What did we get up to while our kids’ time away overlapped for two weeks this summer? Did we go on vacation? Did we party every night? The truth is honestly embarrassing, so middle-aged coded, Deb of the early Smitten Kitchen years would rage and weep. [“You promised you wouldn’t get lame!”] I got… orthotics. And even worse than considering this newsworthy, I love them. I caught up on appointments. I challenged myself to finish books before they were overdue at the library and occasionally pulled it off. Sometimes I drank an entire 8 glasses of water and went to bed by 10:30pm. Sure, we went out. We had uninterrupted conversations. We drank Hugo spritzes. We saw dogs playing in a kiddie pool set up in front of an open fire hydrant and lamented that the kids were missing it, then reloaded their last locations and photos from the camp stream a million more times. We said things to each other like, “I miss the kids, but not parenting.” I watched this clip and it emotionally wrecked me. I’d sleep through my alarm in the morning and nobody was there to tell me I make weird faces in my sleep or that they’d promised they’d bring homemade treats to school that day. Friends, it was wild.

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Meet the peach cobbler of my dreams! This irresistible dessert features warm, bubbling peaches with a golden cobbler topping that’s craggy at the edges and tender inside. Make this recipe from mid-to-late summer when fresh peaches are at their peak.

This simple peach cobbler recipe is sweet but not too sweet, so the glorious peach flavor shines above all else. The filling is sweetened with honey, and the topping is lightly sweetened with lemony sugar—both of which impart some lovely complementary flavors that make this cobbler taste extra special. The recipe is not complete without some vanilla extract, cinnamon and yogurt for a light, buttermilk-like tang.

The buttery topping is made of almond flour, which offers a tender crumb and light almond flavor that pairs perfectly with ripe peaches. I tried making this cobbler with regular all-purpose flour and much preferred it with almond flour. Thanks to the almond flour, this recipe is gluten-free, whether you need it to be or not!

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Into okra, but not when it’s slimy? Us too. Inspired by an amazing charred okra dish at Launderette, we’re bringing you a reliable roasted okra recipe that’s not only easy to make, but has no sliminess in sight. 

The result is super delicious and requires just 3 ingredients and 25 minutes. Let us show you how it’s done! 

How to Make Crispy Oven Roasted Okra

What’s the secret to the BEST oven roasted okra that isn’t slimy at all?

Crispy Oven Roasted Okra from Minimalist Baker →

It’s hard to beat a bowl of pesto pasta. Today, I’m sharing a classic basil pesto pasta recipe from start to finish! You’ll learn how to make basil pesto from scratch and toss it with freshly cooked noodles in perfect proportions.

I like my pesto pasta saucy, so I used a generous amount of pesto here, which is more affordable when you’re making your own pesto. It takes ten minutes or less to make pesto in a food processor, but you could certainly use store-bought pesto if you have a favorite brand.

This vibrant pesto pasta is quick and easy to make for dinner on a weeknight. It’s also a lovely side dish to serve at a dinner party or casual summer cookout. Get ready for the best pasta pasta you’ve ever had.

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Does it feel like an oven outside? Are your peaches all about to ripen at the same time? We have just the recipe your summer needs: this Frozen Peach Daiquiri!

This refreshing, naturally sweet, tropical-tasting drink is super easy to make in just 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. Bonus? It works beautifully with or without alcohol. The choice is yours, friend! Let’s get blending!

How to Make a Peach Daiquiri

This frozen peach daiquiri could not be simpler to make (or more satisfying to drink 😉)!

Frozen Peach Daiquiri (2 Ways!) from Minimalist Baker →

High on the list of cooking things that I’ve got far more opinions on than anyone has ever asked of me (and may have even, at times, prayed I’d stop yapping about), are homemade ice cream sandwiches. Why? Because it’s devastating when you realize something that should bring us nothing but incandescent summer joy — ice cream! cookies! — rarely work as well as promised. Most cookies become so hard once frozen, you feel like you’re breaking a tooth with each bite. Unyielding cookies also squeeze the ice cream out the sides, leading to drips down your arms and an immediate bad mood (for adults; kids, naturally, love it). While writing Smitten Kitchen Keepers, I became obsessed with creating a deeply nostalgic homemade chipwich-style ice cream sandwich that did everything right and I had three big a-ha moments along the way:

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I’m sure you’ve tried almond milk, but have you tasted pistachio milk?! It’s cold, smooth, creamy and tastes like pistachios. It’s dreamy and delicious, as well as dairy-free and nutritious.

