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Birthdays, Holidays, Celebrations

Summer Round-up

By July 2, 2014July 10th, 2014168 Comments

We here in the DALS house are going to be traveling a bit over the next week or so, and I’m not entirely sure how much I’ll be able to chime in while I’m away. (I reserve the right to change my mind.) So here is a little round-up to hold you over til we return. Have a great Fourth and Happy Summer!

A guide to 1600 swimmin’ holes (dropping the ‘g’ is required, says my husband) across the US and Canada.

I made this Strawberry Shortcake last weekend for guests and it rocked. (If you added some blueberries in there, it would be the perfect red, white, and blue Fourth dessert.)

Is this why I’ve never liked the word “foodie?”

With this news, Grand Central Terminal, perhaps my most favorite building on earth, just became my favorite-ist to the hundredth power.

Everything tastes better when these string lights light up the patio table.

Before I travel to any major city, I pretty much always check the BA Weekender Guides at Bon Appetit — where to eat, stay, visit — and they’ve never failed me yet.

We are not soda people in general, but if we were, our fridge would be stocked with this all summer long.

Andy has had this on repeat all week, and as far as I can tell, he shows no signs of letting up any time soon.

Can’t you see these make-ahead Chocolate Caramel Picnic Puddings being the perfect way to end your Fourth celebration? (And if you have time, check out the entire site, masterminded by two supremely talented food-world vets.)

Or as long as we’re on the subject of make-ahead treats: Molly’s Strawberry-Yogurt Pops. (Scroll down a few posts.)

No such thing as too young when it comes to reading aloud to your kids.

Rose Sangria!

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Dinner: The Playbook challenge. Random House helped me put together a mini-slideshow of some of our favorite pics (scroll over to see who submitted each one) but you can also just find them on instagram by searching the hashtag #dinnerplaybook. Hope you all had fun. (And thanks Max W. and Maggie O. for all your hard work on this!)

Two Oldies but Goodies for the Grill: Pork with Peaches and Tony’s Steak.

No doubt you’ll be throwing some dogs on the barbie this holiday weekend. To celebrate this decidedly happy occasion, and to call attention to their “What’s in Your Hot Dog” campaign, Applegate has offered to give away “Weinervention Kits” (hot dogs, buns, relish, grill tools, and everything else) to two lucky DALS readers.

Just leave a comment below to be eligible. (It wouldn’t hurt if you shared what you’re grilling for the Fourth — hot dogs or otherwise.) Contest ends Saturday, July 5 at noon ET. UPDATE: THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PLAYED!

All photos up top taken at Rye Playland in Rye, NY. 

168 Comments

  • Avatar Anna S says:

    I’m loving grilled pineapple this summer so we’ll definitely have some of that!

  • Avatar Anna S says:

    I’m loving grilled pineapple this summer!

  • Elizabeth says:

    Actually, we’re not grilling anything for this July 4th. I know, I know; un-American!! BUT, my husband is stuck working today so we figure we’ll celebrate next week.

    Instead, I’ll tell you what we last grilled: BBQ Chicken!

  • Avatar Am says:

    BBQ chicken, possibly Alabama style!

    Also, here’s the permalink for the Orangette popsicles: http://orangette.blogspot.com/2014/06/run-with-it.html

  • Avatar Kristen says:

    We will be grilling apple or pineapple sausages.

  • Avatar Sandy S says:

    Given the choice, my children would eat Applegate hot dogs for lunch and dinner every day, no holiday necessary! Happy 4th!

  • Avatar Julie Thrapp says:

    Leaving a comment–hoping to win!

  • Avatar Stacy says:

    I haven’t had a hotdog in a million years and have had a wild craving for one. Perfect timing! Love the round up posts! Grilling salmon tonight!

  • Avatar Julie says:

    Grilled hot dogs!

  • Avatar Traci says:

    Keeping it simple tonight with grilled brats & dogs! I did enjoy one of my dogs with cream cheese…mmmmm!

  • Avatar Callie Johnson says:

    Korean short rib, Mexican corn, and bacon wrapped squash!

  • Avatar Joey says:

    We made the picnic chicken from your previous post. It was perfect for the holiday. Hot dogs will be today.

  • Avatar Michelle says:

    Turkey burgers and un-cured hot dogs for us. I’ve been wanting to try applegate dogs from our brand new TJ’s in winter park, FL!

  • Avatar Rosie says:

    Family reunion yesterday had us bringing cold fried chicken, napa cabbage cole slaw and blueberry bars as our contribution. Although I ate many more items than those three.

  • Avatar Stephany says:

    Still full from burgers, deviled eggs and flag cake. Love the 4th!

  • Avatar Leigh-Ann says:

    Last night, we grilled hot dogs, obvs! Topped ’em with guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped onions and smoky pepper sauce. Smiles all around!

  • Avatar Carrie says:

    My new favorite way to eat a hot dog is wrapped in bacon with grilled onions and chopped avocado. So delicious! It has to be a high quality dog though!

  • Avatar Bonnie says:

    My girlfriends and I share blogs we enjoy with each other. I’m glad I found your blog. I’m a big follower of “Smitten Kitchen” and “Cooking With Mr. C.” I will now send my friends your link. I’m a mother of 5 and have to keep things interesting. Bonnie L.

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