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Strawberry Lemon Ice Cream

By · PUBLISHED · 47 Comments

Cool off this summer with a bowl of this Strawberry Lemon Ice Cream. Swirls of Oreo cookie chunks and strawberry preserves give this no-churn ice cream a pretty and refreshing taste.

A stack of bowls with lemon ice cream in the top one.
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Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream 

Nothing says summer more than a frosty glass of lemonade. It just tastes so much better when it's hot and humid outside. 

A few years ago, Blue Bell's strawberry lemonade ice cream was the official ice cream of summer. Unfortunately, it was only available for a limited time. I recreated the limited-edition flavor by using lemon juice and strawberries in my own ice cream recipe.

Did you know you can make ice cream without an ice cream machine? It's pretty easy. All you need for the base of no-churn vanilla ice cream is whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. With just two ingredients, you can have creamy homemade ice cream in your freezer in no time.

Of course, I like to be extra, so I pulled a few things out of the pantry to jazz up the homemade lemonade ice cream.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and refreshing flavor. Lemon juice and strawberry preserves give the creamy ice cream a sweet and tart taste.
  • No machine is needed. You don't need an ice cream maker to make this recipe. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and freeze.
  • Perfect summer dessert. This yummy lemon dessert will be the star of any party.
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Homemade Ranch Dressing

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Get ready for the tastiest salad dressing ever! Our Homemade Ranch Dressing is super creamy and only takes 5 minutes to make. It's perfect for pouring over salads or dipping veggies and chicken tenders.

A spoon lifting out dressing from a jar.
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Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a staple in our household, as it is in most homes in the US. We use it for everything from macaroni salad to buffalo chicken sliders.

I understand purchasing a bottle of dressing from the store is the most convenient option. But once you taste this homemade version, you'll know why I prefer making an easy homemade ranch dressing.

I used to buy salad dressing without giving it much thought. However, I recently discovered how simple it is to make it from scratch. It only took me 5 minutes to make a batch using dried herbs from our pantry. The best part was that it tasted 100 times better than any store-bought version from the grocery store.

Recently, I've been enjoying these mini bell pepper nachos for lunch, topped with a drizzle of dressing. Our youngest son also loves to make buffalo chicken dip. So, I now keep a big jar of this easy ranch in our fridge for every snacking adventure.

Why You Will Love Ranch Without Buttermilk

  • You control the ingredients. Most store-bought dressings contain preservatives, additives, and unnecessary added sugar. When you make your dressing, you have control over what goes into it.
  • It's budget-friendly. Instead of buying expensive salad dressings, make your own using dried spices and a few simple ingredients.
  • Better than store-bought. This homemade ranch recipe tastes great on any salad and is perfect for dipping veggies, fries, and pizza.
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Easy Macaroni Salad

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This Easy Macaroni Salad is a must for your summer picnic plans. Made with homemade Ranch dressing, veggies, and eggs, this creamy pasta salad is a family favorite.

An overhead picture of a bowl of macaroni salad.
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Macaroni Salad

Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family. When we get to a picnic or BBQ, I immediately go to the food table to place our dish. Honestly, I'm just excited to see what other side dishes are there.

A picnic isn't the same without orange fluff, deviled eggs, potato salad, and macaroni salad. My mom used to make this creamy pasta salad every summer.

Over time, I've made some slight adjustments to her recipe. My version is simple and quick, with homemade ranch dressing. I know everyone has their personal preferences for this dish, but I always include peas, tomatoes, and eggs.

Why Make This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

  • Easy to customize. There is no wrong way to make a salad like this. You can use your favorite veggies or change up the creamy dressing.
  • Classic potluck recipe. A good macaroni salad is a staple for summer BBQs and picnics.
  • Feeds a crowd. It makes a large serving, making it the perfect side dish for parties and get-togethers.
  • Great year-round. Cold pasta salad is a great addition to any meal. It tastes even better the next day, so it is a great dish to prep ahead of time.
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Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Our Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfectly thin and chewy with crisp edges. These soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with coconut, toffee, and chocolate chips are a family favorite!

Oatmeal coconut cookies stacked on a metal pan.
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Coconut Chip Cookies

For the past few weeks, I have been making all kinds of chocolate chip cookies. I usually make thick chocolate chip cookies and crispy chewy chocolate chip cookies for parties or events. Sometimes I even add M&M's to make M&M chocolate chip cookies.