I first encountered pistachio milk in the alternative milk section at Whole Foods, offered by a brand called Three Trees. As a pistachio lover, I had to try it immediately. I loved it, naturally, so I had to try making it myself.

I’m happy to share that pistachio milk is as easy to make as cashew milk and pecan milk, and it’s equally creamy. Unlike almond milk, it produces very little waste, so you won’t feel guilty about wasting any of those precious green nuts.

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Let’s hear it for burrata cheese! I always order burrata when I find it on restaurant menus, and we’ve had some stellar combinations this summer. I can’t resist burrata’s contrasting textures—it’s like fresh mozzarella on the outside, but lusciously soft and creamy on the inside.

For this recipe, I designed a quintessential summertime burrata salad with fresh tomatoes. Serve it with crostini or a loaf of crusty bread to make it an appetizer. This burrata dish comes together in 15 minutes, believe it or not, and it’s a real showstopper.

I wanted to keep it simple but make it taste special, so I drew reference from my Easy Tomato Salad and Tomato Basil Bruschetta. I landed on a combination of cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes for depth, plus freshly toasted pine nuts for a savory note. It’s not complete without a drizzle of rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes!

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Simple methods and BIG flavor collide in this Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas! It’s zesty and sweet, full of crunch, and packed with wholesome ingredients. With minimal cooking required, it’s the perfect meal for summer or a quick meal prep session.

Just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes stand between you and this satisfying, flavorful, healthy meal!

How to Make This Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad

This quinoa kale salad comes together in a few simple steps that flow seamlessly:

1. Soak sun-dried tomatoes in hot water if they’re especially dry and hard.

Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas from Minimalist Baker →

It’s Bastille Day—and also Euro Summer week here at Food52—so we’re leaning all the way in with a roundup of our favorite French recipes to help you fête like you're picnicking beneath the Eiffel Tower (or at least pretending to at your dining table).

From classics Julia Child would definitely approve of (hi, beef bourguignon and crème brûlée) to a few breezier, “lazy girl” picks that rely on good butter, flaky pastry, and fresh herbs, this lineup has something for every level of ambition. There’s plenty of cheese, a generous amount of wine, and more than one dish with an egg on top—just as the French intended.

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I didn’t mean to get so carried away making focaccia over the last few months, but don’t I always say that? As if I forget how easily I get consumed with a very specific idea for what a recipe should be and cannot let it go, even when it’s past time to move on. As if it was someone else who made blueberry muffins 25 times one summer until she found what she was looking for. Thus, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised but I still am: I’ve made an obscene amount of focaccia this spring and summer trying to find the recipe I’ll want to use forever. Here are five things I learned along the way:

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It’s Euro Summer Week! Stay tuned for more stories, recipes, and travel tips—and tell us how you’re having your own.

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Around this time every year, it feels like everyone you know is either in Europe, just got back from Europe, or plotting how to get there. (And yes, we’ve all Googled how much a last-minute flight would be. Spoiler: too much.)

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I have a 4-year-old, which means even though I love a good sandwich, I rarely get to eat one without a little negotiation. Unless it’s a burger (she’s all in for burgers), meals between two slices of bread often fall flat. That’s why this week’s plan is all about flexible sandwiches: DIY-style builds, deconstructed options, and satisfying meatless takes that appeal to both kids and grown-ups.

Also included: a nostalgic breakfast sandwich inspired by my early 20s, when I helped open a cafe on the North Shore of O‘ahu. It was hearty, rich, and packed with meat-free protein—just how I like to start the day. As always, while the groceries are listed based on what you need, they’re flexible enough to swap based on what you’ve got—especially for things like mayo, hot sauce, or bread.

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I love my kitchen, I really do. But lately, I’ve been searching for every excuse under the sun to get outside. Whether it’s taking a long walk home from work, bringing my weekend reading to the park, or slipping outside for lunch, I’m making the most of our very warm, sunny weather. But some days are just too hot to think, too hot to move, and certainly too hot to cook. For those sticky, sweaty, sweltering days, make one of these no-cook summer dishes. That means that you don’t have to turn on the stove or oven to enjoy a seasonally inspired meal for lunch or dinner. I want dishes I can toss together sans stove or oven, like crispy salads, cool soups, and crunchy sandwiches. And, thankfully, summer’s bounty is ready to provide. After dinner, cool off with a frozen treat like our no-churn ice creams or dairy-free sorbets. We're in the dog days of summer, when all you want to do is sit by the A/C with a pint of ice cream. Here, I’ve gathered 30 of our freshest no-cook dishes. Now, go outside and enjoy the day!

