Slow Cooker Jalapeno & Beer Cheddarwurst Sandwiches

Break out your slow cooker for your next summer get-together and make these easy & flavorful Slow Cooker Jalapeno & Beer Cheddarwurst Sandwiches...

This post is sponsored by Tyson, Unilever, & Bimbo. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.

I don't know about you all, but we are finally enjoying some warmer weather & sunshine here in my neck of the woods. And warmer weather means that summer is just around the corner. And the arrival of summertime means hosting lots of BBQ's & outdoor get-togethers for our family & friends! 

Inviting friends & family over for a little cookout in the backyard is probably one of my favorite things about summertime. 

My husband usually grills some hot dogs or smokes a couple of racks of ribs while I have a second tasty main dish simmering away in my slow cooker. We'll throw down a few friendly games of corn hole, and then we'll light the fire pit for s'mores making once the stars come out.

The Best Resources for Planning a Summer Family Vacation

From deciding where to go, how to get there, & how to get the most bang for your buck, here are The Best Resources for Planning a Summer Family Vacation...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Scholastic. The opinions and text are all mine.

Another school year is quickly coming to a close, and soon the kiddos will be home for summer school break. Time for long summer days at the pool, s'mores around the fire pit, weekend road trips, and the annual summer family vacation. 

Okay, so maybe you hadn't really thought about that last bit quite yet. But there is no need to panic, folks. I gathered up some of the best resources for planning a summer family vacation to share with you all today. So whether you need a little help deciding where to go or maybe you just need some tips for the actual traveling part, I got covered in today's post!

Deciding Where to Go.

If you haven't already pinpointed just where you and the family will be packing up and heading off to this summer, then this is where you need to start. 

Now you can either close your eyes and throw a dart at a map (hey, I am not necessarily ruling that one out ;) ), or you can start by asking yourself a few key questions-

Summer Harvest Potato Salad

The freshest locally grown potatoes & veggies come together perfectly with a super simple 3 ingredient fresh basil dressing in this Summer Harvest Potato Salad...

As you all may recall from the recipe I shared for my Farmers Market Frittata last month, I am on a mission this outdoor farmers market season to show you all how you can create a delicious recipe purchasing only locally grown & raised produce and meats at your local farmers market this summer. Each month I will be sharing a recipe here to the blog inspired by and featuring some of my own personal favorite fresh & local finds from my local market. 





For the month of July, I am sharing a fresh & lightened up potato salad recipe with you all. I am all about homemade potato salads for backyard BBQ's and summer picnics. 

But we all know that traditional potato salad recipes usually tend to be heavy and loaded with mayonnaise (which is big no-no when the hot summer sun is pounding down on your picnic table). 

For this Summer Harvest Potato Salad, I combined the freshest in-season locally grown potatoes & veggies with a super simple 3 ingredient fresh basil dressing.

Summer Market Potato Salad

Inspired by some gorgeous veggie finds at my local farmers market (and some fresh green beans from my parents' garden), I decided to combine all that summer freshness into one delicious and healthy potato salad.  Not only is this potato salad better for you (no heavy mayonnaise here!), it is also really flavorful and can be served cold or warm.  I had it both ways- warm right after I made it with dinner, and cold the next day and both were equally tasty. ;)

I have a favorite vendor at the farmers market for my potatoes each week.  They grow and sell such a unique variety of local potatoes.  From Yukon Golds to Cranberry Reds, and All-Blue to Russian Banana Fingerlings.  I am pretty sure my husband and I have tried just about every variety they offer by now.  Their booth is always my first stop when I visit the market.  I have to get our weekly potato fix before they are sold out.  For my Summer Market Potato Salad, I used a combination of their All-Blue and their Yukon Golds.  You could use a combination of any potatoes, or just one kind of potato.  But the All-Blues were just too beautiful to not use in this salad...

Summer Market Potato Salad

by Frugal Foodie Mama

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

6050382

Ingredients (8-10 servings)

• 2 lbs potatoes (any variety or combination of varieties as long as they as smaller)
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 medium summer squash, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1/2 lb green beans, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
• 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat your oven to 450 degrees.

Clean the potatoes under warm water. Cut the potatoes into 1 1/2 inch chunks. Place in a large saucepan and cover the potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and continue to cook the potatoes until they are almost fork tender. Remove from heat, drain in a colander, and set aside.

