Pepper Design Blog

Summer Fruit Beverages to Keep You Coooool

From Watermelon Basil Margaritas to Bing Cherry Mohitos, Martha Stewart has whipped up a delicious list of fruit-inspired summer recipes for a party, family dinner on the patio or to pack up and take for a picnic. Here are a few of my favorites:

Clockwise above: Watermelon Blaster, Tropical Ginger Punch, Strawberry Hibiscus Tea Lemonade, Cucumber Lemonade, Mint, Cucumber & Vodka Cocktail, Strawberry Lemonade

A little inspiration to help us all beat the heat…

Tasty Treats for a Weekend Full of 4th of July Fun

When I was little, it was always my job each year to make a patriotic red, white and blue dessert… I don’t know how this little tradition came about but as a 12-year-old I loved taking on the daunting responsibility of baking my own treat for two dozen or so family friends! Thinking back to those years {and after oohing & ahhing over these photos} I’m thinking it might be fun to tackle the job again.

Our 4th of July now is typically reserved for a long day at the beach complete with volleyball, fireworks and marshmallow fights (true event – the whole beach brings bags of marshmallows for tossing across bonfires as soon as the night ends. It’s innocent and fun but what’s it like to wake up with melted marshmallow in your hair? gross).

Here are a few mouth-watering desserts that are catching my eye this year. Thanks BHG for all of the lovely inspiration! From Berry-Lemon Nepoleans, Raspberry Custard Brulee to Cheesecake Parfaits and Panna Cotta di Casa there are too many choices…

I’m tempted most by the Berry Pudding Cake, above, but might resign to a more beach-friendly alternative like Poundcake and Strawberries shaped like stars or pre-made plastic cups full of Red, White & Blue Parfait. Oh yum.

Mouth is watering… maybe I’ll have to make one each night until the big day…

Father’s Day is Almost Here!

Celebrate Dad’s Day in style with a big family brunch this coming Sunday. I love the idea of gathering all of the grandpas, uncles and dads together for one big, delicious celebration!

Incorporate a few lawn games like bocce ball, cricket or even a relay race to amp up the afternoon fun. I love these mustaches that have become so popular at parties (like this one over at Full House!) – how cute would they be as casual little place cards?

You can’t go wrong with a hearty brunch like this line-up: The Food Network’s Nana’s cinnamon rolls, roasted spicy sausage with sauteed onions, a hearty vegetable frittata and BHG’s greatest-waffle-recipe-ever. Table design found on Style Me Pretty.

While I won’t get to spend Father’s Day with our dad’s this year, I’m looking forward to a mellow weekend with the hubby working on the house! Cards, gifts and honoring of our dear papas are in the mail.

Three Easy {Petite} Summer Treats

Here are three quick and easy treats that I made for a darling shower hosted by a friend this past weekend. The pictures are so-so, but the recipes make easy desserts for sharing on a hot summer’s day.

Follow the jump below for full recipes for the petite key lime cupcakes, mini hazelnut & strawberry cupcakes and finally bite-sized strawberry shortcake.

Happy baking, and happy Thursday! We are off to Richmond, Virginia this morning for a wedding. Recipes to follow: Read more »