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April 28, 2014 by: Melanie

Simplifying Summer Food

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  These tips for Simplifying Summer Food with #SummerGoodies have been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

 

What words evoke summer time for you? Laid back? Carefree? For me, it’s the word “simple.” If summer is anything, it should be simple. The kids are out of school. The weather is hot. Families are excited to break free of the house and spend quality time outdoors. We enjoy having friends over for food and conversation. Our family often experiences more “togetherness” with friends and family during the summer than we do throughout the holiday season. I like entertaining, and since having the boys, I’ve discovered ways to make our times together more simple. Combining easy decorations with quick food ideas will guarantee a time of food and fun that is, well, simple.

Simplifying Summer Food with #SummerGoodies #shop #cbias

The crux of any family outdoor time is the food. Instead of limiting our choices to hotdogs and hamburgers, we’ve been grilling pizza. Jack’s Pizza Original Thin Pepperoni Pizza is awesome for the grill (and it has a Preservative-free crust!).

Simplifying Summer Food #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

Twelve minutes over the burners and our pizza is ready to be devoured.

Jack's Pizza Grilling #SummerGoodies #shop #cbias

Jack's Pizza Grilling #SummerGoodies #shop #cbias

I then set out a platter with grab and go pizza bites. My kids have always been grazers, especially when playing outdoors. They like to eat a few bites and then play. Repeat. I cut the pizza into bite-sized portions that little hands prefer. I include little forks for the adults who want their kids eating with clean hands. I remember, three kids ago, when I used to be that parent, too.

Jack's Pizza Grilling #SummerGoodies #shop #cbias

A hard evening of playing needs a sweet treat. NESTLÉ® DRUMSTICK® CRUNCH® Dipped Cones are a crowd favorite at my house. I purchase them in a Vanilla Fudge, Vanilla Caramel, and Vanilla multi-pack. To get creative with my decor, I place the cones in my Americana star punched tin cans.

Simplifying Summer Food #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

Simplifying Summer Food #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

How do I keep the decor simple? I’m partial to repurposed projects, and these toilet paper napkin rings made with star shapes and empty toilet paper rolls are a quick and easy way to add to a tablescape. And they add an easy way to hide that fact that I’m using plain ‘ole torn off napkins. See how to make them here.

Simplifying Summer Food #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

My kids are already having a blast in this warm weather. Two of my boys are walking, and I’ve never been more thankful to have a large yard for them to explore. My other little boy is content to sit on a blanket and hang out with mom or big sister. This tactic obviously has it’s advantages.

Simplifying Summer Food #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

Simplifying Summer Food #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

I purchased my simple summer food at Walmart after a night of working.

Simplifying Summer Food with #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

Simplifying Summer Food with #SummerGoodies #cbias #shop

What ways do you keep your summer simple?

Taking a Mid-Day Break with My New Favorite Flavored Coffee #shop
Summertime Campfire Caddy

Comments

  1. Meegan says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:52 am

    Oh my! Everything looks so yummy and easy to serve. Thanks for your ideas and for sharing.

    • Melanie says

      April 28, 2014 at 9:22 am

      You are welcome- yay for easy ideas, right?

  2. Karen @ From the Garden table says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:54 am

    I love your napkin rings and punched can decorations! To keep things a little more simple, I keep portioned bags of chicken breasts in marinade in the freezer. Just thaw and it’s all set for the grill!

    • Melanie says

      April 28, 2014 at 9:22 am

      That’s an excellent idea!

  3. Tiff Hill says

    April 28, 2014 at 8:33 am

    I have never put a pizza on the grill. What a fantastic idea. Your picnic day looks amazing. Your kids are ADORBS!

    • Melanie says

      April 28, 2014 at 9:21 am

      Aww…thank you! Grilled pizza is fab!

  4. Barb says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:54 am

    I am all for simplifying cooking in summer or anytime actually! Thanks!!

    • Melanie says

      April 28, 2014 at 9:59 am

      haha- I know, I am all for it, too!

  5. Marilyn says

    April 28, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Melanie, I’ve grilled homemade pizza before but never frozen pizza…I MUST TRY THIS!!!!

  6. Erica says

    April 28, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    I never thought of grilling frozen pizza and I love the idea of re-using toilet paper roll for napkin holders!

  7. Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    Keeping it simple and fun during the spring and summer makes life easier! #client

  8. Nancy says

    April 29, 2014 at 12:06 am

    I love it. This is exactly how I like my summer–simple and outside! Thanks for the tips!

  9. amy @ one artsy mama says

    April 29, 2014 at 8:16 am

    I am ALL about simple when it comes to cooking! Whatever is quick and easy and inexpensive works for me! Thanks for the tips!!

  10. Lori Pace says

    April 30, 2014 at 11:02 am

    What fun ideas to celebrate a classic American Summer! Thank you! #client

  11. ChiWei says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:02 am

    You’re so cute Melanie! We like to grill to keep the house cool (no AC in the kitchen!)

  12. Ida says

    May 15, 2014 at 8:53 am

    Yum! Grilled pizza sounds delicious!!

    • Melanie says

      May 15, 2014 at 11:49 am

      It was our first time trying it, and it was surprisingly great!

Trackbacks

  1. 5 DIY's for Mother's Day and The Project Stash link party - It Happens in a Blink says:
    April 30, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    […] week we’ve been making s’mores and eating outdoor meals. Fun […]

   
   
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