Recipes for Fourth of July

Celebrate our country with classic American comfort food and fresh summer recipes

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays of the year. We always go up to Lake Sylvan, Minnesota, to spend time with my husband's side of the family. It's a trip that we look forward to every year and one of our favorite places to visit. Our days are spent boating, swimming, eating, drinking, and relaxing. I love coming in from a long day in the sun to sit around the table with the family for a good meal, followed by a friendly game of cards or dice. My husband and I are in charge of dinner one night and are going to grill up a bunch of steaks with homemade steak sauce and a big dish of mac and cheese. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate America and have suggested some additional recipes below to make your celebration just as special.


P.S. Follow my Pinterest board for even more ideas!


Fourth of July Recipes:

• Grilled Beer Brats - Classic beer-braised brats are finished on a hot grill and served on toasted buns with sautéed peppers and onions and the condiments of your choice.
• Herbed Potato Salad - This mayo-free version is light and tangy with a ton of fresh greens herbs.
• BBQ Tri Tip Sandwiches - Grill up a big piece of tri tip over the weekend and turn leftovers into delicious BBQ sandwiches the next day.
• Homemade Lemonade - The perfect drink to quench your thirst from a hot day in the sun. Kids will love it, and adults will love it if you put booze in it.
• Nectarine & Blackberry Pie - A free-form galette that showcases all the best summer fruits. Serve it with vanilla ice cream.

Thanksgiving Recipes

Favorite recipes for the most important meal of the year

I think favorite holidays change as we get older. As a kid it was all about holidays with presents, but now that I'm older, Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite celebrations of the year. I love the traditional foods, breaking out special wine, and spending the long weekend with friends and family. This year, my husband and I are going back to his hometown in Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Because I work in advertising for online retailers, I am especially grateful that I get to spend this time on vacation while so many others are staying up all night in anticipation of Black Friday. I'm going to spend my time staying indoors to avoid the cold and help my mother-in-law with the Thanksgiving feast. I'm in charge of a few dishes and look forward to contributing some of my favorite recipes to the Thanksgiving table. 

*Looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board.

Thanksgiving Recipes:

THE STAR OF THE SHOW

• Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey - My family's tried-and-true recipe.
• Slow-Roasted Whole Duck - If turkey isn't your thing, try making a crispy duck instead.

SIDE DISHES

• Leek & Mushroom Bread Pudding - Like traditional dressing, but with cheese!
• Baked Sweet Potatoes with Molasses-Chile Butter - A nice alternative to candied yams.
• Kale, Brussels Sprout, & Hazelnut Salad - Something healthy and green to add contrast to your plate.

DESSERT

• Pecan Pie - My favorite pie, ever.
• Apple Pie with Cinnamon Crumble - A free-form pie that's less fussy than the traditional.

Already thinking about the leftovers? Check out this guide to make the most out your leftover turkey.

Fourth of July Recipe Ideas

These classic American recipes are the perfect way to enjoy the Fourth of July

It's almost the Fourth of July, and we'll be making our annual trip to Minnesota to spend the week with my husband's family at their lake house. I look forward to the trip all year and can't wait to spend time boating, relaxing, and sharing some good meals (and drinks!) with our loved ones. We'll grill hamburgers and hot dogs and eat pasta salad and corn on the cob. After all, the Fourth of July is the time to embrace all the delicious American foods that we grew up on. Here's a list of some of my favorite all-American recipes, from a killer mac and cheese to sticky BBQ ribs.

*See previous Fourth of July menu ideas here.


Fourth of July Recipes:

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese - The ultimate mac and cheese is baked until gooey and bubbling and has a crispy breadcrumb topping.
• BBQ Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce - Sweet and tangy barbecue ribs are messy fun and an easy make-ahead recipe for your party.
• Buttermilk Biscuits - These tender, flaky biscuits are a welcome side dish to any Fourth of July table.
• Classic American Cheeseburgers - A traditional beef burger with melted American cheese slices and all the toppings.
• Mixed Berry Crisp - This dessert is a great way to use in-season berries and is so much easier than making a pie. Serve with vanilla ice cream!

