Happy Saturday! Welcome back to the weekend roundup. This week on the blog I shared a delicious grilled shrimp Caesar chopped salad, a grilled pepper and burrata snack plate, a full 4th of July recipe guide, and the latest Summer Fridays post. If you missed any of those, they’re great for quick summer dinners, easy entertaining, and holiday planning.
I also published a new weekly menu that makes weekday cooking feel effortless, and I posted another “A Week in the Life” update with a peek at our everyday routines and what’s been happening at home. I love putting those posts together because they’re a little window into both practical meal planning and the small moments that shape our days.
If you enjoy newsletters, I have a Substack where I share extras each week — little finds, recipe ideas, and things I’m loving. You’ll also find curated lists of my favorite kitchen tools and pantry staples in my storefronts, which I update frequently as I test and discover new products that actually make life easier in the kitchen.
Thank you so much for continuing to support my cookbook, Easy Everyday. It’s been incredible to hear about readers trying the recipes and making them part of their weekly rotation. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet and you cook at all, it’s designed to be a practical, approachable companion for real life rather than something that creates extra work.
What I’m Loving This Week
I’ve been obsessed with a handful of seasonal treats and inspiring recipes from friends and fellow creators. Mexican strawberries and cream are calling my name — they’re simple, bright, and perfect for hot days when you want something sweet but light. Brownie swirl pound cake is an indulgent baking project I’m eager to try for a weekend brunch; it’s the kind of cake that feels special without being fussy.
For savory inspiration, bahn mi rice bowls are an excellent way to turn pantry leftovers and a few fresh toppings into something vibrant and satisfying. Corn, zucchini, and lime pizza is another fresh idea for using summer produce in a playful way — consider it a relaxed, seasonal twist on classic pizza toppings.
On the baking front, pineapple bread is a delightful surprise with bright fruit folded into tender crumb, while a classic snickerdoodle is a comforting cookie that never disappoints. Fruit salsa with cinnamon chips remains one of my favorite easy appetizers — it’s colorful, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Fruit-forward desserts are everywhere around here: blackberry cobbler feels like summer in a bowl, and no-bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies are a quick, nostalgic treat when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. Strawberry cheesecake bars are also on my short list for a make-ahead dessert that travels well for picnics and potlucks.
For salads and lighter fare, a cucumber and sweet pepper salad is visually appealing and crisp, making it a go-to side for grilling nights. Fish taco bowls with cilantro-lime rice combine bold flavors with bright herbs and are a reliable weeknight favorite when you want something fresh and filling.
And of course, I can’t resist a fun summer cocktail idea — a coconut margarita spritz sounds perfectly suited to long, warm evenings on the porch or paired with a simple seafood dinner. Drinks like that make casual gatherings feel festive without adding stress to hosting.
Overall this week has been about simple, seasonal food that’s easy to share. From quick no-bake treats to slightly elevated weeknight dinners, these are the kinds of recipes and finds that make summer cooking feel relaxed and joyful. I hope you find something here to try this weekend — whether it’s a new salad, a loaf of cake, or a chilled dessert to beat the heat.