While the potatoes are boiling, combine the cut up zucchini and summer squash in a medium sized bowl. Pour a touch of olive oil over them and toss well to coat. Turn out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Let cool for at least 10 minutes.

Now for a quick blanch on the green beans. Bring salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Boil the green beans for 3 minutes. Quickly drain in a colander and then plunge into an ice bath. This can be in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water and ice.

Combine the potatoes, squash, zucchini, and green beans in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, fresh chopped parsley and basil, and cider vinegar.

Pour the Dijon dressing over the veggies in the large bowl and toss well. Taste your potato salad and add salt and pepper to your liking.

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This salad makes about 8-10 servings and is perfect for a barbecue or family get-together.  And since it is mayonnaise free, it is safe to leave at room temperature. 

Looking for other tasty ways to use up all those glorious, in-season veggies from your gardens and local farmers markets?  How about my...

Summer Pomodoro Sauce

Potato & Summer Squash Chowder

Summer Gazpacho

Strawberry Cannoli Tiramisu

Sweet summer strawberries & two classic Italian desserts come together perfectly in this no-bake Strawberry Cannoli Tiramisu...

Now that summertime is pretty much in full swing, I am ready to break out all the no-bake recipes. I try to avoid turning on my stove top or oven as much as possible in the summer months. 

I mean, 80+ degree temps + a hot kitchen = no bueno, am I right? So from late June right on through the end of August, we are grilling, slow cooking, and no baking every chance we get. 

While I definitely have a pretty deep arsenal of slow cooker recipes & grilling favorites, I have realized that I really need to step up my no-bake desserts game on the blog. 

Inspired by the sweet summer strawberries that are just now starting to come into season around here & a two of my favorite Italian desserts, I came up with this easy to make Strawberry Cannoli Tiramisu. And the best part? It is 100% no-bake, folks! :)

Lime in the Coconut Banana Bread

This Lime in the Coconut Banana Bread is the perfect combination of sweet & tart thanks to creamy coconut and a hint of fresh lime...

There is no flavor combination out there that screams summer is on its way to me quite like lime with coconut. The sweet & tart combo of lime and coconut makes me think of cabanas on a tropical beach, and sipping on frozen libations on the backyard deck, and of course that super catchy song by Harry Nilsson. And I know pineapple and coconut get most of the summer lovin' (Hello, pina coladas! Duh.), but I think the coconut/lime combination deserves a little time in the limelight too (Like what I just did there? ;) ). 

I know that the official start of summer is still over a month away, but who says that we have to wait until then to get into that summertime vibe? Not me! I am diving right in with this moist and flavorful banana bread recipe. The banana bread itself is packed with lots of sweet coconut flavor and just a hint of fresh lime. But what really makes this bread something else is the super simple tart lime glaze you drizzle right over top. Finish it all off with a little toasted coconut, and you have just created the perfect taste of summer in the middle of May... 

Sweet Honey BBQ Peach-Ginger Pork Chops

Sweet, juicy peaches come together perfectly with the bite of a good ginger beer and the smoky sweetness of KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce Mix & Dry Rub Sweet Honey in these tender, flavorful slow cooked pork chops...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of KC Masterpiece. The opinions and text are all mine.

While I have been grateful for the warmer weather here lately, we just can't seem to catch much of break with the rain. I seriously think it has rained almost every day of the week for the past few weeks save a day or two here and there. Needless to say, it has put a slight damper on our springtime grilling. Ever tried barbecuing in a downpour? It never works out very well for the person grilling or for the meat being grilled. ;) 

So what is a girl to do when it just. won't. stop. raining, and I am craving some good BBQ? I break out my slow cooker and one of my new favorite KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce Mix & Dry Rubs, & get down to work creating a slow cooked dish that has all the smoky goodness of backyard barbecue without the outdoor charcoal grill. Everyone stays nice & dry, and we still get to satisfy our barbecue cravings. I call that a win-win, folks. 

For these Sweet Honey BBQ Peach-Ginger Pork Chops, I went all sweet and smoky with these babies. Sweet, juicy peaches come together perfectly with the bite of a good ginger beer and the smoky sweetness of KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce Mix & Dry Rub Sweet Honey in these tender, flavorful slow cooked pork chops... :)

Cookie Dough S'mores Bar

Change up those usual s'mores and offer your guests a fun and fuss-free Cookie Dough S'mores Bar instead- 3 edible, egg-free cookie dough spreads & a fun cookie baking inspired display... 

