On the first day of summer I did a post featuring some of my favorite summer recipes that were not to be missed.  Well, I decided to another midway through the season for a few reasons.  One, the first post was very well received.  Two, I seem to have overlooked a few favorites the first time around.  And three, I’ve made some great summer food so far this year and I wanted to highlight it once more to make sure you try these recipes before summer slips away!

If you’re so lucky as to be in an area with freshly caught shrimp, these steamed shrimp are a must try.  They take only a few minutes to prepare.  Served with spicy cocktail sauce, lemon wedges and crusty bread, they make for a perfect casual summer meal.


I’ve tried these crumb bars with blueberries and raspberries, and intend to try many more variations still.  No matter what fruit filling I use, I find them completely irresistible.

Since we moved into a new house within the last year, we haven’t really had the opportunity to get a vegetable garden going this year.  Hopefully next summer we will!  I know soon will be the time when everyone has zucchinis coming out their ears, and these stuffed zucchini boats are a great way to make use of them.


Please don’t let summer pass by without trying these piña coladas!  So simple, cool and refreshing.  Close your eyes and pretend you’re on vacation – or even better, make them when you are on vacation!

This is my first year making pizza on the grill, and I am sorry to not have discovered it sooner.  It truly takes pizza to a whole new level.  Take advantage while grilling weather is still here and experiment with any of your favorite toppings.


Last time I was at the store, blackberries were something like $1 per container.  That’s a great deal, and perfect incentive to try this blackberry tart with honey mascarpone filling.  Fruit tarts are ideal summer desserts and this one is no exception.


Burgers on the grill are a summer staple, and these teriyaki burgers with mango pineapple salsa are bursting with fresh flavors and color.  Serve them at your next BBQ for a fun and unique spin on a classic dish.


Peach season is in full swing and this peach cobbler will forever be my favorite peach dessert.  The fruit is sweet, ripe and juicy and the biscuit topping is the perfect compliment.


Soup isn’t typically at the top of any list of summer foods, but if you have an abundance of fresh corn (especially if you live in Indiana like me!) try this grilled corn and chipotle soup.  I love the contrast between the sweet corn and the slow burn of the heat from the chipotles.


Even though I focus on mainly fruit desserts throughout the summer, my heart still belongs to chocolate.  And chocolate definitely earns its rightful place on summer tables in the form of this chocolate espresso semifreddo.   I think it speaks for itself, no?


We’ve been making the most of our summer with lots of trips to the pool, visits to the zoo, and eating lots of homemade ice cream.  We also initiated Andrew with his first trip to Jiffy Treet, a local ice cream joint in our hometown and a staple well known to IU grads and Bloomington townies.  Now it’s about time for us to start our biweekly (or more) trips to the nearby orchard.  What have you been up to this summer?