Whole Wheat Strawberry Shortcake

Now it's time for dessert!  Strawberry shortcake is always a special treat this time of year when the local strawberries are fresh.  This version features a whole wheat shortcake, a variation on a recipe from my mother-in-law.  The perfect ending to a meal on a warm summer evening.  Go find yourself some fresh local strawberries soon, and make some shortcake!

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Here's the perfect side dish to go with the grilled pork chops.  I am in love with all roasted vegetables, and these potatoes are no exception.

Tender Grilled Pork Chops

If you are still working on your menu for the week, please make sure you add these pork chops to your list.  They are quick and easy and super tasty... perfect for grilling season.  I will be also posting a delicious side dish, roasted rosemary potatoes, and a surprise dessert shortly.  A complete meal the whole family will love. And some home brew to wash it all down, for the adults in the group.

 

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

It's finally here - strawberry season!  And with it comes strawberry shortcake and strawberry rhubarb pie.  There are many other wonderful uses for strawberries this time of the year, but those two are my favorite... those and eating the berries right out of the container fresh from the farm.  Here is a quick and delicious recipe for strawberry rhubarb pie from one of my favorite cooking friends, Betty Crocker.  And don't forget about Jane's Perfect Pie Crust (click here for the recipe).

 

Hamburger Steaks

Mushrooms are one of those things that people either love or hate, there is very little middle ground.  This dish wouldn’t be the same without them, so if you are a hater, please consider giving them another try.  If you are a lover, you’ve probably already scrolled down to the recipe, and are planning it for dinner this week.

A few more notes about mushrooms:

·    Did you know that mushrooms are the #1 cash crop in Pennsylvania?  Buy fresh mushrooms at the grocery store, and make sure you check the label for PA grown.

·    If you buy canned mushrooms, check the label the next time you buy some. The country of origin for most canned mushrooms is China or India… these places don’t have the same standards for growing food as we do.

·    Fresh mushrooms can be frozen, so you can always have some on hand for a recipe, and then you won’t have to use the canned variety.

Trail Mix

With all of the outdoor activities going on this time of year... hiking, kayaking, camping, road trips... it's handy to have a quick and easy snack ready when you head out the door.  Trail mix is great to take along because you don't have to keep it cold, it doesn't take up much space, and the protein and energy it provides will keep you going.  The recipe here is for a basic trail mix, including nuts, dried fruit, sunflower seeds and of course, chocolate.  But you can mix it up any way you like.  In fact, my sister is the queen of trail mix, and maybe she can leave a comment with some other ideas for ingredients.

Grammy's Banana Bars

Who doesn't like banana bread?  Okay, so maybe not everyone, but we all should agree that the best way to use up over-ripe bananas is to bake with them.  This recipe is a great alternative to regular banana bread, especially because it comes with a delicious cream cheese frosting.  Thanks to Grammy for sharing!