Labor-LESS Weekend

It's Labor Day weekend and that means we are marking the end of summer (sigh) and moving into fall. Spending the weekend with friends and family at a laid-back and casual get together is perfectly appropriate. Make it special yet effortless with these no-cook recipes that require little prep time so you can enjoy a labor-less day.

Spiked Ice Tea (Photo from Martha Stewart)

Ice tea makes the perfect beverage because it's easy and refreshing. Spike it for an adult treat or leave it simply sweet for younger ones. Make your own or buy a pre-made version and try adding lemon, mint, or sliced peaches to dress it up. Add rum, bourbon, or vodka if you please and serve in mason jars or a big pitcher. Cheers!

Feta Truffles: Recipe from Southern Living

Serve these no-cook little treats with grape tomatoes, almonds, cucumbers, olives, and pita chips for a pretty yet easy appetizer. Want to make it even easier? Simply cut cubes of feta and toss with olive oil, lemon, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes and serve it up on a platter with pitas and veggies.

Yin Yang Sandwiches: Recipe from Real Simple

Making one large sandwich on a loaf of ciabatta or french bread means less prep time for you. Simply prepare sandwich ahead of time and slice up when it's time to eat! This one combines salami, ham, and provolone, but you can use whatever you prefer or have on hand. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken also works great for a quick chicken salad.

Corn, tomato, and avocado salad: Recipe from Martha Stewart

A corn salad like this one makes a great side dish for your sandwiches and takes advantage of all the in-season produce. You can also add black beans or jalapenos for a kick.

Mini Yogurt Pies (Image from Stephanie's Kitchen)

We've been making this recipe for years and it seriously couldn't get easier. While the original is made in a full size graham cracker crust, we love the individual crusts they are selling now. Use whatever yogurt flavor you want and top with fresh fruit for an extra little touch. Take out the pies about 15 mins prior to serving so they're not too firm. Get the recipe here from Kraft Recipes.

Celebrate Memorial Weekend!

Just a few ideas to inspire you as you celebrate Memorial Day this weekend! Hope you all enjoy it and remember to thank all the brave people who have served our country!

P.S. Don't forget to save all your supplies so you can re-use them on the 4th of July!



Paper stars in red, white, and blue are pretty and festive. Via Martha Stewart



Hot dogs never looked so chic! via Bella Soiree

Free printables like these from Homespun Blog are a great way to add a personal touch.



Supplies like a beach bucket bbq & drink bins and trays will help you celebrate in style. Via West Elm



Bandannas make great table runners and napkins. Via Martha Stewart

Even pets can take part in the fun! Via Martha Stewart

Easter Brunch

Easter is just a couple of days away now, and a wonderful chance to reconnect with friends and family. While we love an elaborate traditional dinner, a brunch is a great more casual no-fuss approach. Here are some unique recipes we found that are sure to make your spread a hit. Many of them include make ahead or store bought options which make creating a feast even easier. All of the recipes are courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart. (click on the description under the photo for the link).

Lillet Rose cocktail with edible flowers

Zucchini & Feta Soufflles

Homemade turkey and apple breakfast sausage

Peach pancakes with chai syrup.

Green salad with fresh herbs

Scrambled eggs in potato nests

Brown Sugar glazed bacaon

Cucumber Cooler

Pear and granola muffins

Asparagus and Gruyere Tart

Rainbow Cakes

This spring it's all about color.... and color you can eat? Yes please! These fun confections can be versatile and suit a variety of occassions from baby showers, to Mother's Day, to birthday parties. Use this recipe from Martha Stewart as the basis then get creative. 

Play with the intensity of the colors in order to suit your occassion as well as the frosting outside. We love how this one from Foodista Blog mimicked the interior with ruffly layers of pastel colored frosting.

 

This one from Beyond and Beyond Blog doesn't need much explanation. Can you say Wow! Little dots of frosting meticulously placed in a rainbow pattern create this dramtic look.

For a more sophisticated look try it in just a couple of similar colors for a subtle look like this one from We Heart It Blog. This would make a perfect treat for Mother's Day this spring. 

You can also stick to shades of a single color like this one from I am Baker Blog we saw for St. Patricks day. This makes the possibilites endless!

Lastly, take this look to the extremes. If you or your baker have lots of patience try this version from Proof of my Existence Blog. It's sure to have everyone talking about the cake long after the party!