My second Chicago Cubs game in two weeks!
I spent another afternoon at Wrigley Field and left inspired to share a fresh roundup of recipes, food writing, and kitchen ideas. Below you’ll find a curated list of standout articles and recipes I loved recently — everything from grilled summer produce to clever baking techniques and zero-waste food ideas. These picks are great for summer entertaining, weekday dinners, and anyone who enjoys seasonal cooking and thoughtful food writing.
- Charred corn with a pistachio-cilantro-lime rub — A fantastic way to showcase sweet summer corn. The citrus and herb elements brighten the smoky char, and a crunchy pistachio finish adds texture. Perfect as a side for barbecues or a quick grill night.
- One-pan jerk chicken with Mediterranean rice — A convenient and flavorful weeknight meal. Jerk spices give bold flavor while the rice soaks up pan juices for an easy, complete dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Fresh blueberry and peach cake — A seasonal fruit cake that celebrates ripe peaches and blueberries. Light, tender crumb and bright fruit make this an excellent dessert for summer gatherings or afternoon tea.
- Freezing and long-term food storage tips — Practical advice on using your freezer more effectively. From preserving summer bounty to saving leftovers, upgrading freezer strategies can reduce waste and stretch your grocery budget.
- A short history of pie — An entertaining look at pie styles and regional traditions. Great reading for bakers who want context about crust techniques and classic fillings.
- Behind the scenes of printing a cookbook — An insider’s view of turning recipes into a physical book: photography, layout, and the editorial decisions that shape a cookbook’s personality.
- Where to eat in Chicago — A local guide with thoughtful recommendations for restaurants, bakeries, and neighborhood spots. Handy if you’re planning a city visit or looking for a new place to try.
- Why nearly half of American food goes to waste — A sobering yet hopeful video that examines food waste and solutions. Useful for readers interested in sustainability and practical ways to cut household waste.
- Heirloom tomato salad with garlic scape and basil vinaigrette — Simple, vibrant, and utterly seasonal. This kind of salad lets gorgeous tomatoes shine while adding herbal brightness and a touch of acid.
- Gorgeous wedding photography and inspiration — Beautiful images and styling ideas from one of my favorite blogs; great for planners and lovers of fine food photography.
- Dorie Greenspan’s tip for a non-weepy blueberry pie — Practical baking advice to keep fruit pies neat and sliceable, especially useful when working with juicy summer berries.
- Tequila-lime watermelon sorbet — A refreshing adult sorbet that balances watermelon’s sweetness with citrus and a hint of tequila. Great for hot evenings and small summer celebrations.
- DIY coconut coffee scrub — An easy, aromatic body scrub recipe that repurposes used coffee grounds and coconut oil into a pampering scrub. A nice zero-waste beauty DIY.
What I was cooking one year ago…
- Fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with basil ricotta — Delicate, savory fritters that highlight late-summer zucchini flowers. If you can find blossoms at a farmers market, these are a special treat worth trying.
If you enjoyed this roundup, bookmark it for weekend cooking inspiration or share it with friends who like seasonal recipes, smart food writing, and practical kitchen tips. I’ll keep collecting favorites like these — everything that makes summer cooking easy, delicious, and a little more mindful.