summer

Almost Percy’s Macaroni Salad

- Amanda 2 Comments

Is macaroni salad a summertime staple for you? It is for me, but particularly on the 4th of July. And well, with tomorrow being Independence Day, and us being here in Istanbul, I had to make some to mark the holiday. Besides, it goes so so perfectly with my previously posted Zesty Baked BBQ Chicken, that I just had to share it today.

You might be wondering about the name, Almost Percy’s Macaroni Salad. The previously mentioned beloved mac salad I look forward to every year on the fourth, is not one that I make for our neighborhood block party, but my neighbor does. I have been lucky enough to grow up down the street from an awesome family, among others, who have become family to us. And Percy (a nickname I gave her I can’t remember when,) is like a favorite auntie to me and an incredible cook among her many fabulous traits. And one thing she does particularly well, is macaroni salad. It’s simple enough, but just something about it, I can never get enough of and I make sure to always get to the 4th of July buffet table in the middle of the street early enough to snag some before it’s gone.

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Zesty Baked BBQ Chicken

- Amanda

This Zesty Baked BBQ Chicken is such a winner in our house, I just know you’ll love it too. My kids really can’t get enough. So much so, that the amount I made for two nights, really only ended up making it to one night for all of us, then just enough for the munchkins the second night. And what’s even more awesome, Miss Sparkle, exclaimed “Mama, I just love this chicken!” For her, that’s big when it comes to many things savory, especially chicken.

With the fourth of July weekend here, and traditional ways of celebrating possibly (hopefully) halted for most, I think it’s nice to still be able to feel like we’re doing something special and fun to make the day feel different. For us here in Istanbul, we’ve gotten pretty good at that, having had to celebrate a few different holidays we’re normally used to celebrating that are just an ordinary day here. December 25th here definitely has a different feel to it than back home. And it should be no surprise that my favorite way to connect to traditions and the roots I grew up with, is none other than food. And 4th of July fare is no exception.

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Sweet Pea and Fresh Herb Potato Salad

- Amanda

Planning to do some barbecuing this weekend? I’ve got the perfect side dish to go with anything you’re firing up the grill for whether it be burgers, BBQ chicken, hotdogs, steak, you name it. This Sweet Pea and Fresh Herb Potato Salad can also be a great addition to your weekend vegetarian feast. Or, it makes a fabulous lunch topped with a jammy poached egg. It’s so good and checks 3 important boxes- fast, easy to make, and full of bright, fresh, seasonal flavor.

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