I know the feeling…August’s coming to a close and there is SO much you never got around to. But this year doesn’t have to be an epic fail, just make a few of these deliciously classic recipes and you’ll win summer 2020, promise.

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PASTA ALLA CHECCA

Pasta alla checca is pretty much summer in a bowl. Try this Italian raw sauce with traditional red tomatoes, heirlooms, or cherries. The juice from the tomatoes becomes the sauce for the pasta and it’s brilliant.

 

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LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL

This looks fancy, but the whole point of a boil is that everything cooks together and is served up super casual, family style. So gather your ‘bubble’ mates and throw a good old fashioned seafood boil dinner before summer ends.

 

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GAZPACHO

Temps can soar as summer comes to a close, and that’s where gazpacho comes in. Forget about green smoothies, just blitz up a batch of healthy gazpacho.

 

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NEW ENGLAND SHRIMP ROLLS

Vacation never ends when you know how to make these rolls. Use lobster meat if you’re feeling flush, but don’t forget the chips.

 

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PEACH BUTTER

They’re practically giving them away right now, so make the most of it with this easy butter ~ it’s basically a juicy ripe peach in spreadable form. And speaking of peaches, you really should make a peach shortcake, too. Just saying.

 

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HATCH GREEN CHILE CORNBREAD

Hatch chiles have a cult following because they’re only available for a short time. These smokey (mildly) spicy chiles are folded into my classic cornbread. Just add butter and honey.

 

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FROZEN MINT LEMONADE

This is what you bought your blender for ~ an insanely refreshing slushy lemonade that might be the best thirst quencher on the planet.

 

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CREAMY SWEET CORN SALAD

It’s as high as an elephant’s eye, and so sweet right now ~ save some for this creamy salad. You could also make my Corn and Cucumber Salad, and if you’re looking for something a little zippier, try a Mexican Street Corn Salad.

 

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ZUCCHINI BREAD

If you haven’t made zucchini bread yet this season, there’s still time, and this tried and true recipe will save you the trouble of tracking down mom’s (could it have slipped behind the fridge?)

 

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ASIAN SLAW

Coleslaw is the way to do salad in summer because it keeps its crunch and uses up all those fabulous garden veggies like cabbage and colorful peppers. This one’s got an Asian slant with a yummy peanut dressing, but you can go in so many other directions ~ broccoli makes a great slaw, red cabbage makes a vibrant version, and believe it or not you can make an amazing slaw with Vidalia onions.

 

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