Hi Friend! We hope the summer is treating you well! Here in Minnesota, we have been surviving some rain and now a heat wave this weekend… whew! The next few days are definitely the time to bring all of our cooking outside to the grill and Blackstone. Plus, maybe have a cocktail in hand :) If you are also bringing your cooking skills outside, we cannot recommend our NEW Smash Burger Sliders enough! They are SO delicious!
Last week several of you completed our very quick poll about what type of recipe you need for the upcoming 4th of July holiday (big thanks to those of you that responded). And the majority of you answered ‘a side dish to share’. So, below you will find a few of our favorite side dishes that are easy to share and everyone LOVES them. We hope you love them too! Thanks for being here! c
NEW RECIPES! What We’ve Been Cooking



Southwest Quinoa Salad - Get a fiber focused and higher protein meal on the table with this show stopping quinoa salad! It's full of fresh veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and nutritionally packed quinoa all topped with a homemade southwest dressing. Plus, it's a perfect one to make ahead to set your week up for success.
Smash Burger Sliders - Feed a crowd with these decadent smash burger sliders! They're complete with two juicy burger patties, our delicious burger sauce, and ALL the toppings between perfectly toasted Hawaiian rolls.
Rose’s Lime Juice Gin & Tonic - Rose's lime juice adds the perfect amount of sweetness and citrus to the classic G&T. It's an ingredient that we always have on hand. Get this refreshing drink on your summer cocktail menu ASAP!
Leisa says, “So good! I love opportunities to use my garden herbs. I added a little basil and crispy chickpeas on top.”
What We Are Loving
Parchment Paper Squares - so helpful when smashing anything on a flattop griddle!
Blackstone Burger Press - we absolutely love making smash burgers and this is our go-to press!
My Blackstone - when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen in the summer, take your cooking outside :)
Extra Long Griddle Spatula - perfect for making those sliders above or tossing some hibachi on the Blackstone!
Blackstone Cover - keep your griddle looking great with this cover to protect it from the elements.
Exclusive Content This Week
This past Wednesday, our paid subscribers received a NEW Exclusive Recipe - 30 Minute Ginger Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls! If you received it, we hope you love all the fresh ingredients and bright flavors. And if you are not yet a paid subscriber… now is the time!
This coming week on Wednesday, June 25th, we will be sending out an epic Sports Mom Era Guide (+ a bonus recipe)! We are 3 moms in the thick of it with kid’s activities, so we thought we would create the ultimate guide full of tips, tricks, and essentials that you might want to have if you are also going to all the kid activities. Join as a paid subscriber to receive both of these, plus everything in our archives!


4th of July Sides to Share



Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad - we have already made this epic pasta salad a few times and each one received rave reviews! Plus, it can easily be made ahead of time!
Mexican Street Corn Salad - a blog favorite for a reason!! Everyone loves this delicious side dish and it can be used in so many different ways.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans - you might not be thinking about your slow cooker in the summer, but it is so easy for a crowd. Just latch the top on, bring it where you are going, and let the crock pot do the work while you relax!
What’s on Erin’s Menu Plan This Week
Want to know what is on my menu plan this week? Here are a few that made my list:
Smash Burgers: we made these for Father's Day!! Soooo good!
Lemon Pasta + Grilled Chicken: Lemon Pasta is a constant in the summer!
Hot Dogs + Grilled Veggies: this combo has been a go-to this summer! So quick and easy!
Beef Taco Bowls: just your classic beef tacos because my family always requests them!
Don’t Forget!
If you make a recipe from the site - make sure you leave rating and star review!! It helps my business SO much!
Coming Up!
On Monday, June 23rd, ALL subscribers will receive a 4th of July guide full of recipes that can be made for hosting or taking to any celebration!
Plus, paid subscribers can enjoy a complete Sports Mom Era Guide on Wednesday, June 25th! It is full of all our favorite items, recipes, etc. for surviving life as a sport’s mom. Plus, an amazing BONUS RECIPE that the whole family is going to love!
Don’t forget to check out our Instagram and TikTok accounts for some behind-the-scenes action and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more delicious recipe tutorials! Or give us a follow on Facebook or see what we are pinning on Pinterest!
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Happy first day of summer! Thank you for all the great recipes and inspiration! We actually made the baked beans this week and have been enjoying for several meals! The beef taco bowls have been a staple. Looking forward to all the outdoor meals! Have a wonderful weekend!💛