What I'm Making This Week
Grilled Halloumi Grain Bowl, a lil Summer BBQ Menu, and a Strawberry Cold Brew Float
i just got back from 9 days (!!!) with family. every time i’m home, i somehow revert to my teenage self, but with slightly better coping mechanisms. it always takes a few days for my parents and me to acclimate to each other again, and because they’re divorced, i split my time between two houses.
but honestly, watching how my parents have each moved forward and built new versions of their lives is inspiring. and bringing Frankie home somehow softens everything. watching them become grandparents to her has been unexpectedly unifying… and really cute.
generally, cooking is how i best show up for everyone while i’m home. it lets me contribute in a way that feels like me, gives me some much-needed alone time, and helps me stay grounded when everything else starts to feel a little loud. it’s how i slow down. it’s how i take care of myself, and the people around me, too.
this week’s recipes are simple, travel well, and are just as good by the pool as they are straight from a container in your fridge. i’m sharing a Grilled Halloumi Grain Bowl, a lil Summer BBQ Menu, and a Strawberry Cold Brew Float.
the full recipes are below! as always, i hope these recipes make your week a little easier / brighter / tastier… and that they inspire a reason to gather!
before we get to the food, i want to acknowledge how heavy this week has felt. i know this newsletter is usually a place for recipes and reflection; but what we eat, and who gets to eat, is political. food systems are shaped by power, policy, and access. they reflect who is protected, who is punished, and who gets left out.
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What I’m Making This Week
Grilled Halloumi Grain Bowl
what started as a silly little idea for a fridge clean out airport meal turned into one of the best salads i’ve ever made?? plus, it has no lettuce which means it gets better and better as it sits in the fridge. meaning, you can make it at the start of your week for lunches, or prep it for dinner at home or while you travel.
the halloumi is the star and it just tastes so damn good. GET THE RECIPE HERE!
A Lil Summer BBQ Menu
we had family over at my dad’s for a pool day last week, and it reminded me how much i love a good summer bbq. i wanted to share three recipes that feel just right for that kind of day. we’ve got my dad’s famous beer can chicken, the raw carrot & snap pea salad i’ve been making on repeat that also works for a big crowd, and bottled strawberry basil margs that are perfect by the pool.
none of these take a ton of prep time or effort, so you can actually enjoy yourself instead of spending too much time cooking. GET ALL 3 RECIPES HERE!
Strawberry Cold Brew Float
i thought of this idea on day 5 of constant family time (lol). i was feeling a little mentally and emotionally exhausted and wanted to reach for the two things i knew would bring me joy: caffeine and sugar. i actually couldn’t have predicted how good this drink would turn out and i think she needs her spotlight for summer 2025.
i included an affogato style method in this recipe if espresso is more your thing, btw. GET THE FREE RECIPE HERE!
that’s all for today. catch all the videos for each recipe on social media this week! x
Loved this post and those tostones looked 👌🏾
Olivia your grilled halloumi grain bowl looks tantalizing