Summer Vibes & Culinary Delights: Your Monthly Guide to Grilling, Recipes, and Inspiration

Welcome to a brand new month, bursting with the promise of exciting adventures and delicious discoveries! As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we’re eagerly gearing up for the joyous return of summer grilling season. This past weekend, even a surprise late-season snowfall couldn’t dampen our spirits, especially when it came with the delightful treat of freshly baked pastry. There’s truly nothing quite like a box of exquisite pastries to transform a chilly, snowy Saturday into something utterly magical and memorable.

We embarked on a small adventure, waiting nearly 45 minutes in line at a local pop-up bakery, all for this coveted box of deliciousness. Let me assure you, every moment of that wait was absolutely worth it. The flaky blueberry lime pastry was a revelation – a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a delicate crunch that melted in your mouth. Our little one, Babycakes, took his first bite and, in true toddler fashion, proceeded to devour the entire thing, leaving just a few sneaky bites for my partner and me to savor. We polished off every single crumb in that box, and I can honestly say it was one of the most satisfying and indulgent foodie experiences I’ve enjoyed in a long time. It was a sweet reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most profound.

Now that the last vestiges of snow have melted away, my mind is firmly fixed on summer. While I’m hoping to avoid those scorching 100˚F days, I’m fully embracing all the wonderful things this season entails. Yes, that even includes the many weekends of yard work required to get our outdoor space into pristine, tip-top shape for entertaining and relaxation. But it’s a labor of love, a preparation for the sunny days and balmy evenings ahead.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into this month’s curated collection of random things that have recently made me drool, laugh, dance, and feel inspired. This “Monthly Slice” is packed with everything from essential grilling favorites and a perfect Memorial Day BBQ menu to uplifting insights and entertaining diversions. Get ready to embrace the warmth, the flavors, and the joy of the season. Who else is ready to officially say hello to June next week and kick off a fantastic summer?

Song of the Week: Setting the Summer Mood

Lately, my playlist has been overflowing with summery, upbeat tunes that instantly lift my spirits and get me moving. Of course, when I’m deep in work mode, it’s a different story – then I gravitate towards deep, instrumental pieces that foster focus. But for everything else, it’s all about that vibrant summer energy! The other day, “Mama” by LunchMoney Lewis popped up on the radio, and it was an instant throwback. I had completely forgotten how much I adored this song, and I have to say, it resonates even more profoundly with me now that I am a mama myself. It’s a sweet, catchy track that brings a smile to my face every time. Enough of the sappy stuff though, let’s get straight to the delicious food that awaits!

Foodie Adventures: Seasonal Flavors to Savor

Summer is truly the best season for fresh, vibrant flavors, and I’ve been swooning over some incredible recipes lately. Here are a few “foodie things” that have caught my eye and are perfect for your summer table:

• This strawberry lemon sheet cake with its fluffy, delicate frosting looks absolutely divine. It’s so bright, light, and bursting with seasonal fruit – truly the quintessential dessert for any summer gathering.
• I could easily eat this refreshing poke bowl for lunch every single day. Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that embodies the spirit of summer.
• The tantalizing sour fruitiness of this rhubarb gin sour is absolutely calling my name. Rhubarb season is fleeting, so let’s make the most of it with this sophisticated and tart cocktail!
• Imagine the fresh, zesty flavor of this homemade mango salsa! It would be incredibly delicious on so many dishes – think grilled chicken, fish tacos, a topping for nachos, or even just scooped up with crispy tortilla chips.
• These gorgeous vegetable naan pizzas are definitely being added to our dinner menu for next week. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for a casual summer evening, especially when grilled.
• I’m amazed that this yummy soy sauce butter fried rice can be ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you need a flavorful meal in a flash.
• When it comes to grilling, everyone has their favorite cut of steak. For me, this perfectly seasoned grilled skirt steak always hits the spot. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it ideal for a backyard BBQ.
• We absolutely must make these irresistible strawberry white chocolate cookies this summer. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy white chocolate is simply heavenly and screams warm weather indulgence.
• I’m thrilled with all the summery burrata recipes that are trending right now, and this delightful pasta dish, featuring spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, is topping my list of must-try meals. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a summer evening.

Fun Finds: Entertainment & Nostalgia

Beyond the kitchen, there’s always something exciting to explore. Here are some “fun things” that have recently captured my attention and might just make your month a little brighter:

First up, prepare your binge-watching schedules because here’s what’s coming to Netflix in June! I could literally SCREAM with excitement because the final season of my beloved Peaky Blinders is dropping on June 10th! Get ready for some intense drama and impeccable style. Beyond that, Netflix always delivers a fresh slate of movies and series to keep us entertained through those long summer nights.

If you, like me, grew up in the glorious 90s, then you will absolutely appreciate this heartwarming post on how to recreate the magic of 90s summers. It’s a beautiful trip down memory lane, reminding us of simpler times filled with outdoor adventures, scraped knees, and endless days of play. It makes me want to put down the devices and encourage more unstructured, imaginative fun for the kids today.

