What to Cook for the Long Weekend
Posted: | Categories: Substack Archives | Tags:substackThis is it—the last unofficial weekend of summer. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, hosting a BBQ, or spending time with friends, this week’s menu is all about making the most of your weekend, and eating well while doing it. (Stress-free! Easy! Delicious!)
Here’s what’s on the menu this week:
Three Easy Party Dips
Choose-Your-Adventure Supermarket Slaw
No-Recipe Grill Marinade
Ranch Pesto Potato Salad
BONUS! The Most Delicious Ice Cream Cake
PS - This is a great weekend to make the Hot Grill Salad if you haven’t already. It will be a hit!
PPS - Don’t forget to make a Condiment Salad for your hot dogs.
PPPS - Love you, bye!
Three Easy Party Dips
Depending on your weekend plans, you can make all three of these for a party, or one to graze on all weekend. When I’m cooking for a group, I love to set out a spread of veggies, crackers, and dips for people to enjoy while I finish cooking, and these party dips—Ranch Dip, Creamy Green Goddess Dip, and Caramelized Onion Dip—are crowd-pleasers every time.
Choose-Your-Adventure Supermarket Slaw
Serve with: Whatever you’re grilling up! Great with burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, and grilled veggies
This slaw is one of my favorite hacks for feeding a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. There are so many delicious variations for it (one of which can be found on page 117 of my cookbook). Use whatever veggies look great to inspire yours! This version is vegetarian (great for parties), and I’ve included a bunch of options and add-ins so you can go on your own supermarket slaw adventure. Please report back!
No-Recipe Grill Marinade
When you make a marinade, acid helps the meat tenderize and gives it extra flavor. Ideally, your meat can soak up all the delicious juices overnight, but even a few hours will help make whatever you’re grilling juicy and flavorful! I use lemon juice, orange juice, grated garlic and onions, tamari, dijon mustard, and my favorite seasonings to create an easy marinade with ingredients in my fridge door. See how simple it is here.
Ranch Pesto Potato Salad
Believe it or not, potato salads are the best way to add flavor to a backyard party. My favorite recipes include minimal mayo (if any), and a ton of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon to complement the buttery potatoes. This one includes ranch-inspired pesto, creating a delicious sauce everyone will want the recipe for.
The Most Delicious Ice Cream Cake
Last week, one of you (hi, Tempe!) asked about the pound cake I use for ice cream cakes. It’s from Mike’s Philly Fluff and it is SO good. This is such an easy summer dessert that adults and kids will love—you can make it in muffin tins with cupcake liners for individual party servings, or make a big batch in a loaf pan. You’re in for a treat!
