Ever since I saw Ina Garten make a berry pavlova on her Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa, I've fantasized about making one myself. The episode debuted in 2006 and here I am three years later, finally making the recipe! A pavlova is a dessert consisting of a meringue disk filled with whipped cream and chopped fruit.

Although it requires time and patience, the recipe is rather simple. The three components are made separately and then are combined just before serving. Ina's pavlova includes blueberries, but I subbed in cherries — feel free to use your favorite fruit.

The final dessert is sophisticated, scrumptious, and ideal for Summer entertaining. The outside of the meringue is crisp, while the inside is pillowy and marshmallow-like. The whipped sweetened cream forms a fluffy cushion for the perfectly ripe plump berries. To get started with your own pavlova you'll need the recipe so, read more

Inspired by a cocktail class I recently attended, I decided to make my own strawberry-infused vodka. The technique is simple: all you have to do is slice a bunch of strawberries and combine them with the vodka and a little sugar. Then you let it sit for a couple of days until the vodka has a vibrant pink color. Unlike store-bought-infused vodkas, this homemade variation has a sweet-tart berry flavor that's neither syrupy or cloying. Once the vodka is ready, you can sip it solo or make a pink torpedo like I did.

This fizzy-girlie drink combines the vodka with limoncello and sparkling wine. If you don't have sparkling wine, you can substitute sparkling water. It's a fabulously refreshing concoction perfect for enjoying on a warm afternoon. To look at the recipe, read more

Turn your patio or backyard into an inviting and eclectic dining space for a meal inspired by the freshness of the farmers market. Set up a wooden table and put a placemat in front of each seat. Place a blue plate, napkin, low glass tumbler, and silverware on the placemats. Avoid being matchy matchy; instead mix prints and patterns all in the same color scheme. Arrange different-sized recycled metal lanterns into a centerpiece. To ensure that guests don't have to make a trip back inside for a cold beverage, fill a barrel cooler with ice, wine, and carafes of watermelon-rum mash. Skip the fancy floral arrangements normally associated with dinner parties. Head to a local home store and pick up some plantable flowers like petunias.

Place them in planters boxes near the dining area and you'll enjoy them all Summer long!

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After a long week, the last thing you need to worry about is preparing a complex meal. Instead, throw together this filling and simple dish. Although the recipe cooks the Polish sausage and Summer squash in a saute pan over the stove, feel free to bring the ingredients outdoors.

Grill the meat and veggies then toss with the Italian dressing. Char the bread on the grill and you've got a no-mess meal ready to eat in under 20 minutes. Sound scrumptious? Get the recipe when you read more