I’m looking at the calendar not quite able to grasp that Labor Day is around the corner. Summer is my favorite season and I’m sorry to see it end, so I’ll be grabbing as much time in the sun as possible this weekend! Our Labor Day will be quiet and low key, and our meal will be as well. The menu is simple, and features farm-stand fresh produce.

I knew I wanted to make a meal that capitalized on what is in season, starting with bell peppers, which I love. I am excited to try my hand at making romescu sauce, which is often served as a tapa. It’s one of my favorite dips. Sweet and smoky, romescu compliments anything grilled. This recipe comes from Love and Lemons and I’m serving it with grilled zucchini, yellow squash, and vidalia  onions.

I’ve been meaning to make gazpacho all summer. It is one of our favorite summertime dishes. This recipe is beautiful as well as delicious.

My husband grew up on a cattle farm and we are most definitely carnivores in this household.  I was considering some kind of steak entree when I came across Bobby Flay’s recipe for Mini open-faced steak sandwiches.

I was already thinking about serving some kind of grilled bread, and like the idea of incorporating that into the entrée rather than the appetizer. I also like that one can always add a bit of romescu on the side to enjoy with the sandwich, if desired.

OK, confession time.  I have only recently discovered I like corn. Don’t take away my southern card!! I’ve realized that I’m very particular about corn, and I like it very fresh. Period.  Since this discovery, I’ve been eating my way through succotash, grilled corn salad, and fried confetti corn to name a few. Roasted Mexican Street Corn from Damn Delicious will be the perfect accompaniment to the steak sandwiches.

Southern Living’s no-bake Peach Icebox Cake provides the perfect end to the meal.

With layers of juicy peaches, mascarpone whipped cream and graham crackers this dessert is both simple — and layered in a trifle dish — beautiful.

What are your plans for the weekend? Whether you travel or have a “staycation”, here’s wishing you a blessed, and tasty, time with your family and peeps.