Check out my Pinterest board for more recipes.

Easter Brunch Recipes

Easy make-ahead recipes for a delicious Easter brunch

Easter has got to be the number one brunch holiday of the year. Whether or not you're religious, it's a great excuse to get together with friends and family and enjoy a springtime meal together. Brunch is one of my favorite meals to entertain for because you can still host a party, clean up, take a nap, and have the rest of the night to yourself. The key to an easy Easter brunch is to prepare as much as possible in advance (many of these recipes can be made the night before) and serve things family style. Rather than making a bunch of scrambled eggs or pancakes to order, whip up a crowd-pleasing vegetable frittata or bake a big batch of french toast in the oven. These simple recipes will wow your guests ... and they'll have no idea how easy they were to make!


Easter Brunch Recipes:

• Mini Spinach & Onion Frittatas - Bite-size frittatas made in muffin pans for easy portioning. This recipe is made with sautéed spinach and onions, but feel free to use whatever flavor combination you like.
• Baked Cinnamon Walnut French Toast - This cross between french toast and bread pudding feeds a crowd and is baked in the oven so that you can enjoy time with your guests instead of being glued to the stove. 
• Potato Pancake with Smoked Salmon & Greens - A giant hash brown cake makes an impressive presentation and can easily be cut into wedges to serve guests.
• Lemon Yogurt Cake - This cake works as well for dessert as it does for breakfast. Serve with farmers' market berries to really take it to the next level.

**See my full list of breakfast and brunch recipes here.

St. Patrick's Day Recipe Ideas

Celebrate St. Patty's Day with something other than corned beef and green beer

St. Patrick's Day is a holiday largely known for heavy drinking, leprechauns, and getting pinched for not wearing green. In general, it's not really a food-lover's holiday, but there are menu options if corned beef and cabbage isn't your thing. Here are a few festive recipe ideas to celebrate the Irish whether you're having a quiet night at home or throwing a big party.


*See previous St. Patrick's Day recipes here.


St. Patrick's Day Recipes:

• Roasted Bratwurst with Caraway Cabbage: Crunchy, tangy sauteed cabbage replaces the traditionally limp, boiled version that St. Patty's is known for. This is a great meal to multiply for a crowd.
• Garlic Hassleback Potatoes: If the Irish are known for one food, it's potatoes. These are stuffed with thin slivers of garlic and baked in the oven until crispy.
• Roasted Salmon with Green Harissa: This bright-green, spicy, herby sauce is a festive nod to the holiday. It's paired with salmon in the original recipe but would taste great on chicken or steak, too.

Valentine's Day Recipe Ideas

Romantic and indulgent dishes to celebrate with on Valentine's Day

Photo credit: Brandon Wong Photography, taken on our wedding day

It's been well documented over the years that I love Valentine's Day. When my husband and I first started dating, we used to go all out: fancy prix fixe dinners, elaborate gifts, and even multiple day celebrations. But as the years have passed and other romantic dates (like our anniversary) have much more importance, we've downplayed V-Day more and more. In recent years, we've started cooking easy but fancy dinners together at home and they have far surpassed the fun of going out to a $95 per person meal that is standard at most L.A. restaurants. In truth, we'd rather spend our money on an extra bottle of our favorite bubbly and enjoy a cozy date night at home.

These recipes are some of my favorites for Valentine's Day, or any romantic occasion, because they scream "special occasion" but don't require much time in the kitchen. Turn on some music, pour a glass of something nice, and spend a few minutes in the kitchen together. Collaborating on a meal makes the food taste even better.


*See Valentine's Day meals from 2011, 2012, and 2013 here. Or check out my Pinterest board for more Valentine's Day menu inspiration.