This summer's sunshine and heat have me craving an island adventure with tropical treats. Since I adore the taste of coconut, I added it to my classic chocolate chip cookie dough.

Wow! I didn't think chocolate chip cookies could get any better, but the coconut twist blew me away! The combination of coconut flakes, oatmeal, and toffee bits transformed the treats into a thin, chewy delight. This might possibly be my new favorite cookie!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Trust me and give them a try. You will like these delicious cookies even if you are not a huge coconut fan. Our youngest son devoured five straight from the oven, and he usually dislikes coconut.

  • The texture of these cookies is incredible! Each one is thin and chewy with a crisp golden brown edge. 
  • They have a rich, nutty flavor. Coconut extract and toffee bits are game changers in this recipe. They add so much flavor to the dough.
  • No chilling is necessary. You can bake this dough as soon as you mix it.
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Strawberry Slushie

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A refreshing Strawberry Slushie is a delicious and fun way to beat the summer heat. It's simple to make this frosty drink with just three ingredients and a blender on a hot day.

Two strawberry slushies with straws and lime slices.
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Strawberry Slushies

Nothing is better than finding perfectly ripe fresh fruit in the grocery store. Usually, when I buy fruit, it doesn't last very long. However, recently, everyone has been ignoring the berries in the drawers. 

Fortunately, I've discovered a fantastic way to revive the fruit and use it before it spoils. Summer slushies are the best way to use any berries!

I blended our strawberries with ice, water, a splash of citrus juice, plus a little sugar. Then, I poured the mixture into glasses, and the kids and I enjoyed a delicious drink on our back patio.

The great thing about these easy icy drinks is that you can make them with any fruit. Now that warm weather has arrived, we will enjoy strawberry and raspberry slushies all summer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients. With just three ingredients, which can be found in stores or in your kitchen, you can blend up a chilly drink in minutes.
  • It's a refreshing drink. This icy slushie will cool you down in seconds on a hot summer day.
  • Saves money and time. The cost of buying store-bought slushies from fast food places can quickly add up, and they are usually high in sugar and syrups. Making a healthier version at home is the perfect way to indulge and save a few dollars.
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Spinach Egg Bake

By · PUBLISHED · 33 Comments

Enjoy a delicious Spinach Egg Bake for breakfast. This egg casserole is loaded with greens and cheese, making it a healthy option. It also reheats perfectly for a quick, nutritious breakfast on busy weekday mornings!

A spatula lifting a square of spinach egg bake out of a pan.
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Spinach Egg Casserole

I typically begin the day with a healthy breakfast rich in protein to balance out all the treats I like to bake. This broccoli egg bake and these egg burritos are two that I like to keep in our freezer. The best part about egg dishes is that they can be prepared beforehand, so all I have to do is reheat one each morning.

I enjoy spinach artichoke dip but only eat it a few times a year because it isn't the healthiest choice. To enjoy the flavor of this dip, I added it to a simple spinach and egg casserole.

The combination of spinach, artichokes, and jalapenos, mixed with eggs and cheese, gives the breakfast bake a wonderful flavor. It's an easy dish for busy families or anyone looking for a low-carb option.

Why You'll Love Spinach and Eggs 

Breakfast casseroles are great for meal prepping and fancy enough for Sunday breakfast or Christmas morning. Pair them with fresh fruit and your favorite breakfast sides for a complete meal.

  • Naturally low carb. This egg recipe is naturally low-carb because it only contains eggs, cheese, and veggies. 
  • This easy recipe is packed with protein. It makes 12 servings, each containing 10g of protein and just over 100 calories (and veggies to boot!). If you want more protein, serve it with a strawberry yogurt parfait or cherry banana smoothie.
  • It's great for meal prep. You can make an egg casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for the week, making it convenient and easy. We cut it into 12 squares and reheat it in the microwave each morning.
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Crispy Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Our Crispy Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies have golden brown edges and soft centers loaded with chocolate. Everyone loves this easy-to-make cookie recipe!

A large stack of crispy chocolate chip cookies on a white plate.
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The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

We love baking chocolate chip cookies because they are the perfect treat for any occasion or event.

Over the years, we have made several variations of the classic cookie. My favorites are cherry, salted caramel, and coconut.

However, when our youngest son asks for chewy cookies with chocolate chips, this is the only recipe that will do. They are great for school bake sales, boys' soccer parties, or just because you want cookies and milk.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every mom and baker needs a classic cookie recipe that can be made quickly. This one is a hit every single time!