1. Corn, Shrimp & Avocado Salad With Chipotle-Pepita Dressing

When you’re sick of the heat and don’t feel like cooking, this no-cook salad will save the day. Pro tip: Purchase fresh, precooked shrimp so that you don’t have to turn on the stove.

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© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

When temps are pushing 90 and the air feels thick enough to drink, the only acceptable beverage is one that’s borderline slushy. I’m talking blender cocktails, boozy lemonades, fruit-forward frosés—the kind of drink you almost need a spoon for. Whether you’re craving something tart and citrusy or leaning tropical with coconut and rum, these frozen drink recipes are the move. They’re chill, refreshing, and just a little bit dramatic—in the best way possible.

1. Sunrise Slushie

This mango slushie is giving tropical sunrise vibes with citrus, pineapple juice, and hibiscus tea.

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Summertime produce is in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Salads are my specialty, so I’ve created a collection of my best summer salad recipes. They’re perfect for parties, barbecues and summer evenings at home. These recipes have hundreds of five-star reviews, so they’re sure to be a hit on your table.

You’ll find classic potluck salads, such as potato salad and cowboy caviar, international favorites like tabbouleh and caprese salad, along with a variety of fresh green salads, of course. These seasonal salads feature an abundance of fresh greens, tender herbs, and summer vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, as well as fruits like berries, peaches, and watermelon.

These refreshing salads are perfect for the hottest summer days. Many feature raw produce and require minimal to no cooking. Whether you’ve gone overboard at the farmers’ market or have a garden surplus, you’ll find the solution here.

Bookmark this page and make the most of the season! Which salad will you make first?

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The post 32 Fresh Summer Salads appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Let’s hear it for poppy seed dressing! This lightly creamy, lemony dressing is irresistible with tender lettuces and fresh fruit. The poppy seeds add a light crunch and nutty flavor that make your salads memorable.

This recipe is easy to mix together with quality ingredients, and beats store-bought dressing by a mile. It features poppy seeds, of course, as well as fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s sweetened with honey, which offers more flavor than plain sugar. Dijon mustard and a clove of garlic keep it interesting, and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt make it lightly creamy (your choice—mayonnaise offers a more luxurious texture, while yogurt lends a lovely tang).

Some poppy seed dressing recipes are excessively sweet or creamy, but this one is not. It’s just right. Below, you’ll find the recipe and complementary flavors to help you build a great salad.

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Bake It Up a Notch is a column by Resident Baking BFF Erin Jeanne McDowell. Each month, she'll help take our baking game to the next level, teaching us all the need-to-know tips and techniques and showing us all the mistakes we might make along the way.

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As a baker, I’m not afraid to practice patience to get to the perfect end result. But here’s the truth: Some shortcuts are worth shouting about, and no-churn ice cream is definitely one of them. In this month’s ice cream episode of Bake it Up A Notch, I spend a lot of time chatting about this exact topic, and all the things you can do with it it. So whether you are looking for an easy summer recipe hack, or you don’t have room to store an ice cream maker, nothing should stop you from making homemade ice cream this summer.

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© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, our newest baking resident, Terrence (@terrencebakes), shares what he’s whipping up first in our Test Kitchen.

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Summer is officially here and as a baker, I go back and forth about using my oven during some of the hotter days.

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Last summer, a friend came to a barbecue and said, “We had soccer and then a birthday party and I had no time to make anything but I brought this” and started unloading items from a grocery bag. There were no clean cooking utensils so she and I proceeded to use our hands to break open balls of burrata and spread them on a plate, smash open cherries and pit them, sprinkling them over, crushed pistachios with the bottom of a pot, and finished the whole platter with olive oil, lots of sea salt, black pepper, and fresh mint we picked from sprigs. We lined the plate with rounds of storebought crostini, I snapped a picture and later when I shared it, dozens of you messaged me to demand a recipe or tutorial.

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