Hi there

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week! It was a bit tough leaving gorgeous Mackinac Island, Michigan and all those beautiful lilacs! We had the best group for my annual Cooking Mom Vacation to the island.  We sure had fun! So much fun that we're doing it again next summer! Announcing my next big trip! I'm going back to Mackinac Island next June for Lilac Fest 2024!  Now is the time to reserve your spot because this trip always sells out! We stay at the most beautiful resort.   We get to enjoy cooked to order  gourmet breakfasts every morning.   They are amazing!  We'll get a behind the scenes tour of the best fudge shop on the island and we'll get to try lots of different flavors.  There's a wine and cheese welcome party and dinner with your choice of fresh Lake Michigan Whitefish or steak.  Plus, you'll have the option to add on a spectacular sunset sail under the Mackinac Bridge and a private carriage ride around the island!  This trip is MAGICAL and it sells out every summer! We  only have a limited amount of rooms so don't wait to book! Click The Cooking Mom Mom Vacation to Mackinac Island for dates, pricing and all the delicious details! 

This weekend I'm a bit nervous! My daughter, Ireland, who I don't get to see as often as I'd like, has planned a special trip for us! It's a girl's getaway before my wedding to Hoyt in August and I have no idea where we are going.  I'm going to the airport without a clue as to my destination or what she's got planned.  Have you ever had a surprise trip like this? It's a FIRST for me!  YIKES!  Ireland keeps telling me, "just relax mom and go with it."  Easier said than done.  I had no clue what to pack. Stay tuned. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to find out where this "mystery trip" is! 

I'll be home Sunday and I can't wait to fire up the grill!  We've been grilling every night this week.  I'm LOVING it! My Best Ever Lemon Chicken really is THE BEST! In summer I do it in a foil pan on the grill.  It's AMAZING.  Got chicken? Just give it a try! It's so good!

It's asparagus time! I picked up a bunch at the farmer's market this week.  I love starting summer dinners with a big beautiful. This Asparagus Salad with a homemade easy light dressing is so fresh and different.   Great with bleu cheese, feta or even Parmesan cheese on top!  If you're looking for tips on how to store asparagus to make it last plus lots of recipes check out my blog Asparagus 101. 

If you're grillin' burgers, steaks, chicken or whatever why not keep it all outside!  These Grilled Potato Wedges are crazy easy and so good! The perfect summer side! They get nice and crispy on the grill! Total yum! 

It's here! Strawberry season! I'm hoping I can go out and pick my own next week at a local strawberry farm.  That's always so fun! My Strawberry Shortcakes are a taste of summer! I love my shortcake on a freshly made biscuit but I have a short cut to make it easy! This recipe is so easy breezy! Piled high with fresh whipped cream.  It's a summer favorite for sure! 

Let's Travel Together!

Have you heard I'm hosting group vacations? 

The Cooking Mom Vacations are filled with delicious food, sightseeing, and tons of fun! 

Have a great weekend! Cook up some memories! 

All my love,

Amy

Order Amy's Cookbooks on Amazon.