  • These cookies have the best chewy texture. The combination of ingredients gives each one crisp, golden brown edges and soft, chewy centers.
  • Each one is loaded with chips. We make this chocolate chip cookie recipe with semi-sweet chips. This recipe is versatile because you can customize it with various types of chips, nuts, toffee, or coconut.
  • This cookie dough doesn't need any chill time. You can bake it as soon as it is mixed.
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M&M Cupcakes

By · PUBLISHED · 32 Comments

These sweet M&M Cupcakes are moist, delicious, and packed with chocolate candies. The homemade frosting and mini M&M's make them a festive and memorable treat for any party.

Two vanilla cupcakes on a plate with colorful candies on top.

This post was first published in May 2011. It was updated and then republished in June 2024.

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Candy Cupcakes

M&M's have always been one of my favorite candies. There is something about those milk chocolate candies that "melt in your mouth, not in your hand" that I love every time.

I like to keep our pantry stocked with bags of candy and chocolate chips, so I'm always ready to bake something fun. The other day, I decided to make these M&M cupcakes again. Who doesn't love a good cupcake? Especially one filled with colorful, candy-coated chocolate candies! 

These simple cupcakes are filled with milk chocolate candies and topped with creamy vanilla buttercream and also more M&Ms. They are great for parties or just when you want a cupcake. The colorful candy shells give the treats a fun, tie-dyed look that kids and adults will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Colorful and Fun: The M&M's candy shells add a pop of color to the cupcakes, making them pretty and fun to eat.
  • Delicious Flavor Combo: Enjoy moist vanilla cupcakes with rich frosting and crunchy M&M candies for a delightful flavor combination!
  • Party-Ready: This dessert is great for any party, whether it's a birthday or a casual gathering. Everyone will love it!
  • BONUS: If you love cupcakes, you will not want to miss out on these cherry chip cupcakes or Reese's chocolate peanut butter cupcakes.
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Chocolate Cream of Coconut Cake

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This Chocolate Coconut Cake is a delightful summer treat! It's filled with creamy coconut milk and topped with whipped cream and coconut flakes. This moist poke cake will be a hit at any potluck.

A slice of chocolate cream of coconut cake on a white plate.

Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

I love poke cakes all year round, but they're especially enjoyable when it's hot outside. There's something refreshing about eating cold, moist dessert in the heat. Our favorite summer variations are s'mores poke cake and orange creamsicle cake.

Try making a poke cake if you need a simple dessert for potlucks or picnics. It's a quick way to transform a box mix into an impressive treat that will wow everyone. Plus, there are so many delicious flavor combinations that you can make!

I used a chocolate cake mix to satisfy my chocolate cravings. A drizzle of coconut milk gives it the texture of tres leches cake. I also love adding whipped cream and shredded coconut to make it extra delicious!

Why You'll Love This Coconut and Chocolate Cake

  • It's so easy to make. A dark chocolate mix and extra store-bought ingredients simplify your prep time.
  • This is an excellent flavor combo. Chocolate and coconut go together so well. Trust me, it will get rave reviews from the coconut lovers in your life!
  • Great for summer potlucks! This chilly chocolate coconut cake recipe will disappear quickly whenever you serve it.
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Mini Key Lime Pies

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Serve these Mini Key Lime Pies at any spring or summer gathering, and watch them vanish before your eyes. The sweet yet tart filling is perfectly complemented with a swirl of whipped cream and fresh berries.

Little lime pies with toppings on a blue and white towel.

Mini Key Lime Pies

When it's hot outside, I prefer to make no-bake desserts to avoid using the oven. Some of our favorites are fruit parfaits and pina colada fruit dip.

I usually make mini strawberry pies in the warmer months because they're my husband's favorite. However, I discovered an extra package of pie crusts and bottled key lime juice this week in our pantry. So, I decided to switch things up and make tart, mini pies for dessert.

Did you know that even though the peels are green, key lime juice is actually yellow? That's why an authentic key lime pie is yellow, not green. Whether you call it yellow or green, you'll agree that this creamy citrus dessert is perfect for your next holiday or picnic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

  • The tart lime curd is easy to make on the stovetop with just a few ingredients.
  • Using a store-bought crust saves time and energy. You pour the filling into it and let it chill.
  • A swirl of Cool Whip, fresh fruit, and mint leaves make the miniature key lime pies so pretty. They will definitely be the first dessert chosen at parties and picnics.
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