Valentine's Day Recipe Ideas:
Appetizers

• Beet, Burrata, & Arugula Salad - Sweet beets and creamy cheese make a festive and colorful starting course or side dish.
• Broiled Oysters with Sriracha Butter - Is there anything sexier than oysters?

Entrees

• Pappardelle with Creamy Truffle Sauce - This is my go-to dish for every special occasion: wide noodles bathed in a luscious truffle cream sauce.
• Seared Scallops with Baked Saffron Risotto - Scallops are surprisingly quick and easy to cook and the "risotto" bakes in the oven while you enjoy a glass of wine.
• Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce - For meat lovers, this is the ultimate elegant steak dinner.

Desserts

• Flourless Chocolate Cake - This is the perfect rich piece of chocolatey goodness that everyone wants on Valentine's Day.
• Berry Pavlova - Sweet meringue topped with whipped cream and a slew of berries is a beautiful end to a meal.

New Year's Eve Appetizers

The meaning of New Year's Eve has taken on a lot of change for me over the past few years. Once my
favorite party night of the year, it's turned into a much more relaxed celebration with my husband and a few close friends. Rather than brave the crowds and fork over a hefty cover charge at a nearby bar, we like to host an intimate gathering at home and spend our money on good champagne and a few indulgent eats. We'll most likely have a glass in our hand all night, so I find that serving an array of appetizers is the easiest way to fill up on New Year's Eve without interfering with the fun. These easy and elegant bites can be prepped in advance and then quickly heated or assembled right before guests arrive or in waves over the course of the evening. Serve with your favorite champagne or festive cocktail and enjoy!


New Year's Eve Appetizers:

• Baked Brie with Honey & Walnuts - Serve with crackers or toast points for an elegant twist on a typical cheese plate
• Crab Dip - The generous amount of lump crabmeat in this creamy dip is the perfect holiday indulgence
• Creamy Oyster and Chanterelle Crostini - A fancy riff on traditional crostini based off a recipe from the world's best chef
• Mini Garlic Hassleback Potatoes - The potatoes can be dressed up even further with a spoonful of caviar or a drizzle of truffle oil
• Broiled Oysters with Sriracha Butter- Nothing says traditional New Year's Eve decadence like a plate of shucked oysters

* Want more ideas? See a full list of my appetizer recipes.

The key to a good cocktail party (besides good cocktails!) is to make sure you're enjoying time with friends instead of spending the night in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorite store-bought items to set out as appetizers - no cooking required:

     - Smoked or Salted Almonds

     - Thinly-sliced Prosciutto or Genoa Salami

     - Herbed Boursin Cheese and Water Crackers

     - Crunchy, Juicy Green Grapes

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Because I work in online retail, I get better every year at planning out my holiday gift giving early in the season and securing big gifts during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal craze. But no matter how thoroughly I plan, there is always a group of people who I still need to give a small gift to. Homemade treats are a great last minute way to let your friends and co-workers know that you're thinking of them this Christmas. These sweet and savory items are easy and affordable gifts that can be given on their own or as an addition to a holiday gift basket. Cute packaging goes a long way when sharing these gifts: spoon sauces and spreads into reusable glass containers, place cookies and chocolates into festive cellophane bags, and print the recipes out on nice stationery so that your friends can remake these treats after the new year.

Edible Homemade Christmas Gifts:

Sweets

• Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark - A holiday classic
• Peanut Butter Cookies - The perfect mix of sweet and salty
• Orange Chocolate Macaroons - Elegant confections that look as good as they taste

Spreads & Sauces

• Homemade Pesto Sauce - Keeps for months in the freezer
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread - Homemade nutella is even better than store-bought
• Charred Tomatillo Salsa - For friends who love spice

Homemade gifts not your thing? Hostesses, home cooks, and foodies will love receiving unique, artisinal goods from Food52 Provisions. Sur La Table  has tons of name brand cookware for under $100. And the gift giving possibilities are endless at Amazon. Today is the last day to get ground shipping in time for Christmas.