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

As soon as the warmer weather settles in and summer makes it's presence known, our side deck and fire pit become the go-to spot for planned and impromptu summer get-togethers with family and friends on the weekends. Those fun summer evenings usually begin with a little barbecuing and multiple games of corn hole, and they almost always end with all of us gathered around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. :) 

While we are all happy with some good ole fashioned s'mores, every once in a while I like to change things up and fancy up our s'mores parties a little bit. For our most recent weekend get-together, I had an idea for a cookie dough s'mores bar that I had just had to put into action.

But before we host any summer party, I always have to swing by our local Walmart to stock up on our favorite s'mores making supplies...

5 Fun Ways with Ice Cream This Summer

Think outside the cone & turn up the fun with these 5 Fun Ways with Ice Cream This Summer...

This post is sponsored by Moose Tracks Ice Cream.

I don't know about you all, but I am getting just a little bit excited that summer is just around the corner. Summertime means long days poolside, backyard BBQ's, summer vacations, & of course- ice cream! 

Summer is definitely ice cream season. What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with a fun ice cream treat? :)

My family & I have recently discovered all the delicious flavors of Moose Tracks Ice Cream just in time for the summer. With so many flavors & varieties to choose from at all of our favorite retailers, each member of my family is sure to find the flavor (or flavors!) of Moose Tracks that they will love all summer long. (CLICK HERE to see which of your favorite Moose Tracks flavors are offered at retailers near you.)

While you can never go wrong with a scoop on a cone or in a cup , I like to make ice cream a little more fun during the summertime. Both of the kiddos are home from school for the summer, and it is time to turn up the fun!

Here are 5 ways to make Moose Tracks Ice Cream just a little more fun this summer...

Frozen Berry Sangria Floats

These Frozen Berry Sangria Floats only get better as they thaw, making them the perfect cocktail for those warm end-of-summer days and nights...

Summer might be winding down for most of us (hello, my oldest starts back to school today), but I am not giving up the outdoor entertaining just yet. The days are still warm and the evenings long, so we are going to sit back and soak up these last few weekends of summer before it becomes football & pumpkin everything. ;) 

For my summertime entertaining, I love coming up with easy, fuss-free, and crowd pleasing recipes and cocktails that will leave me raising a glass with my friends and family on a summer evening instead of in the kitchen handing out yet another glass to one of my guests. These fruity and frosty Frozen Berry Sangria Floats definitely fit that bill...

3 Ingredient PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches

You all are going to love this recipe for 3 Ingredient PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches- a kid approved & easy to make frozen summer treat! 

This recipe post first appeared on the Kroger Inspired Gathering site.

This content was created in partnership with Kroger Family Stores using free products provided by Kroger.

Summer is in full swing around here (I am not admitting that back to school is getting closer just yet, folks), and I am always trying to come up with fun and often times tasty ways for the kiddos and I to stay cool.  Whether it is running through the sprinkler, heading to the local pool, or making a simple and frosty frozen treat like these 3 Ingredient PB & J Ice Cream Sandwiches. 

Seriously, folks. These ice cream sandwiches are so easy to make and quick that you can even get those "bored" kids of yours in on the ice cream sandwich making fun! :) The method for making these is pretty much assembly line anyways, so you can assign one tasty task to each member of the family (just leave any cutting to the adults). 

Everyone is doing something. Everyone is having fun. And these ice cream sandwiches come together even quicker when everyone is in on the delicious action of making these... 

Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider Sangria

Warm spices, sweet pomegranate, and crisp apples come together perfectly in this Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider Sangria...

While I know that the turkey, and all the sides, and the pumpkin pie are the stars of that big turkey day coming up next week, I do firmly believe that a Thanksgiving dinner menu is not complete until a fall festive cocktail has been added to the mix. ;) 

Usually, we pick up a bottle of wine that will pair well with turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner, but this year I am changing things up just a bit. 

We will still be sticking with the wine, but I am jazzing it up with fresh pomegranate, apples, and lots of spice in this easy-to-make sangria recipe that I am sharing with you all today.

I know most people think of sangria as just a warm weather thing, but why should summer get all the boozy fun of this delicious cocktail? The fall season offers such wonderful flavors that lend themselves perfectly to a good homemade sangria. 

