“This is the best white sangria I’ve ever tasted!” exclaimed Vicki’s husband, Skip. It’s true, this sangria recipe turned out better than we expected. Oftentimes white sangrias are too sweet, but this is deliciously crisp and fresh. Make a pitcher (or two) for your next summertime get together.
This time of year, cherries are fresh, sweet, and delicious (and on sale!). Pick up a couple of bags the next time you are at the grocery store – one for snacking and one for baking. Vicki combined two cherry pie recipes to come up with this sweet and tart, and oh so yummy, recipe. […]
This recipe was given to us by our friend Mary Jo. We have modified it slightly to help make it “simple.” We recommend making the pork tenderloin, onions and sauce the day before, storing in separate containers and assembling the sliders several hours before serving or packing for your picnic.
In Australia, where this recipe has its origin, items go by different names than we use here in the States. For example, this recipe is called “slices,” but we would call it “bars.” Some other terms that are interesting – shrimp are called prawns, arugula is called rocket, cilantro is called coriander, diapers are called […]
This dish is perfect for picnics – it can be made the day ahead and it is best served room temperature.
These burgers have a very gourmet taste, but come together quite simply. We recommend grilling the burgers and mushrooms, but pan-frying will do the job too!
What is more refreshing on a hot summer day than watermelon? This salad made with watermelon, feta, arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze is refreshing and tasty. Don’t skip the balsamic glaze, it is the secret to this salad’s success!
If you have left over chicken, flank steak or even pork tenderloin, get another meal out of them by making fajitas. This is an easy lunch or serve them for dinner along with yellow rice.
There is no better side dish in the summer than one that includes fresh corn from the cob. This dish goes together in no time, is full of flavor, and looks very pretty on the plate. We paired it with our flank steak recipe, but it would go great with any grilled meat or fish […]
It’s all in the marinade. This steak will melt in your mouth with an unbelievable amount of flavor. For the recipe of the pictured corn and pepper side dish, click here.
Here is another idea for a quick lunch or light dinner to use up leftover chicken.
Need a quick side dish and have no time to run to the store? Keep a can of seasoned black beans (we like Bush’s) and rice in the pantry, and a tasty side dish is on the table in 20 minutes. Left over chicken, shrimp, or pork? Add it to the dish and it becomes […]
Having some friends or family over for an afternoon of swimming? Make this deli pasta salad in the morning and lunch will be on the table in no time. Also, there is no mayonnaise in this recipe which makes it is a great dish to take to the beach or on a picnic!
This is a wonderful summer dessert and a great way to get fruit into those picky eaters! Make it well ahead of when you want to serve as it needs to cool and set for about an hour.
We do! These are very simple to make (only three ingredients). They follow our margarita recipe ratio: 3 – 2 – 1.
Leftover chicken? This is a great way to use it up. You could also make these with cooked shrimp instead of chicken. Either way, they are a crowd pleaser for an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. To make a complete meal, serve along with rice, a green salad, and tortilla chips.
Moist grilled chicken with a “kick” topped with a sweet mango salsa – wow doesn’t that sound good? If you are having a crowd over, just double or triple the recipe, as this is a great “make ahead” meal served at room temperature. Another tip – make extra chicken to use another day for chicken […]
The mango is often called the “king of fruits.” It has many health benefits – helps lower cholesterol, prevent certain cancers, promotes eye health, clears skin, improves digestion and boosts the immune system. Wow – we could all benefit from putting a little mango in our diets! Here’s a recipe that will help you […]
These were a lot of fun to make (as you can see from the video link below). The rice paper rolls look like a plastic disc when you open the package. Once you thoroughly soak them, either by wiping them with a wet towel or dipping them into water, they become much more pliable […]
The crunch of crisp lettuce, the rich flavors of soy and ginger, and the saltiness of peanuts combine to make this one wonderful entrée. This dish is not only healthy, but is also fun to eat! Everyone from the kids to grandma will love gathering around the kitchen table piling their lettuce leaves with juicy […]
A great first course to any Asian dinner, this crunchy salad is full of flavor. A word of caution – take our suggestion of breaking up the Ramen noodles in a bowl to heart. They are very brittle will literally fly all over your kitchen if you’re not careful!
Wow your friends and family the next time you serve an appetizer or need to bring a pot luck dish with these delicious simple dumplings. This Asian recipe comes all the way from Australia thanks to Skye K. who is Jennifer’s (Vicki’s daughter), wonderful sister-in-law.
While visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia, Vicki and Skip went to dinner in a Tuk Tuk. This is a common way for tourists to navigate the crowded, busy city. They are called “Tuk Tuk’s” because that’s the sound the motorbike makes while it pulls the cart. What does that have to do with martinis? Actually, nothing […]
This is truly scrumptious! One of best parts about this recipe is that it is served at room temperature. We like it as a side dish, but you can make it a main meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp or beef. Is it very spicy? It has about a medium heat. To make it more […]
How about a great ice-cream dessert to serve on the patio. You can make this dessert way ahead of any simple celebration and left overs will stay just as good as day one for weeks to come.
Another great way to use hard-boiled eggs. A tip for success – use creme frâiche instead mayonnaise, it allows the wonderful flavors of salmon, crab and herbs to shine through. The recipes are simple. You can even make them a couple of days ahead of serving (keep refrigerated).
Egg salad sandwiches – same old, same old? Not at The Simple Celebration! By adding dill for flavor and celery for crunch, this will be the best egg salad you’ve tasted!
Here is a quick-to-put-together breakfast casserole everyone will love. And it has bacon and potato chips in the recipe – what could be better?
The key to a successful roast is to have a reliable meat thermometer and DON’T OVERCOOK! The wonderful aromas of this sage, rosemary, garlic, and mustard pork roast will fill your kitchen and have your mouth salivating – guaranteed! Make our roasted potato recipe along with the roast – they cook at the same […]
The recipe for this non-pictured coconut cake comes courtesy of Vicki’s friend Paula from Australia who is Italian, married to a man named John, who is Greek, and this is his family’s recipe.