Hello Foodie Friends!
Well it’s already been a month since I last wrote you a Fresh Fridays post. The mornings are darker, and the evenings are cooler. Our oldest son is settled in a new state and a new job, and the other is in his junior year of college.
I can’t deny that I’m excited about the coming of fall. It’s been a long, hot summer here in Colorado, and I am excited about cooler weather. I saw a meme the other day that said, “I said, I’m ready for sweater weather, not sweaty weather!” HA! Isn’t that the truth? We’ve had quite the string of 90+ days!
I’m super excited about this month’s Fresh Fridays, with fresh new recipes, Labor Day menu ideas, exciting new things happening on the blog, and the last days to enter the August Cooking Club Challenge!
Along with my usual, of course, what I’m reading, my favorite finds, and a little encouragement for the soul!
Use the Table of Contents below to skip to what interests you most.
⭐️Last days to enter the August Baking Challenge!
Can you believe it? Tomorrow (Aug 31) is the LAST day to enter our August Baking Challenge! If you haven’t whipped up a batch of those delicious Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins yet, now’s your chance. Just bake them up, snap a picture, and email it my way, and comment on the blog post!
Rate the Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love it when you try my recipes, rate them, and share your thoughts! It really helps others and boosts the recipe’s visibility. I so appreciate you!
Fresh New Recipes
I’ve been busy updating some of my older recipes! With new photos (I’ve come a long way in my photography skills over these 7+ years) and added success tips, tricks, and reader insights, I think you’ll love the updates just as much as I do!
- Mini Apple Pies in a Muffin Tin – Easy as pie—mini pies, that is! A quick sugar cookie crust, homemade apple pie filling, and buttery streusel, all baked to golden perfection. Drizzle with caramel for a bite of fall in every bit!
- Overnight Cranberry Nut Bread—This 15-minute prep, no-knead yeast bread slow-ferments overnight, for a chewy, flavorful, and delicious loaf! Better (and cheaper) than Costco’s or Whole Food’s.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – You’ll be amazed at how easy this is! Perfect with BBQ, in burritos, tacos, bowls—anywhere you want a unique and delicious twist on rice!
- Sausage and Biscuit Breakfast Casserole – The best of both worlds in one dish! This egg breakfast casserole is packed with hearty sausage gravy and filled with tender biscuits. It’s the ultimate comfort breakfast!
- Cherry Bomb Cocktail (or Mocktail) – With summer’s sweet cherries, a splash of bourbon, a hint of vanilla, and maple syrup, all topped with club soda, this cocktail is a must-try! Plus, I’ll show you how to easily turn it into a refreshing mocktail.
In Real Life
Whew, what a whirlwind this month has been! We’ve been busy getting our boys settled into their new places, and I’ve been pouring my heart into an exciting new project that I can’t wait to share with you this fall (hopefully). 😉
On top of that, the fourth quarter is just around the corner, which, for us food bloggers, is the craziest time of year! We’re in full swing, creating and testing recipes I know you’ll love for the holidays. Busy, yes—but so rewarding!
We had the joy of celebrating my bonus dad’s 80th birthday, which was an absolute blast. There’s something so special about gathering with family for those milestone moments.
Also, the cake for my bonus dad’s birthday is my chocolate zucchini cake (so moist), which I made as a bundt cake with ribbons of chocolate buttercream. Everyone raved about it, it’s a winner of a recipe, but one that I really need to re-shoot and refresh for you all!
We’ve also savored some great dinners with friends—nothing beats good food and even better company! And let’s not forget those slow, cozy Friday pizza nights at home, which have become a tradition for us lately. It’s been a wonderful mix of celebrating life’s big and small moments.
What I’m Reading
I absolutely loved Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck! It’s the perfect blend of light and fun, offering an engaging read without being filled with fluff. The story is heartwarming and well-paced, with just the right amount of depth to keep you hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking for a delightful escape with meaningful characters and a touch of romance, this book is a must-read!⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is a fascinating read that beautifully explores Chinese culture, especially the harrowing practice of foot binding. The lifelong friendship between the two main characters is deeply moving and richly detailed. If you love stories that transport you to another time and place while offering insights into the complexities of relationships, this book is a must-read.
