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What a holiday weekend it was! My heart is absolutely bursting. There is truly nothing better than spending a few glorious days surrounded by the people you love most — with plenty of food, sunshine, and laughter to go around.
We kicked things off Friday night with my family’s all-time favorite meal: a huge batch of Sunday Sauce and Italian meatballs. I wanted to surprise everyone with this dish they all know and love — it’s comfort food at its finest. We served it with a big green salad and a scoop of ricotta on the side (highly recommend!). The room was filled with commotion, laughter, and all the joyful chaos that comes when everyone comes home.
Saturday was pool day at Ronnie and Julia’s, and let me tell you — we had a blast! Ronnie manned the grill like a true Family Foodie son, serving up burgers and hot dogs that were absolutely delicious. I brought along a big tray of sausage, peppers, and onions, such a simple dish, but so full of flavor. Remind me to share the recipe with you soon. I know it will become your go-to for summer parties!
On Sunday, we made our way to my parents’ pool on Tampa Bay. Their place is such a relaxing retreat, and the boys couldn’t get enough of the water. That night, Ron whipped up his famous pork fried rice on the Blackstone — and wow, did he knock it out of the park. Watching everyone gathered around the table, sharing food and conversation while the little ones ran around, I couldn’t help but think… this is what it’s all about. My heart couldn’t be happier.
Oh, and I have to share this — somewhere in the middle of all this fun, Aiden decided that instead of Vo-Vo, my name is now Foffee! He said it so matter-of-factly: “I’m Aiden and you’re Foffee.” We had the best time laughing about it. So now I need your vote…
Should I change my name from Vo-Vo to Foffee?
Comment below and let me know what your grandkids call you (or called your grandparents)! I’d love to hear.
Wishing you a week ahead as joyful and full as our family table was this weekend.
With love always,
Isabel
aka Vo-Vo... or maybe Foffee?
5 Easy Summer Party Foods!
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Juicy, tender pulled pork that practically makes itself! Serve it up on buns, nachos, or even flatbreads for the ultimate party food that feeds a crowd with ease.
- Summertime Pasta Salad: A refreshing, make-ahead side loaded with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, olives, parmesan cheese, and basil.
- Pizza Rolls: Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside —these pizza rolls are the perfect finger food for any summer get-together. Kids and adults both love them!
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings: These sweet and spicy wings are pressure-cooked to juicy perfection, then coated in a sticky honey sriracha glaze. Quick to make, easy to devour — these are always a party favorite!
- Portuguese Potatoes and Chorizo: Bold and smoky, this sheet pan wonder is bursting with flavor from crispy potatoes and spicy chorizo. It’s a hearty, shareable dish that brings something unique to the table.
This week's meal plan!
- Sunday : Flank Steak
- Monday: Ropa Vieja
- Tuesday: Beef and Broccoli
- Wednesday: Mongolian Beef
- Thursday: Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Friday: Grilled Tuna Steak
- Saturday: Apple Tuna Salad
🔪 Prep Plan:
On your prep day, get a head start on the week by making a big batch of flank steak and grilling your yellowfin tuna steaks. These two dishes are the stars of the show — you’ll use them for dinners all week long!
- Chop Your Toppings: Save time by prepping all your toppings in advance. Slice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic and ginger, chop the fresh cilantro, parsley, and apple, and dice the celery. Store everything in airtight containers or zip-top bags.
- Mix Marinades and Sauces: Make things easier by mixing your sauces and seasoning blends ahead of time. Stir together the garlic butter for steak bites, the everything bagel marinade for the tuna, and portion out the chili garlic sauce, coconut aminos, fish sauce, and other condiments.
- Boil Your Eggs: Hard-boil your eggs and store them in the fridge so they’re ready to go for your apple tuna salad or quick snacks throughout the week.
Giveaway Ending TODAY!
Last chance to enter my Spring giveaway! Don’t miss out! You can see the details here.
Missed a week? Check out my last blog post, too!
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