And just like that Summer is upon us. Across the country people are planning celebrations to kick off the season. Pools will be opened and used perhaps for the first time, cars and SUVs will be packed tightly with towels, chairs and coolers filled to the brim as they travel to beaches near and far. This marks the beginning of a season note for long, leisurely laid back days, of carefree easy livin'. It's a season of nostalgia as we fondly remember running around our neighborhoods, eating popsicles, staying out late - until the sun started to set. We lit sparklers and caught fireflies in jars, played flashlight tag and roasted marshmallows on long sticks. Those of us who are parents do our best to emulate those days past. 

This weekend, perhaps the first time for many, we will be firing up their grills for burgers, hot dogs, steak, shrimp and chicken. There'll be mounds of cole slaw, potato salad, bowlfuls of green and fruit salads, platters of corn on the cob, watermelon slices, cookies, and brownies. There will be coolers filled with water, beer and sodas, pitchers filled with chilled tea and lemonades. These are the flavors of summer. 

Backyard food ideas are easy to come up with and the summer staples never disappoint. I do love to offer something unexpected for dessert. Although brownies and freshly baked cookies are nothing to turn one's nose up at, I like to end a meal with a memorable bang. You needn't make (or bring) anything too complicated or time consuming, unless you want to. When the weather is nice I prefer to spend less time in the kitchen. Below are some ideas both slightly complex and simple, to guarantee a happy ending to your summer holiday celebration. 

Click on each image below for source and recipe.

I wish you all a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend! 

And I would like to extend my most heartfelt thank you to all, living and passed, who've worked so valiantly to save our country. XO