Escarole Salad with Grapes & Olives + Blue Cheese

Welcome to the Week of Salads, where we’re breaking the sacred salad rulebook! Instead of cold greens, we’re pan-warming our way to culinary glory with an extravagant mix of olives, grapes, and blue cheese. If you cannot find it, forget the escarole; hearty lettuce works just fine for this warm salad adventure. Bon appétit!

Sweet Potato + Chipotle Soup

Feeling chilly? This sweet potato and chipotle soup will warm you up faster than you can say, “Surprise! A sweet potato chunk!” With just a few ingredients and a dash of patience, you’ll create a light yet flavor-packed dish that pairs perfectly with sourdough and roasted cauliflower. Soup’s on!

Chicken Salad + Grapes

Who knew chicken salad could be as flexible as a yoga routine? Ok, maybe not my yoga routine. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt, toss in whatever veggies and nuts lurking in the fridge, and you’ve got a masterpiece! Add grapes for sweetness and crunch, and serve it however you fancy—just don’t blame me if it disappears fast!

Mojito Ice Cream

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing homemade Mojito Ice Cream. This no-churn dessert combines sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, lime juice, zest, mint, and a splash of white rum for a delightful treat. Enjoy the zesty, creamy flavors as a dessert or mix with sparkling water for a cool, invigorating drink.

Lemon Icebox Cake

Indulge your passion for both cooking and baking with an easy, no-bake Lemon Icebox Cake. The layers of creamy lemon goodness and Nilla wafers create a cool, smooth dessert that’s perfect for summer. With minimal effort and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delightful treat without turning on the oven. Happy Icebox Caking!

Roasted Smoky Carrot Dip

Embracing the abundance of summer vegetables led to a delightful culinary adventure with fresh carrots. The resulting Roasted Smokey Carrot Dip, featuring Spanish smoked paprika, offers a rich, smoky flavor. This versatile dip pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a perfect choice for entertaining. The recipe yields approximately 2 cups and can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Crudite Platters – Roasted Veggie Chips / Bagna Cauda / Feta & Rosemary Dip

Summer’s bounty of fresh produce can be transformed into delicious Crudité Platters – a fancy way of saying “I’m serving a variety of vegetables for you today.” Get creative with roasted veggies, flavorful dips, and surprising additions like bacon-wrapped cabbage. Impress your friends with a “can’t get enough” crowd-pleaser. Happy Vegetables!

Ginger Rosé Sangria

Get ready for summer in mid-May Minnesota with this Ginger Rosé Sangria! This refreshing concoction is perfect for family gatherings and relaxing afternoons near the water. Just mix Rosé, ginger and orange liquors, and fresh fruit, then let it sit for at least an hour. Serve over ice, add some sparkling water, and enjoy! Cheers!

Roasted Garlic Scape Dip

The season is coming soon…the fleeting, flavorful garlic scape emerges in late spring, promising sunny days and bountiful harvests. From pizzas to sauces, its garlicky, scallion-like taste adds zing to any dish. Try a roasted scape dip with basil, sour cream, and lemon for a balanced, irresistible treat. Don’t forget the chips and veggies – it’ll be gone in a flash!

Mango Avocado Salsa Salad w/Corn & Black Beans

Bring on different types of greens and combine that with a tropical summer feel (and maybe a light tropical cocktail), and you have yourself a salad that eats like a meal. Or omit the greens and add chips and queso for a new kind of nacho spread. Either way, this Mango Avocado Salsa w/corn &…