Pecan Pie

The perfect pecan pie with a sweet and nutty filling surrounded by a buttery crust

Pecan pie is one of my all-time favorite holiday desserts and this recipe is pretty close to perfect. Some pecan pies can be too sweet, but this one has the right balance and gets a little added flavor from the bourbon in the filling. I used the all butter pastry recipe from The Smitten Kitchen cookbook which takes just a minute to come together in the food processor and can last in the fridge for several days before rolling it out. It serves as a flaky, buttery container for the chewy, nutty filling. I like to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream.

More Recipes for Pies & Tarts:

- Cherrium Almond Tart
- Kale, Onion, and Potato Pot Pies
- Plum Tartlets

Pecan Pie:
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 stick + 5 tbsp. cold butter, diced
- 2 c. chopped pecans
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 3/4 c. light corn syrup
- 2 tbsp. bourbon
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 c. ice cold water
- 1/2 tbsp. white sugar
- 1 tsp. salt

Recipe

For Crust

• Pulse all-purpose flour, white sugar and 1/2 tsp. salt in a food processor until combined.
• Pulse in 1 stick cold butter until the butter is the size of peas.
• Slowly stir in ice cold water until the dough just barely comes together to form a ball.
• Flatten dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour* in the fridge.

For Filling

• Preheat the oven to 400F.
• Roll out the pie dough to 1/8" thick and place in a 9" pie dish. Crimp the edges and trim any excess dough from the sides.
• Fill the pie with pie weights or dried beans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until barely golden.
• Meanwhile, toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes, or until warm and nutty smelling.
• In a small sauce pot, bring 5 tbsp. butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
• Stir in the pecans, bourbon, and 2 vanilla extract and let cool for 5 minutes.
• Whisk in eggs and pour the filling into the pie dough.
• Lower the oven to 350F and bake for 40 minutes, or until filling is set and just slightly jiggly.
• Let pie cool on a baking rack before slicing.

Serves eight-ten

*If you're in a rush, you can cool it in the freezer for 20 minutes instead.

Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Turn leftover shredded turkey into easy turkey and cheese enchiladas.

Thanksgiving is a pretty glorious holiday for anyone who loves food - not just because of Thursday's huge feast, but because of the leftovers that last well into the weekend. Sure, you can simply pop leftover turkey, stuffing, and other sides into the microwave, but there are plenty of more creative things  you can do to makeover Thanksgiving extras. And what about those random ingredients that never made it onto your table, like that half bunch of celery that's sitting in your fridge with no apparent use? These recipes and ideas will help you get the most out of the food you so carefully planned, shopped for, and cooked this Thanksgiving.

Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers:
- Turkey & Cheese Enchiladas
- Mexican Turkey Soup
- Turkey Noodle Soup (Including Recipe for Homemade Turkey Stock)


Want More Ideas?
Add leftover turkey and roasted vegetables into a quick and easy fried rice.
Scatter leftover vegetables into a skillet, crack a few eggs on top, and add a dash of cream for baked eggs.
And perhaps the most obvious solution: make a sandwich. I like making a panini of sliced turkey and leftover brie from the cheese plate for a riff on this sandwich.

Thanksgiving Recipe Guide

Nothing says Thanksgiving like roasting a whole turkey. This recipe for maple roasted turkey doesn't require more than a few ingredients and a little time to achieve the perfect bird.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday and I can’t wait to celebrate with my friends and family. My husband and I are going up to my parents’ house during the day and then we’re all meeting up at our friends’ house for a Thanksgiving dinner. It will be our biggest Thanksgiving yet (around twenty people) and therefore requires more food than ever before. There will be two turkeys, four desserts, and more side dishes than I can count. Everything has been planned out, including two pies that I’m making the day before, but I know that there’s plenty of people who are still deciding on their menu or looking for something to contribute to their host’s table. Here’s a list of easy Thanksgiving recipes that will surely be a hit at your Thursday feast.


