better homes and gardens june 2019

Reverse-Seared Grilled Ribeye Steaks

Credit: Carson Downing

Start planning a summer grill-out or pool party. We've got all the recipes you need for any backyard gathering in our June 2019 Better Homes & Gardens® magazine. Grilling pros Jamie Purviance, Aaron Franklin, and Elizabeth Karmel share their best grilling insights, and blogger Gaby Dalkin offers her hosting hacks and best-loved recipes. Enjoy all 20 ways to celebrate summer.

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Cherry-Thyme Crisps

Credit: Blaine Moats

Although they look fancy, this cherry dessert is a dinner host's dream. You can make the shortbread cookie crumble and cherry filling a day in advance then assemble the individual desserts immediately before party time. Use a kitchen torch or your broiler to give the marshmallow topper that roasted treatment.

Buy It: BonJour Cooking Torch, $29.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

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Reverse-Seared Grilled Ribeye Steaks

Credit: Carson Downing

Grilling experts Jamie Purviance, Aaron Franklin, and Elizabeth Karmel shared their best steak grilling methods and tips with our Test Kitchen. We tested and curated their ideas to bring you this reverse-seared grilled steak. It takes some effort but is worth it—as you'll find after the first perfectly cooked bite.

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Blue Cheese with Tarragon

Credit: Carson Downing

This three-ingredient steak topper is one of Jamie Purviance's (Weber's master griller) favorites. For blue cheese-lovers it's clear to see why. Each serving contains a generous quarter cup of blue cheese. Add it to your hot-off-the-grill steak so the crumbly cheese melts over the steak.

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Charred Cherry Tomatoes

Credit: Carson Downing

Sweet and smoky tomatoes from the grill pair beautifully with an expertly cooked steak. They lend more charred flavor, juiciness, and bright flavors to the beef. Or serve them as a stand-alone grilled vegetable side dish.

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Basil Chimichurri

Credit: Carson Downing

Classic chimichurri sauce is based on parsley and cilantro. For this version, we put a spin on it by including basil—some cilantro and parsley keep it familiar. If you love this updated version, go ahead and make a double batch; it lasts in the freezer up to a month.

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Korean-Style Steak Sauce

Credit: Carson Downing

Even steak purists will appreciate a spoonful of these Korean flavors on their ribeye cut (or any steak, pork, chicken, salmon, anything). We tested the sauce both cold and warm and preferred how the flavors, especially the delicate sesame from both seeds and sesame oil, came through when it was heated.

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Baby Back Ribs and Quick Pickles

Credit: Matt Armendariz

Author and food blogger Gaby Dalkin wants summer grill-out guests relaxed and having a good time, so these ribs are the star of her cookout. "People can't take themselves too seriously when they're gnawing on a rib with barbecue sauce dripping down their wrists," she says.

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Roasted Red Pepper Panzanella

Credit: Matt Armendariz

What makes this salad stand out from the crowd? "I love salads, but I really, really love bread," Gaby Dalkin says. With country bread, fresh vegetables, and a generous amount of Burrata cheese, this barbecue side has everything except the entrée covered for your backyard cookout.

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Charred Corn with Poblanos and Feta

Credit: Matt Armendariz

Shucking corn on the cob before grilling is key for two reasons, according to author Gaby Dalkin. She likes the intense flavor from nicely charred corn kernels. And, she says, "If you grill after shucking, all those little silks you may have missed seem to magically fall off."

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Green Goddess White Bean Dip

Credit: Matt Armendariz

With only 15 minutes on the clock, you can whip up this dump-and-blend dip recipe. Blend beans, fresh herbs, and flavor enhancers with oil then set it out with with any dippers you've got on hand to make entertaining guests a cinch.

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Strawberry-Basil Smash

Credit: Matt Armendariz

Make the base of this pitcher cocktail ahead and let dinner guests customize their drink. That's how author Gaby Dalkin intended it. "Guests can mix with whatever they want—vodka, tequila, white rum, or sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon."

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Open-Face Crispy-Fish Sandwiches

Credit: Blaine Moats

Freshen a fried fish sandwich with the addition of watercress or baby arugula and citrusy lemon wedges. They balance the fried fish and the mayo-based spread. The fresh, hearty open-face sandwich makes for a well-rounded main dish for under 600 calories with 3 grams of healthy fiber and 38 grams of satisfying protein.

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Sesame Chicken & Greens Stir-Fry

Credit: Blaine Moats

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Pimm's Pops

Pimm’s Pops

Adults-only ice pops will make you feel like a kid again. All the expected Pimm's cup cocktail ingredients are here: Pimm's No. 1, oranges, ginger ale, and mint. But rather than pouring in a glass, pour them into ice-pop molds and freeze for a frozen dessert.

Buy It: Zuku Classic Pops Mold, $14.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

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Cucumber Limeade

Credit: REBEKAH PHOTOGRAPHY

You will forgo the frozen limeade concentrates once you taste this hydrating mocktail. Fresh-squeezed lime juice flavors good ol' water and a cucumber. Honey supplies a bit of sweetness. It's a summer drink both kids and adults will enjoy. Adults will appreciate cucumber and lime slice garnishes, but skip them for kids, who might not like vegetables in their drink.

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Hibiscus-Lemon Water

Credit: REBEKAH PHOTOGRAPHY

With hibiscus in the recipe name, you know you're making something that feels fancy. Good news, you are. But all it takes is some hibiscus tea bags, lemon, and honey to create this sophisticated iced tea recipe.

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Aperol Spritz Pops

Let the adults have some fun at the pool party too! Bubbly brunch cocktail meets ice pop to create this four-ingredient boozy frozen treat. Cut up fresh oranges in the pops make for a pretty appearance and tasty surprise.

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Pineapple-Sage Sangria

Credit: REBEKAH PHOTOGRAPHY

If you've only ever had red sangrias, it's time to give white sangrias a try. With a fruity, crisp Sauvignon Blanc as a base, this drink is deliciously balanced with woodsy sage acting as an herbal counterpoint to the sweetness of pineapple.

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Three-Melon Skewers

Credit: REBEKAH PHOTOGRAPHY

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Peach-Basil Rose Sangria

Credit: REBEKAH PHOTOGRAPHY

Fruit-filled sangria recipes are a summer favorite. But fresh peaches, raspberries, and apricot nectar elevate this recipe to most-requested. Keep several bottles of your favorite sparkling rosé on hand so you're ready to stir up a batch any time.

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