Welcome back to the summer recap. Now that we’ve gotten the entertainment portion out of the way, let’s get into the eats. I always say summer Elizabeth is the best Elizabeth because of all the cooking and experimenting in the kitchen that I do. Oftentimes, Paul will find a new recipe and send it to me, and it will just sit in my inbox for…oh…ever. I get pretty burnt out as the school year goes on and don’t feel much creativity especially in the kitchen, but my summer self loves to try new things. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes we made this summer and some accounts to follow on Instagram for more yummy recipes.
Before we begin, I have created recipe cards you’ll see below. Most of these come directly from the original recipes, but not all of them. I’ve changed things and added what I did to them. Keep that in mind. My recipe may look different than the one I linked to. Do as you wish. Cooking is fun and totally adaptable!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Mediterranean Salad
One of the things Paul and I miss most about Louisiana (besides the people and the cajun food) is the Greek food. There were two good restaurants we liked, and one was actually our first stop when we visited this past July. I never actually ordered gyros from either of these restaurants, but I knew the flavor payoff would be perfect if I made these. I was right. The chicken is so delicious! I am all for making your own things from scratch, because they truly do taste better, but I found tzatziki sauce in Walmart by the hummus, and it is scrumptious, so I didn’t make my own this time. There is a recipe to make it at the link, so feel free to give that a try if you’re feeling adventurous. Here’s the link to the reel where you’ll find the recipe in the comments.
Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice
Who doesn’t love a taco night? This recipe is a fun spin on taco night and extremely delicious! The guy in the reel says his kids didn’t throw it against the wall, so that sounds pretty promising, right? It was also Norman approved. It heats up well, and if you’re okay with taking the same thing for multiple days in a row for lunch, this would be a good one to prep on Sunday and carry with you for most of the week. Here’s the recipe.
Slow Cooker Pork with Sauerkraut and Apples
Maybe this one says cold weather, but I had a huge pork butt in the freezer that needed to be cooked. I’d had this meal at book club once and fell in love with the flavors. The original recipe is for the oven, but I’m here to say that putting it in the slow cooker works! It makes a ton, so it would be an excellent thing to cook when feeding a crowd. Serve with a salad and mashed potatoes, and you’ll have lots of happy bellies. Here’s the original recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Here’s another good one to make for a crowd and something I’m definitely making for football season gatherings. I’m talking about cowboy caviar. I’m sure you’ve had it or made it, but it was too good not to share. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the good stuff. It’s hearty and full of flavor. A perfect dip for your next tailgate. Here’s where I got the recipe.
Key Lime Ice Box Cake
When it was my turn to host book club, I wanted to make a dessert that was light, would suit the girls, and something Paul would like as a leftover. We both love key lime pie, so when I saw this recipe, I had to try it. It was easy to make and even better that it was a make ahead dessert that I didn’t have to fret over on book club day. It’s not overly sweet nor is it too tart. I thought it was just delicious. Here’s the recipe from Babs.
Strawberry Basil Tini
It might not be strawberry season anymore, but you must keep this recipe for next year. I think strawberries and basil are a pretty perfect pairing, so consider this a pretty perfect summer cocktail. Here’s the recipe. Stick around her channel for her fall series of cocktails. If you like apple cider, you’re in luck! I’ve already added plenty to my list of cocktails to make.
Happy Cooking to you! I know you’ll enjoy these recipes as much as I did.