Last-Minute Thanksgiving Menu:
- Maple Roasted Turkey
- Pumpkin Soup
- Herbed Ciabatta Stuffing
- Crispy Pancetta Brussels Sprouts
- Apple Tart

Celebrating with a small group? Skip roasting a whole turkey and make Herb Roasted Turkey Breasts with Pan Gravy instead.

Turkey isn't your thing? You're not alone. Start a new tradition and serve a Perfect Roast Chicken instead.

Check out last year's list of Thanksgiving Side Dishes and 2011's  Thanksgiving Recipes Guide for more inspiration.

Herb Roasted Turkey Breasts with Pan Gravy

I was in Chicago last week for a work conference and wanted to make something before I left that my husband could eat for leftovers while I was away. Thanksgiving yields the ultimate leftover situation, but since I wasn't about to roast a whole turkey before a week of hectic travel, I went with just as delicious but much more manageable roasted turkey breasts. Bone-in, skin-on turkey gets rubbed with a flavorful herb-garlic butter and then cooked in the oven until juicy and golden. The drippings get made into a super simple pan gravy that will have you begging for mashed potatoes. Leftovers make the perfect turkey sandwiches and will last for days in the fridge.


Herb Roasted Turkey Breasts with Pan Gravy:

• Combine 1/2 stick room temperature butter with 1 tbsp. minced rosemary, the zest of 1/2 lemon, and 3 cloves of minced garlic.
• Pat 2 bone-in skin-on turkey breasts* dry with paper towels, then rub the butter all over the meat, making sure to loosen the skin and smear some butter between the skin and meat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Place the turkey breasts, skin-side up, in a rack over a large roasting pan and add 1/2" of low-sodium chicken stock in the bottom of the pan.
• Roast the turkey in a 400F oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the turkey registers 165F in the thickest part of the breast.
• Transfer turkey to a platter, cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat.
• You should have around 2 tbsp. of turkey drippings and fat, but if you have more pour off all but 2 tbsp. and if you have less, add enough butter to equal 2 tbsp.
• Whisk in 2 tbsp. flour until a smooth paste forms, then whisk in 1 c. chicken stock and reduce until the gravy is thickened. Add more stock if it's too thick.
• Pour in a splash of cream, then strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
• To serve, slice the turkey and serve with gravy alongside.

Serves six-eight

*I could only fine split breasts and the two combined weighed 3 1/2 lbs.

Super Bowl Menu

It isn't game day without chips and a cheesy dip. Pictured: Mozzarella & Italian Sausage Queso Dip

Make ahead dishes like chili ensure that you're watching the game and not cooking in the kitchen after kick-off. Pictured: Pork Green Chili

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and this year I’m even more excited than ever to watch the game. We’ll be going to our friend’s Ravens party (wearing purple, of course) and bringing a few dishes to contribute to the snack spread. In Baltimore fashion, I’m making an Old Bay seasoned crab dip – but for those of you looking for more all-American classics, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite football foods. Let a pot of chili simmer on the stove or make a batch of crispy oven-baked buffalo wings because half the fun of the Super Bowl is what you eat and drink

Make your own bar food favorites, like this spin on potato skins. Pictured: Baked Potato Bites

Wings are a classic Super Bowl snack and baked versions are healthier and less messy. Pictured: Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

Cookies and bars are a great no-fuss dessert for guests with a sweet tooth. Pictured: Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Christmas Menu

Roast beef is a Christmas classic, but this recipe is so simple that you'll want to make it year round. Pictured: Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Sauce

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The holiday is just a week away, and with gifts purchased and made(more on that soon), parties attended, and trees decorated, it’s almost time for the big event. This year is extra special for me because it’s the first year that my fiancé and I will be spending the day together. I’m so excited to share my family’s traditions with him and to start creating some of our own. This year we’re expecting twenty people at my parent’s house – our biggest crew yet – and will be creating a huge family-style feast. Here are some dishes that are perfect for celebrating, no matter how big or small or party is.

