It’s fiiiiiinally spring. Which means summer is right around the corner—aka barbecues, picnics, late morning breakfasts, and creating cool desserts (pun intended). Most of which take place in the glorious outdoors. Yeah we know it’s nice to live in the moment and all, but sometimes day dreaming about the things you’re looking forward to is just as fun.
Pancake Breakfasts
Photo by Grace Goettman
Summertime meals never happen at conventional times of the day. Breakfast is the #1 culprit. Whenever you wake up, whether it be 9 am or 1 pm, make some fluffy pancakes and top with juicy, sweet summer berries. Why not? It’s summer—you have the time to.
And Waffles Too
Photo by Grace Goettman
Same deal as the pancakes. Waffles are a go-to any time of day. Rise and shine and goooood mornin’ to warm and fluffy breakfasts with fresh fruit.
Oatmeal/Granola Bowls
Photo by Grace Goettman
As much as we would like to have pancakes and waffles every morning (or mid-day), when we’re more interested in quickly slathering on SPF 15 and heading straight to the beach, a make quick bowl of granola or oatmeal with fruit, yogurt, nut butter and other yummy crunchies.
Picnic Sandwiches
Photo by Grace Goettman
Endless sandwich combinations make for a different picnic experience every time. They’re also the best excuse to have picnics over, and over, and over again.
Cheese Plates
Photo by Grace Goettman
Cheese plates MAKE an outdoor dinner party. And you don’t need to be a cheese connoisseur to throw them together. Any combo of fresh produce like apples and carrots, with dips like hummus or ranch, salty nuts, and a selection of cheese and crackers are sure to please. Throw in some sliced deli meat for a heartier plate.
Appetizers Galore
Photo by Grace Goettman
Alongside cheese plates, appetizers are one of the most exciting things to create for summer dinners. You can go in any direction with the appetizers you choose. A go-to is always some kind of bruschetta or little grilled munchies.
Tomato-Basil-Mozz Plates
Photo by Grace Goettman
So simple. And so simply DELISH. All you have to do is slice mozzarella, tomatoes, and snag some basil from your garden (if you’re fancy like that). Arrange in any way you want on a colorful plate. For the finishing touch—drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with chunky salt and pepper.
Light Pasta Dishes
Photo by Grace Goettman
Pasta is not just for cozy, rainy, or cold winter nights. Lightened up pasta dishes with turkey meatballs, chopped basil and grated parmesan, drizzled simply with olive oil, are a great summer dish so that Dad doesn’t have to be on the grill every night.
Anything Grilled
Photo by Grace Goettman
Honestly, no description necessary.
Taco Night Dinner(s)
Photo by Grace Goettman
In my family, outdoor dinners during the summer always involve Dad on the grill. To mix things up from the typical burgers or dogs, Dad will grill some chicken or steak, and slice it up—corn tortilla ready. Toppings are my job, so I get creative, from avocado slices to bacon bits. Taco dinners are also a great way to use leftover grilled meats.
Just Dinner In General (#amiright)
Photo by Grace Goettman
Let’s be real. We’re looking forward to summertime diners. Period.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Photo by Grace Goettman
Ice cream sandwiches taste scrumptious any time of year, but ice cream sandwiches in the summer taste that much better. Melty, gooey and cold, these frozen sammies are the perfect outdoor BBQ dessert. Make them mini if you want to sample with multiple ice creams, then roll the edges in toppings like sprinkles, crumbled cookies, or chopped nuts.
Root Beer Floats
Photo by Grace Goettman
For those hot summer days when you’re craving something cold and fizzy, root beer floats are a sure cure-all. Add whipped cream and fun sprinkles to be reminded of the carefree summertime swim team parties at your local pool.
Snow Cones
Photo by Grace Goettman
Duh. Basically summer in your hand… with a rainbow.
Now that you’re sufficiently pumped for summer, take time to enjoy what the spring has to offer and get yourselves ready for the best foodie time of the year (#summer2K15). PS—it’s perfectly okay to start a summertime countdown right now, until…
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
Because SUMMER: