Hello Baking Buddy! ❤️

It’s officially the heart of summer, and that means fresh fruit, chilled treats, and easy recipes that don’t heat up the kitchen.

This month, I’m sharing my favorite no-bake recipes, refreshing cocktails and party dips, and a special deal on my most frequently used kitchen appliance.

It's been scorching hot, so let’s keep things cool, sweet, and simple!

🍹 Summer Sips & Dips 🌿

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for something cool to sip, here are a few seasonal favorite sips & dips you'll love:

🍉 Watermelon Juice – Fresh, hydrating, and the prettiest pink drink you’ll make all season.

🍒 Cherry Rum Cocktail – Juicy cherries, orange, pineapple, and rum (optional) make this the ultimate summer sipper for cherry lovers.

🍓 Strawberry Gin Refresher – Fresh berries, botanical gin, and sparkling hop water make for an amazing mocktail.

🥣 Beetroot Hummus – Vibrant, earthy dip perfect with pita bread and veggie sticks.

🥑 Guacamole – A classic that never fails to impress.

🌶️ Spicy Roasted Tomato Salsa – Smoky and zippy, ideal for tortilla chips or taco night.

🍑 Recipes to Use Up Fresh Summer Fruit 🌼

Summer’s bounty is here! These recipes make the most of all the juicy berries and stone fruits in season right now:

🍑 Peaches & Cream Crumble Bars – Buttery, crumbly, and perfect for sharing.

🍓 Strawberry Sorbet – A no-churn frozen treat that highlights ripe strawberries.

🍒 Almond Cherry Muffins – Soft, tender, and bursting with sweet cherries. *Reader Favorite*

🍋 Raspberry Lemon Poppyseed Muffins – Bright, zesty, and studded with berries.

🥣 Triple Blueberry Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes packed with fresh blueberries and a homemade blueberry sauce.

💡 How to Freeze Fresh Fruit

Want to maximize your harvest or farmer's market haul and save your fruits for later? Here’s my quick & simple method for preserving berries and stone fruits without any additives:

1️⃣ Wash and thoroughly dry your fruit.
2️⃣ Remove pits, stems, or hulls.
3️⃣ Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is crucial to prevent sticking—here’s my favorite parchment paper. (affiliate link)​
4️⃣ Freeze until solid, then gently remove fruit from parchment paper and transfer to freezer bags.

If you create an airtight seal in your freezer bags, your fruit will stay perfect for smoothies, baking, or snacking all year long!

🎆 4th of July Celebrations 🇺🇸

Every summer, our family gathers for good food and even better memories... and because we live in Minnesota we're almost always at a lake. This year, here’s what we’re making:

🍔 Homemade Hamburger Buns – Stays soft for days, yet sturdy enough for the juiciest burgers or crispy chicken sandwiches.

🥔 American Potato Salad – Creamy and bright with a mustard vinaigrette soak... it's the secret to perfect potato salad!

🍓 Patriotic Fruit Pizza – A sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh berries.

​Explore All 4th of July Recipes ➡️​

🔥 Trending No-Bake Favorites

Keep cool and indulge in these effortless treats:

​S’mores Pie – All the campfire flavor, no fire pit required. Torch optional.

​Edible Cookie Dough – Safe to eat, and perfect by the spoonful.

​Coconut Tapioca – A creamy, tropical dessert that’s naturally vegan, topped with fresh mango slices.

📘 READER BONUS: Get my No-Bake Desserts e-book this month!
​Download Your Free Copy ➡️​

🧑‍🍳 Baking Science Tip

✨ Why fruit curds are so silky:​
Curds thicken as eggs gently cook with sugar, citrus juice, and (at the very end) butter. The low heat keeps the mixture smooth instead of turning into scrambled eggs.

✨ How to avoid overcooking your curd:
​The curd is done cooking once it reaches 170°F (77°C) and coats the back of a wooden spoon. I use this instant read thermometer (affiliate link) as my guide.

Try making your own!

🍋 Lemon Curd & Orange Curd – Tangy, silky spreads perfect for tarts, trifles, or simply spooning over yogurt.

🍓 Strawberry Rhubarb Curd Tart - One of my favorite flavor combinations turned into a delightfully delicious fruit curd.

⚡ Favorite Kitchen Gadget – On Sale!

Anytime I can consolidate my kitchen gadgets, it’s a win. My beloved Nutribullet Triple Prep System (3-in-1 blender, food processor, and dough maker) is $70 off—the lowest price I’ve ever seen! It's my second pair of hands when it comes to dicing veggies, shredding cheese, or mixing pie and tart dough.

✨ Was $249, now just $179!
​Snag the Deal ➡️ (affiliate link)

Cheers,

Stephanie Gonzalez

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