitchers and easily customizable for guests. Agua frescas are traditional Mexican waters flavored with fresh fruit. They're refreshing, delicious and healthy. Typically non-alcoholic so they're perfect for kids and non-drinking guests. And for the rest of us, they're an excellent cocktail base. Just add vodka!

Summer Friday Flashback: No Churn Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Every Friday this summer I'm going to treat you to a blast from the past. I've chosen some of the best recipes from the past few years to highlight because I love making them over and over again. Enjoy!

This addictive ice cream is based on one of my favorite desserts, blueberry cheesecake. I was craving cheesecake ice cream in the worst way but couldn't find it in any of my local stores. Learning to make it myself became a must and the no churn version mean I didn't even have to invest in an ice cream maker. Trust me that there is always great sadness in my house when a batch of this is finished.

Click here to see the original story and get the recipe.

The Month in Review - June 2015

OK, I definitely don't know where June went and how it could possibly be July already. But that probably just means that June was a good month. And given my dislike of winter, I imagine that all the lovely warm months are going to fly right by for me. Nevertheless, June was filled with loads of delicious food and a few great ideas for this coming weekend's Independence Day celebrations. So let's take a quick look back before we get to the business of zipping right through July. Enjoy!