Unlike most food holidays, the Fourth of July is a day that tends to sneak up on us. People usually resort to their usual BBQ selection with classic potato salads, and ice cream for dessert. This year, on the other hand, I will not let the day go by without preparation; which begins now with some prideful recipes like this Vanilla layered Berry Cake!

Dessert is especially overlooked at BBQ's because it is hot and let's face it, who wants to be indoors when the fun's outside. Over the years, I have come to realize that if you go the extra mile to prepare a wonderfully delicious dessert in advance, 9/10 people will eat it, and I appreciate you for turning on those ovens in 80° weather!

This layered cake is spongy, light, and the perfect canvas for the whipped cream cheese frosting and berries!

Cool down with these delicious five-ingredient Mango / Strawberry Popsicles.

Popsicles are one of the easiest treats to make at home and perfect for those hot summer nights. I love making popsicles because I can control the sugar content. The mango is naturally sweet, so you don’t need much sugar in these pops; I added just a few tablespoons of agave nectar.

If you prefer a sweeter pop, add a tablespoon or two more.

Lime juice and salt are used to balance out the sweetness in this pop. One of my favorite ways to eat a mango is with some lime juice and salt. These popsicles, with the addition of strawberries, resemble those flavors. They are the perfect treat for any time of the day!

Soul is the Cookbook of the Summer, by self-taught, two-time James Beard-nominated Chef and owner of Richards' Southern Fried, Chef Todd Richards.

This stunning and inspiring 150-recipe cookbook is his homage to his family's cuisine and culture. It features recipes ranging from hot water cornbread to green collard pesto to ginger peach relish, hitting all your taste buds. 

Chef Richards divided his book by ingredients and provided a quick history lesson on each. He has also planned menus for various occasions, along with drink recommendations.

In Chef Todd Richards's cookbook, Soul, this delicious roasted pork tenderloin is basted with a blackberry-balsamic vinegar reduction and finished off with blackberry-bourbon maple syrup.

This showstopper recipe is perfect for entertaining!

This flaky and buttery pastry dough is topped with roasted tomatoes and finished with a drizzle of the sweet tomato marinade and fresh herbs. It is excellent for a crowd or a weeknight meal.

Rather than using the traditional Arborio Rice, this recipe uses Orzo, a pasta made of semolina flour and other hard varieties of wheat, and is shaped like rice. Orzo, translated to "Barley," in Italian, is cooked and served like pasta.

Orzo pasta is very versatile and can be used in a range of recipes, from soups to salads, to casseroles and is an excellent substitute when making risotto!

The starch from the Orzo resembles Arborio rice, resulting in the same creamy risotto texture. In this recipe, the mushrooms are a great partner, adding meatiness and tons of flavor, that creates a comforting and indulgent meal.

Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, these Grilled Lamb Chops are a summer showstopper. Marinated simply with garlic and herbs, then seared to perfection, they’re finished with a bright, zesty mint gremolata that cuts through the richness of the lamb. It’s an effortless dish that feels elevated, perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special.

This showstopper tart is a perfect blend of sour and sweet, making it a great quick dessert to serve at any holiday party.

Cranberries tend to be a Thanksgiving-time kind of berry, but since they are so good for you, I’m on a mission to use them all year round. I'm thinking about adding them to a nice pork roast or even to a grain bowl. If you have any ideas, let me know, and we’ll try them together!

Getting back into a routine after the holidays, or in my case, after a trip, is always a challenge. This year, I spent NYE in Portugal, so my New Year's resolutions got slightly pushed back!

Now that I am officially back and in cooking mode, I am dedicating this month to healthy recipes and whole foods. Being Portuguese, I was raised on a Mediterranean diet, which, if you haven’t heard, was named 2019 Diet of the Year.

To get started, I whipped up this quick granola recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack! This eight-ingredient granola couldn’t be easier to make! Packed with nuts, chia seeds, and big chunks of coconut, this recipe is also easily adaptable for your preferred flavors.

Once you see how easy it is to make, you’ll never go back to store-bought granola again.

Beans, beans, beans, the more you eat the more - you know the rest…

In my house growing up, we ate a lot of beans in soups and stews, but my favorite was always my mom’s simple bean salads. Especially in warmer months, I love adding beans to salads—they add texture and keep you full.

This Fava Bean Salad is light and bright, made with blanched fava beans, shaved asparagus, and a lemon-honey dressing. It’s quick, easy, and perfect as a side or a meal.

If you know me, you know that I love a good margarita in every way, shape, and form - from fruity to bitter, on the rocks to frozen. I love them all. It's no surprise, then, that this is the first cocktail I've made for my blog.

These flavorful fish tacos feature seasoned flaky cod, crisp cilantro lime slaw, and your choice of creamy lime cilantro or smoky chipotle crema. Perfectly charred tortillas and fresh garnishes make this taco night unforgettable!

This vibrant citrus and roasted beet salad features sweet oranges, earthy beets, and crisp radishes, all topped with a refreshing honey vinaigrette and fresh mint. It's a perfect side dish for any season!

Enjoy a hearty plate of Huevos Rancheros with crispy tortillas, creamy avocado, and fried eggs topped with a flavorful homemade salsa. This satisfying dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving bold, comforting flavors!

This Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake with Mint Lemon Blueberry Preserves is a showstopper! Featuring a moist lemon-infused cake, creamy cream cheese frosting, and bright, minty blueberry preserves, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or weekend baking.

This creamy mint and pea risotto is a springtime favorite, featuring Arborio rice, a touch of white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh mint and a vibrant pea puree, it's perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

This pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust is topped with fluffy, toasted meringue for an unforgettable holiday dessert. Creamy, spiced pumpkin filling and a crisp crust pair perfectly with the sweet marshmallow-like topping!

Whip up the ultimate restaurant-style salsa at home with charred Roma tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, and garlic blended to perfection. This smoky and flavorful salsa is easy to make and tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant's classic dip—perfect for chips, tacos, and more!

This creamy Sage and Gruyère Mac & Cheese is packed with bold flavors from sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and a crispy Parmesan-panko topping infused with fresh sage. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions!

These spiced molasses crinkle cookies are packed with warm flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. With their signature crinkled tops and sugar coating, they’re the perfect holiday or anytime treat!