cupcake cones.

My husbands birthday was a couple of weeks ago and he requested I make cupcake cones instead of regular cupcakes this year. I am always up for cupcakes with a twist! Therefore, I accepted his challenge and I have to admit- I had way more fun than usual decorating these. If you need a cupcake “update” I would recommend giving this a try since it’s so simple. All you have to do is choose the cupcake flavor and icing (I actually just used store bought box mix for these) and then instead of baking in little cups you bake them into the cones. It would be adorable for a summer barbeque or birthday (just in case you’re planning that far ahead)!

the wedge.

I honestly can’t say when or where my first wedge salad was but I can say that I occasionally get a craving for them. The best part of this salad is how incredibly simple it is to make. While watching some old episodes of Mad Men I noticed one of the characters order a wedge and a martini- I immediately knew what we were having for dinner, however,  it didn’t include a martini.

*NOTE: I like to include cucumbers on mine even though it is not part of a “classic wedge salad” *

bangers & mash.

Bangers and mash is definitely one of those dishes I wouldn’t have thought to make on my own. However, when I was at the store and saw that they were putting out fresh sausage I couldn’t resist picking up a pack. At first I wasn’t sure what to use it for… pasta, skewers, pizza- and then in my recipe search I stumbled upon bangers & mash. I knew I had to try it. It turned out better than I ever thought possible. I will definitely be adding it to my recipe book! It’s one of those dishes that is perfect for fall and winter.

refresh.

{blueberries in ice is the perfect addition to lemonade}

The summer always brings the heat and it’s important to stay hydrated (actually that’s true all year) but since I drink so much water in the summer I try to mix things up. I have been trying all kinds of different flavor combinations and I thought I’d share a few of my favorites to refresh throughout the day. I also love to serve these at get-togethers. What’s your go-to hot weather refreshment?

{mint infused ice cubes make ice tea extra tasty, or sweet tea for all you southerners}

{one of the most refreshing combos for summer is cucumber mint infused water. Also great to bottle up and give as a gift!}

blueberry banana shortcake.

While trying to savor the last of the delicious summer fruit I bought a ridiculous amount of blueberries. I needed an easy dessert for tonight (guys night) and I figured I’d do a spin on shortcake. It turned out better than I could have hoped. I am going to be out of town for a few days this coming week and needed to use up the rest of our fruit as well, therefore I added some banana. I love the combination (and so did the boys). If you need to use up your fruit or just need to change up your usual dessert menu I say try this! I followed this recipe but opted to just use store bought shortbread to save time. I also have to say this was super simple to make ahead and then just build when ready.

{blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon}

{I grilled store bought shortcakes on our george foreman}

{add your berry reduction, ice cream, whipped cream, and bananas}

{devour}

side dish: corn salad

I know I just recently shared a recipe for this but I have found my new favorite thing to eat and of course if contains corn {off the cob}. This is the perfect side dish for any and all summer entrees. We had it twice last week alone. The thing I love most about this side dish is you can kind of put whatever you want in it so the possibilities are endless!

This time I used corn, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and toped with a little feta cheese. I have also made it with those things plus red onion and bright peppers which gives it more of a festive, summery look. I think the dressing is optional as well,  just a little salt and pepper with maybe a sprinkling of lemon juice works for me.

pudding cups.

There is something about summer that makes me feel a little childlike. I crave things I haven’t had in years and my favorite thing to do when I’m craving a childhood favorite is make it myself. Pudding cups are such an easy dessert to make. Adding some fresh berries and a dollop of whip cream just elevates it to the perfect summer dessert! Plus, they are great to make in advance for any kind of event.

side dish: corn & asparagus salad.

I tend to shop seasonally for fruits and vegetables so when I saw corn on the cob by the cartful at the market I stocked up. My husband and I love the stuff so we’ve been having some form of it every night. This recipe is my favorite so far because it’s so simple and light. I can definitely see this being perfect for a summer barbeque, a dinner party, or even just by itself.

*note: although I followed the recipe I decided not to add any herbs just salt and pepper.

summer sangria.

Yesterday a few of us native U.S. citizens got together and had a barbeque in the park to celebrate our home country. I brought fruit and homemade whip cream, It was so nice to have a hotdog and good company when feeling homesick. Today I realized I had quite a bit of fruit leftover and decided to make a summer sangria for our weekly girls day. It was light and refreshing- perfect for any summer soiree!

I used pineapple, blueberries, and strawberries- a lot of them! About 2 1/2 teaspoons of sugar (since the chardonnay was already sweet), one bottle of chardonnay, and about half a liter of soda water, then lastly a splash of pineapple juice. I let it sit in the fridge for about an hour before serving. If you like light, semi-sweet, fruity drinks you will love this!

chocolate chip banana bread.

During the summer months I try to avoid using the oven/stove on a daily basis. It just heats up the apartment and, honestly, I hate eating heavy, hot food when it’s warm outside. Enter: banana bread. Yes, you have to use the oven to bake it but it will last you all week and it’s perfect in the morning with a bowl of mixed fruit. I used this recipe and decided to add chocolate chips to appease the husbands sweet tooth. This is our new summer breakfast staple and I plan on trying a few other variations to mix things up.