Currently reading Ghosts of Honolulu by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr., and it’s a fascinating dive into the early NCIS investigation surrounding Pearl Harbor and the spies involved in that tragic day. As a longtime NCIS fan, it’s been especially intriguing to see the story unfold through the perspectives of two key players behind the TV show’s creation. A must-read for anyone interested in history and the roots of NCIS! (the organization, not the show)
Labor Day Menu Ideas
Do you have plans for Labor Day this weekend? I plan to serve this simple meal to a few people I hope to invite over. But if someone offers to bring something, I’ll let them bring the salad and the dessert — because we all love contributing!
- Start with this Burrata, Pesto and Roasted Tomato appetizer – so good and easy too!
- We love these Shish Kabobs; I usually marinate both chicken and steak and make up an assortment of skewers so that everyone gets what they want. If you are having a more intimate party, give everyone some gloves and let them assemble their own skewers!
- This broccoli salad is fresh, crunchy, and super flavorful. I love that you assemble it all ahead of time!
- For dessert, I’m hope to make this Oreo Dessert Lasagna (no-bake and make-ahead) or my Key Lime Pie below, but I haven’t decided.
- I have my Pink Vodka Lemonade planned for a welcome cocktail (or mocktail). It’s fresh, beautiful, and easy to make in a pitcher!
What Readers are Saying About…Key Lime Pie
Reader Abby said: “Very tasty. Family who claimed they don’t like key lime pie caught for the last slice. Success.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ And Cynthia commented: “Took this to a Party. Everyone said it was the best ever key lime pie. I followed directions to do the extra whipping but I also refrigerated the filling while crust was still cooling in the refrigerator. Pie came out perfect 😊”
Fresh Finds: Amazon Deals + More
My favorite finds of the week – check out previous weeks HERE!
Do you have a new college student or a young adult with a new apartment? Check out this Amazon Prime student deal—6 month trial at $7.49 a month!
Finds for the Home
- You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on a Dutch Oven; this one has great reviews and is reasonable! It’s perfect for bread baking, stew making, pot roasting, and more!
- While I love this Meater wireless meat thermometer, it’s a little pricey; I do love this instant-read thermometer; it’s rechargeable too!
- Aren’t these glass tumblers so cute? Great for a girls night out!
- These are my favorite mixing bowls, heavy-weight ceramic bowls!
- Welcome fall with this pretty eucalyptus wreath!
Fall Finds for Her
- A friend says that she loves these pants and wears them every day!
- And I love these cargo crops, great transition pants.
- Love this sweatsuit (30% off) for a cozy fall outfit.
- How about this cute cargo jacket, great for layering!
- These Shackets (shirt/jacket) are so cute, 20% off plus $8 coupon! Loads of color/pattern options — the Apricot is in my cart!
All of this AND MORE in my weekly finds — be sure to check it out!
Fresh Inspiration: Come
I wrote this down in my journal a while back. I can’t remember where I read it, but I recently re-read it and thought I would share it with you. I hope it encourages you today!
Remind me,
When life is good,
Come.
When life is hard,
Come.
When I am anxious,
Come.
When I am worried,
Come.
When I see Your beauty,
Come.
When I am rushed,
Come.
When I am weary,
Come.
When I am _______,
Come.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, Our God, Our Maker.
Psalm 95:6
Just a quick reminder that I read and respond to every email, and I’m truly thankful for every one of you who comes back week after week! Your support means the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read and click through to a few recipes—I’m incredibly grateful!
Please come back and rate and comment on a post if you try it.
Coming soon…Strawberry Gelato, Sourdough Overnight Bread, Pimento Cheese, Chicken Salad Chicken Classic Carol and more…
P.S. If you missed last month’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
Check out my favorite things and more HERE! Plus, previous week’s finds!
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