Coming in HOT with another round of fun quizzes for you to enjoy! These are perfect for a quick break and a little bit of self-discovery:

• First, find out which Brendan Fraser character you would fall for. For me, it’s unequivocally Rick O’Connell from *The Mummy* (shocking, I know, LOL!). His adventurous spirit and charming wit are simply irresistible.
• Next, discover which rom-com leading man is truly for you. My result was Patrick Dempsey! Again, this quiz is pretty on point with my taste, haha.
• I know it’s only May, but I simply couldn’t skip this delightful quiz: Which Hallmark Christmas movie would you get trapped in? I got *A Very Merry Mix-Up*, which I’ve never actually seen, but it’s officially going on my watch list for this year’s holiday season. It’s never too early to start planning for festive cheer!

Inspirational Insights: Nurturing Your Well-being

In addition to all the fun and food, I always aim to share content that offers a moment of reflection and growth. These “inspirational things” have recently resonated with me, particularly as we navigate our increasingly complex world:

• This powerful article, “The lies we tell ourselves about our worth and how I’ve let them go,” offers a profound perspective. Being so present on social media, there’s a constant subtle questioning about one’s worth that can creep into your mind. I found this read particularly enlightening and affirming, providing valuable tools for self-acceptance and releasing self-doubt.
• For anyone looking to cultivate a more peaceful life, these “Cutting people off quotes to help you live a drama-free life” are an absolute MUST-READ. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. And speaking of boundaries, these hilarious yet wise “mind your business quotes” are also fantastic, LOL! They serve as a lighthearted reminder to focus on our own paths and not get entangled in others’ unnecessary drama. Both articles offer simple yet impactful wisdom for navigating relationships and preserving your inner peace.

Summer Grilling Essentials: Master Your Outdoor Kitchen

Despite the occasional snowy hiccup here in Colorado, we are officially in the swing of grilling season! If you’re looking to stock up on the absolute must-haves to make this your best grilling season yet, I’m here to lend a hand. It should come as no surprise that I am a massive Traeger fan. Seriously, the Traeger grill I own (linked below) is an absolute BEAST. Its versatility and ability to impart incredible smoky flavor to everything make it indispensable in our household. I use it throughout the entire year, even for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, and it consistently performs without a hitch.

The key to a long-lasting and high-performing grill is proper maintenance. Make sure you keep your grill in excellent working order at both the beginning and end of the official grilling season. A thorough clean-up twice a year keeps mine in tip-top shape, ensuring delicious results every time. Just to be clear, none of this is sponsored content; I am simply a truly passionate advocate for the Traeger line of products because they genuinely deliver exceptional quality and flavor. Below, I’ve linked my personal Traeger grill and some of the essential accessories I rely on for all my grilling adventures.

Top Grilling Must-Haves for the Season

Pizza Stone: Essential for achieving that perfect, crispy crust on your grilled pizzas.

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Grill Tongs: A good pair of sturdy tongs is indispensable for flipping, rotating, and serving your grilled masterpieces with ease.

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Grill Basket: Perfect for grilling smaller vegetables or delicate items without losing them through the grates, ensuring even cooking.

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Grill Prep and Serve Trays: These ingenious trays prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate, making your grilling experience safer and more organized.

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Grill Brush: A good quality grill brush is paramount for keeping your grates clean and your food tasting fresh, making post-grill cleanup a breeze.

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Dry Pellet Bin: Keep your Traeger pellets fresh and dry, ensuring consistent smoke flavor and optimal grill performance every time you cook.

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Traeger Grill: My personal favorite, offering unparalleled wood-fired flavor and incredible versatility for everything from smoking to grilling.

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Traeger Grill Signature Pellets: These premium wood pellets are crafted for exceptional flavor, elevating your grilled dishes with a signature smoky taste.

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The Ultimate Memorial Day Menu

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to plan a fantastic backyard BBQ that will impress all your guests. This menu combines classic favorites with fresh, exciting twists, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for everyone. From vibrant appetizers to a show-stopping dessert, here’s my top Memorial Day menu, designed for deliciousness and ease:

• Grilled Mexican Street Corn Crostini: Kick off your gathering with this vibrant and savory appetizer, bursting with smoky corn flavor and creamy cotija cheese. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of summer.
• Vodka Strawberry Lemonade: Keep your guests refreshed with this homemade, fruity cocktail. Made with fresh strawberries and lemons, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and a delightful adult beverage for a sunny day.
• Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar: Elevate your main course by offering a customizable burger bar! With a variety of toppings and sauces, everyone can create their ideal gourmet burger, ensuring a fun and engaging meal.
• Loaded Baked Potato Skewers: Forget traditional baked potatoes! These skewers feature golden potatoes grilled with savory bacon, then drizzled with a rich roasted garlic aioli. They are the ultimate side dish that perfectly complements any grilled meat.
• Smashed Mixed Berry Pavlova: End your feast on a high note with this light, airy, and visually stunning dessert. The crisp meringue, soft whipped cream, and fresh mixed berries create a delightful symphony of textures and flavors.

I hope this “Monthly Slice” provides you with plenty of inspiration for delicious food, entertaining moments, and meaningful reflections as you step into a beautiful new month. Here’s to making the most of the season!

For more adventures and culinary ideas, check out my last Monthly Slice here!