Since I have been on such a pomegranate kick lately, I really made it the star of this sangria with the addition of pomegranate vodka, pomegranate juice, and fresh pomegranate seeds. The apple cider, spiced rum, and cinnamon smooths out the entire cocktail making for easy sipping for your Thanksgiving feast next week... :)

Cucumber-Mint Green Tea Sangria

This Cucumber-Mint Green Tea Sangria is a refreshing & minty twist on a summer cocktail classic...

Does anyone else feel like Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer?

It is usually the last big BBQ of the summer.  The last weekend that the public swimming pools and water parks are open. The last three day weekend with warm temps and summer sunshine.

Well if you are planning a little get-together or a huge cookout for the long holiday weekend, I have the perfect pitcher of deliciousness to serve up- this Cucumber-Mint Green Tea Sangria! 

It is refreshing & packed with all kinds of good stuff from the fresh mint, cucumber slices, and green tea.  I mean, I am not trying to tout this as a "healthy" cocktail.  But it is WAY better for you then some of those other summer cocktails out there. ;)

Plus, it is just so easy to make! You can start infusing the green tea with the mint and cucumber the morning of your BBQ, and then simply add the chilled Moscato about 30 minutes before serving...

Hiking for Health: How to Get Started

Forget the notion that you have to be super outdoorsy or an athlete to enjoy hiking! Get my beginner tips for how you can start hiking for your health now...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Humana. As always, all opinions are my own. 

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.

If you have been following along with me on Instagram this past summer, you just may have noticed that I have a new passion in my life- hiking. The spark was actually lit last fall when my son & I took a little road trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to photograph the fall foliage. As we were walking around snapping pics, my son noticed a sign for the Maryland Heights Trail that takes you across the Potomac River and up to a cliff with breathtaking views of Harpers Ferry and the valleys below. He mentioned how awesome it would be if he & I did that hike together if only to capture the views from the top. So we started making plans, and in June of this summer we made the 4 mile round trip trek to Overlook Cliff. 

Being my first hike in years (like in almost 2 decades), I would be lying if I said it wasn't physically challenging. But despite the sore muscles I had the next day (and the day after that), the chance to connect with nature, to spend one-on-one time with my son, and the scenery I was rewarded with when I reached the top got me hooked. A few days after our June hike, we were already planning our next one...

Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad

This Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad is full of flavor and amazing textures- crunchy almonds, cucumbers, and red bell peppers, soft and slippery noodles, all tossed with a spicy almond butter sriracha dressing...

This is a sponsored post by Babbleboxx.

I am all about easy and simple when it comes to cooking and entertaining in the summertime. I love quick and effortless pasta salads and dishes that work well not only as a light and healthy lunch idea, but also as a flavorful, make-ahead side dish for a backyard BBQ or a summer potluck. The Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad recipe I am sharing with you all today easily meets the requirements for both. 

Seriously, you all. This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and can be easily doubled or quadrupled. And thanks to Roland® Organic Soba Noodles and RECIPE 33 Infused Almonds, this cold noodle salad recipe is packed with flavor and amazing textures. 

Before I share the actual recipe with you all, let me tell you guys about a few of the products I am loving this summer for cooking and entertaining...

Fancy S'mores Outdoor Oasis Party

Forget plain ole s'mores this summer! Really wow your backyard guests by throwing a Fancy S'mores Outdoor Oasis Party...

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Pier 1 Imports. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and to thank me for participating.

My husband and I have been married now for over 3 years, and we have never had a proper (or pretty) outdoor space for entertaining.  Mismatched furniture- some pieced together from our previous lives before our marriage, some handed down from family, no cohesive color scheme, and basically just outright meh-ness prevented us from hosting too many outdoor get-togethers for family and friends over the past 3 years.  Which had been difficult for this hostess-at-heart to handle...

But all of that changed last month. :)

Last month, we finally dug in and painted, laid stones, and headed to Pier 1 for the finishing touches for our new outdoor oasis.

We found that Pier 1's wide selection of outdoor cushions would be the perfect budget friendly way to add a pop of color to our outdoor furniture and to tie it all together with a vibrant green & calming blue color scheme.  We chose reversible cushions so that we could easily change the feel of our outdoor space with a simple flip. From bold stripes to a pretty floral pattern in seconds!

After adding the gorgeous final touches to our new outdoor space, it only seemed natural that we should throw a little party to celebrate and to show it off to family and friends...