9 Recipes To Finish Your Summer Well

Try these favorite recipes before summer is over!

Hey friends…I’m sharing a special summer NOBP (new-old-blog-post) that brings back all kinds of delicious memories.  If you’re needing a little extra inspo in the kitchen these days (and who isn’t?) then this post is for you!  Hope you enjoy-

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Well my personal summer is about to come to a sudden, painful, emotional, (insert all of the dramatic adjectives here) ending.  Yes indeed: Schools in Hawaii start in August, and though we’re one of those crazy homeschool families, we still try to be on schedule with the public school system.  Maybe someone can remind me why, because though I’m sure there is a good reason…I cannot seem to think of it at the moment.

SO here we go. Next week.  Books are here.  Shiny notebooks are ready and waiting (I do love that part, I admit it.)  We can do this…

However, my whole “Summer-mostly-off-of-blogging” thing is not on the public school schedule.  Nope.  For once in my live-long-blogging life (which will be 7 years this winter, holy wow) I am taking deep breaths and allowing this place to survive without my constant helicoptering…all the way until September.  Crazy town, right!?  Truth be told, I have thoroughly enjoyed this summer of sharing a few favorite older posts, as well as hosting some super fun giveaways  and even a guest post last week.  You guys have been incredibly supportive and understanding.  (and you’ve been busy too, right!?)

But not everything in life can be put on hold, and some things (like feeding five hungry men) will not give Mom a break.  And we all know:  I love to cook!  Even more:  I love to find inspiration for cooking new things!  We all get stuck in a rut occasionally, and I think the perfect way to get out of a rut is to be inspired by fun seasonal recipes.

Today I am sharing a few recipes that have jumped out at me on line this summer.  Some I have made, others are printed and ready.  I hope a few of these inspire you as well!   I’m starting with a few of my own favorites, just to remind you…

Click on each highlighted link to link to the recipe!

Tropical Smoothie Bowls

These may be the perfect summer breakfast.  Go for it.  Try them.  You’ll be so glad you did!

Burrito Bowls

Bowls aren’t just for breakfast!  These are a brilliant summer evening meal.  Put out all of the ingredients and let your family mix and match.  A very refreshing way to end the day!

Papaya Bars

Much like a lemon bar, but a bit sweeter and creamier…If you don’t grow papaya on your trees, then find them in the grocery store!  You’ll love these!

 

Now on to one of my favorite food blogs…

COUNTRY CLEAVER This girl is just sweet as pie and so much fun.   We’ve even met IRL.  I adore her, and her recipes!

Pesto chicken pasta skillet with asparagus and tomatoes

If you can grab some veggies from the garden, or at a local farmers market, this dish will taste even better.  Love this recipe!

 

Skillet Apple Tarte Tatin

Truth be told, I get homesick for my momma’s apple pie this time of year.  When I was growing up she would spend a few days with my grandma cranking out thousands (ok maybe more like 20) apple pies, using apples right off our tree.  Then she would freeze them and have them available all year-long to heat up and serve.  Add vanilla ice cream to any warm apple dessert and you have my heart.    I can’t wait to try this one!

Oh and even more fun!? Megan just wrote an amazing cook book, and I just pre-ordered my copy!!

Cast Iron Gourmet: 77 Amazing Recipes with Less Fuss and Fewer Dishes

It will be available soon– so click on the link ^^ to  pre-order!  I guarantee this girl does not disappoint! 🙂

Summer Grilling Recipes From Food and Wine

OK…this isn’t one recipe, but a whole BUNCH of them.  Because summer grilling is just the best.  And honestly, I am not the most creative griller.  I drooled over everything on this post, from healthy grilled veggies, to grilled appetizer toasts, and of course…Steak with chimichurri sauce?  I.  DIE.

Finally a long-time food blog favorite of mine…PINCH OF YUM.  This couple is just way too adorable, not to mention smart, fun, and the creators of some incredible recipes. Like…

The best Avocado egg salad

Because (ok if I brag real quick?)  On our property, we have some delightful-looking avocados ripening right now…We just ate the first one of the season last night and I almost cried a tear.  Avocados are the best.  And combining with egg salad?  On a bagel?  Pure genius.

Mind blowing vegan chocolate pie

How could this not change your life?  I cannot wait to try it!

Last, but not least…my friend Shanna from PINEAPPLE AND COCONUT and her…

Pina Coloda Cupcakes

They’re so pretty to look at, not sure i could eat them.  But wait yes i could.  (duh.)  And so could you.  Go get the recipe!

Hope you clicked on a  few links and got good and hungry.

Enjoy the end of your summer and I’ll see you back here soon!

With Aloha,

Monica

PS  I love it when you share my posts! (Click on a social media button at the top or bottom and it’s easy!)  Thank you 🙂  XO