A rich side dish is a great way for vegetarian guests to indulge. Pictured: Mushroom Risotto

Cocktails always make the holidays a little merrier and kids will love the non-alcoholic version. Pictured: Bourbon-Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Add some festive color to your table with a beautiful make-ahead salad. Pictured: Roasted Beet, Arugula, & Burrata Salad

Tis the season for chocolate. Pictured: Chocolate-Hazelnut Espresso Mousse

Beef Tenderloin & Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Christmas is less than two weeks away, and I'm really starting to get into the spirit. I've already finished most of my gift shopping but there’s still a ton of things I want to do: make a gingerbread house, drive around our neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, and enjoy some festive meals. This is really the best time of year to break bread with friends and family, and such celebration should come with outstanding food. This beef tenderloin is a special-occasion cut of meat (after all, it’s basically a huge filet mignon) that’s still super low maintenance to prepare. The horseradish cream sauce adds more elegance (especially served in a silver bowl) and gives the meal a great steakhouse quality. It’s fancy enough to be the star of your Christmas dinner but easy enough to prepare on your busiest weeknight.

Beef Tenderloin & Creamy Horseradish Sauce:
For Sauce

• Whisk 1/4 c. creme fraiche in a small bowl until thickened, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in 1 tbsp. prepared horseradish* and 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper.**

For Beef

• Let a 1 1/2 lb. beef tenderloin sit at room temperature for an hour and generously season with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, melt 1 tbsp. canola oil and 2 tbsp. butter in a large heavy skillet until very hot.
• Sear beef on all four sides until deeply brown, about 2-3 minutes a side, then transfer to a baking sheet and place in a 400F oven.
• Cook the meat for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
• Let the meat rest for 15 minutes, then slice and serve with horseradish sauce.

Serves four - six

*Or more, depending on how spicy you like it.

**Sauce can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge.

Thanksgiving Turkey

I'm finally back after a super relaxing and indulgent trip to Costa Rica and a whirlwind holiday week. My fiance and I drove up to my parents' house for Thanksgiving, arriving early so that I could help my mom make the meal. I was so excited about the turkey that I insisted on cooking a seventeen pound bird so that there would be tons of leftovers (recipes coming soon). This is the same recipe that we've been doing for years, and it comes out great every time. The skin gets crispy and slightly sticky-sweet from my the maple syrup, while the meat stays tender and juicy. It's the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey, although it makes a great meal for Christmas, too.


Maple-Roasted Turkey:

• Brine a 16-17 lb. turkey overnight,* rinse with water, and dry completely with paper towels.
• Transfer turkey to a roasting rack on top of a roasting pan and tuck wings under the body.
• Stuff the cavity with several sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme, 1 quartered onion, 1 quartered lemon, and 1 halved head of garlic.
• Tie the legs together with twine.
• Use your fingers to rub 1 1/2 sticks of room temperature unsalted butter over the entire skin of the bird, season with salt,** pepper, and 2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves.
• Add 2 c. chicken stock to the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the drippings from burning.
• Roast in a 400F oven for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325F, cover pan with aluminum foil, and cook for another 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting every thirty minutes.
• Remove the foil from the turkey and brush the skin with maple syrup.
• Roast turkey for another 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165F.
• Remove turkey from the oven, cover with foil, and let rest for 45-60 minutes.
• Carve the turkey and serve on a platter.

Serves fourteen+ people

*Optional, but I think it makes a more flavorful, moist turkey.

**If bird is brined, you might not need any more salt.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Classic stuffing is the ultimate Thanksgiving side and my personal favorite. Pictured: Ciabatta Herb Stuffing

Skip the marshmallow-topped casserole and go for a fluffy, creamy mashed version instead. Pictured: Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Put a few greens on your plate and you'll feel less guilty about having two slices of pie. Pictured: Lemon & Pecorino Roasted Brussels Sprouts

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. I've been spending the holiday on vacation the past few years, but this year my fiancé and I are travelling before (leaving for Costa Rica tonight!) so that we can come back and be at my parents’ house for a more traditional celebration. I’m extremely excited to spend the day in my family’s kitchen and cook all the dishes with my mom like we've done so many times before. My favorite part of the meal is the sides, so it's only fitting that I listed some of my favorite recipes to accompany the turkey.

