The June 2025 Guide

If your summer is anything like mine here on the farm in southeast Iowa, it’s come in full force: hot, humid, and full of life. Most years, heat like this has me hoping for rain, but this season has been surprisingly generous with moisture. The yard and gardens are lush, green, and thriving.

I always say that if it’s going to be unbearably hot (and let’s be honest, it doesn’t take much for me to say that), it better be green outside, and thankfully, it is! I feel the same in winter: if it’s going to be cold, give me snow.

With the rain we’ve had this year, I fall in love with my yard all over again each day… even if it means pulling a few extra weeds.

Kip has been spending more time in the shade lately, watching me from under the old silver maple with his frisbee nearby. He still rolls in the grass and flashes that classic “smile,” especially when there’s watermelon involved. I love it, too, but lately, I think I’ve been buying more just to watch him enjoy the juicy pieces I sneak him. That’s the heart of summer for me: the warmth, the color, and sharing simple joys, especially with my four-legged friend by my side.

The Fourth of July (here in the US) is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect holiday to bring out all the seasonal favorites. I’m already thinking about pasta salads, grilled burgers, fruit pizza—anything that tastes like sunshine and celebration.

Here’s everything you should make this holiday!

Main Dishes

• ​The best grilled burgers – Classic and juicy, a true crowd-pleaser.
• ​Chicken burgers – Light, flavorful, and perfect with garden-fresh toppings.
• ​Greek turkey burgers – A herby twist with Mediterranean flair.
• ​Easy turkey burgers – Quick to make, big on flavor.
• ​Salmon burgers – A fresh, summery seafood option.
• ​Grilled pork burgers – Rich and savory with a touch of smokiness.
• ​Sweet BBQ baby back ribs – Tender, sticky, and packed with sweet BBQ flavor.
• ​Beer brats with sautéed peppers – A favorite made for grilling season.

Salads & Sides

• ​Family favorite potato salad – Creamy, tangy, and totally nostalgic. Seriously, this is everyone’s favorite!
• ​French potato salad – A lighter version with bright vinaigrette.
• ​Potato and green bean salad – A garden-fresh combo with perfect texture.
• ​Easy pasta salad – Classic and endlessly adaptable.
• ​Italian tortellini pasta salad – Colorful and hearty enough to stand alone.
• ​Spring primavera pasta salad – Light and veggie-packed.
• ​Caprese pasta salad – All the summer tomato and basil goodness in pasta form.
• ​Easy macaroni salad – Creamy and picnic-ready.
• ​Grandma’s homemade baked beans – Sweet, savory, and slow-cooked perfection.

Desserts

• ​Strawberry poke cake – Moist, vibrant, and totally nostalgic.
• ​Fruit pizza – A colorful classic with creamy frosting and fresh fruit.
• ​Strawberry & blueberry cookie tart – A festive red, white, and blue treat.
• ​No-bake triple berry cheesecake – Easy, cool, and oh-so-creamy.
• ​Blueberry pie – Juicy and a perfect way to use up those seasonal berries!
• ​S’mores pudding cups – All the campfire flavor, no flame required.

Drinks

• Siesta cocktail – A tequila-grapefruit refresher with a punch.
• ​Grapefruit gin punch – Tart and big-batch ready.
• ​White sangria with summer fruit – Light, fruity, and make-ahead friendly.
• ​Classic margarita – A lime-filled staple for a reason.
• ​Spicy margarita – Same classic vibe with a kick.
• ​Hugo spritz – Effervescent and floral with elderflower charm.

I hope you have a wonderful, memory-filled holiday this coming weekend. And if you’re outside the US, use this as an excuse to make some delicious summertime food! ☺️