Hi Reader, Today is a special day to me - five years ago today I left my marketing career to go all in on Persnickety Plates. Turns out that was an excellent decision ☺️ July was a good one. We did South Haven (Lake Michigan) and then Gulf Shores, both with family, both the kind of trips you don't want to end. School starts in just over three weeks & I'm tempted to squeeze in one more quick road trip before it does. We'll see. Even the girls have said this feels like the fastest summer ever....

Hi Reader, I make a lot of apps and sides in the summer. Partly because there's always a BBQ or a picnic to bring something to, and partly because they're just nice to have around this time of year. These eight are the ones I make the most. They work for potlucks, parties, or just snacking at home, and they've never let me down! My Favorite Summer Apps & Sides The BEST Cowboy Caviar Recipe The Season’s Go-to Summer Pizza My (no mayo) 10-minute Coleslaw One Pan Creamy, Smoky Corn Dip Jalapeno...

Hi Reader, Happy Sunday! It is beautifully sunny here today but if I'm being honest, I was hoping for a thunderstorm + book on the couch afternoon. I might make that happen despite the pull to enjoy the weather. What to Make this Week It may be 86° but I'm craving cozy and this crockpot split pea soup is always a favorite. How do you make your macaroni salad? This traditional version is great but I'm always looking for new takes. This "shepherd's pie" is technically cottage pie, but whatever...