Summertime Series

It’s the Fourth of July, ya’ll. Time to celebrate life in the good ol’ US of A. Fireworks are nice (sometimes), but patriotic holidays like this one are really about something more.  Whether we watch fireworks or not, what do we all do on July 4th? EAT. And drink a little, too. Because parades...
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I do not get to eat enough salad.  Hayden won’t eat it, and since I try my hardest to make one meal for everyone, I have been missing out.  The great part about this salad is the salmon, which Hayden loves.  I just serve his without the salad and offer him a little dressing...
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For those who are looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for today’s feast, here is your recipe.  And the best part?  These cookies are made without butter and egg yolks, making them a great choice for those watching their cholesterol intake. 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 4 tbs...
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A cold margarita pairs beautifully with, well, just about everything.  These bright red hibsicus margaritas would be a perfect choice for July 4th, or any hot summer day. 3 cups hibiscus tea (such as Tazo) 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups tequila 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/3 cup Cointreau Combine all ingredients in...
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This salad is GORGEOUS.  The red and blue would be a perfect addition to your July 4th table or any summer occasion.  The dressing has a hint liqueur in it, but the overall amount is not enough to affect anyone (so it’s safe for your kids!).   Be sure to prepare this the day of...
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Oh, you suckers.  Every time I mention beer or bourbon ya’ll are chomping at the bit to get a look at the recipe.  You’re in luck- this one DOES have beer in it.  You will still have to drink some if you want to get loopy.  And did I mention how good these beans...
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Los Angeles hit 80° yesterday (mid-westerners and beyond, please don’t hate me- our real heat has yet to come), so it was a good day for an afternoon popsicle.  These fruit smoothie pops would satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, and they are good for you, too! 1 ripe banana 1 cup mango chunks 1/2 cup...
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Being from the almost-South, I grew up eating okra.  It was, and still is, one of my favorites.   Hayden loves it, too.  In fact, when I cook it like this, he eats as much or more than I do, and I try to freeze some portions in case he demands MORE OKRA (yes,...
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This dish was inspired by one I like to make with okra.  I didn’t have any so I just used what I had on hand, and it turned out great.  Serve this with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to a main dish. 2 tbs oil 2 ears fresh corn, shucked and kernels cut...
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We jut got a new citrus press, and I couldn’t wait to make something refreshing.  This lemonade hits the spot on a warm, sunny day (and your kids will be asking for seconds, too!). 10 lemons, halved 1 1/2 cups warm water 1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tbs Dissolve sugar in water, set aside. ...
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Being raised in Texas and transplanted to Los Angeles, my husband and I eat a lot of hot sauce.  We always have a bottle of Tapatio in the fridge, but nothing beats fresh salsa.  At our local farmers market, we like to get pupusas (which Hayden loves) and salsa.  The mint in El Salvadoran...
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