What to serve when neighbors drop by.

We used to make gallons of this tea at the store!

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A couple of neighbors are stopping by this afternoon, and they told me not to make anything to drink. I can’t help myself!

We used to make gallons of this really easy iced tea at the store - no caffeine and naturally sweetened with apple juice. It’s so refreshing, especially during a heat wave!

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Ask Ina:

“What do you do when it’s too hot to cook?”

I hate cooking when it’s so hot but happily, summer is when the farmstands and seafood shops (and grocery stores!) are filled with ingredients that don’t need much cooking.

I always say that your friends won’t have more fun if you cook everything yourself so look around and plan your dinners from things you can get available locally. Tomato, mozzarella & basil salad is always great and when the corn is in season, there is nothing better slathered with good butter and flaky sea salt. My local bakery makes delicious tarts and cookies for dessert so I can serve a delicious dinner and barely turn on the stove.

Here’s a menu that requires very little cooking yet delivers all the flavors of summer. I hope you love it!

Limoncello Vodka Collins
Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad
Summer Skillet with Clams, Sausage & Corn
Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

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This Week’s Favorites:

• Burrata, strawberries, and syrupy balsamic. How easy is that for a summer dessert?

• I went out on the boat with Jeffrey and our friend Melissa this weekend. Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Lemon Bars were in order!