One of my very favorite weekends is just around the corner and we have pretty drinks to sip and grills to fire up. That's right, we are just a few days away from Memorial Day and I hope you have stocked up on all the ice and cute paper straws because the backyard bashes are about to begin!

Here are just a few of my most summery favorites for your inspiration!

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MEMORIAL DAY RECIPE ROUND-UP

CARAMELIZED PINEAPPLE LEMONADE

I'll admit that I was dragging my sandal-clad feet into this work week. Weekends are awfully hard things to let go of.

However, we are here nonetheless on this cool, springy Monday. And, as the adage goes, "when life gives you Mondays, make lemonade."

Okay, I took some artistic license, but it's my blog so I do what I want.

Macaroni & Cheese Hot Dogs with Bacon and Panko

Sometimes you just need to eat your feelings. You get me?

Sparkling Grapefruit Limeade

Slowly but surely, we are making our way to spring, and I have made us the perfect transitional mocktail to celebrate.

Quadruple Almond Crunch Ice Cream

Once upon a time, I used go to my best friend's country house and spend long, winter weekends with her and her family and their dogs, horses, and cats. She had her driver's license and that was a really big deal. Going to Walmart alone? Even bigger. We watched a lot of movies. We did each other's hair. Her mom was an amazing cook. She and I made french fries together.

All of these memories, and so many more, erupt in my mind in true tsunami-style every time I smell almond extract.

Cherry Almond Crumb Scones {Pedantic Foodie}

Mini Cherry Almond Crumb Scones

Here we find ourselves basking in the blazes of July, devouring popsicles faster than we can freeze them, and, in my case, toting sunscreen around wherever I go. On these days, scones are likely the last thing on our minds, even if they do vaguely resemble circus animal cookies.

Cherry & Chèvre Galettes with Arugula and Balsamic

Fried Green Tomato, Bacon & Pimento Cheese Grilled Sandwiches

White Chocolate Pudding Pops with Blueberries & Pretzel Sprinkles {Pedantic Foodie}

White Chocolate Popsicles with Blueberries & Pretzel Sprinkles

I know you are already giving me a skeptical raise of the eyebrow and thinking to yourself, "those aren't sprinkles, they are crushed pretzels." Okay, okay, but stick with me. "Sprinkles" sounds ever so much prettier than "decimated pretzels."

Truffle & Parmesan Oven Fries

There are so many things I am loving this summer. I am forever finding myself wishing there were more meals in the day just so I could have more opportunities to eat watermelon, bruschetta, and grilled vegetables. Truth be told, I do a bit more than wish at times. I have no problem making a few extra trips to the fridge throughout the day just so I can fully enjoy all of the wonderful summer bounty.

Baked Pimento Cheese

So. Darn. Fickle.

I don't even know what to do with myself.

Basil Lemonade

AHHH!! This may very well be my most favorite summer drink.

Next time you grill out, throw a couple extra pork chops on the grill for an easy, leftover-pork taco night! {Pedantic Foodie}

Crispy Pork Tacos with Salsa Verde

I have no idea what's going on.

Blueberry Lavender Lemonade

Happy (sort of) Monday!

We’re just edging slowly into this week with pretty drinks in hand and burgers on the grill.

Crab Cakes with Old Bay Hollandaise

I am not the kind of lady to drop half a paycheck on a new purse. I am not the kind of lady to get my nails done or to give into the coveted designer shoes - however much I might ogle them. But, I am the kind of lady that will spontaneously treat myself to a pound of fresh, locally caught crab at the farmer’s market for a casual Sunday afternoon feast. These are the things we do, not because we have to, but because life is so much fun with a few treats sprinkled in.

Fried Chicken Sandwiches with The Southerner's Cookbook

My Favorite Key Lime Pie

Sea Salt & Almond Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S'mores {Pedantic Foodie}

Sea Salt & Almond Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S'mores // Summer of S'mores Pt. 5

A Study in Blue - Blueberry Pie

Cherry Pie Pops

Wishing you all a wonderful, extended weekend of celebration as we remember the invaluable gift we have been given, and offer up our thanks to those who have protected it.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie