As a new mom, it is rare that I get the chance to plan and make a meal that does not involve boiling pasta or a rotisserie chicken! It seems that most days my cooking has been reduced to whatever is quick and easy! Literally the other night we had cereal for dinner….a far cry from the gourmet meals I used to have time to cook! Well for the Fourth of July our family is headed to our lake house in central Florida. I am so excited to get away for the weekend and relax! While we are at the lake I plan on spending lots of time playing with Miss Avery, taking her swimming for the first time with Kris, paddle boarding (my new obsession) and enjoying great food with our family! I am cooking a meal for everyone on Friday night and I am so excited to have the chance to go a little bit above and beyond my normal “pasta and tomato sauce” routine…so boring! Here is the menu I came up with to feed the group of 10 that will be at the lake.

This recipe from Billy Joel’s former wife, Katie Lee, is one of my family’s favorites! It rivals the best barbecue I ate while living in South Carolina and is SO easy to make for a large group! I add a little twist to this tried and true recipe by using a bourbon barbecue sauce.

Grilled Corn

Grilled corn is one of the most delicious ways to prepare corn in my mind. I love the flavor added and the char marks make it look so pretty!

Summer Green Salad

With  a hearty meal like pulled pork, I love to serve a salad to lighten it up a bit. This summer salad has the perfect combination of fruit, a light dressing and nuts to add crunch!

Strawberry Shortcake Minis

 Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorite desserts for any season, but summer in particular! We have a few kids that will be at the lake house and everything is more fun in mini sizes when you are young! These strawberry shortcakes are so easy to make with frozen biscuits, cool whip and fresh strawberries.