Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

I hope you're having a great week. It’s been just gorgeous this week in Wisconsin! I’m super excited to go to the farmer’s market again this weekend. I’m hoping to pick up one last batch of freshly picked strawberries before the season is over. We’ve been trying to eat as many meals as we can outside. I just love doing that!

This weekend I thought I’d make a special brunch with my Nutella Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries. It’s super easy and so delicious! I serve it with Brown Sugar Bacon. Maybe I’ll even make mimosas! Now, more than ever I think it’s so important to make meals feel special. Especially on the weekends. Click Breakfast and Brunch for more great recipes.

One thing I also want to do this weekend is make my quick and easy homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam. Making fresh jam doesn’t get any easier than this! On toast and English muffins there’s nothing better!

For dinner I’m trying to keep things nice and light these days. My Quick Taco Salad is always a WINNER. Gotta love any recipes with Doritos in them. LOL!

On the weekends I also try to make a big batch of pasta salad. It’s always the perfect summer side and then we’ve got the leftovers for lunch during the week.

My Spaghetti Salad is super yummy! I always have a box of spaghetti in my pantry. Betting you do too! Why not use some of the veggies in your fridge and make it this weekend? I’ve put together a bunch of great salads for summer. Click Salads for more recipes!

I’m excited to be making some of my favorite summer dip recipes on Twin Cities Live Monday. If you are in the Minneapolis area I hope you’ll watch! I LOVE a good dip! Confession, sometimes it turns into dinner! My 8 Layer Mexican Bean Dip is the BEST EVER! The cream cheese and green chiles layers make it EXTRA yummy. You just gotta try it!

If you like a good bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, I think you’ll LOVE my BLT Layered Dip! It’s quick and easy, and just something a little different. It’s a taste of summer! Click Appetizers and Dips for these recipes and more.

Got chicken in your freezer? My Best Ever Lemon Chicken is my summer go-to. I do it in a foil pan on the grill, but you can bake it in the oven too. Either way it’s DELICIOUS! It’s one of my faves!

If I’m grilling I try to keep it all outside. Even the sides. My Cheesy Bacon and Potato Packets go with whatever you are grilling!

Grill the veggies too. My Grilled Asparagus with Bacon and Feta Cheese is my absolute favorite summer side! It’s AMAZING! Click Dinner and Sides for more delicious recipes and ideas.

For dessert, summer means it’s S’mores time. My S’mores Skillet Dessert Dip is to die for! You can make it on the grill too!

Use those strawberries to make my no bake Strawberry Cheesecake Trifles! So pretty! Don’t you think? Super easy too!

Click Desserts for more delicious summer recipes that will really WOW your gang.

GIVEWAY ALERT! Follow The Cooking Mom on Instagram to Win!

Congrats to Amanda W! She is this week’s winner! You could win, too. I’ve teamed up with my friends at Nesco to give away their famous roasters, slow cookers and electric skillets. They are the ABSOLUTE best! I use them all the time. Follow me on Instagram and watch for more details for your chance to win. Just click on Instagram. And hey, if you need a new Nesco Roaster, Slow Cooker or Electric Skillet, now’s a great time to order one. Click Shop to get 20% off.

Watch Amy Cook LIVE on Facebook!

Thank you to all of you who are watching daily! I’m cooking on Facebook LIVE from my kitchen most weekdays at 3:30pm CST. I’ve got lots of new fun recipes for summer. I can’t wait to share them with you!

Looking for New Recipes? Why Not Order My Cookbooks?

If you like my recipes, I think you will love my cookbooks. Both of my cookbooks are full color, and each is filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. Lots of secrets, tips and fun stories, too! Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

It’s supposed to be a hot one this weekend. Maybe we’ll take our new kayak out to cool off. You can always see what I’m up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I’ve got lots of recipe videos on YouTube, too! Follow me!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

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