Homemade bread is a crowd-pleasing side dish and leftovers are great for making turkey sandwiches. Pictured: Buttermilk Rye Bread

Gravy can be the most stressful part of the meal. This recipe is fool-proof and tastes good on everything. Pictured: Mushroom-Thyme Gravy

Soups can be made ahead and quickly re-heated before serving. They'll keep your vegetarian guests happy, too.  Pictured: Carrot Soup

Labor Day Menu Planning

No birthday is complete without a cake. Try something different featuring fresh summer fruit. Pictured: Blackberry Buttermilk Cake

I’m lucky enough to have a birthday that always falls on or around Labor Day, making every year’s celebration last at least three days. It’s an extra excuse to do something special and take advantage of the last long weekend of summer. My fiancé and I will be taking a drive up California’s central coast, enjoying some of the state’s most beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and great local seafood. Hopefully we’ll also get a chance to stop off at a farmers market or roadside stand and pick up the last crop of summer produce to enjoy when we get home. Here are some recipes to help you eat (and party) like it’s your birthday too.

Take advantage of the last heirloom tomatoes of the season with one more caprese. Pictured: The Perfect Caprese Salad

A special occasion (or any meal) is always made better with some lobster. Pictured: Steamed Whole Lobster

Corn is one of my favorite summer vegetables. Pictured: Corn & Chorizo Salad

No party is complete without a refreshing cocktail. Pictured: Kumquatinis

Fourth of July Menu Planning

Is there really anything more American than fried chicken? Pictured: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Fourth of July is fast approaching, and I'll be making my annual trip to Minnesota to spend time with my fiance's family. We spend most of the day boating or swimming in the lake, only coming in to refresh the cooler or have a quick bite to eat. At night, there are cocktails, and wine, and family-style dinners to feed a crowd. Here are some of my favorite dishes to make and eat in such an iconic American setting, but I think they'll impart the spirit of summer and Independence Day no matter how or where you serve them.

Salads are a simple way to showcase the summer's great produce. Pictured: Arugula, Corn, & Tomato Salad

Grilled meat is always a crowd-pleaser. Pictured: Perfectly Grilled Rib-Eye Steak

It's not as famous as apple pie, but your guests won't mind one bit. Pictured: Peach Tart

Father's Day Menu Planning

Braciole, steak stuffed with cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs and baked in tomato sauce, is one of my dad's signature dishes. Pictured: Braciole

I’m lucky enough to come from a family where both parents are great cooks, each excelling in their own areas in the kitchen. My dad is the grill master, although he’s been known to make a few great dishes off the grates as well. He has a unique ability to make recipes up in his head and never measure ingredients (much to my dismay as I always try to ask for his recipes and he doesn’t know any of the measurements), concocting flavorful marinades for seafood and steak that only he can replicate. This post is a Father’s Day tribute to him, sharing a few of his recipes that I’ve managed to document and some of his other favorite dishes. I’m sure your own dad (or any other special man in your life) will love them too.

Every year my dad tries to grow his own tomatoes and fails miserably. At least there are great store-bought varieties to be had. Pictured: Heirloom Tomato & Blue Cheese Salad

My mom doesn't eat meat, so my dad created this recipe that they can both enjoy. Pictured: Grilled Portabello Mushroom Parmesan

My dad is a sucker for anything with blueberries. The savory chops and sweet, tangy sauce work really well together. Pictured: Grilled Pork Chops with Balsamic-Blueberry Sauce

This peach and raspberry crumble is his favorite dessert. He asks me to make it at dinners all summer long. Pictured: Peach & Raspberry Crumble